Arequipa Altitude Sickness

Basic Context: What Happens in Arequipa

Arequipa is not extremely high, but it’s not low either. The city is around 2,335 meters above sea level. That’s enough for some people to feel weird the first day. Not everyone, but it happens. Especially if you flew in straight from Lima or sea level. The air feels thinner, and your body notices. You might get a headache, feel tired, or just off. Locals call it “soroche.” It’s not dangerous if you handle it right, but it can mess up your plans if you ignore it.

Symptoms That Travelers Mention Most

• Headache that doesn’t go away with water
• Feeling dizzy when standing up too fast
• Short breath even when walking slowly
• Nausea, sometimes just a weird stomach
• No appetite, even if the food smells good
• Trouble sleeping, even if you’re exhausted

Some people say they feel like they’re hungover without drinking. Others say it’s like jet lag but heavier. It usually hits within the first 24 hours. If you’re heading to Colca Canyon after Arequipa, that’s when things get more intense. Colca goes up to 3,600 meters. That’s when soroche gets serious.

What Locals and Guides Actually Recommend

Forget the textbook stuff. Here’s what people actually do:

• Drink coca tea. It’s everywhere. Hotels offer it, guides carry it, and it’s cheap. It doesn’t taste great, but it helps.
• Go slow. First day, don’t hike. Don’t run. Don’t even walk fast. Just chill.
• Eat carbs. Rice, potatoes, quinoa. Skip heavy meat and greasy stuff.
• No alcohol. Not even one beer. It makes everything worse.
• Water. More than you think. Even if you’re not thirsty.
• Sleep early. Even if you’re not tired. Your body needs it.

Some travelers carry acetazolamide, but you need a prescription. Others use oxygen shots, but that’s more common in Cusco or Puno. In Arequipa, most people manage with coca tea and rest.

Real Talk: What Happens If You Ignore It

If you push through and pretend it’s nothing, it gets worse. You’ll feel exhausted, even on short walks. You’ll get cranky. You won’t enjoy the city. And if you go to Colca Canyon without acclimatizing, you might have to turn back. Some people end up in clinics. Not common, but it happens.

Arequipa vs Other Places

Compared to Cusco or Puno, Arequipa is easier. But it’s still high. People who come from Lima or the coast feel it. People who came from Cusco usually feel better here. It’s all about the order. If you’re planning to hike in Colca or do multi-day treks, acclimatize in Arequipa first. Spend two nights minimum. Walk around the city, eat light, sleep well. Then go higher.

Extra Notes from Travelers

Some say coca candies help. Others say they’re useless. Some swear by garlic soup. One guy said he felt fine until he climbed the stairs at the monastery. Then boom—headache. Another said he felt nothing until he got to the lookout in Yanahuara. Everyone’s different.

Final Advice Before You Go Higher

Arequipa is a good place to adjust. Don’t rush it. Don’t treat altitude like a minor detail. It’s not dramatic, but it’s real. If you’re planning Colca, do Arequipa first. If you’re coming from Cusco, you’ll probably feel better here. If you’re flying in from Lima, take it slow. That’s it.

Let me know if you want a version adapted for trekking groups or family travelers. I can restructure it.