What do I need to know before visiting Vinicunca Mountain?
Take precautions against “altitude sickness” or “soroche”.
As we had already mentioned before, the Vinicunca Mountain is located at more than 5000 m.a.s. l. unlike the City of Cusco which is located at a little more than 3000 m.a.s. l. which means that you have to be prepared… prepared for the “altitude sickness” or also called “soroche”.
The “altitude sickness” or “soroche” is frequent in people who are not used to live at high altitude. The “soroche” begins to be felt at more than 2000 m.a.s.l., which implies that the body begins to feel the lack of oxygen, causing headache, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, among other symptoms. To prevent “altitude sickness” or “soroche” on the way to Vinicunca Mountain, we suggest the following:
Do cardiovascular exercises one day before the trip to Vinicunca.
Do not drink or eat too much the night before your trip to Vinicunca, digestion is slow at altitude so it is better to eat slowly, chewing several times to digest food properly. I suggest that you follow this advice all the way to your visit to Vinicunca and avoid eating too much at breakfast and lunch.
Do not party the day before your trip to Vinicunca, it is important that your body is rested and has enough energy and stamina for the trip.
Take Sorojchi Pills or other medicines for “altitude sickness” 1 or 2 hours before starting your trip to Vinicunca. Always consult your doctor and read the contraindications of the medical products you wish to take. Sorojchi Pills works very well for me, I always take it every time I go to the highlands of Peru.
Drink coca tea and chew (chew) coca leaves before and during the trip to Vinicunca, coca has some components that gives you energy and fights the “altitude sickness”. You can get it in stores, supermarkets and local markets in Cusco, they also sell it on the way to Vinicunca. Personally, I don’t really like to chacchar coca leaf, but I know that many people find it pleasant, I prefer to drink coca tea with a little sugar.
Carry flowery water, this is my favorite, it opens the nostrils and helps you breathe better. Try to always carry it with you, as well as coca leaves or coca tea. You can get it in many stores and supermarkets, as well as in pharmacies and drugstores.
Walk at your own pace, do not hurry and do not let anyone else do it. It is not a competition, the important thing is to enjoy the walk.
Plan well your itinerary for Vinicunca
Full day tours to Vinicunca Mountain from Cusco City usually last between 10 to 13 hours, so I suggest you set aside 1 full day for the 7 Colors Mountain.
Visiting Vinicunca on the last days of your trip to Cusco
As we know Vinicunca Mountain is located in the highest areas of Cusco, so it is preferable to leave it for the end, as it is important that your body is acclimatized in lower areas to reach the highest.
Many attractions in Cusco, including the Citadel of Machu Picchu, are located below 5000 m.a.s.l., So, if you ask me: What to visit first, Machu Picchu or 7 Colors Mountain, then definitely Machu Picchu, because it is always better to start from the lower areas to go to the higher ones to avoid the “altitude sickness”. Don’t forget, always try to acclimatize, don’t stop doing it.
