Peru - Machu Picchu and altitude advice please

[londoncalling]

Hello! I am looking at the ABD Peru trip for next summer with my 8 y.o.; please can someone tell me about Machu Picchu, I just saw a terrifying photo on facebook of some vertical steps (not on the ABD trip I don't think!)- can you do it without going up too many high steep narrow stairs, or is that most of it? I am not great with heights. Also how did you find the altitude if you took kids?
thanks v much

 

[tufbuf]

Hello! I am looking at the ABD Peru trip for next summer with my 8 y.o.; please can someone tell me about Machu Picchu, I just saw a terrifying photo on facebook of some vertical steps (not on the ABD trip I don't think!)- can you do it without going up too many high steep narrow stairs, or is that most of it? I am not great with heights. Also how did you find the altitude if you took kids? thanks v much

Welcome to the disboards! You can do away with the vertical steps in Macchu Picchu. The steps in the ruins in Ollantaytambo and Moray are more challenging. They pace you anyway and you can skip climbing down and then up the steps in Moray. With the altitude, you will feel yourself out of breath sooner. Majority of the kids in our group did not feel any altitude sickness at all except one who is already delicate to begin with. Each one responds differently to altitude but they have oxygen handy all the time. Hydration is also key. Go for it!! It's a wonderful place and a definite must-see!!!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Altitude sickness is a real risk. If you are concerned, speak with your physician before the trip; there are medications which can help (diamox).

 

[Bobo912]

You can stick to the areas in Machu Picchu that you are comfortable with. Our group split up and some climbed up to the guard shack and the sun gate and some stayed down below. I didn't find the steps too terribly steep, but they are rough and uneven, and they were wet and slippery the day we were there. No one in our group had any issue with the altitude at Machu Picchu. It's at an elevation of around 8000 ft. and much lower than 11,000 - 12,500 ft. you experience after landing in Cusco at the beginning of the trip. We had a big group with lots of kids and I don't think any of the kids were impacted by the altitude, but everybody is different. The adults handled it pretty well too. I agree with tufbuf about Moray. The "flying" stairs are challenging, especially for those of us who don't have particularly long legs.

 

[londoncalling]

Thank you! Really helpful.

 

[kristilew]

There are definitely some areas that you can see a big drop, if that's your issue. However, the guides will be happy to work with you to accommodate any issues you have with heights. They know every inch of that place and will be glad to steer you to broad open areas and away from verticals. They can also help you figure out whether various sets of steps are "worth it" for you personally. On our trip there was an older lady with knee issues and another person with vertigo issues. Our guides made sure both had a wonderful time and got to see everything they wanted to see without any problems.

My dd was 10 at the time of our trip. She did feel a little woozy on a few occasions from the altitude. The guides carry oxygen and fixed her right up. The trick for anyone over 12 is aspirin and caffeine. The two work together to increase blood flow and keep you feeling good. Obviously kids can't take aspirin but for adults, BC powders are perfect.

This is an amazing trip. I'd do it again in a heartbeat!