It is advisable to acclimatize before visiting Cusco due to the high altitude of the city. Cusco is located at an altitude of approximately 3,400 meters above sea level, which can cause soroche or altitude sickness in some people. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath.
To avoid altitude sickness, it is recommended to take a day or two to acclimatize before engaging in intense physical activities, such as walking or hiking. During this time, it is advisable to rest, stay hydrated, avoid consuming alcohol and heavy food, and drink coca tea, which is a natural remedy to alleviate the symptoms of soroche.