Elevation in Cuenca, Ecuador: Are You Getting Altitude Sickness?

View from the top of Going up Amaru Zoológico Bioparque, Cuenca Ecuador

The elevation in Cuenca, Ecuador is about 2,560 meters (8,400 feet) above sea level and it is situated in Ecuador’s highlands. It is lower compared to the country’s capital, Quito, but still significantly high enough to cause altitude sickness. 

Because Cuenca’s elevation is high, the air here is thinner so your body has to work harder to breathe. Although this circumstance may lead to a few minor issues, the majority of people may easily adapt to an elevation change.

I would recommend taking ChlorOxygen 1-2 weeks ahead of the trip so it’s easier to deal with high altitudes. It was a tremendous help for us.

Knowing what to expect and how to handle the impact of altitude may be helpful when making travel plans to Cuenca.

We’ll talk about the effects of being at a high altitude in addition to what altitude sickness is, how to prevent it, and how to deal with its indications.

Preparing for High Elevation in Cuenca

Ingapirca Ruins walls

If you’re thinking about traveling to Cuenca, you should absolutely get ready in advance. Once again, taking ChlorOxygen 1-2 weeks ahead of the trip will help you.

Aerobic fitness training is a terrific way to get in shape. Stronger lungs will be better able to withstand the shock of Cuencas thinner air.



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In the months before your trip, make an effort to exercise more frequently at the gym, on the treadmill, or in aerobics courses. You may exercise your lungs and become in shape by jogging and walking.

Altitude Sickness in Cuenca

International health authorities say that people may get altitude sickness at altitudes of more than 2,500 meters. Cuenca is only 60 meters above that threshold and getting altitude sickness is possible particularly if you came from a lowland country.

There is little cause for alarm as altitude sickness is uncommon in Cuenca and symptoms are often mild. If you already came from Quito or other Ecuadorean cities with higher elevation, it is less likely that you will suffer from altitude sickness.

In actuality, many people are either unaffected by Cuenca’s altitude or only endure minor symptoms for one or two days.

Indications of altitude sickness may include:

  • Headaches
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Nausea
  • Uneasy stomach
  • Feeling faint or unsteady,
  • Breathing heavily as you climb the stairs
  • Reduction in appetite

Tips to Avoid Elevation Sickness in Cuenca, Ecuador

You can use the advice below to prevent or lessen the effects of altitude sickness:

  • The easiest way to quickly recover from mild altitude sickness symptoms is to stay hydrated by drinking enough water.
  • Take ChlorOxygen, since it gives you extra oxygen
  • Avoid alcohol for a day or two because it will make you feel worse.
  • Eat small meals because huge meals may make some people feel more queasy.
  • In rare cases, using medicines for headaches may be necessary. Taking aspirin may help to reduce the symptoms.
  • While you’re getting used to your new altitude, try to avoid doing too much. People who arrive and immediately set out on a mountain trek are more likely to experience more severe symptoms.
  • Avoid hurrying for a vigorous stroll because it won’t make you feel great.
  • Aim for quick, light meals, and refrain from eating red meat for a day or two. If you’re feeling fatigued, eating additional carbohydrates could also give you more energy.
  • Smoking should be avoided so that your lungs can focus on taking in the thinner air.
  • Rest and gradually adjust to the shift’s effects on your body as you give yourself permission to.
  • If your altitude sickness symptoms become more severe, you should see a doctor right away and/or descend to a lower elevation.

How to Treat Altitude Sickness

The best remedy and prevention for altitude sickness is water. When you consume enough water, headaches typically go away.

Altitude sickness relief may also be provided by the following remedies and over-the-counter medicines:

  • Painkillers such as: ibuprofen, aspirin, and paracetamol.
  • Altitude medication like ChlorOxygen or Diamox
  • You could find it easier to breathe again if you use an oxygen inhaler.
  • The amount of red blood cells in your body is increased by chlorophyll. The consequences of altitude sickness are lessened as there are more red blood cells because there are more opportunities for oxygen to be absorbed.
  • Coca tea, Ginkgo Biloba supplements, and antioxidant vitamins C and E are all-natural remedies for altitude sickness. 

In Conclusion

Cuenca is quite high in elevation, although most visitors have little to no trouble with altitude sickness. Follow the tips and guidelines provided in this article for a stress-free and enjoyable trip to Cuenca, Ecuador.

About the author

Oleg Galeev

I'm Oleg, and together with my wife, we've explored Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, journeying through more than 20 cities (Quito, Cuenca, Banos, Tena, Puyo, Guayaquil, Riobamba, Otavalo, Mindo and more) and nearly every island in the Galapagos (including iconic ones such as Bartolome Island, San Cristobal Island, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island and more). In this blog, I give you my real thoughts about each place we visited. This info can help anyone planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands or mainland Ecuador. I'm just a traveler, not a tour company, so I'm not trying to sell anything. That means I'll tell you the truth—both the good and the bad — about traveling in Ecuador based on what we experienced.

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