The Best Places to Go Before Visiting Machu Picchu to Prevent Altitude Sickness

Soak up the local culture and some extra oxygen at these high-elevation locales.

By Amanda Ogle

Amanda Ogle Amanda Ogle is a writer and editor who specializes in travel, food and drink, sustainability, and general lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure , National Geographic , Condé Nast Traveler , Texas Highways , and more.

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Updated on October 23, 2026

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To prevent altitude sickness, acclimate for two or three days before exceeding 8,000 feet en route to Machu Picchu.

Begin your adventure at sea level in Lima, then explore the Sacred Valley before tackling higher altitudes.

Traveling on the luxurious train from Tambo del Inka offers breathtaking Andes views and gourmet snacks.

A trip to Peru takes a lot of planning and preparation.…