When planning a trip to Peru, the first thing travelers notice is the significant difference in altitude between Lima and Cusco.
Whether you are coming from a city at sea level or another high-altitude city, it is important to understand this difference to ensure a pleasant stay—especially if you plan to visit Machu Picchu or explore the Sacred Valley.
In this guide, we compare the altitudes of Lima and Cusco, explain what to expect in each location, and provide expert tips to help you acclimatize safely and make the most of your time in Peru.
Elevation: Lima vs Cusco
The difference in altitude between Lima and Cusco is one of the most significant geographical contrasts in Peru. This single factor shapes not only the landscape, but also the climate, lifestyle, and travel experience in both cities.
Lima stretches along the Pacific coast and is located almost at sea level, where the air is dense and humid and a sea breeze blows. You can stroll through the colonial streets for hours, dine in world-famous restaurants, and feel completely at ease—your body is in its comfort zone and can breathe freely thanks to the high oxygen concentration. This coastal location shapes the calm pace and mild temperatures that prevail in Lima throughout the year.
Cusco, on the other hand, gives you the feeling of being immersed in a completely different world. The city rises majestically in the heart of the Andes, surrounded by peaks that touch the sky. At over 3,000 meters above sea level, the atmosphere in Cusco is thinner, the air drier, and the sun noticeably stronger. It’s not just a change in landscape – it’s a change in altitude physiology.
Altitude of Lima, Peru
Altitude: 154 meters (505 feet) above sea level
Location: On the Pacific coast of Peru
Climate: Mild, humid, and sometimes foggy, especially from May to November
Lima is located directly at sea level, so there is no risk of altitude sickness here. It is a great place to start your trip through Peru—relax, enjoy world-class food, and explore museums or colonial architecture before heading to higher altitudes.
If you are coming from a low-altitude country, it is a good idea to spend a day or two in Lima before flying to Cusco to allow your body to gradually adjust to the change in altitude.
Altitude of Cusco, Peru
Altitude: 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level
Location: In the Andes Mountains in southeastern Peru
Climate: Cooler, drier, and sunnier than Lima, with cool nights
Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is located high in the Andes—almost 3,350 meters higher than Lima!
At this altitude, the air is thinner and contains less oxygen, which can lead to symptoms of altitude sickness (known locally as soroche).
Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
Don’t worry your body just needs time to adjust. It’s best to take it easy on the first day: rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid heavy meals or alcohol. Many hotels offer coca tea or oxygen to travelers who are not feeling well on their first day.
Lima vs. Cusco Altitude: Key Differences
Lima
- Altitude: 154 m / 505 ft
- Climate: Coastal and humid
- Oxygen levels: Normal
- Risk of altitude sickness: None
- Best activities: Beach walks, culinary tours, museums
- Recommended stay: 1–2 days to relax
Cusco
- Altitude: 3,399 m / 11,152 ft
- Climate: Mountainous and dry
- Oxygen levels: Approximately 30% less oxygen
- Risk of altitude sickness: Possible, especially on the first day
- Best activities: Archaeological sites, hiking, and cultural experiences
- Recommended stay: 2–3 days to acclimatize before visiting Machu Picchu
This significant difference in altitude explains why many travelers feel comfortable in Lima but need some time to get used to Cusco.
For this reason, travel experts recommend spending the first night in the Sacred Valley (at an altitude of about 2,800 m) before continuing on to Cusco. The slightly lower altitude helps you adjust gradually and avoid discomfort.
Can You Get Altitude Sickness in Cusco?
The answer is yes. Since Cusco is over 11,000 feet (3,399 meters), it is common for travelers flying directly from Lima (or any low altitude city) to feel symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
This is known as altitude sickness (locally known laso as soroche in Peru) and can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition.
There is no Altitude Sickness in Lima
Since Lima is at sea level, you will feel right at home – especially if you are coming from another lower altitude city like Los Angeles or Miami. In Lima there is no need to acclimatize to the altitude, and you will be able to eat, walk and explore without any problems.
Oxygen levels:
The higher the altitude, the lower the atmospheric pressure, which means there is less oxygen available with each breath. That’s why you may feel short of breath or dizzy in Cusco, even if you’re perfectly healthy.
Let’s break it down:
Lima (154 m / 505 ft):
Lima is located at sea level, so you will breathe 100% of the oxygen your body is used to. Here you will absolutely feel normal, just like at home if you live in a low elevation city.
Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft):
Cusco is located high in the Andes. At this altitude, the oxygen level decreases to 65-70% of what you get at sea level.
This means that your body has to work harder to get the same amount of oxygen, especially during physical activity.
Note: magine that every breath of air you breathe in Cusco provides you with only two-thirds of the oxygen you would normally get in Lima. It’s a big difference, and your body feels it.
Recommended Medication for Altitude Sickness
If you are concerned about altitude sickness, consider:
Acetazolamide (Diamox): we recommend checking with your doctor before traveling. Start 1-2 days before arriving in Cusco.
Ibuprofen or paracetamol: This medication can relieve headaches caused by the change in pressure.
Note: Do not self-medicate – consult a health professional, especially if you have asthma, heart problems or other conditions.
Does Coca Tea Really Help with Altitude Sickness?
Coca tea is a traditional local remedy that has been used for centuries to alleviate the effects of altitude sickness. Although it does not cure altitude sickness, it can alleviate or prevent mild symptoms and make you feel more comfortable during your first days in Cusco.
Many travelers (and locals) report that coca tea helps to:
- Increase blood circulation.
- Reduce headaches and fatigue
- Improve digestion and energy levels.
It is often served free of charge at hotels in Cusco and sipping a hot cup after arrival is
When visiting Cusco, the best way to acclimatize to the altitude is to take it slow and drink plenty of fluids. Many locals and travelers rely on traditional natural remedies such as drinking coca tea to alleviate altitude sickness.
This ancient Andean tea made from coca leaves promotes oxygen absorption and provides a gentle energy boost—ideal for your first few days in the mountains.
Note: Although mate de coca is legal and widely consumed in Peru, bringing coca leaves or a coca infusion into the United States is strictly prohibited. The coca plant is classified as a controlled substance under U.S. law, even in tea form.
Now that you know the difference in altitude between Lima and Cusco, you may also want to know how high Machu Picchu is. Find out all the details about the altitude of Machu Picchu
before visiting Peru’s most famous attraction.
Conclusions: Altitude Lima vs Cusco
Traveling from Lima to Cusco is not only a change of scenery, but also of altitude. Lima is on the coast, located at an elevation of 161 meters (528 feet), while Cusco, located in the Andes, at 3,400 meters (10,000 feet). That’s a difference of more than 3,200 meters, and believe me, your body will feel it.
It is common to feel short of breath just going up stairs in Cusco. It’s totally normal. Most travelers need a little time to acclimatize. The best thing you can do is listen to your body. Don’t overdo it the first day, drink lots of water, avoid heavy meals and drink coca tea or muña tea (the locals love it). Altitude sickness can affect anyone, so don’t feel bad. The altitude can be a challenge, but the experience you will get in Cusco is worth it.
So if you are heading from Lima to Cusco, be prepared, not only with warm clothes, but also with a bit of patience and an adventurous spirit. The higher you climb, the more amazing it gets.
