There’s nothing quite like that first glimpse of Machu Picchu the mist lifting over ancient terraces, the Andes stretching into the horizon, and the quiet realisation that you’ve finally made it.
But before you set foot on the Inca Trail or board the train from Cusco, preparation is key. The combination of altitude, exposure, and remoteness means this journey rewards travellers who plan ahead especially when it comes to their health.
Machu Picchu sits at around 2,430 metres above sea level, but many travellers acclimatise first in Cusco (3,400 m) or the Sacred Valley. Altitude sickness can strike even the fittest of hikers, causing headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Our doctors can help you plan your itinerary safely, prescribe medication to reduce symptoms, and guide you on gradual ascent strategies.
We recommend updating your routine vaccinations, including influenza and COVID-19, and ensuring protection against Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on your broader itinerary, you may also need Yellow Fever, Rabies, or Tetanus boosters.
Travelling through rural or remote areas increases the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea and waterborne illness. We can help you prepare with preventive antibiotics if appropriate, hydration advice, and information on safe food practices.
Whether you’re tackling the Inca Trail or exploring by train, good preparation goes beyond vaccinations. We’ll help you pack a personalised travel first aid kit, ensure you have enough prescription medication, and advise on managing fatigue, blisters, or minor injuries on the trail.
At Walker Street Doctors, travel health is about more than avoiding illness it’s about making your trip seamless and drama-free. Our clinicians combine expertise in mountain and expedition medicine with a holistic approach to wellness, so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
Book your Travel Health Appointment 4-6 weeks before you depart. We’ll handle the rest from vaccination planning to medical letters for travel insurance and altitude preparation.
Because at 2,400 metres, the only thing that should take your breath away is the view.