How long does altitude sickness last?

Mild symptoms usually improve in 2-3 days as your body adjusts. Severe symptoms require immediate descent — don't wait them out.

Should I take altitude medication before arriving?

Start acetazolamide (Diamox) 1-2 days before ascending to high altitude. Take 125mg twice daily. Consult your doctor first — it has side effects.

Can I exercise at high altitude in Bolivia?

Wait 3-5 days before strenuous activity. Start with gentle walks. The Death Road bike tour and Salar de Uyuni treks require full acclimatization.

What altitude should I worry about?

Symptoms typically start above 8,000 feet. La Paz (12,000 feet), Potosí (13,400 feet), and parts of the Salar de Uyuni are all high risk zones.

How to Handle Altitude Sickness in Bolivia

Bolivia's high altitude affects most visitors — La Paz sits at 12,000 feet. Arrive gradually if possible, drink coca tea immediately, avoid alcohol for 48 hours, and descend if you develop severe symptoms like confusion or difficulty breathing.

Arrive gradually when possible. Fly into Santa Cruz (1,400 feet) and take buses or trains to higher cities over 2-3 days rather than flying directly to La Paz. If you must fly direct, plan 2-3 rest days before activities.
Start coca tea immediately. Drink coca tea (mate de coca) as soon as you arrive. Available at every hotel, restaurant, and street vendor. Drink 3-4 cups daily. The locals swear by it and it genuinely helps with altitude adjustment.
Hydrate aggressively. Drink 3-4 liters of water daily — double your normal intake. The dry air and altitude dehydrate you faster. Carry a water bottle everywhere and refill constantly.
Avoid alcohol and heavy meals. No alcohol for your first 48 hours. It worsens altitude sickness dramatically. Eat light, frequent meals rather than heavy dinners. Your body needs energy to adjust.
Rest on arrival day. Plan nothing strenuous your first day. Walk slowly, take breaks, nap if tired. Your heart is working 30% harder just to function normally.
Know when to descend. Severe symptoms — confusion, loss of coordination, severe headache, vomiting — mean immediate descent to lower altitude. Don't tough it out. Take a bus down to Cochabamba (8,400 feet) or Santa Cruz.

How long does altitude sickness last?: Mild symptoms usually improve in 2-3 days as your body adjusts. Severe symptoms require immediate descent — don't wait them out.
Should I take altitude medication before arriving?: Start acetazolamide (Diamox) 1-2 days before ascending to high altitude. Take 125mg twice daily. Consult your doctor first — it has side effects.
Can I exercise at high altitude in Bolivia?: Wait 3-5 days before strenuous activity. Start with gentle walks. The Death Road bike tour and Salar de Uyuni treks require full acclimatization.
What altitude should I worry about?: Symptoms typically start above 8,000 feet. La Paz (12,000 feet), Potosí (13,400 feet), and parts of the Salar de Uyuni are all high risk zones.