How To Avoid Altitude Sickness in Bogotá
The majority of travelers (us included) would be forgiven for believing that Colombia is just a low-lying coastal nation.
However here the Andes mountains stretch right through this South American country, and cities like Bogotá actually have surprisingly high altitudes.
This can make things a little more difficult than usual, and it’s important to know how to properly prepare before arriving here.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Bogotá
In this guide we’ll explore everything you’ll need to know about the altitude in Bogotá. This includes the classic symptoms of altitude sickness here, as well as our top tips for how to avoid getting it.
Is Altitude Sickness Common in Colombia?
Colombia is one of many South American countries to have the towering Andean mountains pierce through the geography. However the mountains here aren’t as tall as those in say Argentina or Peru.
For this reason, altitude sickness will mostly affect those heading on higher-altitude mountain hikes, and not travelers who are sticking to typical destinations around Colombia.
There are some popular places though where you can feel symptoms. Bogotá is the most renowned, which sits at the foot of the Andean mountains at an altitude of 2620m.
Other destinations that could give you altitude sickness in Colombia include Ipiales (2898m), Tunja (2820m) and Pasto (2527m).
What are the main Bogotá Altitude Sickness Symptoms?
Given Bogotá is located below 3000m, most altitude sickness symptoms will be mild. Most travelers complain of a headache or some nausea, which is a similar feeling if you have traveled to Mexico City before.
It’s important to take your first couple of days nice and relaxed here, and especially so if you’ve just arrived from the coast or aren’t used to high altitudes. Later in this guide we’ll be covering other tips for how to effectively avoid and manage altitude sickness.
Of course if you do head on higher altitude trips and hikes within the nearby regions (say in Cundinamarca), then there is a chance of getting more serious symptoms such as sickness or dizziness.
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Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness Before visiting Bogotá
Here we’ll explore some of our top tips for avoiding altitude sickness when in Bogotá. Thankfully many of these can also provide quick relief from symptoms, so be sure to use them both before and during your trip here.
Gradually Increase Altitude Before Arriving Into Bogotá
This one might be unavoidable, given it’s the main gateway into Colombia after all.
However if you have arrived via land or coast, then it’s a good idea to visit progressively higher altitude destinations before reaching Bogotá, such as Medellín and Salento. This way you’ll entirely avoid any altitude sickness-related issues.
Relax During Your First Two Days
Your body needs 48 hours to properly acclimate to higher altitudes. During this time you’re more likely to experience unpleasant effects of the higher altitude here, so it’s best to leave intense and demanding treks until later into your visit.
Take Altitude Sickness Medication
If you’re already here and feeling ill, then you can easily buy altitude sickness medication from a local pharmacy in Bogotá.
This will help to rapidly get rid of any issues you may be experiencing, and are also useful to have if you decide to go on mountain treks during your trip.
If you’re thinking of heading on such treks, then make sure you read our guide on how to prepare for high altitude hiking.
Avoid Alcohol And Stay Well Hydrated
Drinking lots of water keeps your system running optimally, and ready to deal with any altitude sickness symptoms with more effectiveness. Alcohol on the other hand thins your blood and makes you more dehydrated, which can make symptoms much worse.
Leave Monserrate Until Later Into Your Visit
One of the most popular sites in the city, this monastery is located on top of a mountain at an altitude of 3152m. Even though you can take the gondola or train up, it’s still worth waiting until you’re fully adjusted before coming to avoid getting any altitude sickness symptoms.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Bogotá
And that’s all for this guide on how to avoid getting altitude sickness in Bogotá.
Usually the main gateway into Colombia for travelers, Bogotá actually has much more going for it than most think. This includes visiting beautiful mountain towns nearby and seeing lots of stunning colonial architecture within the city.
Altitude sickness tends to be a surprise here too, so it’s important to prepare properly and know how to deal with it in case you get any symptoms.
In this guide we have explored the typical symptoms of altitude sickness, as well as 5 of our best tips for preventing altitude sickness when heading to Bogotá.
Be sure to read our Colombia Itinerary Guide for more advice on how to plan your trip around this epic South American nation.
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