Are you traveling to Bolivia’s capital city and concerned about the high elevation? In this post, we’ll review the best way to deal with altitude sickness so you can enjoy your time in La Paz as quickly as possible.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission on products if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
It may surprise you to learn that La Paz, Bolivia is the highest capital city in the world! Because of this, altitude sickness is inevitable for most people.
However, there are tips and tricks to reduce its effects; as well as many Bolivian customs that can help foreigners better deal with altitude sickness in La Paz.
Whether you have experienced altitude sickness before or not, I’ve got you covered. If you want to make the best out of your trip to Bolivia, here are the necessary tips and tricks you should follow!
About La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz, Bolivia is a beautiful city nestled in the Andes mountains of South America. La Paz is the highest capital city in the world located at 11,893 ft (3,625 m) above sea level.
El Alto, directly translated to The High or The Upper, is an extension of La Paz. Since it’s fast and massive growth, it is technically considered its own city. El Alto is located higher up than La Paz but right next to it.
The elevation of El Alto is 13,615 ft (4,150 m). If you are flying into La Paz, then you will land at the airport located in El Alto and then take a taxi down into the city.
La Paz is an amazing mountainous city with incredible views, a kind and lively culture, and delicious food. Many people only spend a few days here as a stopping point before they make their way to Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats).
If you have the time for it, I advise you to take a few extra days to explore the city as there is so much beauty and culture here.
What is Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness occurs when someone reaches a high elevation too quickly. Most people will start to feel sick because of the sudden change in elevation. This can happen while traveling to high places or even while hiking.
The higher the elevation, the less oxygen there is in the air making it harder to breathe. Your body will naturally adjust to this change and start producing more red blood cells within a few days.
However, until then, you may experience some symptoms. Some of these include headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and/or loss of appetite. In most cases, altitude sickness is just uncomfortable and doesn’t pose any actual danger.
Altitude sickness is also medically known as acute mountain sickness (AMS).
When & Where Are You At Risk for Altitude Sickness?
High altitudes are classified into three different categories.
- High Altitude: 4,921 – 9,841 ft (1500 – 3000 m) – AMS is seen in some people, usually very mild.
- Very High Altitude: 9,842 – 16,404 ft (3000 – 5000 m) – AMS symptoms usually begin over 8,200ft.
- Extreme Altitude: over 16, 405 ft (5000 m) – many people will experience unconsciousness at this level
You are at risk anytime you cross into higher elevations than you’re used to. This can depend on what elevation you live in and are normally used to.
In the US, most people will experience slight altitude sickness when visiting Denver which sits at 5,276 ft (1,608 m) just to give you an example.
La Paz is at a significantly higher elevation than people are used to causing most visitors to experience altitude sickness.
Who Does Altitude Sickness Effect?
Altitude sickness can affect anyone and everyone. It’s almost random if you ask me. It doesn’t matter if you’re physically fit, young, old, fat, or skinny. It will either affect you or it won’t.
My family lives in La Paz so even though I was born in the US, I have traveled there over a dozen times in my life. Each time it has gotten easier for me. The more experience and time you have in higher altitudes, the easier the transition seems to be.
When I visit now, I don’t even feel any symptoms except for shortness of breath after conquering a flight of stairs! I know what you’re thinking – a flight of stairs? How hard could that be? The truth is very difficult. The smallest physical task can seem like climbing a mountain at high elevations.
So if you are an avid hiker who is used to constant elevation changes then you might be less likely to experience any altitude sickness. But it really doesn’t seem to make a difference if you are physically fit or active besides that.
For example, my brother is extremely fit and healthy. He played soccer his whole life, does yoga, and doesn’t drink any alcohol. However, altitude sickness always affects him the worst! He doesn’t seem to get used to it and he gets nauseous and even uses an oxygen tank before he goes to bed.
Altitude Sickness Remedies & Tips
Stay Hydrated
The number one and probably the best thing you can do is to hydrate! Whether it’s tea, water, or electrolytes. Unfortunately, this means avoiding coffee and alcohol as they will dehydrate you.
Alcohol in general should be consumed in moderation while in higher elevations because the effects will hit you stronger and faster than you are used to.
Coca Leaves & Coca Tea
Coca leaves and tea are a staple in Bolivia and Peru. They have been used as a remedy for altitude sickness for many years now. It’s not unlikely that you’ll be greeted with some coca tea at the airport. If not, you can always get a cup at the local cafe.
Coca leaves are often chewed up and kept in the corner of your mouth. Bolivians swear by this method to help with altitude sickness. Whether it actually works or not is up to the user, kind of like the placebo effect.
However, chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea is supposed to help with fatigue and tiredness in general. It’s known to be a stimulant. So there’s no harm in partaking in this Bolivian tradition.
Take It Easy, Rest, & Acclimate
The only preventative thing you can do is to travel slowly and let your body acclimate. However, this is not always possible. Especially if you are flying straight into La Paz Airport.
If you can help it, it would be better to fly into an airport at a lower elevation for a few days before you continue your journey to La Paz. This is generally unrealistic though depending on where you’re traveling from.
It’s best to rest and take it easy for the first three days to give your body time to adjust. You will likely feel lethargic as it is, so laying down will certainly feel nice and cozy.
It will feel strange to not be able to do some of the things you would normally do at home like jog up a flight of stairs. However, it’s for the best that you let the altitude win this one so you don’t make your symptoms any worse.
Tip: Definitely be sure to rest for at least three days before booking any excursions. Especially before visiting Uyuni as it’s even higher elevation than La Paz.
Sorojchi Pills
In Bolivia, they call altitude sickness soroche/sorojchi (soh-roh-chee). Soroche pills are sold as an over-the-counter medicine in most pharmacies in Bolivia. If your symptoms are pretty bad you can always take some of these.
Ibuprofen is also a good medicine to take in combination with soroche pills to ward off that headache.
Use an Oxygen Tank
This one may seem extreme but if your symptoms are serious and you’re having a hard time acclimating, an oxygen tank will certainly help you. It’s not uncommon to see oxygen tanks on standby at the airport when you land.
It’s often used on foreigners who are having a hard time adjusting to the lack of oxygen. My family always has one on hand for us when we visit just in case. However, if you ask your hotel or guesthouse for some assistance, they should be more than helpful in finding you one.
The best time to use an oxygen tank is right before bed. It will help you fall asleep better during the hours when your heart rate is at rest.
Don’t Overexert Yourself & Avoid Intense Exercise
Even after you’ve rested for three days, you should still keep the over-exertion to a minimum. Walking around the city is just fine but don’t overdo it and listen to your body when you need a rest.
I’m a rock climber and even I’ve had to adjust my expectations for the first few days while visiting La Paz. It’s not always easy to slow down and take it easy but this way you’ll enjoy your trip as best as you can.
At the end of the day, nobody knows how the altitude will affect them. You may have zero, mild, or heavy symptoms. Don’t stress or worry too much about getting sick. You will likely be just fine after acclimating for three days. Now that you are aware of the tips and tricks to help with altitude sickness you are all ready for your trip to La Paz!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to acclimatize La Paz?
Three days is a good number of days to allow your body to acclimate to high elevation to avoid altitude sickness.
What can help with altitude sickness in La Paz?
Soroche pills, coca leaves and tea, proper hydration, use of an oxygen tank, and acclimatization can all help with symptoms of altitude sickness.
For more Bolivia information, you may also like:
- 25 Surprising, Unique, & Intriguing Things BOLIVIA is Known For
- Salar de Uyuni: Best Time To Visit Wonderful Bolivia Salt Flats
- 10 Fantastic Reasons It’s Worth Visiting La Paz, Bolivia
