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Guide

Travelling at altitude in the Andes

Practical advice for the Quebrada and the Puna, where roads cross passes above 4,000 metres.

By Visit NOA Editors ·

The white crust of Salinas Grandes stretching to distant mountains under a pale sky

Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0

Much of the Northwest sits high: Purmamarca is above 2,300 metres, Humahuaca close to 3,000, and the road to Salinas Grandes crosses a pass above 4,000. Mild symptoms such as headache, breathlessness and poor sleep are common on arrival.

Go up gradually

Spend a night or two at moderate altitude — Salta, then the Quebrada — before heading to the Puna. Avoid flying in and driving straight to the highest passes.

On the day

Drink plenty of water, eat lightly, avoid alcohol and take it slowly. The sun is strong: use sunscreen and sunglasses.

Know when to stop

If symptoms get worse rather than better, descend. Travellers with heart or lung conditions, or who are pregnant, should talk to a doctor before travelling to high altitude. This article is general information, not medical advice.