— Altitude by destination
How high is each destination?
| Destination | m.s.n.m. | ft | O₂ | Risk | Nota |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Alto Airport (La Paz) | 4,061 | 13,323 | 12.3% | Very high | Where most travellers arrive |
| Potosí | 4,090 | 13,422 | 12.6% | Very high | World's highest city (>100,000 inhab.) |
| Chacaltaya (viewpoint) | 5,395 | 17,700 | 10.1% | Extreme | Day trip from La Paz — acclimatise first |
| Sajama (base) | 4,250 | 13,944 | 12.2% | Very high | Sajama National Park — 6,542m summit |
| La Paz (city) | 3,640 | 11,942 | 13.0% | High | World's highest capital |
| Oruro | 3,706 | 12,160 | 12.9% | High | UNESCO Carnival — Feb 2026 |
| Salar de Uyuni | 3,656 | 11,995 | 13.0% | High | World's largest salt flat |
| Laguna Colorada (REA) | 4,278 | 14,035 | 12.2% | Very high | Bolivian Southwest · 3-day tours |
| Tiwanaku | 3,825 | 12,549 | 12.8% | High | 2h from La Paz — common day trip |
| Lake Titicaca / Copacabana | 3,812 | 12,507 | 12.8% | High | World's highest navigable lake |
| Sucre | 2,750 | 9,022 | 14.8% | Moderate | Good acclimatisation option |
| Cochabamba | 2,558 | 8,392 | 15.1% | Low | The most comfortable of Bolivia's major cities |
| Santa Cruz de la Sierra | 416 | 1,365 | 19.5% | No risk | Ideal starting point for gradual ascent |
| Rurrenabaque / Amazon | 230 | 755 | 19.7% | No risk | Lowlands — no altitude issue |
* Oxygen estimated based on standard O₂ fraction (20.9%) × altitudinal pressure factor.
— Symptoms
Soroche symptoms by severity level
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) symptoms typically appear 6–24 hours after ascent. Recognising the severity level determines the correct action.
- ·Mild headache
- ·Unusual fatigue
- ·Loss of appetite
- ·Slight dizziness when standing
- ·Difficulty sleeping
Rest, hydrate, coca tea. Wait 24–48h. Do NOT ascend further until improved.
- ·Severe headache not relieved by ibuprofen
- ·Nausea and/or vomiting
- ·Intense fatigue with minimal effort
- ·Persistent dizziness
Acetazolamide + oxygen. No ascent. If no improvement in 24h: descend 500–1,000m.
- ·Confusion or disorientation
- ·Inability to walk straight
- ·Cough with pink froth (HAPE)
- ·Loss of coordination (ataxia)
DESCEND IMMEDIATELY. Call emergency services (110 Bolivia). Maximum-flow oxygen. HAPE and HACE can be fatal.
— Prevention
7 measures that actually work
The biggest risk factor is rapid ascent. If possible, arrive first in Santa Cruz (416m) or Sucre (2,750m) and spend 1–2 days before going to La Paz. If flying directly to La Paz (El Alto, 4,061m), rest on arrival day — do nothing demanding.
Day one in La Paz is just for existing: arrive, eat lightly, hydrate and sleep. No hiking, no carrying heavy bags up stairs, no running. Your body needs the first 24–48 hours to begin producing more red blood cells.
Altitude increases water loss through breathing (mountain air is very dry). Drinking water constantly is the simplest and most effective measure. Also coca tea, fruit water or herbal infusions. Avoid alcohol and coffee the first 48 hours — they dehydrate and worsen symptoms.
The coca leaf is the Andean remedy used for thousands of years for altitude. Mate de coca (tea) is available at every hotel, restaurant and market in Bolivia. It doesn't contain cocaine — extracting the alkaloid requires industrial chemicals. Drink 2–3 cups a day for the first few days.
First 48 hours: small, frequent, easily digestible meals. High fat and protein content requires more digestive energy, which can worsen symptoms. Alcohol at altitude is 2–3x more potent, dehydrates and deteriorates oxygen saturation during sleep. Wait at least 48–72 hours.
Acetazolamide prevents and treats AMS symptoms. Preventive dose: 125–250mg every 12h, starting 24h before ascent. Side effects: increased urination, tingling in fingers, reaction with carbonated drinks. Requires prescription in most countries. In Bolivia sold at pharmacies without prescription. Consult your doctor before the trip.
Most hotels in La Paz, Oruro and Potosí have oxygen cylinders available. For acute symptoms (severe headache, disorientation, vomiting), asking the hotel for oxygen is the first measure. El Alto airport also has oxygen stations. If symptoms don't improve after 24h with oxygen and rest, descend immediately.