Traveling To Ecuador

[ArtMan]

Posted: 12/8/14 at 7:50pm

So, I was already concerned about traveling to Peru and altitude sickness for my April trip. Like the dumb ass that I am, I booked a trip in February to Ecuador, flying into Guayaquil and flying out of Quito, not realizing they are even at higher altitudes (especially Guayaquil). So has anybody traveled to these regions and did you suffer? I did get a prescription for Diamox. I hate to spend the entire trip sick. At least, my Peru trip, I gradually go higher. The Ecuador trip, I fly into high altitude (12,000) and decrease to 8,000. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Updated On: 12/8/14 at 07:50 PM

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 12/14/14 at 8:50pm

I think you'll find the suggestions are what you would expect: get plenty of rest, don't overexert at first, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and overeating, remember to breathe deeply, etc.

Do you have a history of problems with altitude sickness? We have a tram here in PS that takes passengers to the 8400' level; altitude sickness seems to be rare (though most tourists don't stay at that altitude overnight).

[ArtMan]

Posted: 12/14/14 at 9:11pm

GavestonPS, thank you for your response. I incorrectly posted that I would be flying into Guayaquil which has a high altitude. Actually, it is only couple hundred feet above sea level. However, the next city I visit, their altitude is 8,000. So I go from normal to high pretty fast. No, I don't have a history of altitude sickness. I've been to some high places in the world, (but not sure that high) and didn't experience any problems. I maybe just talking myself into a problem that may or may not exist.

[madbrian]

Posted: 12/14/14 at 9:34pm

A few months ago, I spent 10 days in Bogota, Colombia, which is over 8,600. I felt like I never caught my breath the entire time, especially when we went to Monserrate, which is over 10,300. Howver, other than shortness of breath, I suffered no other problems.