Beware of This One Thing Before Traveling to the Andes Mountains of Colombia

Beware of This One Thing Before Traveling to the Andes Mountains of Colombia
#colombia #travelcolombia #southamerica #mountains

Altitude Sickness

I have only been here four days, and the past few days, I have felt sick, but not ill feeling sick, but a malaise, low appetite, low-grade headache, and overall exhaustion.

I went from Bogotá at 8660 feet to Suesca at 8478 to Tunja at 9359; I have concluded, based on a consultation with a fellow medical friend, that I have a mild case of altitude sickness.

It makes sense going from almost sea level to where I am now. I should have realized this when I was extra out of it this week — misplacing my credit cards and making rookie mistakes.

Also, I have been sleeping at least 10 hours a night, well in bed, but tossing and turning all night. I usually sleep anywhere I am.

After I went out for lunch, I returned to my hotel room to chill, do nothing, write, and lay in bed. I had this room until Saturday when I was planning to go to my friend’s place, which is only 30 min away, yet it is also at an elevation above 8000 feet.

So, if I do not feel better, my friend recommended I get below 8000 feet, so I do not develop a dangerous case of altitude sickness. Luckily, Villa de Leyva is close by and is only around 7000, and if that does not work, I will continue to head east out of the Mountains.

I was in this part of the country less than six months ago, but I realized I was already acclimated to the weather and terrain. So I will be drinking lots of water and breathing deeply, and hopefully, all will be well by morning.

I might wander out to find some coca tea, but I have not seen it yet. I also read online any form of hot liquid helps, and even Coca-Cola!

Everyone here is used to the thinner air, and this area isn’t a hotspot for tourists, especially from outside of Colombia. So, if you head to the mountains, you are not going crazy; it's probably the altitude.

https://linktr.ee/saraaliceburdick

XOXO
S