11-28-2017, 01:59 PM
Not sure if ibuprofen actually works, or just masks the headache. Acetozolamide does work, with the only side effect I've had being tingly fingers. What works best are Coca leaves, but they're much harder to get in Puna than Peru. Going up from sea level to that high, and doing something that requires a fair amount of oxygen (e.g. skiing) is almost impossible to acclimate without a fair amount of time at the top.
That being said, there is one "trick" that I was taught in the Atacama a few years back. We were staying at 11,000 feet, but went to climb an 18,500 foot peak one day. We were able to drive up to about 16,000 feet, so we "only" had to walk a few miles (about 2 hours) to get to the top. Our guide told us that usually it takes 2-3 hours for the altitude sickness to kick in, and by the time it did, we'd be on the way down, getting more oxygen by the minute.
So if you don't think you want to sit around and acclimate, consider skiing for just an hour or two, then calling it a day.
That being said, there is one "trick" that I was taught in the Atacama a few years back. We were staying at 11,000 feet, but went to climb an 18,500 foot peak one day. We were able to drive up to about 16,000 feet, so we "only" had to walk a few miles (about 2 hours) to get to the top. Our guide told us that usually it takes 2-3 hours for the altitude sickness to kick in, and by the time it did, we'd be on the way down, getting more oxygen by the minute.
So if you don't think you want to sit around and acclimate, consider skiing for just an hour or two, then calling it a day.
Leilani Estates, 2011 to Present