You will know straight away if you are in a place of high altitude. Places like Machu Picchu in Peru, Jungfrau in Switzerland, Bogota in Colombia, or the one where I felt it the most, Laz Paz in Bolivia. These are usually places that are higher than 8000 feet, where you will experience low oxygen levels.

Your body may feel heavy, your heart may beat faster, you may experience headaches, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, and/or swollen ankles. I remember having a tingling sensation in my fingers and toes which was a really bizarre feeling. I was out of breath just turning over in bed at night. It was not a very comfortable feeling.

Besides these feelings, you can get very unwell in places of high altitude if you are not careful.

To prevent getting sick at high- altitudes;

• Keep hydrated, drink more water than you usually do

• Rest for the first couple of days when arriving in the area

• Add further rest days into your itinerary

• Take it slow, give your body time to adjust to the change in oxygen levels

• Avoid alcohol

• Go prepared by getting altitude sickness tablets from your doctor prior to leaving

• Chew or drink tea with coca leaves 

What is the best way you have found to prepare your body and adjust to low oxygen levels? We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.