5 Easy Ways of Beating Altitude Sickness in Mexico City: What to Know
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Are you worried about altitude sickness in Mexico City?
These tips will help you prevent or manage symptoms, including altitude sickness in mexico city, so you can make the most of your trip.
Many travelers experience altitude sickness in Mexico City. The elevation of Mexico City is 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest major cities in the world.
This megametropolis is vast and situated at a high elevation in the mountains. It is likely that you or someone traveling with you will experience altitude sickness while in Mexico City.
It is important to take precautions against altitude sickness in Mexico City before your trip. This includes understanding the potential effects of altitude sickness while in Mexico City.
Many travelers report experiencing altitude sickness in Mexico City, especially if they arrive from much lower elevations.
The symptoms of altitude sickness in Mexico City can range from mild to severe, making it crucial to know how to manage them.
Understanding altitude sickness in Mexico City is essential for ensuring your safety and enjoyment during the trip.
As a result, the thin air and reduced oxygen levels can trigger various symptoms associated with altitude sickness.
I have visited Mexico City at least a dozen times, and I almost always experience a headache or migraine on the first day of my trip. IIt took me several visits to understand that my symptoms were likely due to altitude sickness.
I have visited Mexico City at least a dozen times, and I almost always experience a massive headache or migraine on the first day of each trip. It took me several visits to realize that I was likely experiencing altitude sickness.
Now that I’ve understood the situation, I have several strategies to overcome the symptoms of altitude sickness so that I can enjoy my trip!
To help you feel better and enjoy your time in Mexico City, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and practical ways to manage altitude sickness.
Continue reading to discover all the details and expert tips for managing altitude sickness!
As you learn more about altitude sickness in Mexico City, it is helpful to recognize how your body may react.
When dealing with altitude sickness in Mexico City, you should be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem.
This is especially true in a foreign country. You’ll need to be more keen and listen to your body and mind when dealing with altitude sickness.
Effective management of altitude sickness in Mexico City often requires proactive measures to minimize your risk.
Prevention strategies to combat altitude sickness in Mexico City include gradually acclimatizing and staying hydrated.
Keep in mind that altitude sickness can affect individuals differently in Mexico City, so it is important to listen to your body.
By understanding and preparing for altitude sickness in Mexico City, you can fully enjoy your visit.
What is altitude sickness?
There are actually a few different types of altitude illnesses, but for the purposes of this article, we’ll be referring to acute mountain sickness (AMS).
AMS is a medical condition that occurs when someone ascends to higher altitudes too quickly for their body to adjust. Altitude sickness is most common at elevations above 2,400 meters (8,000 feet).
Altitude sickness is primarily caused by reduced oxygen levels and lower air pressure at higher elevations.
The most common symptoms of altitude illness include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of their age or fitness level. It’s wise for travelers to be aware of its risks and take appropriate precautions when venturing to high-altitude destinations like Mexico City.
Like I said before, I always felt “off” when I visited Mexico City, but it wasn’t until my third or fourth visit that I realized it was likely due to the altitude.
I’ve lived at sea level almost all my life (except when I lived in Xalapa, Veracruz, which is a moderate-altitude city).
I usually experience a headache and fatigue when I get to Mexico City, but, as you know, those symptoms can be indicative of all kinds of things!
If you’re headed to Mexico City from a lower altitude, be aware of the possibility of altitude sickness and use the following advice to minimize or treat your symptoms.
Hopefully, if you’re already accustomed to high elevations, you won’t encounter these symptoms!
Related Reading: The Perfect 4-Day Itinerary for Mexico City
How do you prevent altitude sickness in Mexico City?
Drink plenty of fluids
Staying hydrated is the best way to avoid altitude sickness.
But, between $8 airport water and bans on carrying liquid, most travelers are probably pretty dehydrated before they even get on the plane.
Be mindful to drink plenty of water before and after you arrive in Mexico City.
Hydration also helps your body and brain adjust more easily to the thinner air at high altitudes, which reduces headaches, dizziness, and the foggy, disoriented feeling that many travelers experience during their first day in Mexico City.
Supporting your hydration can aid altitude sickness in Mexico City and help your body adapt more smoothly to the change in altitude.
Hydration also helps your body and brain adjust more easily to the thinner air at high altitudes, reducing headaches, dizziness, and that foggy, disoriented feeling many travelers experience during their first day in Mexico City.
Supporting your hydration with brain health drops can further aid cognitive clarity and help your body adapt more smoothly to the change in altitude.
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine
Alcohol and tobacco can dehydrate you and enhance the symptoms of AMS.
Instead of ordering a celebratory tequila when you arrive, stick to water and electrolytes for your first 24 hours in Mexico City to give your body time to adjust.
As a diuretic, caffeine can also lead to dehydration, so it’s best to limit your intake of caffeinated beverages.
However, you also want to avoid caffeine withdrawal symptoms, which are just as terrible as altitude sickness.
If you often consume high quantities of caffeine, don’t abandon it altogether, but limit your intake to avoid dehydration.
Get plenty of rest
Your body needs time to adjust to the change in altitude, so get plenty of rest when you first arrive in Mexico City.
Being overtired will only add to any feelings of fatigue you’re experiencing as a result of the high altitude.
Sleeping on an ADO Platino Bus is how you can get excellent sleep! At least for me, that’s a true statement.
Although it may be tempting to dive right into your itinerary, prioritizing rest while your body adjusts will help you feel better overall.
There are so many hotels with the most comfortable accommodations that getting sleep in a cozy setting may be just what you need to get yourself and your body acclimated to reduce the chances of altitude sickness in Mexico City while visiting.
Listening to your body is crucial. Everyone reacts differently to altitude sickness, so you should be vigilant about monitoring your symptoms.
Avoid strenuous activity
Avoid strenuous activity for the first few days after arriving in Mexico City. There is less oxygen in the air because of the high altitude, which can cause fatigue regardless of your physical fitness level. This is one of the major causes of high altitude sickness in Mexico City.
Don’t be alarmed if a light walk leaves you feeling exhausted!
Keep the first day or so of your trip light so you can rest in between activities.
Take medication
There are a few medications that can help prevent altitude sickness (I’ll go over them in the next section). Talk to your doctor about whether medication is right for you.
If you’re looking for homeopathic remedies for altitude sickness in mexico city, ginkgo biloba supplements are a popular option.
What is the best treatment for altitude sickness?
If you have mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea, you may be able to treat them with over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
You should also try to drink more fluids and limit your physical activity until you feel better.
If you experience more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion, you must seek medical attention immediately.
You or someone traveling with you may need to be hospitalized and given supplemental oxygen or medication.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness in Mexico City early so you can take action quickly.
When symptoms arise, it is vital for your health to understand how altitude sickness can escalate in Mexico City.
The CDC lists a few specific medications that can be used to treat altitude sickness (but don’t take anything without seeking medical advice from a licensed doctor– not me!):
- Acetazolamide (Diamox): This medication helps your body to get rid of excess carbon dioxide, which can build up in your blood at high altitudes.
- Dexamethasone (Decadron): This steroid medication can help to reduce inflammation and swelling in your brain and lungs.
- Nifedipine (Procardia): This medication can help to relax your blood vessels and improve blood flow to your brain and lungs.
If you’re looking for homeopathic remedies for altitude sickness, ginkgo biloba supplements are a popular option. Ginkgo biloba is an herb that is known for its ability to improve blood circulation.
It is believed that this product may help with altitude sickness by potentially increasing blood flow to the brain and lungs.
There’s a product called Altitude Assist that contains ginkgo biloba and other vitamins and herbs that may help prevent symptoms of altitude sickness.
I haven’t tried this remedy, so I suggest you read up on it and conduct further research before using it.
When to seek medical care (and how to see a doctor)
You should see a doctor for altitude sickness if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- Severe headache that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
- Shortness of breath, even when resting
- Chest tightness or pain
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of coordination
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty sleeping
These symptoms indicate that you could be experiencing a condition known as hypoxia, which occurs when you have low levels of oxygen in your bloodstream.
If you are unsure whether or not you should see a doctor, it is always better to err on the side of caution.
Altitude sickness can be life-threatening, so it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible if you are experiencing any concerning symptoms.
Here are some additional tips for deciding when to see a doctor for altitude sickness:
- If your symptoms are severe, or if they worsen over time, seek medical attention immediately.
- If you have any underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, seek medical attention immediately if you develop any symptoms of altitude sickness.
- If you are pregnant, seek medical attention immediately if you develop any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Always prioritize safety over regret.
To summarize, understanding altitude sickness in Mexico City can greatly improve your travel experience.
For non-emergent scenarios, you can see a doctor through a pharmacy. Many large pharmacies have consultorios, which are like walk-in clinics. You can show up and see a doctor within a few minutes (or longer, depending on the demand).
Usually, they’ll write you a prescription that you can fill at the adjoining pharmacy. I’ve used consultorios a few times and have never had to pay to see a doctor, but some of them may charge 100 to 200 pesos.
The following are a few pharmacy chains that typically offer consultations on-site:
- Farmacia de Guadalajara
- Farmacia del Ahorro
- Farmacias Similares
Depending on where you are in Mexico City, there may be local, independent pharmacies or smaller chains that also offer consults.
Just open Google Maps and search “farmacia” to see a list of options nearby.
If your symptoms are an emergency, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, visit an emergency room at a local hospital.
You can dial 911 in Mexico for emergency assistance if needed.
Practical advice for managing altitude sickness in Mexico City
Enjoy your time in the city while being aware of altitude sickness in Mexico City; it’s an essential aspect of traveling here.
I have experienced altitude sickness on nearly every trip to Mexico City. At this point, I know to expect it and have my rituals for managing symptoms. Here are my tips:
- Drink lots of water during my travel day. Refrain from restricting your liquid intake on travel days, as staying hydrated is a miraculous remedy for most common ailments.
I get it. Disrupting the other passengers in your row to go to the bathroom is awkward, but losing vacation days to feeling wretched is worse.
Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at airport water fountains, or be prepared to pay for the expensive bottles on-site. - Pack headache meds. I always travel with a small bottle of Tylenol or Advil in my purse to alleviate headaches.
If you forget to pack them, you can get them at the airport or a nearby store. - Make the first day or so of your itinerary lighter. Plan for a relaxed first day to allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude and thinner air of Mexico City.
Your travel day will likely leave you exhausted, and fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of altitude sickness.
I like to cafe hop or stroll around my Airbnb’s neighborhood on the first day of my trip. This way, I can get the lay of the land without overcommitting to a busy schedule.
Additional Mexico City travel tips
Ultimately, understanding altitude sickness while in Mexico city will enable you to maximize your visit to one of the greatest cities in the world. While I have you here… these tips are sure to come in handy during your time in Mexico City:
- Wear sunscreen. Mexico City may not always be hot, but the sun is extra punishing at high altitudes. Please remember to wear protective sun lotion when you’re out and about.
- Pack chapstick and moisturizer. Mexico City has a very dry climate that will likely leave your lips and skin feeling parched. I always pack a tube of hand lotion and some lip balm to prevent chapped lips and skin.
- Pack layers. Another aspect of the altitude of Mexico City is that the temperature can fluctuate significantly from day to night.
Ensure you bring some warmer layers for after the sun goes down.
Please review the climate data before departing to ensure you pack appropriately.
I created this detailed Mexico City packing list with tips for what to bring, how to dress, and other considerations.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Should I buy altitude sickness preventative medicine in Mexico or purchase it prior to traveling to Mexico City?
Purchase altitude sickness preventative medicine prior to traveling to Mexico City. Buy a supplement like this preventative medication for altitude sickness to prepare yourself and avoid feeling horribly nauseous.
Should I eat anything if I feel altitude sickness in Mexico City?
Yes, you should eat light, easily digestible foods and stay hydrated. Foods like bananas, toast, and broth can be helpful. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol. Pack some electrolyte powder packs to help your body get the magnesium and other minerals that increase absorption of water.
Is altitude sickness contagious?
No, altitude sickness is not contagious.
Does altitude sickness happen more often in Mexico city when traveling or when already in Mexico City?
Altitude sickness occurs more often when traveling to higher altitudes rather than when already acclimated in Mexico City.
Is it easier to feel altitude sickness traveling to Mexico City by bus, by car, or by airplane?
Traveling to Mexico City by airplane is generally easier for feeling altitude sickness, as it allows for a quicker ascent to high altitudes, giving less time for acclimatization.
At what time of the year does altitude sickness in Mexico City happen more often?
Altitude sickness in Mexico City is more common during the dry season, which runs from November to March. This is why hydration is so important to reduce the effects and symptoms of altitude sickness.
Understanding altitude sickness in Mexico City can greatly improve your travel experience.
If you have any questions or need additional info, don’t hesitate to email us at Hello@JanineintheWorld.com.
