The Puno Wake-Up Call: Why Hydration Matters at 12,000 Feet
Rebecca W.
Co-founder, UnlockCusco
Puno, Peru is nestled on the banks of Lake Titicaca, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. When night falls on the lake, the sky reflects in the deep purple water—half daylight and half full of stars. I’m not even kidding, you need to see it.
The Reality of the Andean Climate
Unfortunately, the first time I visited, I spent the entire trip stuck in the lower level of a hostel bunk bed, nauseous with my head aching, because I underestimated the altitude. In my gringa brilliance, I thought that having grown up in Colorado at 5,000 feet above sea level, I was immune. I was wrong. Lake Titicaca sits at over 12,000 feet, and the combination of extreme altitude, intense sun, and dry air means you have to take hydration seriously.
Another way to sap the fun from an amazing adventure is to succumb to traveler's diarrhea. The bacteria present in foods, even if you carefully avoid salads, raw fruits, and soft cheeses, can wreak havoc on your intestines. Once when my mom was visiting, she spent days trekking up and down the stairs at our guesthouse just to reach the bathroom. Luckily, we took her to the local pharmacy, and they gave her an amazing liquid probiotic called Enterogermina that got her back on her feet quickly. Now, she starts taking them a few days before visiting us, and she's been enjoying her time in Peru so much more.
Those two experiences completely changed how I pack. Now, whenever friends or family tell me they are coming to visit us in Peru, I suggest they bring a few simple things to make sure they feel their best.
My Top Travel Prep Recommendations
You can easily find all of these items online before your flight. They take up almost no space in a suitcase but could absolutely save your trip.
Travel Tip: Pack these in your carry-on luggage! You do not want to be caught without an electrolyte packet if the airline loses your checked bags and you hit the ground running in Cusco or Puno.
Advanced Hydration Support: LMNT Electrolyte Packets
Best for Extreme Altitude & Dry Air
When you are dealing with extreme altitude and dry mountain air, plain water isn't enough. You lose vital minerals much faster as your body acclimates to the thin air.
Why I love it
LMNT packets contain a high-sodium, zero-sugar formulation (along with potassium and magnesium) that rehydrates you faster than any standard sports drink.
Performance
They come in lightweight, single-serve sticks that you can dump straight into your filtered water.
Best Use
Daily hydration during trekking, high-altitude city exploring, or recovering from travel fatigue.
Rapid Gut Rescue: Enterogermina Liquid Probiotic Packs
Best for Sensitive Bellies adapting to local food
Traveling introduces your stomach to entirely new strains of bacteria. A daily probiotic builds a defensive wall in your gut flora. Ever since that pharmacy visit, my mom swears by Enterogermina and always starts her regimen a few days before she flies out.
Why I love it
These single-dose liquid vials absorb quickly, are completely tasteless, and don't require refrigeration, making them perfect for travel. They are a literal lifesaver for sensitive bellies adapting to local food.
Performance
Highly effective clinical-grade options from brands like Klaire Labs or Seeking Health stabilize your microbiome rapidly.
Best Use
Take daily as a preventative measure or immediately at the first sign of stomach discomfort.
High-Altitude Protection: Non-Toxic Mineral Sunscreen
Best for the Scorching Andean Sun
Because Peru sits close to the equator and features massive mountain ranges, the UV index here is routinely extreme. Traditional chemical sunscreens are often packed with ingredients you don’t want absorbing into your skin all day.
Why I love it
I use zinc-based mineral sunscreen for my own family. It sits on top of your skin to physically block the scorching Andean sun, won't run into your eyes when you sweat, and is completely safe for everyone.
Performance
They won't run into your eyes when you sweat, and they are completely safe for the whole family.
Best Use
Daily application for high-altitude ruins, hiking, or any outdoor exploration in the Andes.