Altitude affects each traveler differently and until you have visited an area with high altitude, it is impossible to predict how your body will react. Pisac is lower than Cusco, so that is a benefit of staying in the Valley.
Commonly, our travelers report mild altitude symptoms such as fatigue, headache, or light-headedness during their first day or two at elevation. Resting the first day is very important, which is why our itinerary allows for time to rest and acclimate on the first day. Drinking lots of water and coca tea throughout your trip is also very helpful.
If you experience more severe symptoms there is a fully equipped mini hospital in Pisac that offers experienced assistance to tourists with altitude sickness, or any other health condition or concern. There is a doctor on call 24 hours.
Severe altitude sickness is rare. In this case, the best treatment is to go down in elevation as soon as possible. We have never had a traveler that had to be evacuated to low altitude. Many severe cases of altitude sickness are the result of a pre-existing condition that is aggravated by the altitude. It is important to ask your doctor whether or not travel to high altitude is advised, especially if you have a pre-existing heart or lung condition such as high blood pressure, asthma, angina, etc. You might also want to ask your doctor about prescription Diamox, a diuretic that many travelers say helps them adjust to the altitude more readily.