How To Avoid Altitude Sickness in Mexico City
The Mexican capital is one of the main highlights of a trip through Mexico, where we can see crumbling Aztec ruins, eat amazing street food as well as visit other quirky destinations.
However it’s important to know that Mexico City is located up at a high altitude, which can cause some unpleasant symptoms if you are unprepared or not used to these conditions.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Mexico City
In this guide we’ll explore everything you’ll need to know about the altitude in Mexico City. This includes the classic symptoms of altitude sickness here, as well as our top tips for how to avoid getting it.
Is Altitude Sickness Common in Mexico City?
Mexico City is located up at an altitude of 2240m. Whilst it’s not a true high altitude destination, we can definitely consider it so in this context given most of the country is coastal or at low altitude.
At this altitude it’s possible to get unpleasant symptoms, although it really varies from person to person. Travelers who head to Mexico City and get ill with altitude sickness usually complain of headaches, nausea and other mild symptoms.
Usually the best strategy to avoid getting these issues is to gradually increase your altitude. However, given many fly straight into the capital from other countries (which may be at sea-level), then you’ll want to use other strategies which we’ll cover later in this guide.
What are the main Mexico City Altitude Sickness Symptoms?
In most cases those who get altitude sickness will have relatively mild symptoms. This means that you may experience some uncomfortable effects, however will usually go away on their own after a couple of days with no intervention.
This includes getting headaches, feeling tired quickly after walking a lot or having a stomach ache. Given we are at an altitude of 2240m, it’s rare to get anything more serious such as dizziness or vomiting. If you’ve ever been to Bogotá or similar altitude destinations, then you’ll find it the same here in Mexico City.
Have you got travel insurance for Mexico City?
Tips to Avoid Altitude Sickness Before visiting Mexico City
Here we’ll explore some of our top tips for avoiding altitude sickness when in Mexico City. Most of these can be used in the moment to prevent symptoms, however in some cases you’ll need to use other alternatives to get rid of altitude sickness.
Use Diamox Tablets
These are the most effective way of getting rid of altitude sickness, and are the quickest too. Please consult your doctor prior to using them, given we are not medically trained and cannot give you the go-ahead with medications.
I you don’t like the idea of taking tables I (Dan) suggest that you get yourself some of these altitude patches to carry with you. They are surprisingly effective and long lasting.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Thankfully in Mexico City we are at an altitude of 2240m, which means most symptoms will be related to headaches. Be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day and you can easily avoid getting uncomfortable headaches.
Take It Easy During Your First 2 Days
This is especially so if flying in from a coastal area, where you will feel more of a difference. It usually takes your body 48 hours to adjust to a change in altitude, so avoid strenuous exercise or drinking too much alcohol during this time to help your body acclimate quicker. We find that carrying a water filter bottle (like this one) with you, not only helps you drink more water, but is good for the environment too.
Gradually Increase Your Altitude
If you arrived into Mexico via Cancún or overland, then you’ll have the advantage of gradually being at higher altitudes before reaching Mexico City.
This way you can avoid getting any unpleasant symptoms. We recommend visiting places like Oaxaca City, San Cristóbal de las Casas and Puebla City before heading directly to the capital.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Mexico City
And that’s all for this guide on how to avoid getting altitude sickness in Mexico City.
The majority of travelers will head directly into the Mexican capital given its well-connected airport. And given it’s located at a relatively high altitude for this country, it’s important to know that you may experience some mild effects.
However most go away by themselves quickly, and you can also use other classic strategies to eliminate any uncomfortable symptoms.
In this guide we have explored the typical symptoms of altitude sickness, as well as 5 of our best tips for preventing altitude sickness when heading to Mexico City.
Leave us a comment if you have any questions and be sure to read this Mexico Itinerary guide for more advice on how to plan your perfect itinerary around Central Mexico.
👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.
“Dear traveler! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps us to carry on traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”
