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Bolivia / Chile / Colombia / Ecuador / Latin America / Peru / travel tips

A practical guide to altitude sickness in South America

29 October 2019

Last Updated on 5 June 2022

Altitude sickness might not be something you’ve had to contend with on many previous trips, but it’s pretty much part and parcel of any adventure through Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru. In fact, many of South America’s premier tourist destinations, like Cusco, Lake Titicaca, and La Paz, rise well above 2,500m (the typical threshold for altitude sickness).

I wrote an incredibly detailed post on preventing and treating Acute Mountain Sickness and High-Altitude Cerebral/Pulmonary Oedema when trekking at elevation, but it’s also important to acknowledge that altitude sickness and its various symptoms can affect visitors to South America even if they never set foot in the mountains. I’ve spent nearly 6 months travelling South America, plus done all the scientific research for you— here’s everything you need to know about altitude sickness and how to keep it from impacting your trip.

If you’re planning on trekking in South America (or anywhere else at high elevation), check out my comprehensive post on prevention and treatment.

What's in this guide

Toggle
  • What is altitude sickness?
    • Types of altitude sickness
  • What does it feel like to be at high altitude?
    • Normal responses to altitude
    • Symptoms of altitude sickness
  • Will I get altitude sickness?
    • Risk factors for altitude sickness
    • Elevation of popular destinations
  • How can I avoid getting altitude sickness?
    • Tips for preventing altitude sickness
  • Other resources

What is altitude sickness?

Decreased barometric pressure at high elevation, which in turn decreases the availability of oxygen in the air, triggers a host of altitude-related physiological responses to occur in our bodies. In plain English: there’s less oxygen in the air at high altitudes, which can lead to a number of unpleasant symptoms. Minor altitude sickness can occur anywhere above 2,500m, but the higher you get, the higher the risk of developing more serious symptoms.

“Altitude sickness” is actually a broad term for 3 specific medical conditions that occur at high altitudes. The primary one you need to worry about in the city or during general day trips is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). 

Types of altitude sickness

  • Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): a common but typically minor condition that includes a headache and other symptoms of fatigue or nausea 
  • High-altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE): commonly referred to as “brain swelling”, this is a life-threatening progression of untreated AMS, but usually only occurs at extreme elevation
  • High-altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE): also a life-threatening condition characterised by fluid accumulation in the lungs, but usually only occurs at extreme elevation

Just to reiterate: if you’re sticking to the cities and the main tourist attractions of South America, you might experience minor symptoms of AMS, but thankfully the chance of serious complications is pretty low. If you’re doing some high altitude trekking, though, you definitely need to read my other post on altitude sickness, which includes heaps more detail about prevention and treatment of severe AMS, HACE, and HAPE.

Cusco sits at 3,400m, so it’s possible you’ll experience some minor symptoms of altitude sickness

What does it feel like to be at high altitude?

For the first few days in Cusco and La Paz, the cities where I personally felt most affected by altitude during my first trip to South America, I was a bit lightheaded if I stood too quickly, my stomach felt unsettled after meals, and I struggled to walk up stairs without panting — basically, I just felt really unfit. These are all totally normal physiological responses to arriving at altitude, and they passed as soon as my body acclimatised. You can probably expect similar symptoms in your first few days at altitude, but don’t fret, none of these things mean you are actually experiencing altitude sickness.

According to recent research, only about 17% percentage of travellers to 3,400m (e.g. Cusco, Peru) will experience severe altitude sickness. In milder cases, AMS is not too dissimilar to a bad hangover— expect a headache, feelings of dizziness or nauseous, difficulty eating, and just general exhaustion. In worse cases, you might experience vomiting and diarrhoea. Although it’s not necessarily the norm, altitude sickness can even interrupt your travel plans, so you should aim to recognise AMS early and take appropriate preventative/treatment steps (discussed later in this post). 

The important thing is just to take it easy for a few days when you arrive at altitude and give your body time to adjust. This means it’s probably not a great idea to jump off the bus in Cusco and go for a hike immediately, nor is it a good idea to sign up for an active day tour of Lake Titicaca if you aren’t fully acclimatised. Keep this in mind when you’re planning your trip— allowing a few days to relax and explore the city at a slower pace before jumping into all the adventure will help you avoid (or at least minimise the risk of) altitude sickness.

Normal responses to altitude

  • Decreased “fitness”
  • Shortness of breath during activity
  • Minor lightheadedness
  • Periodic breathing (intermittent periods of sleep apnoea, where you stop breathing and wake yourself up— everyone will experience this above their own altitude “threshold” and it is completely unrelated to any altitude sickness, although it can be a bit alarming if you aren’t aware of it!)
  • Frequent need to pee

Symptoms of altitude sickness

  • Headache (this is the hallmark of AMS— if you don’t have a headache, you are probably just experiencing a normal response to the altitude)
  • Upset stomach
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Fatigue or lethargy
  • Light-headedness or dizziness
  • Insomnia 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting 
The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is 3,665m

Will I get altitude sickness?

There are several risk factors associated with developing altitude sickness, but it’s really interesting to note that physical fitness actually has nothing to do with it— you can be the fittest person in the world, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be more prepared for altitude than anyone else. Regardless of fitness, it’s important to consider the risk factors for altitude sickness and take steps to prevent it on your trip.

Risk factors for altitude sickness

Elevation

It goes without saying that the higher a city is in elevation, the higher your chance of developing altitude sickness— about 34% of travellers who ascend above 5,000m will develop AMS. Check out the elevation of some popular destinations in South America below.

Rate of ascent

Flying from Lima to Cusco or La Paz represents an ascent of about 3,500m in just a few hours, which can often trigger altitude sickness.

Acclimatisation

If you haven’t properly acclimatised to the altitude before doing physical activity (e.g. hiking the Inca Trail on your first day at elevation), you’ll be at a greater risk of developing altitude sickness.

Individual predisposition

Unfortunately, some people are just more prone to altitude sickness than others, but this is something you won’t know until you’ve actually travelled to high altitudes.

History of AMS, HACE, or HAPE

If you’ve had altitude sickness before, you’re as much as 12x more likely to develop it again (but it’s still not a guarantee).

*So what does this mean for you? 

The individual risk of altitude sickness depends on your itinerary and on your own susceptibility— no two people will experience the same symptoms at the same time in the same way, and you just won’t know how your body is going to react until you’re actually there. Which means it’s best to be prepared!

Elevation of popular destinations

So many travellers are worried about altitude sickness at Machu Picchu, but the ancient citadel actually sits below 2,500m (at 2,430m), so it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll feel the elevation at all! Here are some popular destinations in South America where you do need to consider the altitude:

  • Potosí, Bolivia 4090m
  • The Altiplano, Bolivia, Chile & Peru up to 4,000m
  • Copacabana, Bolivia (Lake Titicaca) 3,840m
  • Puno, Peru (Lake Titicaca) 3,820m
  • La Paz, Bolivia 3,690m
  • Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia 3,665m
  • Cusco, Peru 3,400m
  • Papallacta, Ecuador 3,300m
  • Huaraz, Peru 3,050m
  • Ipiales, Colombia 2,900m
  • Quito, Ecuador 2,850m
  • Bogotá, Colombia 2,640m
Ecuador’s capital Quito is at 2,850m, just above the threshold for altitude sickness risk

How can I avoid getting altitude sickness?

There are a few simple, common-sense ways to prevent serious altitude sickness from interfering with your trip or leaving you sick in bed. Some of these need to be considered at the trip planning stage (such as adding extra days to your itinerary), but there are also some simple things you can do on the trip to help keep altitude sickness at bay.

Tips for preventing altitude sickness

Ascend gradually

Arrange your itinerary in such a way that you are starting in lower elevation cities and working your way towards higher elevation destinations (e.g. Lima to Arequipa to Cusco to Lake Titicaca). This will help you get used to the altitude slowly and minimise the shock to your system.

Acclimatise

Leave a few free days at the start of your itinerary where you can just bum around town and get a feel for the altitude. This will help your body acclimatise before you go any higher in elevation.

Take it easy

It’s important to know your own limits and listen to your body, because you absolutely do not want to ruin your trip by developing severe altitude sickness. Rest often, especially during those first few days, and don’t be surprised when you can’t move at your normal pace. It gets better with time!

Eat a carb-heavy diet 

Especially for those who are experiencing some stomach upset, it’s important to eat lots of carbs while keeping fats to a minimum. Not only are carb-y foods (like potatoes, pasta, rice, bread, and fruit) easier for your body to digest and therefore less likely to cause indigestion, there is also limited evidence to suggest that these foods can help reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Keep hydrated

Drinking lots of water doesn’t do anything to help prevent altitude sickness per say— but many symptoms that mimic altitude sickness (e.g. dizziness) are actually related to dehydration. As a result of the altitude, we also tend to pee more frequently and lose more liquids to sweat evaporation than usual, so it’s extra important to stay hydrated.

Avoid alcohol

Sadly, alcohol can exacerbate symptoms of altitude sickness, so it’s best to skip the beers and pisco sours, at least for your first few days at elevation.

Chew coca leaves

Andean natives have been using coca for more than 3,000 years to alleviate symptoms related to altitude, and bags of coca leaves, coca tea, and even coca candy are now ubiquitous in all of South America’s high-altitude cities. There’s no concrete scientific evidence to suggest that coca leaves are an effective prevention strategy for altitude sickness, but they absolutely help manage the symptoms!

Take Acetazolamide

There is a considerable amount of scientific evidence to support the use of Acetazolamide (Diamox) for preventing altitude sickness. If you’re travelling to very high elevations or are particularly worried about AMS, your doctor might prescribe this respiratory stimulate to aid in your acclimatisation. You can read more about it in this post: HIGH-ALTITUDE TREKKING: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PREVENTING & TREATING ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN THE MOUNTAINS

Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca is at 3,800m

Other resources

HIGH-ALTITUDE TREKKING: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PREVENTING & TREATING ALTITUDE SICKNESS IN THE MOUNTAINS

If you are itching to trawl through the evidence yourself, here are some good scientific papers and reputable websites to get you started.

Altitude.org 

Biondich AS, Joslin JD. Coca: High altitude remedy of the ancient Incas. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2015;26(4):567-71. 

Luks AM, McIntosh SE, Grissom CK, Auerbach PS, Rodway GW, Schoene RB, Zafren K, Hackett PH. Wilderness Medical Society consensus guidelines for the prevention and treatment of acute altitude illness. Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2010;21(2):146-55. 

Luks AM, Swenson ER, Bärtsch P. Acute high-altitude sickness. European Respiratory Review. 2017;26(143):160096. 

Mehta SR, Chawla A, Kashyap AS. Acute mountain sickness, high altitude cerebral oedema, high altitude pulmonary oedema: The current concepts. Medical Journal, Armed Forces India. 2008;64(2):149. 

Parise I. Travelling safely to places at high altitude: Understanding and preventing altitude illness. Australian Family Physician. 2017;46(6):380.  

Richalet JP, Larmignat P, Poitrine E, Letournel M, Canouï-Poitrine F. Physiological risk factors for severe high-altitude illness: a prospective cohort study. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2012;185(2):192-8.

Roach RC, Hackett PH, Oelz O, Bärtsch P, Luks AM, MacInnis MJ, Baillie JK, Lake Louise AMS Score Consensus Committee. The 2018 Lake Louise acute mountain sickness score. High Altitude Medicine & Biology. 2018;19(1):4-6. 

Vardy J, Vardy J, Judge K. Acute mountain sickness and ascent rates in trekkers above 2500 m in the Nepali Himalaya. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine. 2006;77(7):742-4.

* Just a quick disclaimer that I am not a medical doctor, but I do have a PhD in the medical sciences— I conducted a review of the existing literature and all of the information provided here about altitude sickness is directly from peer-reviewed medical journals. Still, you should consult with a doctor about your specific trip and medical history before taking any medications.

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brooke beyond

Hey, I'm Brooke and I'm obsessed with getting off the beaten path, exploring backcountry gems & travelling beyond the ordinary! I left Australia 5 years ago after finishing a PhD in Biomechanics & have been travelling the world full-time ever since (joined by my life/climbing partner, James). Whether it’s road-tripping through Mexico, climbing alpine peaks in the Andes, scuba diving in the Red Sea, or tackling epic via ferrata in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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The Comments

  • norman huniu
    28 March 2023

    look forward to Quito nd we will be going to Papallacta Hot Springs , Cotopaxi National Park and Riobamba via Banos . Any restaurants or must see along the way ?

    Reply
  • Pamela Davis
    20 January 2023

    HIya… This is helpful, thank you. I had a crummy experience in Quito despite the preparations I took. I spent most of 3 days at 6300 feet, including some day hikes at 7000 and 8000 feet, one night at sea level then the next day flew to Quito: two days at 8300 before ascending to 9300 feet. I definitely felt “unfit”, out of breath, light headed… over a week I felt worse and worse. Never a headache or loss of appetite, just increasingly spacey, off balance. After 10 days I was becoming scared and went to lower elevation (7200 ft) and went to a clinic. My normally low BP was off the charts. Chest and brain scans were normal. They put me on high BP meds, and told me to stay lower. I began to feel better slowly, and after a week in Cumbaya flew to the coast where I continued to feel improve.

    I have never seen any discussion about high BP being a symptom of altitude sickness, and do not have a sense of whether Acetazolamide might address my issue. I really would like to travel back to some higher elevation areas, but honestly am rather concerned. Looking for any direction or data or suggestions… Thanks!

    Reply
    • brooke brisbine
      Pamela Davis
      16 November 2023

      Hi Pamela, sorry to hear about your experience, but glad to know that you’re ok! Yes, elevated BP can definitely be a secondary/tertiary symptom of altitude sickness, triggered by other symptoms, so that makes sense. It might be worth trying Diamox next you travel to altitude, but of course consult your doctor on that– perhaps one who specialises in travel medicine!

      Happy trails,
      xx bb

      Reply

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hi, I’m brooke!

I'm obsessed with getting off the beaten path, exploring backcountry gems & travelling beyond the ordinary! I left Australia 5 years ago after finishing a PhD in Biomechanics & have been travelling the world full-time ever since (now joined by my life/climbing partner, James). I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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  • We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
  • absolutely one of the most amazing little hikes we did in Switzerlnad this summer (& the competition was stiff) 🤩🏔️🌞🌸

📍Saxer Lücke

GETTING THERE: catch the Frümsen gondola to Staubernkanzel

HIKE: 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint

WHEN TO GO: the best lighting is in the afternoon, these photos were taken around 4pm and it just kept getting better!
.
.
.
.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #saxerlücke #swisssummer #alpstein
  • the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
  • 2 months after knee surgery and barely a week after I stopped walking with a knee brace and cane, I was honestly so proud to be able to do this (objectively very easy) 5km hike with 250m gain— it may not seem like much, but for me, this was a HUGE step forward 🥹

📍 Saxer Lücke, Switzerland 

it’s been an extremely challenging recovery, both physically and mentally… but the milestone moments always fill me with hope that things are indeed getting better ❤️‍🩹

special shoutout to my fiancé/hiking partner/personal cheering squad @slatojc for slowing down with me on the trail and always offering a hand down slippery rocks before I even have to ask
  • it’s another “if it wasn’t so stupid beautiful, I’d never set foot in this country again because it’s bleeding me dry” kinda summer 🇨🇭🌸☀️🏔️🦋✨

(hands up if you feel personally victimised by Swiss prices but you can’t stay away because MOUNTAINS 😭😭)
  • magical summer sunsets in Switzerland ✨
.
.
.
.
#swissalps #stoosridge #swisssummer #sunset
  • BEST EASY HIKES IN SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭❤️‍🩹

just 2 months after knee surgery, I found myself travelling through Switzerland— in search of easy hikes that were actually accessible post-op 🩼 

luckily, there’s hardly a better place in the world for easy hiking than the Swiss Alps!!

so whether you’re recovering from an injury, hiking with older parents/young children, or just a non-hiker who loves an epic view, this short list of HIGH VALUE viewpoints & hikes offer the most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal challenge

💸 BUDGET TIP: buy the Swiss Half Fare Card to save 50% all these gondolas and trains, which can seriously add up!!

- Stoos Ridge: take the Stoosbahn to the little village of Stoos + walk about 15min to the chairlift that can take you all the way up to Fronalpstock— you can walk as little or as much as you want up here, the views are amazing right away
- Riffelsee: take the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Riffelsee + hike 20min to the 2 beautiful alpine lakes (then either hike 1hr up to Gornergrat or catch the train)
- Saxer Lücke: catch a gondola + hike 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint— hardest on this list and not suitable for those with extremely limited mobility 
- Kleine Scheidegg: take the train or the gondola from Grindelwald + hike about 20min uphill to the lake
- Jungfraujoch: from Kleine Scheidegg, take the gondola to Jungfraujoch + walk around the viewing platforms
- Trockener Steg: take the gondola from Zermatt + walk 10min from the top of the cable car to the lake for incredible Matterhorn views
- Oeschinensee: 20min walk from the top of the Kandersteg cable car to the lake (bus also available), then you can walk as little or as much as you want around the lake or on the famous Panorama Trail
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#easyhikes #swissalps #matterhorn #jungfraujoch #oeschinensee #stoos #switzerland
  • This is my 2nd summer back in Zermatt to climb the Matterhorn— and my 2nd summer NOT climbing the Matterhorn 😑

In 2023, a wicked snow storm blew through the night before my planned ascent and grounded all climbing parties… and then I had knee surgery less than 2 months before our repeat trip to Zermatt this year. I won’t lie, it’s been extremely disappointing to spend nearly 2 weeks in one of the most expensive places in the world, and STILL not do the thing I came here to do 😅

But alas, here we are in Zermatt again! (and apparently not for the last time)

Even though we are slowly going bankrupt, it’s a gorgeous place to be in the summer with no shortage of amazing trails!

Can’t wait to share some of what we’ve been up to— my first little hikes since surgery 🤩
  • we’ve spent the last several weeks in Switzerland and, in many ways, I couldn’t have chosen a better destination for post-knee-surgery recovery— where else in the world can you get views like THIS with 1hr of easy hiking?!

I’m not sure I’ll ever truly prefer the accessibility of the Alps to true backcountry… but there’s no denying that I couldn’t be outside any other way right now and it’s given me a whole new appreciation for the hundreds of gondolas, funiculars, and trains that connect non-hikers or mobility-impaired enthusiasts like myself to otherwise unreachable heights!

I’m enormously grateful for the opportunity to rehab my knee under legendary peaks rather than fluorescent indoor lights, so THANK YOU Switzerland 😍
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all destinations

  • We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
  • absolutely one of the most amazing little hikes we did in Switzerlnad this summer (& the competition was stiff) 🤩🏔️🌞🌸

📍Saxer Lücke

GETTING THERE: catch the Frümsen gondola to Staubernkanzel

HIKE: 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint

WHEN TO GO: the best lighting is in the afternoon, these photos were taken around 4pm and it just kept getting better!
.
.
.
.
.
#swissalps #switzerland #saxerlücke #swisssummer #alpstein
  • the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
  • 2 months after knee surgery and barely a week after I stopped walking with a knee brace and cane, I was honestly so proud to be able to do this (objectively very easy) 5km hike with 250m gain— it may not seem like much, but for me, this was a HUGE step forward 🥹

📍 Saxer Lücke, Switzerland 

it’s been an extremely challenging recovery, both physically and mentally… but the milestone moments always fill me with hope that things are indeed getting better ❤️‍🩹

special shoutout to my fiancé/hiking partner/personal cheering squad @slatojc for slowing down with me on the trail and always offering a hand down slippery rocks before I even have to ask
  • it’s another “if it wasn’t so stupid beautiful, I’d never set foot in this country again because it’s bleeding me dry” kinda summer 🇨🇭🌸☀️🏔️🦋✨

(hands up if you feel personally victimised by Swiss prices but you can’t stay away because MOUNTAINS 😭😭)
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼

(#8 might just be my personal fave 😂)

ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
We took our own engagement photos in the Swiss Alps this summer and here’s how it went 👉🏼 (#8 might just be my personal fave 😂) ALSO this post is for anyone who’s gotten the (woefully mistaken) impression that I am “naturally photogenic”
2 days ago
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1/5
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
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absolutely one of the most amazing little hikes we did in Switzerlnad this summer (& the competition was stiff) 🤩🏔️🌞🌸 📍Saxer Lücke GETTING THERE: catch the Frümsen gondola to Staubernkanzel HIKE: 1hr (2.5km, 250m gain) to this amazing viewpoint WHEN TO GO: the best lighting is in the afternoon, these photos were taken around 4pm and it just kept getting better! . . . . . #swissalps #switzerland #saxerlücke #swisssummer #alpstein
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨

For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. 

The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️

🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT
- purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station

🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY
- tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way
- the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views!
- when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD)
- save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 

🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT
- the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill)
- the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections
- near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit!
- as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face
- almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
the BEST easy hike in Zermatt 🏔️🥾✨ For spectacular views of the Matterhorn, the enormous Monte Rosa massif, and the Gorner Glacier (as well as 29 peaks over 4,000m!), there’s no better EASY hike than Riffelberg to Gornergrat, accessible via the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt. The hike only takes about 2hrs at a leisurely pace (I did it 7 weeks after knee surgery!), so it’s suitable for families and non-hikers with even a basic level of fitness 🏃🏻‍♀️ 🇨🇭 START FROM ZERMATT - purchase tickets (day-of is fine) from Gornergrat Railway, right across from Zermatt train station 🚞 GORNERGRAT RAILWAY - tickets from Zermatt to Riffelberg cost 42CHF ($50USD)— there’s no discount for return, so keep it flexible by purchasing one-way - the train takes the about 25min, sit on the right side for best views! - when you finish the hike at Gornergrat, buy a one-way ticket back to Zermatt for 66CHF ($80USD) - save 50% on tickets with the Swiss Half Fare Card— the pass costs 120CHF ($150USD) and lasts for a whole month, it’s almost always worth it!) 🥾 HIKE DETAILS: RIFFELSEE TO GORNERGRAT - the route is 5km with 560m elevation gain (entirely uphill) - the best views of the Matterhorn are around Riffelsee, where several small lakes offer perfect reflections - near Rotenboden (the train station in between Riffelberg & Gornergrat), there are excellent rocky viewpoints of both Matterhorn and Monta Rosa— it’s easy to find quiet views if you hike around a bit! - as you get closer to Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Gorner Glacier are right in your face - almost everyone does this hike in reverse (Gornergrat to Riffelberg), I just personally hate hiking downhill— but you can swap if you’d rather descend the entire way!
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
2 months after knee surgery and barely a week after I stopped walking with a knee brace and cane, I was honestly so proud to be able to do this (objectively very easy) 5km hike with 250m gain— it may not seem like much, but for me, this was a HUGE step forward 🥹

📍 Saxer Lücke, Switzerland 

it’s been an extremely challenging recovery, both physically and mentally… but the milestone moments always fill me with hope that things are indeed getting better ❤️‍🩹

special shoutout to my fiancé/hiking partner/personal cheering squad @slatojc for slowing down with me on the trail and always offering a hand down slippery rocks before I even have to ask
2 months after knee surgery and barely a week after I stopped walking with a knee brace and cane, I was honestly so proud to be able to do this (objectively very easy) 5km hike with 250m gain— it may not seem like much, but for me, this was a HUGE step forward 🥹

📍 Saxer Lücke, Switzerland 

it’s been an extremely challenging recovery, both physically and mentally… but the milestone moments always fill me with hope that things are indeed getting better ❤️‍🩹

special shoutout to my fiancé/hiking partner/personal cheering squad @slatojc for slowing down with me on the trail and always offering a hand down slippery rocks before I even have to ask
2 months after knee surgery and barely a week after I stopped walking with a knee brace and cane, I was honestly so proud to be able to do this (objectively very easy) 5km hike with 250m gain— it may not seem like much, but for me, this was a HUGE step forward 🥹

📍 Saxer Lücke, Switzerland 

it’s been an extremely challenging recovery, both physically and mentally… but the milestone moments always fill me with hope that things are indeed getting better ❤️‍🩹

special shoutout to my fiancé/hiking partner/personal cheering squad @slatojc for slowing down with me on the trail and always offering a hand down slippery rocks before I even have to ask
2 months after knee surgery and barely a week after I stopped walking with a knee brace and cane, I was honestly so proud to be able to do this (objectively very easy) 5km hike with 250m gain— it may not seem like much, but for me, this was a HUGE step forward 🥹

📍 Saxer Lücke, Switzerland 

it’s been an extremely challenging recovery, both physically and mentally… but the milestone moments always fill me with hope that things are indeed getting better ❤️‍🩹

special shoutout to my fiancé/hiking partner/personal cheering squad @slatojc for slowing down with me on the trail and always offering a hand down slippery rocks before I even have to ask
2 months after knee surgery and barely a week after I stopped walking with a knee brace and cane, I was honestly so proud to be able to do this (objectively very easy) 5km hike with 250m gain— it may not seem like much, but for me, this was a HUGE step forward 🥹

📍 Saxer Lücke, Switzerland 

it’s been an extremely challenging recovery, both physically and mentally… but the milestone moments always fill me with hope that things are indeed getting better ❤️‍🩹

special shoutout to my fiancé/hiking partner/personal cheering squad @slatojc for slowing down with me on the trail and always offering a hand down slippery rocks before I even have to ask
2 months after knee surgery and barely a week after I stopped walking with a knee brace and cane, I was honestly so proud to be able to do this (objectively very easy) 5km hike with 250m gain— it may not seem like much, but for me, this was a HUGE step forward 🥹

📍 Saxer Lücke, Switzerland 

it’s been an extremely challenging recovery, both physically and mentally… but the milestone moments always fill me with hope that things are indeed getting better ❤️‍🩹

special shoutout to my fiancé/hiking partner/personal cheering squad @slatojc for slowing down with me on the trail and always offering a hand down slippery rocks before I even have to ask
2 months after knee surgery and barely a week after I stopped walking with a knee brace and cane, I was honestly so proud to be able to do this (objectively very easy) 5km hike with 250m gain— it may not seem like much, but for me, this was a HUGE step forward 🥹

📍 Saxer Lücke, Switzerland 

it’s been an extremely challenging recovery, both physically and mentally… but the milestone moments always fill me with hope that things are indeed getting better ❤️‍🩹

special shoutout to my fiancé/hiking partner/personal cheering squad @slatojc for slowing down with me on the trail and always offering a hand down slippery rocks before I even have to ask
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
•
Follow
2 months after knee surgery and barely a week after I stopped walking with a knee brace and cane, I was honestly so proud to be able to do this (objectively very easy) 5km hike with 250m gain— it may not seem like much, but for me, this was a HUGE step forward 🥹 📍 Saxer Lücke, Switzerland it’s been an extremely challenging recovery, both physically and mentally… but the milestone moments always fill me with hope that things are indeed getting better ❤️‍🩹 special shoutout to my fiancé/hiking partner/personal cheering squad @slatojc for slowing down with me on the trail and always offering a hand down slippery rocks before I even have to ask
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
@brookebeyond_
@brookebeyond_
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it’s another “if it wasn’t so stupid beautiful, I’d never set foot in this country again because it’s bleeding me dry” kinda summer 🇨🇭🌸☀️🏔️🦋✨ (hands up if you feel personally victimised by Swiss prices but you can’t stay away because MOUNTAINS 😭😭)
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/5

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