Is altitude sickness bad in Bolivia?

Altitude sickness, or Soroche, can hit pretty hard in Bolivia, since many well-known places, like La Paz, Uyuni, and Lake Titicaca, are already above 3,500 metres (11,500 feet). For some people, it starts with light headaches and breathlessness, but it can turn dangerous too, leading to HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema) or HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Oedema).

At these heights, the air holds much less oxygen, so physiological adjustments kick in for most travellers, no matter if they are young or old, or how fit they feel. If you fly straight into El Alto International Airport, which sits around 4,150 m, the discomfort can arrive right away. Usually, mild symptoms ease off in 48 to 72 hours once the body acclimatises. But if you ignore serious signs like ongoing vomiting, confusion, or losing coordination, the situation can become life-threatening. In that case, you need an immediate descent to a lower altitude and urgent medical help.