Question 1

What is the "Fake Altitude Sickness Medication" scam in Cusco?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacies and street sellers near Cusco's main plaza sell fake or substandard altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide/Diamox) to desperate tourists. Placebos leave travellers seriously ill at altitude. Purchase altitude medication from your doctor or pharmacy at home before travelling. If buying in Cusco, use only major licensed pharmacies.

Question 2

What is the "Altitude Sickness Medicine Overpricing" scam in Cusco?

Accepted Answer

Pharmacies and "altitude clinics" near the Plaza de Armas charge tourists $30–80 for altitude sickness medication (acetazolamide/Diamox) and oxygen that costs a fraction of that price at regular pharmacies. Buy altitude medication from a licensed pharmacy (farmacia/botica) away from the Plaza de Armas. Acetazolamide should cost a few dollars for a course. Ask your doctor for a prescription before traveling to Cusco and bring medication from home.

Question 3

What is the "Coca Tea Overcharge and Forced Purchase" scam in Cusco?

Accepted Answer

Street vendors and market stalls near Plaza de Armas and the San Pedro Market offer complimentary coca tea to tourists suffering from altitude sickness, then present an inflated bill of S/20–50 for a cup that should cost S/1–2. Some vendors place multiple cups on the table without consent and charge per cup. Refusal to pay can result in aggressive confrontation. Agree on the price before accepting any food or drink. Ask "¿Cuánto cuesta?" (How much does it cost?). Carry small denomination soles so you can pay the agreed amount and leave quickly if confronted.

Other Tourist Scams in Cusco

Fake Altitude Sickness Medication

Altitude Sickness Medicine Overpricing

Coca Tea Overcharge and Forced Purchase

Experienced a scam here?