Altitude sickness can affect visitors to Mexico City and surrounding areas. As a company specializing in high altitudes, we'll provide you with a complete must-read guide about Mexico City altitude sickness and six tips on how to avoid it.
One of the highest major cities in the world, Mexico City sits at an elevation of 7,349 feet, making it crucial for travelers to be aware of Mexico City's elevation and its potential impact on health.
Mexico City Altitude:
With over 9 million people, Mexico City is the highest population high-altitude city in the world.¹
At first glance, Mexico City’s elevation might not seem extreme, but its location in the Valley of Mexico places it significantly higher than many North American cities.
Whether staying at the altitude of Mexico City or visiting surrounding destinations, pyramids, hikes, or tourist spots ─ including the popular spots of Puebla City and Teotihuacan Pyramids ─ these altitudes are all very high.²
Here are the altitudes of popular destinations near Mexico City:
Mexico City altitude and the other local destinations have a very high risk for altitude sickness, which we’ll cover in more detail below.
Yes, you can get altitude sickness in Mexico City.
University of Michigan reports that altitude sickness can start when “traveling to an altitude above 6,000 feet (1,829 meters)”.⁴
Even in Denver at 5860 feet, some visitors can experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. In Mexico City at 7,349 feet, this gives a high probability that you will develop altitude sickness, especially if you’re coming from sea level.
With such a high altitude above sea level, it’s not surprising then that many visitors to this bustling metropolis will experience altitude sickness.
Mexico City altitude sickness can give you symptoms with everything from headache and nausea to vomiting and fatigue. The severity of symptoms varies widely among people, and can easily turn your trip into a miserable experience.
Mexico City altitude sickness symptoms may include the following:
BetterHealth Channel says altitude sickness can happen after at least four hours.⁵ We’d recommend monitoring yourself for Mexico city altitude effects between 4-24 hours after arrival.
Follow our six tips below to be well prepared for Mexico City altitude sickness and prevent a bad travel experience.
The main cause of Mexico City altitude sickness is lower oxygen levels and changes in air pressure. Mexico City will have nearly 23% less oxygen compared to sea level.⁶
When you travel to Mexico City from a low-lying area such as New York City or Los Angeles, your body needs time to adjust to the lack of oxygen at higher altitudes. This process is known as acclimatization.
Age, weight, blood pressure, and respiratory capacity can influence susceptibility to altitude sickness.
Acclimatization takes several days and involves physiological changes in the body that help you adapt to lower oxygen levels and increase your respiration. At heights like Mexico City, visitors aren’t always able to adjust fast enough and experience some forms of altitude sickness.
Yes, Mexico City is considered high altitude.
Mexico City is located in the Valley of Mexico, an area of high plateaus in the center of Mexico surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. This puts Mexico City altitude at 7,349 feet high.
While severe altitude sickness is less common at this elevation, it can still occur. It is important to recognize symptoms and seek medical help if they appear.
According to Mountain Medicine, Mexico City is at high altitude because it falls in their category between 4,900–11,500 feet (1,500–3,500 meters) above sea level.⁸ At these heights, oxygen levels drop drastically and altitude sickness becomes a concern.
With over 3 million tourists a year, Mexico City altitude sickness is a common occurrence for travelers especially those who are not accustomed to the high altitude.⁹
If you’re visiting Mexico City and plan to spend some time exploring its surrounding areas ─ you’ll need to properly prepare yourself for the Mexico City altitude that can setback your trip.
In conclusion, follow these well researched tips to help avoid Mexico City altitude sickness ─ which includes acclimating slowly, getting proper hydration, avoiding strenuous activity, rest adequately, limiting alcohol consumption, and supplementing glutathione.
Mexico City’s altitude doesn’t have to spoil your trip if you’re informed and prepared. Whether you’re strolling through its historic streets, sipping espresso in its many coffee shops, or hiking to nearby volcanoes, this high-altitude metropolis offers adventure and culture at every turn.
With this knowledge and tips in your arsenal, you can confidently tackle your Mexico City trip—and breathe easy while doing so!
Mexico City's high elevation can be attributed to its geographic location, as a large plateau situated on a large plateau surrounded by mountains, the city finds itself situated at a higher altitude compared to many other urban areas.
If you're wondering what Mexico City altitude vs Denver is, you might be surprised. Being based in Denver, we know there's a 2069 feet (630 meters) difference between Denver and Mexico.
Mexico City vs Denver Altitude:
While altitude sickness is still a problem for Denver visitors, it only sits at 5280 feet in altitude. Mexico City altitude is at 7,349 feet, a significantly higher elevation.
Yes, while not as common as at extreme elevations, some Mexico City visitors experience mild altitude sickness especially when traveling from lower altitudes. Symptoms of altitude sickness may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea.
No, Mexico City is not the highest city in the world. It is one of the highest major cities in terms of elevation, but there are several other cities that sit at higher altitudes. Cities like La Paz Bolivia (11,942 feet), Quito Ecuador (9,350 feet), and Lhasa Tibet (11,995 feet) surpass Mexico City significantly.
The city itself is relatively flat but surrounded by striking hills and mountains, providing scenic views. The sprawling urban landscape of Mexico City extends across a vast valley known as the Valley of Mexico. The Sierra Madre mountain ranges surround the city.
How long it takes to adjust to Mexico City's altitude can vary from person to person, but for most individuals it can typically range between 1 and 5 days. By following our tips above and giving your body time to adapt, you can enjoy your time in Mexico City with minimal discomfort.
Toluca, the capital city of the State of Mexico, takes the crown as the highest major city in Mexico sitting at 8,727 feet. This exceeds Mexico City by over 1,000 feet. Whether it's exploring the beautiful Nevado de Toluca volcano or immersing oneself in the vibrant local culture, Toluca offers a memorable experience at Mexico's highest altitude.
Speak with your doctor about medications like acetazolamide for Mexico City if you're highly prone to altitude sickness. Acetazolamide can be a preventative option for travelers prone to altitude sickness. For natural support, supplements like Zaca can help fuel your body with powerful antioxidants and nutrients.
At 7,349 feet, oxygen levels in Mexico City are roughly 75–80% of what they are at sea level.
SOURCES:
1. List of highest large cities
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_highest_large_cities
2. 15 Best Day Trips from Mexico City
https://www.roadaffair.com/best-day-trips-from-mexico-city/
3. How to Hike In Izta-Popo National Park And See Active Volcanoes
https://slightnorth.com/izta-popo-hike-in-mexico-city/
4. Altitude Sickness University Of Michigan Health Service
https://uhs.umich.edu/travel-altitude-sickness
5. Altitude Sickness Better Health
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/altitude-sickness
6. Oxygen Levels at Altitude
https://wildsafe.org/resources/ask-the-experts/altitude-safety-101/oxygen-levels/
7. Mexico City Altitude Sickness: How to Prevent & Treat It
https://travelmexicosolo.com/mexico-city-altitude-sickness
8. Effects of high altitude on humans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_high_altitude_on_humans#cite_note-10
9. Number of international tourist arrivals to hotels in Mexico City from 2010 to 2020
https://www.statista.com/statistics/806010/number-international-tourists-mexico-city/
10. Sleep: The Secret Ingredient of Injury Recovery
https://www.orthocarolina.com/media/sleep-the-secret-ingredient-of-injury-recovery
11. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641
12. Mexico City Elevation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_City
13. As someone who literally travels for a living, I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t realize Mexico City was this far above Denver elevation wise
https://www.reddit.com/r/mlb/comments/137zshy/as_someone_who_literally_travels_for_a_living_im/
14. Mexico City Altitude Recommendations: Best Guide to Avoid Altitude Sickness
https://two.travel/mexico-city-altitude-recommendations/
15. Mexico City Elevation – It’s a High Altitude City
https://crossbordercoverage.com/mexico-city-elevation/
