Getting stuck in the sand at 4500m above sea level

When you decide to visit the northern part of Chile you want to see lagoons and volcanos. Then you rent a car and start driving around, not thinking about the altitude so much because you don't have to walk yourself. You don't feel that you are super high up above sea level and the air is actually thin.

Your car is not accelerating as you would expect. Your reasoning says it's a cheap car. When actually your car needs oxygen as well as you do but gets less than normal. It performs worse. You see some wrecks on the side of the road and you ask yourself how did they get into shit like that?

Until you end up not moving in the sand yourself. Your car is not getting anywhere. You'll need that shovel - they were talking about.

Hey, you have hands. Get going start moving the sand. Wow, you realize you got stuck 4500m above sea level and your lungs don't get the oxygen to perform as you would expect from where you most likely live.

This volcano peaks above 6000m altitude. You are not far from that. Remember when you drive and hike there.

Once you get there by plane or car you may not realize so quickly what it means. Until your metabolism tells you. You may end up with a headache or feel week. These are signs of altitude sickness. But there is more to that. Since this is not medical advice we are recommending you before you go to these altitudes to consult some professional advice.

headache.
feeling and being sick.
dizziness.
tiredness.
loss of appetite.
shortness of breath.

You are attracted by the beauty of nature and the adventures that await you. But do you know what to do when these symptoms hit you? You better know before you go!

Just prepare for what could come in a smart manner. Be smart before you go. Then enjoy your trip to the heights of the Andes.

Cheers