My destination, Huancayo, is 10,692ft/3,259m above sea level.

I live about 260ft/83m above it. I have altitude sickness meds and know about mata de coca but I’m still concerned. I had infantile asthma and even when I ran long distance have always breathed rather shallowly.

I think I’ll give it 2-3 weeks but if my body has not acclimated enough to work, I’ll move somewhere lower and consider the rest of my pre-paid room and board a donation.