Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the renovation of the Hotel Monasterio was the oxygen-enrichment of a number of our rooms.

Cusco is situated at a height of 3,400 meters (11 000ft). With the rapid ascent by plane form Lima to Cuzco there is no time for acclimatization and consequently guests are at risk of altitude sickness.

Medical and Physiological Aspects of High Altitude

Altitude sickness itself is extremely common and at this altitude, and affects at least 50% of guests. One of the most debilitating aspects of altititude  sickness is poor sleep. If the oxygenation can be improved at night during sleep, then oxygenation of the body during the day is also improved.

We use oxygen concentrators to enrich the atmosphere in the rooms. Oxygen is piped into the rooms 24 hours a day, oxygenating the rooms down to an atmospheric pressure of app 2,400 metres which is low enough to prevent ill effects from altitude sickness. It has been shown that each additional 1% oxygen concentration inspired equates to a 300 metre descent. Thus by raising the inspired oxygen level from 21% to 24%, there is an effective decrease in altitude of 900 metres ie; taking the room down to 2,400 metres.

After sleeping in an oxygen-enriched room, the increased level of oxygen in the body declines gradually over a 14-15 hour period the following day.

Please note that there is a US$48 per night surcharge on the room rate for this amenity.

The Hotel Monasterio is currently the only hotel in the Cusco with oxygen-enriched rooms.