Is the altitude in Ecuador that bad?? Question for travelers!!?

My girl is thinking about flying down to Ecuador and visiting me, will the altitude be too much for her? She's from Maryland and she's a bit concerned about it. I'm not planning on taking her for long hikes and mountain climbing...at least not until she's OK ;-) I'll be keeping her at 6000+ feet. How long does it took you guys to get used to the altitude? Did you feel altitude sickness when you visited Ecuador (at around 6000+ feet...not when you were climbing the Cotopaxi, hehehe)??

I did a trip to Peru and Bolivia with a big group of people. I did have very little problems adapting to altitude. El mate helped me a lot. My experience was limited to some headaches, and the odd dizzy spells. I was out of breath often, specially climbing any stairs. The first day was a bit rough, but after it was fine.

Some other people in the group had different experiences, but nothing major or hard, until we got close to 4,000 meters he-he.

Based on my experience I do not believe she will have much problem. Good luck and have fun. I am sure you will enjoy showing her the sites.

BTW I never had a problem in Quito in a separate trip.

My mother is from Ecuador. I visit Quito every 4 - 5 months. Don't worry about the altitude, you'll be fine... It will take a few days to get used to it so you won't be running marathons. My wife is from the Coast of Colombia and she did fine when I took her there the first time.

I never feel sick just winded when exerting myself for the first 3 - 5 days.

Drop me an email if you want to know more about Ecuador. It's a beautiful country.

John.

Altitude sickness is a true fact; what's important is to counter the effects and here some recommendations:
1-. During the first two nights in Quito, avoid heavy dining at night. Try a salad or chicken soup. You will sleep like an angel.
2-. Avoid hard drinks the first two days, but do ask for hot chocolate. Chocolate will relax you enough to enjoy the first two days in Quito.
3-. If a light head-ache or dizziness, take along always an aspirin bottle. Two pills will do perfect.
4-. Avoid climbing steps the 2 first days.
Go out sight seeing and simply enjoy a wonderfull city like Quito.

She will get tired easily because she is not used to it, but she will be fine. Try to understand that she will need you to look out for her best intrest while she is there