Came across this story from Huaraz in a Canadian magazine "The Medical Post".

A new doctor gets a first-hand look at altitude sickness in Peru

By Sarah Jane Cook

There's nothing quite like getting high in the Andes. While parts of South America may be known for intoxicants of the plant nature, it is altitude that delivers the most exhilarating high in the central highlands of Peru. But true to the nature of mind-altering experiences, the thrill comes at a price.

The snow-capped peaks, glaciers and spectacular trekking opportunities drew me to Peru for an adventure after finishing medical school. Being a seaside dweller all my life, my body didn't know what it was in for. I had heard about the perils of high altitude, but didn't think much of it as I packed my sleeping bag, hiking boots and budget travellers' guidebook.

My spouse, Matt, and I arrived in the coastal city of Lima early in the morning after a direct overnight flight from Toronto. Eager for our first taste of the Andes, we blearily boarded a bus that would haul us up from the smog-laden city sprawl to a tiny trekking mecca named Huaraz at 3,091 metres.