Journalist Overcomes Altitude Sickness to Hike Machu Picchu

Award-winning reporter Anthony Dowsley battles debilitating condition to fulfill lifelong dream.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:49am

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A highly stylized, geometric landscape illustration featuring sweeping gradients of warm colors and towering, streamlined mountain forms, capturing the grand scale and emotional triumph of an arduous hike to Machu Picchu.A triumphant journey that redefines the limits of human potential, as a journalist battles altitude sickness to reach the iconic heights of Machu Picchu.Denver Today

Award-winning journalist Anthony Dowsley faced a daunting challenge when he set out to hike to Machu Picchu - severe altitude sickness that left him bedridden for days. Despite his compromised physical state, Dowsley summoned the willpower to complete the grueling 42km trek, showcasing the power of the human spirit to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Why it matters

Dowsley's story challenges common perceptions of achievement, suggesting that true success can be found in the struggle itself. His journey highlights how our mental fortitude can sometimes override physical limitations, redefining what's possible.

The details

Dowsley, who was reportedly struggling with debilitating altitude sickness, still managed to complete the demanding hike to the iconic Incan citadel. The trek is a significant physical challenge on its own, but to undertake it while battling severe altitude-related symptoms is a remarkable feat of determination.

  • Dowsley was bedridden for days prior to the hike due to altitude sickness.
  • He embarked on the 42km trek to Machu Picchu despite his compromised physical state.

The players

Anthony Dowsley

An award-winning journalist who hiked to Machu Picchu while battling severe altitude sickness.

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What they’re saying

“This wasn't just about ticking a box on a list. It was a profound battle against his own body.”

— Maia Crooks Jr, Author

The takeaway

Dowsley's achievement is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It suggests that sometimes, the most meaningful journeys are the ones where we have to dig deepest, where the dream itself becomes the fuel that propels us forward, even when our bodies are screaming for us to stop.