The Classic Inca Trail is renowned as one of the most famous trails in the world due to its historical significance and breathtaking scenic beauty. Throughout the entire trek, we will hike through the beautiful archaeological complexes built by the ancient Inca settlers.
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The Inca Trail is part of the network of ancient roads that lead to the wonder of Machu Picchu. To enjoy it to the fullest, it is highly recommended to acclimate and prepare beforehand.
If you are a traveler with good physical condition and enjoy some sports, this route will not be complicated. However, it involves walking for many hours and on rough terrain with varying relief.
If you are not accustomed to extreme physical exertion, you may experience complications, fatigue, and tiredness during the journey, which can lead to some discomfort.
Before undertaking this hike, it is essential to prepare your body physically to acclimate to physical exertion. Here, we outline the steps you should take for excellent preparation.
For those planning to undertake this impressive trek, here is a training program for the Inca Trail, along with some essential tips before embarking on this fantastic adventure.
How to prepare for the Inca Trail
The physical preparation for trekking to Machu Picchu begins by assessing your current physical condition. It is essential to get organized; specialists recommend starting to prepare at least 6 months before your trek.
Muscles get stronger, if they are trained regularly and above all properly, you can start with daily walks, so that your muscles generate resistance, increasing the degree of difficulty little by little; which will gradually strengthen your physical condition and above all will train the heart muscle, making the heart pump more blood to the body; which is good for your health.
To complete the hike, your heart, back muscles, hips, and feet must be strong, allowing you to climb more easily and use less oxygen; consequently, altitude sickness will not affect your body.
How to do the proper training for the Inca Trail
This depends on your lifestyle and the place where you live. The ideal is to start taking short walks, climbing stairs, and performing joint rotation exercises, all while walking at a brisk pace.
The answer depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and location. If you live near pleasant terrain for walking and/or running, you should have considerable self-discipline and appropriate footwear. Consider getting a heart rate monitor to make your training more systematic and practical. Try going out with a friend who also wants to get fit; if your training needs and paces are compatible, you’ll motivate each other.
If brisk walking or running doesn’t work, try to find a combination of activities that you enjoy and can do frequently (three times a week); for example, dancing, cycling, or swimming.
Consider visiting a gym, where you can track your progress and improve your fitness. It is essential to complement your training with walks over hilly terrain, including both uphill and downhill sections. Before and after each workout, drink plenty of water.
What exercise should I do?
Although you should not become an expert in physical preparation, it is good to do a good physical preparation, because you will better enjoy the beautiful scenery and the visit to Mach Picchu; you can start up to 3 to 6 months in advance, and if you smoke it is a good opportunity to quit smoking.
The optimal frequency for training is every other day, as the body requires a rest day to benefit from the training session fully. The target for a training period is three times a week. Before leaving, consider scheduling longer sessions and stopping training one or two days before departure.
Acclimatization is important
Many people who travel to Machu Picchu find it advisable to take a tour of the city of Cusco at least one day before the trek, allowing their bodies to acclimate to the altitude, climate, and oxygen levels.
Recommendations for trekking the Inca Trail
Wear the same trekking boots that you will use for the trek to Machu Picchu. This will make the hike easier, as new shoes or boots are usually uncomfortable.
If you have the opportunity to do a hike similar to the Inca Trail, we recommend you do so.
The most important muscles you will use on the trail are those in your legs, so it is good to walk, run, and do other leg exercises.
Try to walk uphill or climb stairs, because the Inca Trail is steep. Additionally, be prepared to walk for long periods without stopping, as the Inca Trail typically lasts 6 or 7 hours a day.
Other exercises also help, but we insist that the legs are the key to walking the Inca Trail.
Water is essential during the training before the trek to Machu Picchu. During training, be sure to hydrate before, during, and after exercise. Remember to hydrate with adequate fluids to replenish the salts you lose during exercise.
Also, avoid unhealthy foods and smoking before doing the Inca Trail. This will facilitate not only the hike but also the adaptation to the altitude.
For the Inca Trail, avoid carrying too much in your backpack. The trek lasts four days, and your back has to hold up for the entire duration.
Last but not least, take some time to rest and acclimate to the altitude upon arrival in Cusco, Peru.
Trekking routes to Machu Picchu
Many are the routes that will take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous footpath in the Americas. After flying from Peru’s capital, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to hike for four days on a trail through forests and dense fog, up ancient stone steps, and discover the ruins of ancient Inca fortifications and cities, all the while enjoying majestic views.
- 2 Day Inca Trail Hike – Inca Trail Express
- Short Inca Trail + Salt Flats 3 Day
- Short Inca Trail + Lares Trek 3 Day
- Short Inca Trail + Chinchero 3 Days
- Short Inca Trail + Inca Jungle 4 Day
- Short Inca Trail + Inca Quarry 3 Day
- Short Inca Trail + Sacred Valley 3 Days
- Short Inca Trail + Moon Temple 3 Days
- Short Inca Trail + Pumamarca Ruins 3 Days
- Short Inca Trail + Sacred Valley Bike 3 Days
- Short Inca Trail + Rainbow Mountain 3 Day
- Short Inca Trail + Choquequirao Trek 7 Day
- Short Inca Trail + Cusco Tours Packages 5D
- Short Inca Trail + Ancascocha Trek 3 Days
- Short Inca Trail + Huchuy Qosqo 3 Days
- Short Inca Trail + Salkantay Trek 5 Days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend booking your ticket in advance to ensure a smooth visit.
What is the best time to hike Machu Picchu?
The best time is during the dry season, which spans from April to the end of September. In October, the rains begin, and you may find Machu Picchu covered with clouds.
If you travel in June, we recommend booking the Inti Raymi Tour, which takes place on June 24. You may also consider taking the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which features an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
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