The Classic Inca Trail is the most famous trail in America, because of its historical importance and its indescribable 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 acclimatize and prepare beforehand.
If you are a traveler who has a good physical condition and practice some sport, this route will not be complicated, although it involves walking for many hours and on rough routes of rugged and flat reliefs.
If you are not used to extreme physical exertion, you may have complications or fatigue and tiredness en route that are completely and some discomfort.
Before doing this hike it is important to prepare yourself physically to accustom your body to physical exertion activities. Here we detail what you should do for an excellent preparation.
For those who have plans to do this impressive trek, here is a training program for the Inca Trail and some tips before embarking on this amazing adventure.
How to prepare for the Inca Trail
The physical preparation for trekking to Machu Picchu begins by taking into account the physical condition in which you are currently in. It is necessary to get organized, specialists recommend to start preparing 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.
In order to do the hike, your heart, back muscles, hips and feet must be strong, so that you can climb easier and use less oxygen; consequently, altitude sickness will have no effect on your body.
How to do the right training to do the Inca Trail
This depends on your lifestyle and the place where you live, the ideal is to start taking short walks, climbing stairs, all accompanied by joint rotation exercises. If you walk at a brisk pace.
The answer depends on your preferences, your lifestyle and where you live. 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. Try going out with a friend who also wants to get fit: if your training needs and paces are compatible, you will 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 going to a gym, where you can monitor your progress and fitness. It is important to complement your training with uphill and downhill walks over hilly terrain. 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 best frequency for training is every other day: the body needs a rest day to extract the maximum benefit from the training session. Three times a week is the target for a training period. Before leaving, do longer sessions and stop training one or two days before leaving.
Acclimatization is important
Many people who travel Machu Picchu it is advisable to do a tour of the city of Cusco, at least one day before the trek so that your body gets used 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 possibility 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. Also, walk for long periods of time without having to stop, as the Inca Trail lasts 6 or 7 hours a day one day.
Other exercises also help, but we insist that the legs are the key to walk the Inca Trail.
Water during the training prior to the trek to Machu Picchu is essential. During training, hydrate before, during and after exercise. Keep in mind that you should hydrate with adequate beverages to recover 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 all day.
Last but not least, rest for some time to get used to the altitude when you arrive 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 you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Machu Picchu Vacation without any problem.
What is the best time to hike Machu Picchu?
The best time is during the dry season, which covers the months of 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 you to book the Inti Raymi Tour which takes place on June 24, and also take the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
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