How fit do I need to be to hike the Inca Trail?

We say “almost anyone” because we mean that there are is no specific required level of fitness for the Inca Trail. We’ve literally had people from 12 to 70 complete the trail, and many (most?) of our customers have never done anything like it before, let alone in Peru. So age is no barrier.

How much training do you need for the Inca Trail?

Training for the Inca trail should start at least four to six months before the hike. The first month you begin training for the Inca trail, you should work out three times a week. You can slowly progress up to five days a week, but it is up to you.

How fit can I get to Machu Picchu?

If not in shape, your Machu Picchu hike preparation should include:

1. Aerobic Training : Can include running, cycling, swimming, cross-country running, speed walking etc.
2. Strength Training : Should include exercises working mostly on upper body strength.
3. Recreational Exercise : Any form of fun exercise that you enjoy.

How hard is the Inca Trail hike?

1) How difficult is the Inca Trail? The Classic Inca Trail Route difficulty is considered a moderate level hike. If you are hiking the Classic Inca Trail Route you will hike 26 miles over four days at an elevation nearing 13,828 feet (4,215 meters). The longest day you can expect to hike is around 10 hours.

Can you get altitude sickness in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters above sea level (7,972 ft). Because of this, it is normal for tourists to suffer from the famous ‘altitude sickness’ (also known as mountain sickness or, simply, soroche). Although the symptoms usually disappear gradually, there are effective ways to combat this discomfort.

How do you perform yourself on the Inca Trail?

1. Get your fitness hype on. Knowing how fit you need to be or how much you need to train for the Inca Trail is the first question on everyone’s lips.
2. Mentally prepare yourself.
3. Pace yourself.
4. Don’t underestimate the altitude.
5. Give yourself time to acclimatise.
6. Invest in a good pair of walking shoes.
7. Get all the gear.
8. Pack light.

How many steps are in the Inca Trail?

From 82km outside Cusco and into the Andes, passing ruins along the way, G Adventures’ very own Sean Russo counted how many steps (all 70,866 of them) the arduous and awe inspiring journey demanded before he finally arrived at Machu Picchu.

How long does it take to hike Inca Trail?

four days
The One-Day Inca Trail The standard Inca Trail trip takes four days, though it’s probably better to do it in five. Travelers who want to see two of the greatest hits of the famous hike but who are short on time can opt for this truncated version, which begins at KM 104 of the Machu Picchu train line.

Can you hike the Inca Trail alone?

The closest you can get to hiking the Inca Trail independently is with a lone guide. Inca Trail regulations state that any group organized by a single authorized tour guide must contain no more than seven people (including the guide). Support staff is prohibited, meaning you’ll be trekking without porters, cooks etc.

How do I prepare for Machu Picchu altitude?

Go lower and acclimatise. After a few days you can then make your way back up to Cusco and will feel a lot better. (The general rule of thumb is “walk high, sleep low” so if you are at over 3,000m (9,842ft) sleep at no more than 300m (984ft) higher at the end of each day.)

How long does it take to adjust to altitude?

Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen molecules at a specific altitude. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1-3 days at that altitude.

Where do you sleep on Inca Trail?

Where we will sleep during the Inca Trail? We will provide tents which will be set up for you every night at the campsite by our porters. Also every trekker is provided with a bowl of hot water and a hot beverage every morning.

How long does it take to hike the Inca Trail?

On the Classic 4D/3N Inca trail you will average 12km (7 miles) a day, and will need the endurance to trek over 4,000m passes where the altitude makes the going tough, and Inca stone stairs take a battering on your legs.

What are the best exercises for the Inca Trail?

Step aerobics – this is particularly helpful for the Inca Trail that consists of 1,000s of steps! With regards to your upper body, you should focus on strengthening your core (stomach and back muscles) and your shoulders. You are not trying to get ripped muscle, but instead build strength.

How to prepare for a hike to Machu Picchu?

Training For Machu Picchu – How To Be Perfectly Prepared For Your Hike. Treks to Machu Picchu vary in difficulty and length, but all require a basic level of fitness. In general you will be trekking anywhere between 10-15km a day, for up to six days on the longer routes (i.e. Choquequirao or Salkantay / Inca Trail Combo).

What type of training is needed for Machu Picchu?

Aerobic training, or cardiovascular training, refers to activities that use oxygen to adequately meet the demands of exercise through aerobic metabolism, and should be the focus of your training programme for Machu Picchu.