Tips for the Inca Trail
There is only 1 famous trail that reaches Machu Picchu. We offer this trek in the 4-day traditional trek, the 5-day classic trek and the 6-day Salkantay trek. However, our favorite itinerary is the 5-day Classic Inca Trail. This itinerary allows more time at sites along the way and even gives you two visits to Machu Picchu. There are fewer people on the trail each day and you get to experience camping at some of the most beautiful sites along the way.
Train yourself
Be in excellent physical condition for this hike. Start developing a specific training plan for this route. You should know the daily elevations and the type of terrain you will be hiking. Everyone should train 4/5 times a week in preparation for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, it is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all for your training plan, so it is best to work with us to develop a plan.
Obtain an aptitude test
Everyone is starting in a different place and has different levels of access. Therefore, your training program will depend on a wide range of factors. We recommend that you take a fitness test before you start training to find out your maximum heart rate and your training zones. Most of your training should be done in your endurance frequency zone. You also need to start with less time and less weight in your pack and work your way up. Your goal should be to increase endurance, leg strength, overall body strength, balance and lung capacity. Understand the heart rate training zones for hiking.
Downhill training
The most important factors for your trip will be to develop strength and endurance for long days on your feet. Strength is necessary for going up and down steep stairs. Learn more about downhill training. Endurance training is necessary for you to be able to perform for 4 – 6 days in a row. The key training you can do is up and down hills and stairs, with a weighted backpack, increasing from 5kg/11lbs to 10kg/ 22lbs.
Climbing hills and stairs
This activity will test your legs and strengthen you before the hike. If you do not have access to hills/stairs to train on, you should use a stair climber, increasing to 1 hour and 30 minutes a day with a weighted backpack. You should perform weight-bearing exercises and long walks with steep ascents and descents. Lunges and squats should also be key elements of your training. Please contact us for more information.
Be aware of your environment
Keep a close eye on your surroundings. There are many porters rushing past you on the trail, so stay on the hilly side of the trail so you don’t get hit. If you see porters approaching, alert your teammates so they can also move safely to the hilly side of the trail. This is especially important when descending the steep stairs that the Inca Trail presents. They are steeper than you think, so you need to monitor your own safety on the trail. Your personal safety should be your primary concern at all times on the trail.
Stay away from drop zones
Always stay on the hilly side of the trail. With steep drops and uneven, risky trails, you should always be aware of your footing and stay away from the edge of the trail. There are very few handrails on the trail. Therefore, stay on the hilly side of the trail. Stay away from the drop-offs at all times. There are some downhill sections with very steep steps, so stay off the drops and control your foot placement.