Planning to hike the Inca Trail but concerned about health issues or physical condition?
We have stated in previous posts that although you do not need any particular skill to complete the trail, some useful health and fitness will help you get to the end, Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail covers a total of 43 kilometers in which the lowest point is 2430 meters above sea level (Machu Picchu) and the highest reaches of 4200. Therefore, you must have the excellent physical condition and be mentally conscientiously to travel all these kilometers with the best attitude.
INKAYNI PERU TOURS has prepared a list of things you can to make for the hike to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible. You will also find them handy and fun.
Note:
if you suffer from cardio-respiratory diseases, chronic diseases like:
Circulatory problems (such as arterial hypertension, heart disease). Respiratory problems (such as asthma, emphysema, or recurrent bronchitis). Cardiac problems (such as tachycardia, myocardial disorders, epilepsy, or others).
Any illness that causes you to pass out during the trip we recommend you visit a doctor before your trip.
Start training two months in advance if you already have a fitness routine, 3 – 6 months if you would not consider yourself active at all:
Practice Hiking:
You will be trekking on average about 12 km a day, often incurring steep Inca stone steps and high levels of altitude, so this is by no means a walk in the park, along a beach or a river path. It is very different from high altitude trekking. Therefore, it’s also a great idea to do a few 10 km hikes in your hometown before your trip, choosing routes with rocky terrain. So instead of taking the bus or using the elevator, walk.
We also recommend doing at least two long-distance (10 km) mountain hikes in your home country.
Aerobic Training:
Aerobic training, or cardiovascular training, refers to activities that use oxygen to meet the demands of exercise through aerobic metabolism adequately. Note that long-distance running, cycling, swimming, or long-distance walking is a great way to build your cardiovascular system, helping to process oxygen.
One month before your trek, you can increase the duration of your exercise but not intensity.
Leg and Upper Body Training:
Along with aerobic exercises, it is important to do strength training for your legs and upper body.
Sit-ups, kettlebell swings, squats, step-aerobics, shoulder presses, and back/shoulder flies will all help.
Note: Since 2002, access to the Inca Trail has been limited to 500 people per day (roughly split among 200 tourists along with 300 guides and porters), no matter the time of the year. This means that everyone must obtain permits in advance to do the hike.
Securing a permit is only possible with an approved tour operator, like Inkayni Peru Tours, who buy these daily permits in advance. This means that you can only make the Inca Trail with an approved tour company to secure your spot.
Additional Information:
- None of the treks include sleeping bags (you can rent one from us), lunch on the last day, “Wayna Picchu” o “Machu Picchu Mountain” entrance tickets & Travel Insurance.
- Children under nine years old shouldn’t participate in this trek due to the high physical demand, while children over nine years old can take part in the trek under adult supervision.
What to bring:
- Original Passport
- Current University Card (discounts are available for students)
- Hiking Boots
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts (quick-dry)
- Comfortable Trekking Pants
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen (SPF 35+)
- Insect repellent (We strongly suggest NATURAL repellent)
- Toiletries and hand sanitizer
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Flashlight with spare batteries (or an environmentally friendly option)
“A journey never ends. Only the traveler end.”
– Jose Saramago.