Inca Trail Physical condition |
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How fit you need to be to enjoy the Inca Trail
To trek is important to be relatively fit and in good physical condition before you start the Inca Trail. A few weeks of training, prior to arriving in Peru, will enhance your experience.
Try to spend an hour a day on the road. Walk upstairs rather than taking the elevator, if possible, walk or cycle when you would normally drive or ride a bus, take the dog for a walk around the neighborhood. Better yet, go on hikes in your area.
Being able to run a few miles each day without issues is probably the best single physical activity you should consider. Other advice we heard was to spend time on the stepper; we can't argue with that.
While you are training you can also be breaking in those new trekking boots that may otherwise give you blisters on the first day of the trail.
Arriving in Cusco a few days early is also highly recommended. High altitudes affect everybody in different ways, even a marathon runner may feel debilitated. When in Cusco, go visit some ruins in the surroundings, have a little jog, you will probably notice heavy breathing. This is due to the thin air at altitude, not your lack of fitness.
After a day or two of acclimatization, you'll learn how much food your body can handle in a day, whether coca tea helps, or if acetazolamide is appropriate.
Difficulty degree of this hike: Moderate/Challenging due to the altitude: we recommend a period of at least 2 days for acclimatization in Cusco or over 3000m/9840ft.
Who is able to do the Inca Trail?
In general, we recommend being in a good shape, without being athletic. Walks are made in a low rhythm and in small groups, so you can stop to take a break for a moment. Don't forget that this Trek goes up to 4200 meters of altitude. That's why we do not recommend it to people with respiratory, circulatory or cardiac problems. In any case, only your doctor will tell you if you are able or not to do the Trek. We recommend you to see a physician if you have any doubts.Should I be very equipped?
In general, you should only take your personal equipment. We take care of the equipment for the group. Please, visit the pages What to bring and Included in the Trek to see a complete list. We advise you to carry only the essential because every superfluous pound is a useless effort to make. So, don't bring with you grandma's photo or the silverware! Prefer to bring good walking shoes, enough clothes, binoculars, camera, etc. Read more about Inca Trail Supplies and packing tipsThere is no special equipment need, only regular equipment but of good quality, as for any other trek in the nature.
