The best preparation for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Walking the Inca Trail or one of our other routes to Machu Picchu is not just a simple hike through the mountains. Proper preparation is essential!

You’ll be crossing peaks above 4,000 meters, which means you’ll be dealing with thin air—very thin air! This lack of oxygen will make you short of breath more quickly and require you to drink plenty of water.

As a former guide, Jorge has a wealth of experience and is the perfect person to explain how to prepare for these treks. So I asked him: what should I do to get ready for the Inca Trail?

1. Build up your fitness before departure

It definitely helps to improve your fitness before traveling to Peru. Go on a few long, challenging hikes so your muscles can get used to the idea of a multi-day trek. While it’s hard to truly simulate what it’s like to climb mountains at 3,000–4,000 meters, every bit of extra training will make a difference!

2. Take the stairs

You know the routine: arriving at work in the morning, politely waiting for the elevator, and squeezing in with everyone else for the ride up. That’s a thing of the past! There’s no better preparation for the Inca Trail than taking the stairs. Every step helps strengthen your leg muscles and build endurance—exactly what you’ll need on the Trail. And let’s be honest: every building has a stairwell, so there’s no excuse to take the elevator anymore!

3. Acclimatize in Cusco

To get used to the altitude, it’s recommended to take two days of rest upon arrival in Cusco. The city is already located at 3,200 meters and serves as an excellent starting point for treks to Machu Picchu. It also helps you adjust, as the winding streets and elevation changes in the city will already give you a good amount of climbing practice.

Keep a close eye on symptoms of altitude sickness, such as diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and fluid retention. Most people don’t experience it, but if the altitude does affect you, make sure to rest well and drink plenty of water. People from the Andes in Peru are very familiar with this and have been drinking the well-known coca tea for centuries, which is widely available in Cusco. You can read more tips on preventing altitude sickness in our blog: “Everything about the altitude of Machu Picchu.”

4. Ready for the Inca Trail

After two days of acclimatizing and proper preparation, you’ll be ready for one of the most beautiful hikes in the world. The Inca Trail is not just a physical challenge, but above all a spiritual journey through ancient history, breathtaking nature, and the mysterious world of the Incas. ¡Vamos!