What training regimen should I do to trek the inca trail to Macchu Picchu?

Question

Going in September and already in ok shape but worried about altitude (never been that high) and also the climb. Any advice?

Answer 1

I recommended practicing and controlling your breathing. A good way to do that would be to go up steps or use a stairmaster (as mentionned above). You definately will need to practice regulated, slow breathing as you are doing that. The hardest part for me was the fact that you're so high up and the breathing is much harder. It is a GREAT experience though, one that is EXTREMELY rewarding. The coca leaves help as well so stock up on those. Otherwise, if you are a person that is generally in good shape, you should be fine! HAVE FUN!

Answer 2

the Inca trail is actually a fairly mild trek. If you're worried about the altitude, bet to get to Cuzco 2 or 3 days ahead of the walk to get accustomed to the thinner air. Bear in mind that the Inca trail starts at a lower altitude than Cuzco, so the time in Cuzco should help you plenty. Glucose should help too, so get lots of candy to take with you.

If you still think the altitude will affect you, try getting Acetak 250. They are altitude pills that you have to take a few day before you go to altitude. the high mountain rescue patrol in Peru uses them.

Make sure you are using a licensed guide. Access to the Inca trail is now restricted only to tours operated by licensed guides.

Answer 3

It's good that you're "OK in shape" and have been doing aerobic exercises for stamina etc.

But I highly recommend that you ask your doctor for Altitude sickness prevention medication and to take this ON THE DAY YOU LEAVE for the trip. My travel companions, most of them did not take this along with them but one of them did, except she took it the day before we flew from Lima to Puno (which is on a higher altitude.) Everyone of them were sick (nauseous and headache) except myself because I took it the day I left the country for the trip.I faithfully took each dose daily after that as the Pharmacist had directed me. They were sick for a day and a half. The hotel staff gave us Coca tea but it did not help!

Breathing in the Oxygen from a tank only helped temporarily.

All the best for your trip!

Answer 4

You need to train above 8000 feet for several months if you REALLY want to be able to do the Chatsky Trails... Of course, you could also get some lime and a few coca leaves and suck on them like the whinos do.

Answer 5

If you are already used to go hiking you shouldn't worry about the altitude. Just make sure you arrive 2 or 3 days before to get used to the conditions.

Since the trek doesn't require you to make extra efforts (such as rock climbing or having to jog/run... unless you want to)  the lack of oxygen shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 6

Just keep working that stair master, that will help TONS. The path up to Wayna Picchu, if you do that, is stairs almost the whole way. And the tea/leaves they give you really do help. The altitude will make your breathing a little heavier and know your limits! It just made my fingers and toes tingle, nothing too serious but you can also see your doctor and get a prescription that will help with the altitude. Its an amazing experience though, have a good time!

Answer 7

You probably know all this, but the trail is basically straight up a mountain and then straight down the other side, repeat, repeat, repeat .... Most of it is on stairs and, believe me, your quads will be burning after a few miles!  The thing is that people of all body types, fitness levels, ages, and genders hike this trail every year and most of them do just fine!  It's not a race, so you can take it as slowly as you'd like.  I had no problem with the altitude other than being more short of breath than usual.  A few people I know had major altitude sickness (nausea, headache) despite having acclimated in Cuzco for a few days before hiking.  Make sure to avoid caffeine and alcohol in your first few days at that elevation and get lots of rest.  

I have a short story that's pretty interesting about the trail.  So, you obviously know that you have to hire a guide through a tour company to hike the Inca Trail.  You also have the option of hiring a porter who carries your bag for you.  These people are historically paid very poorly by the companies and really depend on tourists being generous in their tips.  The treks usually take 3 to 5 days and the porters often hike the trail four times a month.  They are in impeccable shape!  So, every year they have a porter race along the Inca Trail.  Like I said, most tour groups hike the trail in about 4 days, but some porters can actually do it in about three and half hours!  Isn't that amazing!?  Anyway, the moral of the story is to tip your porter well!

Have a great trip!