Destinations Training Guide for Machu Picchu 28th February, 2025

You may be wondering how fit you need to be to hike to Machu Picchu and what training you need to do in preparation. No matter which Machu Picchu trek you embark on, preparing for such an adventure requires careful planning and training, though the team at Kandoo believe that all of the routes are well within the ability of most keen trekkers with careful preparation and planning.

If you’re looking to book onto one of our Machu Picchu treks, understanding the different routes will help you choose one that best suits your fitness level and time allowance. In this blog post we’ll guide you through essential training needed to embark on the unforgettable journey to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, covering each of the treks we operate. For more information on travel requirements, travel advise and out most common FAQs check out our ultimate Peru travel guide.

It’s important to know that Machu Picchu trails vary in difficulty and length, and which route you take will determine how challenging it is. That being said, Kandoo believe that any individual with a good level of fitness and some trekking experience is capable of trekking to Machu Picchu. We offer a diverse range of Peru treks to suit different abilities. For more travel advice, check out our blog How Difficult is it to Hike the Inca Trail.

As far as hiking Machu Picchu difficulty goes, you’ll be walking on various terrains, from steep inclines to rocky paths but there are no technical sections. If you are used to multi-day hiking with ascents and descents each day, then the Inca trail is well within your ability. The Salkantay Trek is considered more difficult than the Inca Trail. You will be trekking at least 6 or 7 hours each day for four days, over mountain trails, so a good level of fitness is required.

Whichever route you choose to take, your body and mental stamina will be put to the test. A well-rounded training plan will improve your physical capabilities and help you overcome mental barriers, ensuring you can fully enjoy your Machu Picchu trek to the fullest.

Many trekkers and climbers experience altitude sickness. Trekking at elevations higher than 2,500 metres above sea level qualifies as high-altitude trekking. Though the historic site of Machu Picchu itself sits at 2,430 metres above sea level, Cusco, the Peruvian city you’ll start the Inca trail from, sits at an elevation of 3,400 metres and Dead Woman’s Pass on the Inca Trail is at 4,215 metres, meaning there is a chance you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness such as headaches and nausea. Our blog Inca Trail Altitude has more information on this.

It is very difficult to predict who is or is not vulnerable to altitude sickness and even the most experienced hikers may get it, but precautions may be taken to limit its effects. Our routes have been designed to aid your acclimatisation wherever possible. As a general rule we trek high and sleep low. You should take the trek slow and steady to keep your respiration rate low and drink much more water than you think you need.

Hikers may also choose to use Diamox, a prescription drug, that helps prevent the symptoms of altitude sickness, but you should consult a doctor before using this method. Experience of high altitudes might also be helpful so if you have the opportunity to trek to higher altitudes before your trek, this could be beneficial for reducing symptoms.

It is worth noting that while the porters will carry your main duffle bag (approximately 50 litres), you need to be fit enough to carry your daypack. This should be no more than 30-40 litres and will hold 2 litres of water as well as any personal items such as sunscreen, a camera, a hat, wallet, passport and snacks. We recommend Osprey daypacks. You can find our other recommendations for everything you need to embark on this adventure in our complete Inca Trail packing list.

Those preparing to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Machu Picchu will greatly benefit from a training programme that includes aerobic, strength and trekking training to improve your overall fitness, making the trek feel easier and more enjoyable. It is also necessary to have good mental resilience as it is important to stay positive and motivated throughout the trek to Machu Picchu.

• Walking or running
  
• Swimming
  
• Biking
  
• Rowing
  

• Lunges
  
• Squats
  
• Push ups
  
• Planks
  

Hiking training also allows you to wear in your boots and practice wearing a loaded backpack, not only because of the extra weight, but also to ensure the backpack you’ve chosen is comfortable when worn for a long period of time. Alternatively, if you are unable to train outdoors, treadmills and stair machines offer great hiking practice.

Start with a comfortable distance that suits you and slowly try to work your way up to a 5-6 hour trek.

• Climb slowly – climb at a pace that is comfortable for you. Don’t try to go too fast.
  
• Stay hydrated – staying hydrated is also important in preventing altitude sickness. Drink water regularly during your climb.
  
• Eat more carbs – when you’re at a higher altitude, you need more calories so pack plenty of snacks and eat extra carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates like oats, quinoa, sweet potatoes, peas, lentils, beans and brown rice provide a steady release of energy that can be helpful when adjusting to lower oxygen levels.
  
• Sleep lower – we always recommend climbing high during the day and then returning to a lower altitude to sleep.
  
• Medication – there’s some evidence that taking Diamox two days before a high altitude trek and during your trek can help prevent altitude sickness.
  

Often overlooked, mental stamina and attitude are just as crucial as physical strength and fitness. The trail will test not just your body but also your mind. A great way to train your mental stamina is long distance running. A marathon or half marathon will push you to your limit whilst having an achievable goal in sight - the finish line. If you can do this with a training partner, then all the better as you will both push each other to achieve more. Additionally, practicing mindfulness can help you become aware of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to manage stress and fatigue better.

• The Inca Trail (7 days) – the original pilgrimage route to Machu Picchu and most well-known of all the trekking routes to Machu Picchu
  
• The Inca Trail Lite (5 days) – the same great guides and service as the classic Inca Trail without extras such as private airport transfers, hotels in Cuzco and city tours
  
• The Short Inca Trail (3 days) – this shorter trek condenses the best of the Inca Trail into just one day of trekking followed by a day spent in Machu Picchu
  
• Inca Trail and Festival of the Sun (9 days) – the classic Inca Trail followed by transport and a guide for the Inca Festival of the Sun in Cusco
  
• The Inca Trail via Salkantay (10 days) - popular with trekkers wanting to combine a quieter less trodden route through the Salkantay Valley with a visit to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu
  
• The Salkantay Trek (8 days) – a beautifully scenic route through the Salkantay Valley with a visit to the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu
  
• The Salkantay Trek Lite (6 days) - the same great guides and service as the Salkantay Trek but without extras such as airport transfers and hotels in Cusco
  
• The Lares Trek (7 days) - an excellent trail for those who want to get ‘off the beaten track’ as it treks through Andean communities which have remained unchanged over centuries with a visit to Mach Picchu
  
• The Vilcabamba Trail (8 days) – a five-day trek that takes you right off the beaten track and far into the jungle before visiting Machu Picchu
  
• The Choquequirao Trek (12 days) – the most strenuous of our treks to Machu Picchu with a tour of the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu
  
• Ultimate Peru (14 days) - all the best parts of Peru into one ultimate trip