How should I train for trekking to Machu Picchu?
There's a LOT of uphill and downhill en route to Machu Picchu. And often you're tackling very big steps. So here are five ways to train your legs and body for this reality so you can do the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek comfortably and safely.
1. Train your legs
On the Inca Trail, you're navigating stone steps that were created by the Incas half a millennium ago!
Train your legs for the uphill
Walking on a treadmill with a steep incline Spending time on a mechanical stepper or any sort of electronic step machine Doing bench step-ups (see what they are here )
Occasionally the steps on the Inca Trail are so big that trekkers use their hands to help them clamber up.
There would be a youtube video here.
Sadly, the youtube player requires cookies to work.
Train your legs for the downhill
Past Machu Picchu trekkers have noted that they were prepared for all the steps up, but not as much for the steps down.
If you have weak knees, ankles or feet, be sure to focus on building up their strength and resilience.
2. Strengthen your core
3. Develop your endurance
4. Do training hikes – with trekking poles
5. Wear your boots and backpack when training and hiking
Keep up the motivation