Getting Ready For The Inca Trail

Hiking the Inca trail is no walk in the park. It’s a gruelling hike up. And if that isn’t enough you’re doing it all at altitude. For many this hike is part of a trip of a lifetime. Unfortunately, people are also lulled into a sense of complacency when it comes to preparation for the trek. More than 75,000 people do the trek each year. People in their late 60’s do the hike. So, how hard could it be?

Sorry to break it to you, but it’s hard. Really, really hard. It’s like using the Stairmaster at level 16 hard. It’s like taking the stairs to the top of the Empire State Building hard. But it’s also something YOU can do. From getting fit to getting packed, I’ve done all the research for you.

How to get Fit for the Inca Trail

Get Active

This is the easy part. Turn off your computer. Put down that phone. Get up off that couch and get moving. Start doing something active. Anything you do will help you get more fit.  If you like swimming, go swimming. If you like hot yoga, sweat away. Take advantage of any chance you have to be active. Even small things can make a difference.

Start Walking

There’s no getting around this one. You have to start walking. Every. Single. Day.

The most popular trek is the 4 day/3 night tour. You will walk 14 km (8.7 miles) on the first day, 16 km (9.94 miles) on the second day and 10 km (6.2 miles) on the third day. If you can’t walk that distance at home, you won’t be able to walk it at altitude.

Start Counting

The average American only walks around 5000 steps each day which works out to about 4 km (2.5 miles) per day. You have to do better. Get yourself an activity monitor pedometer, a device that counts your steps, and start doing the minimum recommended 10,000 steps a day.

I personally use a Fitbit Alta. I like that it has interchangeable straps and takes the place of a watch. Unlike the majority of devices out there, this one can be dressed up with metal and leather bands as well as the classic band. Plus it reminds you to get moving each hour to help you reach your goal. I also like Fitbit because you can challenge your Fitbit wearing friends to challenges each week.

Step It Up

Start walking stairs. Walking stairs is hard, but so important.  If you are doing the classic 4 day hike, you will be climbing 4000 ft in altitude on the morning of the second day, the hardest day of the trek. If you work in an office building start taking advantage of your free Stairmaster. Live in an apartment building? Get stepping!

I’m lucky to live in a city with a river valley and people flock to the valley stairs to get the ultimate workout.

Hike It Out

Walking on flat surfaces is relatively easy. You have to start bumping it up by adding uneven surfaces to your regimen. Go outside. Go for a hike. Go for a nature walk. When you walk on uneven surfaces your feet hit the ground differently each time. This helps to build up strength in your ankles and your feet. The stronger your ankles, the less likely you are to have an injury later.

Prepare for The Altitude

And if hiking 43 km (26 miles) isn’t enough, add in some altitude. Hiking at a high altitude makes everything harder. Don’t underestimate the effects. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, and it can be very serious.

Why The Altitude Makes It Hard

Without getting too technical here, as you go up in altitude there is less air. Less air means less oxygen. Less oxygen means your muscles can’t break down glucose, your bodies energy source, as quickly. Less glucose breakdown means less energy. The result is that your muscles are actually starving.

Get Acclimatized

The very best thing you can do for yourself is spend time at altitude. Most experts say that you should spend at least two days adjusting to the altitude before you begin your hike. Plan to spend a few days in Cusco before you begin your hike. There’s so much to do and see in the Cusco area that this is hardly a burden. Plus, it’s best to get those first few breathless days over when you have the luxury of sitting around drinking Pisco sours and watching the world pass you by.

Get a Prescription For Altitude Pills

Many trekkers choose to consult their physician to get a prescription for the drug acetazolamide, brand name Diamox, before they leave for their trek. The drug works to increase lung function, which leads to less shortness of breath, dizziness and headaches. Usually you take this for a few days before the trek as well as daily on your trek. Your doctor will help you decide if this is best for you.

Dress for Success

Leave your fancy clothes at home. Hiking the trail is all about comfort, and layering is key. The trail can be chilly in the morning, even in the summer months. At night temperatures can hover around 0 C (32 F), but by noon it’s 20 C (68 F) and you’ll be sweating from all the walking.

I’m Too Cold, I’m Too Hot, I’m Too Cold…

A fleece jacket over a light breathable long or short sleeve t-shirt allows you the most flexibility. A light rain poncho or jacket can be packed away until you need it. A wide brimmed hat is recommended to protect you from the sun. A beanie cap, or toque if you’re Canadian, helps keep you warm at night. You will get cold at night, so pack some extra leggings or sweats to wear at night.

It’s No Runway Walk

The trail is not a place for vanity. Trust me everyone will be wearing the same clothes, day after day. You can change your socks and underwear daily, but seriously consider wearing the same shirts each day. Most hikers suggest wearing hiking pants that zip off at the knee. Yes, those ugly things. It’s much easier to zip off a leg, then take your pants off in front of everyone to change into shorts. Especially when you might be cold again in ten minutes.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

By far the most important articles of clothing, if you can call them that, are your shoes and socks. No flip flops or sandals. You need to get yourself a pair of hiking boots and 3 pairs of good quality hiking socks. Although some people have hiked the trail in a pair of sneakers, it isn’t really recommended. The path is uneven and rocky at times. You go up. You go down. You go up again. Your ankles need some support.

You Get What You Pay For

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars getting heavy duty leather mountain hiking boots, but you don’t want to cheap out either. Expect to pay at least $150-$200 to get a good quality pair of mid height, water proof, light hiking boots. Go to a reputable store like REI or MEC and get help so they fit properly. Make sure they are comfortable in the store. Comfortable shoes will get more comfortable with wear, but uncomfortable ones will just get worse. Don’t forget to wear your hiking socks while you try on the shoes, or they will be too tight when you start wearing them.

Even Your Shoes Need To Practice

Once you’ve bought your shoes you need to give them a wearing in period. Start small. For about a week wear them inside only.  Around your house. While you vacuum. When you make supper. Make sure you are wearing your hiking boots and have tied them up properly. This gives you a good opportunity to find out if these are the shoes for you. If not take them back and get the right ones.

Go Outside

After this it’s time to take them outside. Start small. Use them to walk your dog. Do your evening stroll in them. Do a small day hike. Give them at least 2 weeks of small walk wear before you even consider taking them for a big hike

All Day

The last step in your breaking them in process is to wear them all day. Pick three different days before you go and spend all day in your shoes. Consider this a practice run for your trek. On the trail you will be in your shoes from about 6:30 in the morning until 9:30 at night. Get used to spending an extended period of time in your shoes. Make them your friend.

You Need To Pack Light

With most companies you will be given a duffel bag to put your personal belongings in. Make arrangements with your hotel or tour company to leave the majority of your belongings back in Cusco.

Weight Limit

Most tour companies limit the duffel bag weight to 7 kg. This limit includes your sleeping bag and mattress, leaving you about 2 kg for your personal items. A few toiletry items, an extra t-shirt, a couple of extra pairs of socks, a pair of long underwear or leggings for the night is all you will need.

What’s In Your Daypack?

It’s worth picking up a small minimalistic day pack. It only needs to hold your water bottle, some sunscreen, and a camera. Leave some extra room to stuff your jacket in when you get warm, and your zipped off pant legs, they need to go somewhere.

Remember To Enjoy It

Hiking the Inca Trail is a once in a life time experience. The better you prepare, the better it is. But don’t forget to stop and enjoy the view. Take pictures, but remember be in the moment.

And if I can leave you with one more little tidbit of advice before you go…clip your toenails!!! Your feet will thank you.

Do you have a hiking story to share?  I’d love to hear from you!

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