The Inca Trail is a hike in Peru that leads to the sacred abandoned city of Machu Picchu. Expect this moderately difficult trail to pass through mountain slopes, forests, streams, valleys, villages, ruins with long flights of stairs and viewpoints that ultimately make the challenge very rewarding. There also will be many species of birds, plants and even bears. The trail covers about 30 miles of rugged terrain and at times reaches elevations above 2,000 feet. Since hiking the trail involves traveling distances of 4 to 8 miles per day, it is important to be in good physical condition.
Things You'll Need
Backpack
Hiking boots
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Instructions
1
Hills along the Inca Trail
Strengthen your lower body by walking up stairs and climbing hills. Begin training two months prior to your trip.
2
Put on your backpack, and continue lower-body strength training. Slowly increase the weight to 20 to 30 lbs.
3
Hikers traveling with weighted backpacks
Take a four- to six-hour hike with your weighted backpack. If you do not have access to a mountain, climb stairs or hills. Wear the hiking boots that you will be using on the Inca Trail.
