Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year, thousands of people travel to Peru to trek to Machu Picchu for its amazing views and cultural significance, and training certainly makes it a far more enjoyable experience. Get out with a pack on your back, do lots of walking, some preparation, go outside and just do plenty of trekking.

Walk, Walk, Walk…and Walk

Essentially your trek to Machu Picchu is just a walk, and something we suggest to our trekkers is putting a bag on your back when training, about five kg in your backpack (or 10 kgs if you are feeling extra adventurous), and just go for it and do some miles. If you've just bought some flashy new trekking boots, wear them in as much as you can! You don’t want to be uncomfortable when you are on your adventure.

(You could join some of our multi-day training weekends in the Brecon Beacons. View the details right HERE. They are great fun and multiple days hiking is perfect practice before Machu Picchu.)

One biggie you can do beforehand is try and do some consecutive days walking. You could do a Saturday or Sunday, go hiking on the Saturday, a five or six hour trip and push yourself a little bit. And then even when you're tired the next day, go out again, do the same again, push yourself. It’ll feel tough at first but your body will eventually build up muscle memory for hiking when you're tired.

These adventures like Machu Picchu are challenges, they're there to test us, but they're certainly not just for the elite fitness people. At EverTrek we have seen all kinds of people on this adventure. A comforting thought to keep in mind is that you will have experienced guides there to help you along, and you’ll have fellow EverTrekkers at your side at different fitness levels and backgrounds. You’ll have someone to give you a friendly nudge if you need it, that extra push!

So don't let fitness deter you from embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to Machu Picchu. The physical challenge is part of what makes the experience so special. Plus, when you finally reach the final goal and see the stunning views, all your hard work will be well worth it!