The Only Machu Picchu Hiking Tips You Need

When you want to go hiking in South America, we know a few places you don't want to miss. Peru is at the top of our list, and you must surely want to visit Machu Picchu.

The difficulty of the Machu Picchu trek depends on your fitness level, so it's good to prepare beforehand. As with any hike, you must understand the weather, what to pack, altitude, and regulations.

At Skyhook, we have plenty of experience planning epic Machu Picchu hikes. We have already planned seven hikes for you to explore, but we want to share our best hiking tips for these Inca ruins.

Let's help you prepare below!

We recommend booking your Machu Picchu hike at least six months in advance. Not to worry, you can book any of these trips with us:

Once your hike is booked and confirmed, start preparing your body. While this is not a mountain climb requiring athlete-level cardio fitness, hitting the trail straight from the couch will be tough. So, exercise to boost your physical and mental stamina.

We recommend strength training, practice hikes, body stretches, and cardio exercises. For instance, going up and down the stairs at home is a simple routine to boost your cardio stamina while preparing your knees and other muscles for the Machu Picchu hike.

Without your passport, they will not let you onto the Inca Trail. Place it in a secure plastic bag to protect it from the elements, and have it ready at the entrance for convenience. If you obtained your permit with an older passport, print it out and attach it to your new one.

The only thing that is constant about Machu Picchu's weather is change. So, how do you prepare for days when the temperatures can shift from subzero to sweltering along your route? The timeless layering technique.

You may experience the subzero end of things at night and early morning, so get yourself a pair of Alpaca gloves, about 5 pairs of hiking socks, and a beanie.

A fleece and rain jacket should also help if the winds pick up speed or it rains. Underneath, you can wear a sweater, then a lightweight and fast-drying (not cotton) hiking shirt and leggings. As the day wears on, you will gradually lose the layers because the sun will be out, so bring SPF, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Also, bring a larger plastic bag to put away any clothes that get wet or dirty to protect your fresh items; clothes rarely dry at high altitudes.

Hiking boots that can take the stress of daily hikes are a must-have. Avoid bringing your new shoes to a new, exotic trail to be safe. Your feet may develop sores or blisters if you bring shoes you have not yet 'broken in' to a hike with steep climbs like Machu Picchu.

After a long day's hike, you may want to take off your boots so both they and your feet can breathe - pack a pair of strong sandals that you can slip into while wearing a pair of woollen socks.

Bring loads of water (plus hydration salts) for a comfortable hike. During the hike, you will sweat a lot, which can cause dehydration, especially for newbies not adequately acclimated to high altitudes. The more hydrated you are, the lower the chances that headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms of altitude sickness will mar your trip.

Do not forget to stash a snack or two in your pockets. Higher altitudes may lower your appetite levels because your digestion has slowed, but your appetite will improve with time. Again, hiking is energy-intensive, and snacking on a Mars bar may not be a bad idea.

Machu Picchu is a beautiful place that happens to have many large mosquitoes and other bugs. Pack insect repellent and ear plugs for maximum comfort as you sleep. You may start your hikes super early while it is still dark (3.00 am), so do not forget a headlamp with extra batteries. Other items that you may want to add to your packing list include:

When hiking these Inca ruins, you want to make it to the citadel of Machu Picchu - you'll love the views and sense of accomplishment that comes with it. But, this citadel sits 2430 metres (7,972 ft) above sea level, so it is possible to feel some mild symptoms of altitude sickness.

We recommend spending a few days in Cusco (where the tour starts), 3399 metres above sea level, to counter any effects of Machu Picchu altitude sickness.

Even so, look for symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue. If these appear, you will need to stop and acclimatise first - or move further down to find higher oxygen.

In addition, you can try some remedies like Acetazolamide (called Acetazolamida in Cusco or by its brand name Diamox) - please confirm with your doctor if it's safe to take, especially if you're on other medication.

Many porters on the trail also use coca leaves, a remarkable natural remedy for altitude sickness and energy booster. Consider trying them; they will be all around you (on the trail, in restaurants and your hotel). If you do not fancy chewing the leaves, you can buy a bag of coca leaf candies from any of the many drug stores.

You'll need porters on your hike. However, Peru's law stipulates that a porter can only carry 20kg, with 5kg reserved for their personal items. They also must get adequate rest and accommodation.

So, pack your gear effectively - only what you need for your hike, and don't forget to tip your porter. Usually, any amount from $10 per day per porter is good, but you can push this higher if you so wish.

Regarding your packing list, you will not require much during the hike, and hotels in Cusco allow visitors to keep their luggage for several days so that you can only bring bare essentials for the hike.

There you have it: a fine compilation of hiking to Machu Picchu tips to help you make your adventure an unforgettable experience (for the right reasons).

Do not forget a can-do positive attitude, a camera, and your sense of wonder as you plan to book your Machu Picchu adventure with Skyhook. Happy Trekking!