Machu Picchu

Tue, 03/20/2007 - 13:09 — sara

My question is 'small fry' compared to the magnificent efforts being recorded on this website.

I am wondering if anyone has done the 4 day trek into Machu Picchu? And if so, what level of fitness is required.

I am a 32 female within my weight range but I am a smoker and not particuarly fit. I have three months to train (and I am completely willing to give up smoking and train each day as doing the trek is something I have wanted to do for close to 20 years). From previous experience I can regain fitness quickly with hard work, but I am interested to hear of others experiences and what they suggest.

Any comments and suggestions are very welcome.

Thank you so much
Sara

‹ Mt. Whitney - June 9th and 10th 2007 Ecuador Jan 2007 ›

Machu Picchu

Visitor — Tue, 03/20/2007 - 21:48

Hi Sara,
I completed the Inca Trail in April last year and am heading into Base Camp with Fiona in April. I would have to say Machu Picchu was on my 'must do' list and it was well worth the effort when you finally reach the ruins at sunrise and see it surrounded by the Andes - breathtaking!

Sara, a reasonable level of fitness is required but 3 months of training would be a good start. The terrain of the trail varies over the 4 days, with day 3 being the toughest (with altitude and about 3000 stairs). Each day is between 5 - 7 hours of hiking, up and down hill. Some of the best training I did was climbling stairs. If you are in Melbourne, 'The Thousand Steps' in the Dandenongs are a great place to train, but if not any stairs would be good.

Sara, I travelled with a group of 6, one of which was a smoker and he managed with no problems. It is not a hard uphill climb every day, you can take your time and trust me when I say Machu Picchu is well worth the effort! Just get out there and start walking and have a great time.
Denise

Thanks Denise - hiking boots?

sara — Sat, 03/24/2007 - 11:09

Hi Denise

Thank you so much for your words of advice and encourgement. I have started my training already. I hope to set up my own story on MyEverest at Fiona and Paul's advice. Are the 3000 stairs up or down?? I live on Magnetic Island in north Queensland which has quite a few "up and down" short and long hikes I can train on. At the end of my street are stairs that take you up and across to the next bay so I plan on building up my fitness by doing more sets each day.

Do you have any advice on the sort of hiking boots I should get? Brands, type etc?

Any advice is VERY welcome!

Thanks again
Sara