If you need an adventurous vacation, you should start planning a trip to Peru. Peru offers so many opportunities to immerse yourself in a new culture, meet new people, try new food, and experience things you’ll never forget.
Of course, one of the best reasons to go to Peru is visiting Machu Picchu. It’s an incredible and historic site, and a great place to make memories that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.
Hiking Machu Picchu will be an incredible adventure and the highlight of your Peru trip, but you do need to make sure you’re prepared before you set out in the journey.
Below, we’re sharing five essential Machu Picchu hike tips to guarantee that your trip is a success. Read on to learn more!
1. Stay Hydrated
Making sure you drink enough water is one of the most important Machu Picchu hiking tips, and will be a critical component of your hiking success. Backpacking Machu Picchu is not easy, and you will likely sweat a lot as you climb. You need to drink water to replenish yourself.
Hydration is also a great way to combat altitude sickness, which can be common as you’re climbing. In addition to plenty of water, you should also pack hydration salts in case you need them.
2. Bring the Right Clothes
When you’re visiting Machu Picchu, you’re likely to experience all four seasons throughout your visit – sometimes even in one day. Temperatures can change drastically as you gain altitude.
Pack lots of light layers, so you can add clothes or shed them as needed to stay comfortable.
3. Train
One of the most important things to do is get yourself ready before you get there. Climbing Machu Picchu is physically demanding, so you’ll want to prepare for it well in advance.
You don’t have to be an ultra-marathon runner or Olympian, but you should start training several months out. Build up your endurance by walking a couple of hours a day, so you can feel confident in your ability.
4. Make a Reservation
Because backpacking Machu Picchu is such a transformative experience, it’s also a very popular one. You don’t want to put in all the work training and preparing only to realize you forgot to book your spot.
Secure your Machu Picchu reservations as soon as possible so you can start putting together everything you need to embark on your hike.
5. Take a Moment
Visiting Machu Picchu is an opportunity of a lifetime. Once you’ve made it to the top, take a moment to pause and soak it all in. You want to create a visual picture in your mind so you can always return to that place and that feeling of accomplishment.
Want to Know More About Hiking Machu Picchu?
Hiking Machu Picchu is a dream come true for many people. It’s hard work, but with some preparation and training, you’ll be ready to take it on. It may be difficult, but it’s well worth it for the view from the top.
