BootsnAll Travel Community

I am planning a trip towards the end of the year and have the time to go to only one country in South America for about 2-3 weeks. The places that I have always wanted to go to have been Peru (Machu Picchu) and Patagonia but I was wondering how physically fit I would have to be to hike, etc. (I don't want to take the train!)
I am reasonably fit, and exercise regularly and walk everywhere. _But_ I have never done any bushwalking/hiking in my life though (currently living in australia). I am also a backpacker virgin, ha ha. I am now worried that I will have to choose something more tame because I won't be able to hack it. Any advice or alternatives would be appreciated

You'll be fine. Pretty much anyone can do the Inca Trail. Let yourself acclimatize to the altitude before doing the hike. And take your time if you need to, it's not a race (as some people think it is) -- go at your own pace, have a look around, and enjoy it. I would hardly call the Inca Trail bushwalking. It's mostly a stone or well worn pathway. Sizeable elevation changes. Bring a trekking pole or two, especially if you have bad knees. And bring your own toilet paper! Also, bring a good pack with you -- one that has hip and chest straps. The one I had was not good and my back suffered (I carried all of my gear). Also, with altitude, you want to drink lots of water.

It's not a walk in the park, per say...just step by step, take it at your own pace.

I was not in such good shape when I did the Inca Trail and saw people much less fit than I was on the trail as well...and was able to do it. Plus, I have bad knees, get altitude sickness easily, and have asthma. That should tell you something...you can do it!

did you go to patagonia as well? how was it?

I haven't been to Patagonia yet...it's on the list still!

i would recommend some gym sessions for back muscles if its your first time trekking with a backpack

Since you exercise regularly and walk everywhere....I wouldn't worry about it. You might be extra sore the first few days of carrying your backpack around but your body will adjust quickly.

You could always take your backpack to the gym and walk on the treadmill with it on.

I had every intention of going to the gym before I attempted The Inca Trail, but non-stop partying kinda got in the way. It was super hard but I managed and it was worth every single painful step! High alltitude hiking seems to be random in the way it affects people. Most people are fine though. You can do some things to help minumize your risk. While in Ollyantytambo you can find these square sugar type things that boost your energy, bring chocolate and buy smart wool socks. They are expensive but I was the only one who didn't get blisters.
Have fun! You'll love it!

I agree, you do not need to be that fit just take your time and make sure you acclimatise... and you don't have to carry your own pack... you can pay someone to do that and enjoy the walk more!! Make sure you use a reputable agency who 'book in' packs in advance and therefore take enough porters with them to help out... otherwise some poor udnerpaid man will be carrying too much!

Agreed agreed agreed! Porters are, without a doubt, the most amazing people I've ever met! Do the trail with a good company and you will know what I mean. Treat these men with all the respect you can muster. They are your lifeline!