Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu Fitness Level 2026

Published: 20 April 2023 | Update: 29 October 2025 | Reads: 6742

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The Salkantay Trek has become one of the main alternatives to reach Machu Picchu on foot, offering an experience focused on high mountain landscapes and a considerable physical challenge. Often compared to the Inca Trail 4 days, the Salkantay route has its own distinct characteristics in terms of altitude, distance, and terrain, making the assessment of physical fitness a key aspect of trip planning.

Understanding the salkantay trek fitness level is crucial, as this route is significantly more demanding than other hikes in the region. The main challenge lies in crossing the Salkantay Pass, which exceeds 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) in altitude, combined with long hiking days and a steep descent from the highlands to the cloud forest. Inadequate physical preparation can not only prevent completing the route but also increase the risk of altitude-related problems and fatigue.

This guide aims to clearly define the fitness level required for the trek, compare it with other routes such as the Inca Trail, and provide practical recommendations for preparation. We will analyze key factors such as endurance, muscle strength, and acclimatization, providing the necessary information for you to assess your fitness and properly prepare for this adventure to Machu Picchu.

What Level of Physical Fitness is Required for the Salkantay Trek?

You don’t need to be an elite athlete to complete the Salkantay Trek, but you do need good overall physical fitness and cardiovascular endurance. The standard 5-day trek involves hiking between 6 to 8 hours per day, often on uneven terrain with significant altitude changes. The most challenging section is on the second day, when you cross the Salkantay Pass at over 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) above sea level.

While age is not a limiting factor by itself, the ability to handle prolonged physical effort at high altitude certainly is. It’s strongly recommended that anyone with preexisting cardiovascular, respiratory, or mobility issues consult their doctor before considering this hike. Likewise, this trek is not suitable for very young children due to its physical demands and altitude.

Prior physical preparation focused on improving cardiovascular endurance (long walks, jogging, cycling) and strengthening the legs will significantly increase your chances of completing the route successfully. In addition, proper acclimatization in Cusco (at least 2–3 days) is essential to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. Finally, traveling light and carrying only essential items in your daypack will greatly reduce physical strain.

Leg Exercises for Training

If you require assistance in creating exercises to enhance the strength of your leg muscles, here are a few suggestions. Endeavor to incorporate a set number of repetitions into your daily routine during moments of available free time.

Lunges
Deadlifts
Back Squats
Front Squats

Best Tours Salkantay Trek Machu:

Key Preparation for the Salkantay Trek

Proper preparation is essential for successfully completing the Salkantay Trek. This preparation covers several aspects, from essential gear to physical fitness and trekking strategy.

Essential Gear

Backpack and Contents: A daypack (25–35 liters) is necessary to carry the essentials for each day. This includes extra clothing layers (fleece, rain jacket), water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. Waterproof gear is especially important during the Salkantay rainy seasons (November to March), when trails can become more challenging.
Footwear: Good waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are indispensable. It’s crucial that the boots are already broken in; wearing new ones on the trek is the main cause of blisters.

Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness

Pre-Stay in Cusco: Spending at least 2–3 days in Cusco (or the Sacred Valley) before starting the trek is essential to allow your body to acclimatize to the altitude. Acclimatization is a physiological process different from physical fitness.
Coca Leaf: Chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea is a traditional Andean practice that can help alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms and boost endurance.

Physical Preparation and Nutrition

Prior Training: While you don’t need to be an athlete, a solid base of cardiovascular endurance is important. Activities such as running, swimming, or long hikes on a regular basis in the months leading up to your trip are recommended.
Nutrition: During the Salkantay Trek, meals provided by tour agencies are typically rich in carbohydrates and proteins to replenish energy (e.g., quinoa, legumes). Maintaining a balanced diet before the trip also contributes to better physical performance.

Pacing and Care During the Trek

Own Pace: It’s important to walk at a steady and sustainable pace, especially on ascents. This is not a race—take the time you need to rest, stay hydrated, and enjoy the scenery.
Foot Care: In addition to wearing broken-in boots, bring high-quality hiking socks and a small kit for treating blisters (such as patches or specific creams) to prevent discomfort.
Basic First Aid Kit: Carrying a personal first aid kit with basic medications (pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, bandages, disinfectant) is always recommended for minor issues.

Additional socks, are light and easy to wear, you can use to warm your fingers during the night or to adjust when your shoes don't fot wel, also if the actual socks get wet.

Walking sticks, is just an alternative, some people like it and some people not; but is recommended because help to ascending and descending easier, is possible purchase in Ollantaytambo this product but maybe more expensive.

The "hoja de coca", it's very important for all the hikes because when you chew it will have an amazing energy and resistance to arrive until Machu Picchu, also when suffer the mountain or altitude sickness just prepare in the night a coca tea and the symptoms will be more calm, it wonderful and magic product can buy in local markets of the area.

Sunglasses and sunscreen, generally everybody bring both, but if you want buy here in Cusco is better go to authorized places or browser the item site.

Eat a good carbohydrate diet, remember consume in every hike at high altitude.

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Hikes to Machu Picchu

Getting to Machu Picchu on foot is an experience that requires physical effort, but along the way you will enjoy unique landscapes offered by the Peruvian Andes. Each route offers views of mountains, valleys, and archaeological remains that make the journey as memorable as the final destination. Learn about the best destinations you can take to the Inca citadel: