Before embarking on your trek through the Peruvian Andes. You don’t have to be a heavy hiker or exercise all the time to be able to complete it, but the more fit you are for your hike, the more you can enjoy and focus on the incredible scenery that the Peruvian Andes offers instead of your burning muscles, but it is recommended to do some physical preparation beforehand. Most people can complete the challenge if they eat well, prepare in advance regarding fitness and altitude, and have hiked to prepare for it. The best way to prepare yourself is to walk a lot, especially up and down a few hills or steps. We also recommend that you participate in other activities to strengthen your fitness, such as swimming and yoga.
Is acclimatization essential?
Before embarking on your trek, be it Ausangate trek, Choquequiraw trek, Lares trek, salkantay trek, rainbow mountain or other trekking, if you are not yet used to traveling at high altitudes, it is important that you schedule a couple of days to acclimatize before embarking on the trekking. Everyone experiences altitude in different ways and many people experience altitude sickness or soroche. Common symptoms of altitude sickness include dizziness, headaches, nausea, upset stomach, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath. To minimize any symptoms, eat lightly the day before traveling to a high altitude environment. You can also try using coca leaves as a herbal remedy. Traditionally chewed or brewed as a tea, the coca leaf is a mild stimulant that will help suppress hunger, thirst, pain, and fatigue. The Andean people take it daily to counteract the effects of the soroche.
When traveling through the Andes Mountains such as Ausangate, Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirau, Inca Trail. The weather can change very quickly from hot to cold, in a matter of minutes. While during the Peruvian summer months you can expect fairly consistent warm days, cold nights, and very little rain, during the winter months the region experiences days that can change rapidly from hot to cold and rainy. In any case, it is recommended dressing in versatile layers so that your wardrobe can change with the weather. Be sure to pack a raincoat and waterproof boots, as well as a warm jacket for nights and protection from sunlight and cold.