It’s Never Too Late to Fulfill This Dream

“I’m 60, 65, 70 years old… Can I still do the Inca Trail?” — The answer is YES, and this guide shows you how.

The Question Many Don’t Dare to Ask

Every month we receive messages like these:

“I’m 63 years old and always dreamed of Machu Picchu. Is it too late to walk?”

“My wife and I turn 70 this year. Would it be crazy to attempt the Inca Trail?”

“My children say I’m crazy for wanting to do this at 67. Are they right?”

The direct answer: It’s not too late. It’s not crazy. And your children are probably wrong.

In more than 15 years of operation, we have successfully taken hundreds of travelers over 60 years old to the Inca Trail. Our oldest participant completed the trek at 74 years old.

Age is a number. What matters is your health, your preparation and your determination.

What This Article Will Give You

Honest assessment of whether you can do it Specific medical considerations for older adults Advantages you have because of your age (yes, there are some) Adapted preparation plan Which segment to choose for greater comfort Alternatives if the 4-day trek isn’t suitable Testimonials from 60+ travelers who succeeded Practical tips from our guides

The Truth About Age and the Inca Trail

Let’s talk with data, not assumptions.

Real Statistics from Our Groups

What these numbers show:

1. People over 60 DO complete the Inca Trail — With success rates above 90%
2. The difference with young people is minimal — Only 4-7% less success rate
3. Age is not the determining factor — Preparation and general health matter more

Why Do Over 60s Succeed?

Paradoxically, older adults often have advantages over young people:

What DOES Change with Age

Let’s be honest about factors requiring attention:

Medical Evaluation: The Most Important Step

Before booking, you need medical clearance. This is not optional.

Mandatory Consultation with Your Doctor

Schedule an appointment specifically to discuss the Inca Trail. Bring this information:

Questions Your Doctor Should Answer

Conditions Requiring Special Evaluation

Absolute Contraindications

You should NOT do the Inca Trail if:

❌ You’ve had a heart attack or cardiac event in the last 6 months

❌ You have uncontrolled heart failure

❌ You have severe COPD requiring oxygen

❌ You have unstable angina

❌ You’ve had a recent stroke

❌ You have severe uncontrolled hypertension

❌ Your doctor specifically prohibits it

In these cases: Machu Picchu is still possible by train. The Inca Trail is not the only way to get there.

Recommended Tests Before Trip

Physical Preparation Plan for Over 60s

Preparation is even more important for older adults. We recommend 4-6 months of preparation (more than the 2-3 months for younger people).

Training Principles for 60+

16-Week Plan for Over 60s

Weeks 1-4: Gentle Base

Week 4 goal: Be able to walk 1 hour continuously without pain or excessive fatigue.

Weeks 5-8: Build Endurance

Week 8 goal: Be able to walk 2 hours with some elevation gain without problems.

Weeks 9-12: Increase Specificity

Gentle leg exercises for 60+:

Week 12 goal: Be able to walk 3 hours with 5 kg backpack and moderate elevation gain.

Weeks 13-16: Final Preparation

Special Training Considerations

If you have knee problems:

• Focus on strengthening quadriceps (partial squats)
• Practice descents with poles from the start
• Consider knee braces during training
• If significant pain, consult physiotherapist

If you have back problems:

• Gentle core exercises (modified plank, bird-dog)
• Backpack with good lumbar support and hip belt
• Don’t carry more than 5 kg in day backpack

If you have diabetes:

• Monitor glucose during long training sessions
• Practice glucose management during exercise
• Always carry emergency snacks

Acclimatization: Why You Need More Time

Older adults can be more sensitive to altitude. We recommend extended acclimatization.

Ideal Acclimatization Plan for 60+

Comparison:

Signs You’re Acclimatizing Well

Signs You’re NOT Acclimatizing Well

If you have acclimatization problems before trek: It’s better to postpone start than start poorly. Talk to us.

Altitude Medications for Older Adults

Acetazolamide (Diamox):

Natural alternatives:

• Coca tea (safe for most)
• More acclimatization time
• Very slow pace during trek

Which Segment to Choose for Greater Comfort

For older adults, we strongly recommend segments with more comfort.

Segment Comparison for 60+

Why Summit Segment is Ideal for 60+

Our Recommendation by Age

The price difference between Adventure and Summit ($400-500) is an investment in your comfort and recovery. For older adults, it’s worth every penny.

The Trek Day by Day: Perspective for 60+

What to expect each day when you’re 60+ years old.

Day 1: Prudence from the Start

What you’ll feel:

• Excitement mixed with some nerves
• The relatively easy trail will give you confidence
• Toward the end, more noticeable fatigue than in young people

Specific tips for 60+:

Day 2: The Greater Challenge

The reality for 60+:

This day is difficult for everyone, and for older adults it can be especially challenging. However, with the right approach, it’s completely possible.

Specific strategy for 60+:

Day 3: Careful with Descents

The specific challenge for 60+:

The extensive descents with thousands of steps are harder for older adults than climbs. Knees and joints suffer more.

Strategy for descents:

Day 4: The Reward

Considerations for 60+:

• The early wake-up (3:30 AM) may be harder
• But final walk is short and emotional
• Take your time at Machu Picchu, no rush

Tip: If the guided tour of Machu Picchu is too exhausting, you can sit to rest at designated points. Guide understands.

Alternatives if 4-Day Trek Isn’t Suitable

If after reading all this you feel the 4-day trek isn’t for you at this time, you have excellent alternatives.

Alternative #1: 2-Day Inca Trail (Highly Recommended for 60+)

Why is it ideal for 60+?

• Much less physically demanding
• Lower maximum altitude = less risk of soroche
• You sleep in hotel with bed and hot shower
• You still arrive walking at Machu Picchu through Sun Gate
• If you have any problem, you’re closer to help

Our recommendation:

If you’re 70+ years old, or have medical conditions that concern you, or simply prefer something gentler, the 2-day Inca Trail is an excellent and worthy option. You arrive walking at Machu Picchu the same. It’s not “less” experience, it’s different experience.

Alternative #2: Machu Picchu by Train + Short Walks

If the complete trek isn’t viable:

This option allows you to see Machu Picchu and do moderate physical activity without the commitment of complete trek.

Alternative #3: Salkantay with Lodges

The Salkantay Trek offers versions where you sleep in lodges each night:

Pros for 60+: Much more nighttime comfort. Cons: Longer, higher altitude, don’t arrive walking at MP.

How to Decide

Frequently Asked Questions for Over 60s

Is there a maximum age limit for the Inca Trail?

There’s no legal limit. The Ministry of Culture doesn’t prohibit by age. The decision is yours, your doctor’s, and your agency’s. Our oldest participant was 74 years old.

Is there discount for older adults?

The Inca Trail permit doesn’t have age discount (unlike some tourist sites in Peru). Price is the same for all adults.

Can I bring my medication for pressure/diabetes/etc.?

Yes, and you MUST. Bring enough for entire trip plus extras just in case. Inform agency what medications you take.

What happens if I go slower than the group?

Our guides are trained to handle different paces. If you go slower, a guide or assistant will walk with you. We’ll never leave you behind. In Summit segment, with groups of only 6 people, pace is more personalized.

Can I hire a private trek?

Yes. A private trek means only your group goes (even if just you), with dedicated guide. Pace adapts 100% to you. It’s more expensive but ideal for 60+ who want peace of mind. Contact us for quote.

Should I get special travel insurance?

ABSOLUTELY. Make sure your insurance:

• Covers trekking activities at altitude
• Covers emergency medical evacuation
• Doesn’t have age exclusion
• Includes coverage in Peru

Many standard insurances have limitations for trekking activities or people 65+. Verify specifically.

What happens if I get sick during trek?

We have evacuation protocol. If you can’t continue, we accompany you to nearest exit point and coordinate your care. Travel insurance will cover additional costs (that’s why it’s crucial to have it).

Can I use regular walking cane instead of trekking poles?

Trekking poles are far superior for this terrain. They have rubber/metal tips for grip, are adjustable, and designed for hours of walking impact. If you have a cane for medical necessity, bring it too, but consider using additional trekking poles.

What are bathrooms like for someone with more frequent needs?

Camp bathrooms are basic (latrines). During walk, regular stops are made, but if you need more frequently, just tell guide. No one judges. It’s normal.

Can I take a nap during the day?

Yes, there’s free time at camps in afternoon. Arriving, resting, even sleeping a nap before dinner is perfectly possible and recommended to recover.

Your Age Is Your Strength, Not Your Limitation

You’ve lived 60, 65, 70 years. You’ve overcome challenges young people can’t imagine. You’ve learned that mind can overcome body. That wisdom is your greatest advantage on the Inca Trail.

All you need:

• ✅ Medical clearance from your doctor
• ✅ Adequate physical preparation (more time, more gradual)
• ✅ The right segment (Summit recommended)
• ✅ Determination to complete it at your pace
• ✅ Humility to listen to your body

If you have those 5 things, Machu Picchu awaits you.

Your Next Steps

1. Consult with your doctor — Bring information from this article
2. If you receive clearance
3. If you prefer something gentler: