In this episode of The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jake Field breaks down the seven most common mistakes people make when trekking to Machu Picchu and how to avoid them.
From altitude challenges and overpacking to poor footwear choices and underestimating the trek’s difficulty, Jake shares insider tips learned from years of guiding groups through the Peruvian Andes.
This is a must-listen for anyone planning to take on the Inca Trail, Salkantay, or Short Inca Trail in 2026 — whether it’s your first big trek or your next bucket-list adventure.
Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to the Episode
00:59 Preparing for the Machu Picchu Trek
02:26 Training for Altitude: The Key to Success
05:12 Understanding the Trek’s Difficulty
08:03 Packing the Right Gear
10:41 Choosing the Right Footwear
13:53 Selecting the Best Route to Machu Picchu
17:25 Why Travel Insurance Isn’t Optional
21:04 Embracing the Journey: Enjoying Every Step
23:37 Recap: Avoiding Common Trekking Mistakes
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