How These Hikers Got Fit For Trekking In Peru

5/26/2026

At Summit Strength, we've helped many hikers train and prepare to hike The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, giving them the fitness, strength, and confidence needed to hike in this iconic part of the world successfully. With the right training, education, and personalised support, our clients consistently achieve outstanding results in the mountains.

Below, you'll find a collection of real success stories from hikers who have worked with us and gone on to conquer some amazing adventures in Peru.

Training For The Inca Trail And Machu Picchu: Summit Strength Reviews

"I first hired Summit Strength to help me getting ready to walk the Inca Trail. Rowan had an initial conversation with me and worked out a plan for me from there.

In the program there wasn't one specific moment which stood out for me... I think that is the benefit of working with Rowan. There are lots of small moments that build on each other to establish trust, meet you where you’re at and building your understanding, capability and self-belief one week at a time.

I would definitely work with them again. Rowan is very experienced and knowledgeable and he totally has your back. He is very empathetic when things don’t go according to plan and helps you to acknowledge where you’re at, let go of the negative emotions that often holds us back and focus on what’s most useful to do next."

- Juanita

"I worked with Summit Strength to get in shape for an upcoming trek in Peru to Machu Picchu.

I am in my 50s and have never been very active. Rowan had me complete exercises to verify my strengths and weaknesses. He was careful to ask me for feedback on any exercises he gave me. He took EVERY piece of feedback that I gave him and adjusted my workout accordingly.

Rowan helped to create a very unique workout routine for me. He took into account where I was at physically, where I wanted to go, and what I was willing to do to get there. When my motivation started to wane he reached out to me. He helped me to set goals and worked with me to make sure that he could get me there.

I would and plan on working with Rowan again!"

- Michelle

"I just finished both Machu Picchu and the Paine Mastiff circuit at Torres del Paine. I really felt the benefit of the endurance and ankle stability work on the long rocky trails there and definitely felt the benefit of strengthening the knees on all the steps!

Rowan, thank you so much for your guidance and support the past few months. I was really lost with training and how to prepare for these hikes but become confident through your expertise! Because of the training program I felt stronger, safer and more secure in every step on the trail. Improved fitness also meant I could really enjoy my surroundings rather than feeling puffed and miserable the whole time!

Thank you again so much! It has been a wonderful experience working with you and hopefully I'll have some more big trails coming up soon!"

- Breanne

"My training paid off!

Was able to complete the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru!

Thanks to Rowans help my body felt pretty strong even through some long hiking days."

- Pam

"Back safe and sound and had an excellent experience on the Inca trail!

Felt a lot stronger than I thought I would, especially on the uphill stretches, occasionally I was even heading the group!

Thanks so much for all your help leading up to it! It was an incredibly helpful programme and I’ve learnt so many things that will help me for future endeavours as well!"

- Barbara

"I loved working with Summit Strength. They made it incredibly easy to follow the program they designed for me. The program was flexible enough to fit in my schedule. They were readily available if I had questions.

I was able to accomplish my goal of hiking the Inca Trail without knee pain.

I would absolutely recommend them to others.

- Rachelle

How Our Hikers Get Fit And Strong For Hiking In Peru

At Summit Strength, we specialise in helping hikers prepare for high-altitude adventures.

How do we do this?

We apply specialised and personalised workout plans (covering strength training, cardio, hiking programming and recovery - everything your body needs to prepare for the mountains!)

We educate you on the topics you need to survive and perform at high altitude (such as nutrition and hydration tips, breathing techniques, sleep advice, pacing strategies and a range of other things)

We provide the support, coaching and accountability to keep you on track (though any challenges or roadblocks life throws at you).

If you are a hiker preparing the Inca Trail (or anywhere else!) and want to give yourself the best chance of a safe, successful, and enjoyable adventure, we would love to chat with you.

To learn more about our Online Personal Training For Hikers, you can check it out here:

Online Personal Training For High Altitude Hikers

Yours in trekking,

Rowan

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Summit Strength is a personal training for hiking service created specifically to help hikers have the best chance of a safe, enjoyable and successful adventure.