10 Tips for Introverts Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (or other similar experiences)
When I decided to hike the Old Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (instead of taking the train), I didn’t realize the extra burden I’d be carrying—being an introvert.
My energy gets drained by sustained exposure to a group of extroverts. Our trip included four days of hiking with 16 tourists, two guides, and 22 support staff (porters, cooks, etc.). Add to this the high altitude ($3,000–4,000$ m), frequent, exhausting ascents and descents, and the thinner oxygen, and you can imagine the sheer energy required just to function.
I survived the Inca Trail, as my T-shirt says. But as an introvert, I had to be strategic.
If you’re an introvert looking to embark on a similar adventure—being with a group for an extended period of time—here are the 10 tips that helped me not just survive, but enjoy this incredible journey.
1. Have a Strong, Personal Reason Why You Want to Go.
My reason was quite strong! Years ago, on the day my friends reached Machu Picchu, I had a spontaneous and powerful meditation that triggered an intense desire to visit this sacred place.
I chose the hike to immerse myself in its energy for longer, rather than just a quick day visit. When the fatigue or the group dynamic felt overwhelming, this deep, personal intention was the anchor that kept me moving.
2. Let People Know That You’re an Introvert.
Since introverts usually keep to themselves, people might not know who you are. By not telling them, you open the door to assumptions that aren't in your favor (that you're unfriendly, weird, or rude). It's nothing wrong to be an introvert—we're just... different. Opening up about how a large group setting affects you gives people the context they need to interact with you respectfully. That happened when I opened up. They actually let me be, and didn't interact with me often.
3. Prepare Wisely—But Don't Overtrain.
Although I read about Machu Picchu and watched videos from those who hiked the Old Inca Trail, I chose to go with a tour agency. Which helped, because they sent us tips to prepare in advance. However, the summer before my hike, I got scared that I wasn't ready enough and walked and climbed too many stairs... ending up quite tired before even starting the hike. I was happy that I brought Nuun tablets (a tasty blend of electrolytes) to help me rehydrate. The water with electrolytes was the only thing my body would accept when I couldn't eat for 36 hours.
4. Clearly State Your Intentions and Boundaries.
When we were invited to talk about ourselves, I didn't just share that I was an introvert; I mentioned why I was walking at the end of the group:
• To be less affected by the others' energy
• To explore this adventure as a spiritual journey
• And to take pictures (this didn't work, as the group moved faster than I could).
Opening up this way made a difference. The main guide chimed in, sharing that many people hike the Inca Trail as a pilgrimage. All these changed how I was treated by the group members, and validated my slower, more reflective pace.
5. Stay Connected With Yourself.
No matter what others are doing, stay connected with your own body’s needs and act accordingly. If that means walking much slower, just do it and don’t worry about the others.
The two guides were one in front and the other at the end of the group, so they made sure no one was left behind. When I couldn't eat for a day and a half because my body asked for it, I opened the "door" for others to adjust their own pace or skip a meal if they needed to.
You must have the courage to honor your needs to continue the hike successfully.
6. When It Feels Hard, Use Your Imagination.
I learned this from the book The Alchemist. We all need the energy of the four elements to function properly: Water, Earth, Fire, and Air. When I felt exhausted, I’d ask myself which element I was missing. As soon as I got the answer, I started imagining the missing element. Trust me: it worked!
When your body is struggling, your intuition and imagination are your most powerful tools.
7. Know Your Strengths and Resources (Hidden or Overt).
It’s good to know what you can rely on in difficult times. I started the hike worried about my old dislocated right knee, but it was my left knee that began to ache this time. I remembered a Reiki symbol I had learned years ago and I used it as needed. Along with slowing down and taking deep breaths when I felt too tired to hike. That helped manage the pain enough for me to finish the hike, and the deep breathing helped others, too, when I shared. Be aware of the skills, knowledge, or tools you possess—you never know which one you’ll need to pull out of your internal toolkit.
8. Stay Positive.
This is important for anyone, introvert or extrovert! Stay positive. Negative energy poisons us directly and those around us.
Instead of feeling bad about myself—that I couldn't keep up, that my knee hurt, that I couldn't eat—I focused on the little things, like the butterflies that kept me company, the wonderful views, and the beautiful nature. I kept returning to my original why and that it was my responsibility to make this a great journey for myself. And, it was!
9. If Possible, Choose a Group With Similar Intentions.
I ended up with a group of extroverts who took the journey more for the fun and physical challenge (we had a marathon runner and a professional athlete in the group). While they were great people, our motivations were different. For many of them, just getting to Machu Picchu was enough. For me, the site itself was the cherry on the top. If you can, go with a group that shares similar values and intentions; you’ll have someone with whom you can truly open up and exchange positive energy.
10. Focus on One Step at a Time.
Especially when you feel a huge gap between yourself and others (on various levels), the most important thing is to take one step at a time. Find ways to enjoy the journey however it unfolds. It certainly led me to the destination! I take this as a great metaphor for building a business—or surviving any sustained challenge.
Little I knew at that time that it was indeed a spiritual journey, which created a ripple effect in my life... contributing to a burnout with a positive ripple effect (as I described here).
Do you have other tips for introverts in similar situations?
~ Gabriela
