Are you about to start your adventure in the mountains of Peru? Get properly prepared by training your body at one of Cusco’s gyms and start your trek in top shape.
Cusco is not only the gateway to Machu Picchu, it’s also one of the best places in the world for trekking. However, the high altitude and mountainous terrain of the Andes can add a certain level of difficulty to the experience. Don’t worry! With proper physical preparation, you’ll be able to complete any hike without a problem.
In this vibrant city, you’ll find a wide variety of gyms and sports centers suited to different styles and needs. Train while you acclimatize and strengthen your body to fully enjoy every trail and Andean landscape!
The Importance of Training
Being in good physical shape is key to enjoying several days of demanding hikes without exhausting yourself in the process. The routes in Cusco take place at high altitudes and over uneven terrain, which increases the level of difficulty. Iconic hikes like the Inca Trail, the Salkantay route, or the hike to Rainbow Mountain include steep climbs, sections with stone steps, and long distances that will truly test you.
Proper training will help you improve your endurance, strengthen your muscles, and adapt better to the altitude, allowing you to experience trekking with full energy.
What Should a Good Gym Have?
- Cardio Areas: Treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, and different types of bikes.
- Strength Equipment: Guided machines with pulleys for different muscle groups.
- Free Weight Areas: Complete and well-maintained equipment including weights, dumbbells, bars, plates, and benches.
- Varied Group Classes: Led by expert instructors in functional training, HIIT, yoga, dance, spinning, etc., depending on your goals.
- Cleanliness and Maintenance: Clean, well-ventilated spaces that are frequently disinfected, along with well-maintained bathrooms, showers, and locker rooms.
- Qualified Professionals: Trainers available to guide, correct posture, and create workout routines.
- Flexible Hours and Good Location: Easy transportation access and hours that fit your schedule.
Gyms in Cusco
Cusco is located at 3,399 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level, which causes significant changes in the body, especially in blood pressure and respiratory capacity. While it’s highly beneficial and recommended to exercise before your trip, once you arrive in the Andes, you should take some time to acclimate to this new environment.
Training at high altitude will help improve your lung capacity, adapt more quickly to the Andean setting, and prepare your body for the physical effort required by the hikes in Cusco. Additionally, it will allow you to build endurance and confidence before starting any trek.
In this blog, you’ll find a list of gyms in Cusco that are ideal for getting ready before your journey. Here are the most popular ones located near the city center, offering a variety of services.
Smart Fit
Smart Fit is the largest gym chain in Latin America, with a presence in numerous countries, including Peru. Its facilities are very complete: they offer guided classes, modern strength training equipment, cardio zones, and free weight areas.
It offers a wide variety of membership plans and daily passes at affordable prices. However, due to its popularity and low rates, it tends to be quite crowded. Especially during peak hours in the afternoon, it’s common to share the space with many other people.
In Cusco, Smart Fit is located in the Real Plaza shopping mall, on Avenida de la Cultura. Although it’s a bit far from the historic center, it’s easy to reach by public transportation in about 15 minutes.
Peltroche Gym&Fitness
Peltroche is a Cusco-based gym chain with several locations throughout the city. All its facilities are spacious and well-equipped, featuring a wide variety of machines for both cardiovascular and strength training.
They also offer various group activities, including dance, meditation, karate, and other martial arts, making it an ideal option for those seeking a more holistic approach to physical and mental well-being.
A new location is planned to open soon in Cusco’s historic center, but currently, the nearest Peltroche Gym & Fitness branch is located on Avenida de la Cultura, right across from the Real Plaza shopping mall.
Intensity Gym
Intensity Gym is a very popular option in Cusco for those seeking focused training, a good atmosphere, and complete equipment. It offers strength training areas, free weight zones, and cardio machines, as well as guided classes like full body, dance, or fitness combat.
The environment is friendly and motivating, with personalized attention. Special activities are also organized to encourage consistency and foster a sense of community among members. They often have many promotions throughout the year, as well as daily passes.
There are four Intensity Gym locations in Cusco: Historic Center, Óvalo Pachacútec, Ttio – La Florida, and San Sebastián. The closest to the center is located on Cruz Verde street, just 5 minutes from Avenida El Sol and the Plaza de Armas.
Forza Gym Club
Forza Gym Club is a relatively new gym in Cusco. Although it’s not very well known yet, it features modern facilities, good lighting, and state-of-the-art Italian equipment.
The atmosphere is calm, with no crowds even during high season, allowing for a peaceful workout with enough space to perform exercises comfortably. It also has a section dedicated to selling sportswear from popular brands like Gymshark and Young LA.
Forza Gym Club is centrally located, near Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun), Avenida El Sol, and Plaza Tupac Amaru. You can walk there from the Plaza de Armas in about 15 minutes.
Sector 7 Training Center
Sector 7 Training Center is a fitness and bodybuilding-focused training center. It positions itself as the official sponsor of natural bodybuilding events in Peru (WNBF), which highlights its strong connection with athletes and the bodybuilding community.
It has several personal trainers who provide guidance and support during your workout. The weight training room is well-equipped with free weights, professional machines, cable systems, and everything needed for a complete and demanding workout. It’s a spacious gym with a good atmosphere and no crowds.
Sector 7 Training Center is located in the Santiago district, an urban area close to Cusco’s historic center. From the Plaza de Armas, you can take a taxi (about 10–15 minutes) or walk for around 25 minutes. It’s situated on a quiet, safe street that is accessible by public or private transportation.
GymToFitness
This is a more modest gym, with a somewhat smaller space, but it has the necessary equipment for a good workout. It features strength training areas, free weights, and cardio machines, making it a functional and practical option.
The atmosphere is calm and uncrowded—ideal for those who prefer to train in a relaxed setting. In addition, it is located right in Cusco’s historic center, which makes it very convenient for travelers staying in the area who want to stay fit without going far.
GymToFitness is located on Avenida Pardo/Paseo de los Héroes, a street parallel to Avenida El Sol, one of Cusco’s main roads. It’s also very close to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun.
Alternative Gyms
In these sports centers, you can not only focus on strength training but also take part in various physical activities that will help improve your endurance, flexibility, and overall fitness. They are ideal for those seeking comprehensive preparation before embarking on an adventure in the mountains of Cusco.
CrossFit Cusco
CrossFit training consists of a high-intensity workout circuit that combines functional exercises such as weightlifting, gymnastics, and aerobic workouts. CrossFit Cusco is one of the highest-located CrossFit centers in the world (3,339 meters above sea level).
It has a spacious area equipped with all the essentials for CrossFit: Olympic bars, weights, ropes, plyometric boxes of various heights, iron structures, and open spaces for specific routines.
CrossFit Cusco is located in the Magisterio neighborhood, a modern and quiet area of the city. It is very close to Avenida de la Cultura, one of Cusco’s main roads, and just a few steps from the Real Plaza shopping mall.
HuberGym
HuberGym is a gym focused on mindful movement, physiotherapy, and preventive health. It offers guided classes such as fitness dance and indoor cycling, as well as specialized programs like “Huber Master,” designed for older adults. It also has spaces and activities for children, including functional kids, soccer kids, and dance kids.
The gym features a variety of equipment, including machines, free weights, and areas dedicated to functional training and rehabilitation. These include ropes, resistance bands, and other tools that promote joint mobility. It also has a small climbing wall, ideal for working on strength and coordination.
HuberGym is located on Avenida El Sol, right in front of Qoricancha and just 10 minutes from the Plaza de Armas.
El Templo de los Monos
El Templo de los Monos is an indoor climbing center located in the Magisterio neighborhood, a modern and quiet area of Cusco. It features a large climbing wall with routes of varying difficulty, as well as guided classes, functional training, and specialized workshops. Other disciplines like aerial silks are also practiced here.
Climbing is a highly complete sport that strengthens the entire body—perfect for those looking to improve their performance on hikes or treks. They offer day passes and monthly memberships, which include the use of climbing shoes (special footwear for climbing).
El Templo de los Monos is located very close to Avenida de la Cultura and the Real Plaza shopping mall, with easy access by taxi or public transportation.
Yoga and Pilates
If you want to train while connecting with your body in a deeper and more spiritual way, Yoga and Pilates classes in Cusco are an excellent option. There are several studios in the city offering group and individual sessions, ideal for improving your posture, breathing, and flexibility—or simply for relaxing and reducing stress after a long hike.
Ancestrania
Wellness, consciousness, and movement center. Ancestrania is a yoga studio that integrates body, mind, and Andean tradition. It combines various disciplines such as traditional yoga, acro yoga, Pilates, and aerial silks. On a spiritual level, it offers meditation workshops and ancestral rituals, such as energy cleanses.
They offer group and individual classes for all levels, as well as ceremonies and healing sessions with sound or medicinal plants. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, guided by instructors trained in yoga and ancestral wisdom. This center offers a wide range of activities, suitable for all tastes and levels.
Ancestrania is located on Matara Street, just a few minutes’ walk from the Plaza de Armas, heading down Avenida El Sol.
Exhala Yoga
Exhala Yoga is a studio that offers traditional yoga classes and its various forms, as well as guided meditation and complementary therapies focused on holistic wellness. Among its practices are sound therapy (healing with sound and vibrations), contemporary dance, dance with music and cacao, and other workshops that promote mind-body connection.
The space is spacious, bright, and quiet—ideal for relaxing and reconnecting. They offer group classes, monthly programs, and special workshops, all led by certified instructors with international experience.
Exhala Yoga is located in the heart of San Blas, one of the most peaceful and spiritual neighborhoods in Cusco. It’s just a few steps from San Blas Square and about a 10-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas.
Yoga Move Cusco
Yoga Move Cusco is a small yoga studio with an intimate and cozy atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a personalized and peaceful experience. Its approach combines conscious movement with yoga technique, making it an excellent option for both beginners and advanced practitioners.
In addition to regular classes, they offer monthly workshops and special activities such as outdoor yoga, cacao ceremonies, breathwork sessions, and meditation courses. These practices are perfect for those adjusting to the altitude and looking for light activities while connecting with the energy of the Andes.
Yoga Move is located in the Lucrepata neighborhood, slightly above San Blas. It’s a very quiet residential area, surrounded by green spaces and easily accessible on foot from the city center.
Alma Vibra
A yoga center dedicated to holistic health, offering complete care for body and mind. It specializes in various areas such as yoga, meditation and astrology, reiki, sound therapy, healthy eating, and tea workshops. They also organize ceremonies, women’s circles, and spiritual workshops focused on personal growth and emotional balance.
The studio features a modern and harmonious design, with wooden elements and neutral colors, which help to avoid overstimulation and promote relaxation. Equipment such as mats and cushions is new and in perfect condition.
Alma Vibra is located in the Magisterio neighborhood, on the same street as the CrossFit Cusco gym. It’s close to Avenida de la Cultura, where there is frequent bus service connecting to Cusco’s city center in just 20 minutes.
How to train for a trek
The routes in Cusco usually cross different altitudes in the Andes mountains, featuring varied terrain, long distances, and numerous elevation changes. We’ll show you how to endure any hike!
Strengthen your legs
During treks, and even on one-day hikes, the part of your body that works the most is your legs. They will be your main means of transportation, so they need to have the strength and endurance required to handle long distances, inclines, and uneven terrain without becoming overly fatigued. Do exercises such as:
- Step-ups: This exercise involves repeatedly stepping up and down from an elevated surface (like a bench or step). It mimics the motion of climbing inclines or stairs and primarily strengthens the quadriceps and glutes.
- Lunges: Take a big step forward, lower your hips until both knees form a 90° angle, then return to the starting position. This exercise improves strength, balance, and mobility in the legs and hips.
- Squats: With your feet shoulder-width apart, lower yourself as if sitting down, keeping your back straight and knees aligned with your feet. It works your entire lower body, especially your thighs and glutes, and helps build endurance for long hikes.
Many trails include high steps and steep slopes, so these exercises will help strengthen your legs and glutes, making climbs easier.
Improve your balance
You’ll reduce the risk of falls and injuries to the knees and ankles—areas of the body that bear our weight and are prone to damage.
- Saltos laterales y hacia delante: Salta de un lado a otro o hacia el frente, aterrizando con control y las rodillas flexionadas. Este ejercicio mejora la coordinación, el equilibrio dinámico y la capacidad de reacción ante obstáculos como ríos, piedras o baches en el camino.
- Peso muerto con una pierna: Desde una posición erguida, inclina el torso hacia adelante mientras una pierna se extiende hacia atrás, manteniendo el equilibrio. Ayudarán a tu balance y a mantener el control de tu cuerpo, dándote mayor control en bajadas o terrenos inestables.
- Plancha: En posición de plancha, mantén el cuerpo alineado y contrae el abdomen. Fortalece el core y la zona de los abdominales, área clave que sostiene la musculatura de la columna. Te ayudará a mantener la estabilidad general del cuerpo mientras caminas o cargas el peso de tu mochila.
Learn to fall with style
Nature is unpredictable—even the most experienced hikers can trip or slip. The key isn’t to avoid every fall, but to learn how to fall properly to reduce impact and prevent injuries.
- Bend your knees: If you feel yourself falling, bend your knees to get closer to the ground and soften the impact.
- Practice controlled falls: Let yourself fall from a moderately elevated surface (like a bench) to learn how to land safely.
- Roll forward: If you’re falling forward, allow your body to roll instead of stopping abruptly. This spreads out the impact and helps prevent injuries to your hands, wrists, or face.
Don’t miss our video on how to physically prepare for a trek!
Tips for Training in Cusco
If you’re going to exercise in Cusco, follow these recommendations to avoid complications and enjoy safe, effective training.
- Acclimatize to the altitude: When you get to Cusco, take things slowly. It’s normal to feel tired, short of breath, or to take longer to recover during workouts. Start with light activities like gentle walks around the city, stretching, or yoga.
- Stay hydrated: High altitude can lead to dehydration faster than normal. Drink water before, during, and after exercising.
- Avoid heavy foods: Digestion slows down at high altitude. A light but balanced diet will give you the energy you need to train and recover better.
- Consult a doctor: If you have any pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure or respiratory issues, check in with your doctor beforehand.
Training in one of the highest cities in the world will give you the endurance needed to complete any trek without issues. As you’ve seen, Cusco offers a wide variety of gyms and specialized centers for all types of activities.
Choose the one that best fits your preferences and goals, and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable journey in the mountains of Peru.
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