My wife and I just signed up for a guided hiking trip, through the Andes, to Machu Pichu. It's our first major hike, and our first high-altitude hike - elevations from 7500 - 15000 feet. About 40 miles altogether before we reach MP. We'll have three days to acclimatize at about 11,000 feet before we hit the high mark.

I would love to hear any advice that you can offer about hiking at altitude, and hiking in rugged mountainous territory. Our trip is in July. We're in our 50s, and in good physical shape. We have started a training regimen, but we live in NJ and won't have an opportunity for high altitude training.

Also, if anyone has also hiked in Peru, I'd love to hear your stories.