SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU

If you don’t feel like hiking the full length of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu or simply don’t have enough time, then the Short Inca trail 2 days to Macchu Picchu would be an excellent option for you. Generally speaking, It is far less difficult than the Inca trail 4 days. It is perfect for families, friends, and students.  

You will experience some of the highlights of the Inca trail, including the amazing Wiñaywayna ruins with its unparalleled terraces, the Sun Gate, lush subtropical vegetation, and then, of course, the Machu Picchu itself. And with that said, Here is everything you really need to know before hiking the short Inca trail

Biosafety protocol for COVID-19 to visit the Inca trail 2 days

• The maximum capacity of the Inca trail 2 days is 120 visitors per day.  
• Travelers entering the Inca trail  2 days must wear a mask.
• Body temperature will be measured at the entrance to the short Inca trail.
• the maximum number per group is 8 people (6 visitors, a guide, and support staff).
• Sernanp staff (Inca Trail guards) and visitors, must maintain a minimum social distancing of 1.5 meters.
• After passing the Inca trail checkpoint, each group will start its hike with a difference of no less than 5 minutes with respect to the previous group. During the hike, it is recommended that the minimum distance between hikers is 4 meters and between different groups at least 20 meters.
• All the visitors should eat their BoxLunch in the sectors authorized for the consumption of food. Food preparation is not allowed on the route.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO HIKE?

We highly recommend you book the Inca trail 2 days on the Cusco region’s dry season, which runs from April to October. The weather during this time is predominantly dry, mainly in May, June, July, and August. Days are usually sunny with little chance of rain. But it is also a busy time to travel.

DOES INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS INCLUDE MY MACHU PICCHU PERMIT?

Yes, with this permit, you access to the Inca trail on day 1 and Machu Picchu on the second day.

CAN I HIKE WITHOUT A GUIDE?

No, the only way to hike the 2 days Inca trail is through an authorized travel agency like AB Expeditions. Before arriving at the checkpoint, every single visitor must be accompanied by a tour guide in an organized group. Hiking along the Inca Trail without a tour guide has been banned since 2001.

DO I NEED TO BOOK THE INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS IN ADVANCE? 

Yes, we recommend getting the permits at least 4 months in advance for the high season which is from May to September. However, from October to  December you can book 2 months in advance. In January and March, you can find permits even one week in advance. February the Inca trail is closed for maintenance.

IS THERE AN OFFICIAL SITE TO GET THE INCA TRAIL PERMITS?

The permits have to be booked only through Authorized Inca Trail tour companies like AB Expeditions. Online booking site doesn’t exist so far.

ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS?

There is no age restriction on the Inca trail. However, children under 8 might struggle, and it may not fit elderly people over 70 as well.

PREPARING FOR THE INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS

If you have never hiked before, you should start with regular cardio exercises before arriving in Peru. Anyone with previous experience in a multiple-day hike should not have trouble. Contrary to that, see the hike as a goal to achieve.

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?  

As long as you do some exercise and cardio, it is going to be fine. You don´t need to be a hiking expert, to make the one-day Inca trail. Because on the second day you visit Machu Picchu, and it is for everyone.

HOW DIFFICULT/HARD IS THE INCA TRAIL? 

Short Inca trail is considered a moderately difficult hike. The first 4 hours of hiking is a constant climb, yes that is challenging. Later, the trail is easy to walk and flat, along one side of the mountain.

DO I NEED TO CARRY HIKING POLES? 

If hiking with poles is more your style, use it on the Inca trail, they are going to help you to keep your balance and catch you when you stumble. Although the trail is steady, it may get slippery after a downpour. Aiming to slow the fast deterioration of the Inca trail and Machu Picchu nowadays is mandatory to use rubber bungs on the end of the trekking pole tips.

WHEN WILL I ARRIVE AT MACHU PICCHU?

You will have the first glimpse of Machu Picchu at around 3 – 4 pm. On the first day, once reaching the sun gate Inti Punku which already is Machu Picchu.

WHAT’S THE RESTROOM AND SHOWER SITUATION?

There are 3 restrooms along the short Inca trail. The first restrooms are at the start of the trail, the second one is located at the trail’s halfway point (wiñaywayna), after 5 hours of hiking, and the last one at the entrance of Machu Picchu.

IS THERE INTERNET ON THE INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS? 

From the beginning, on the short Inca trail 2 days, the internet signal is off, and it is not until reaching the sun gate (Inti Punku) when it connects. Only Bitel can be copied in parts with its weak service. 

CAN I BUY SNACKS? 

No, because there is no store on the way, so you can´t expect to buy snacks either water. You need to get some snacks before boarding the train in Ollantaytambo.

IS THERE DRINKING WATER? 

There is no tap water. Make sure you have enough water for the hike. 

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I CARRY? 

It will depend on how you plan to spend your money. If everything is already booked, you don’t really need a lot. Between meals and some shopping and tips, you may need some 200 to 300 soles (some 60 to 80 US dollars).

WILL I GET ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON THE INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS?

No, as for altitude sickness, it is not a great thing to be worried about. The short Inca trail 2 days is lower than the sacred valley and even much lower than Cusco City.

 TIPPING

Tipping is common among the tourism community, worldwide. It applies to long journeys as well as to an airport pick-up. Although this is not mandatory, you can give what you can afford. If you feel they made your experience great, you can give them more.

WHAT ARE THE MEALS LIKE ON THE INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS? 

Most companies provide Box lunch, but if you let your company know you prefer a freshly prepared lunch, They will make it for you.

WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK?

Please try to pack as light as possible, that is key to enjoying this amazing trek. We recommend you pack the following things.

• Original Passport( the same you used for booking your trek).
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Nice shirt and pants for the second Machu Picchu day – remember you will always treasure these pictures, wear something you like.
• Full rain gear or poncho.
• Water 1 to 2 liters of wáter.
• Sunglasses.            
• Hiking Socks.
• Sun protection cream
• Trekking pants.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips.
• Cold-weather jacket.
• Personal first aid kit
• Long-sleeve fleece/sweater.
• Hiking boots  with ankle support.
• Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit.
• Baseball cap or sombrero.
• Toilet paper.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Insect repellent.
• Bathing suit for the hot springs (Optional on your own in Aguas Calientes).
• Binoculars if you have.