Short Inca Trail 2 Days

SHORT INCA TRAIL HIKE HIGHLIGHTS

This short Inca trail 2 days with a hotel allows you to visit the most magnificent ruins such as Chachabamba and Winawayna, and then enter on foot through the Sun Gate as the Incas did. You are going to take a bus down to Aguas Calientes town and have an unforgettable dinner with your tour guide. This will be at a nice restaurant in the village before heading to your hotel, and the next day spent at Machu Picchu (Seven Wonders of the Modern World) with a private guide.

Why should you hike Inca trail 2 day trek with AB Expeditions?

• We are a Reliable Tour Company: We are a practical, punctual, reliable Travel company. Check out our reviews on trip advisor.
• Picnic Lunch: We are the only company who provide Picnic on the short Inca trail.
• Small groups:  2 to 8 people maximum. This fact sets us apart from other travel companies that take bigger groups.
• Tourist train for your Guide: Our guide will pick you up from cusco and drive to Ollantataymbo and he/She will be in same train together with you from Ollantaytambo to km 104(The Trailhead).
• Satellite Phones: Our guide always have satellite phones at all times for emergencies and non-emergencies.
• Hotel to Hotel Service: We will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Cusco. We will never leave you stranded before or after our short Inca Trail tour!
• 100% Local Company: AB Expeditions is A 100% locally owned Travel Company and fully licensed Inca Trail operator.
• Porter: We include porters who will carry your lunch until Wiñaywayna, so you will hike light.
• Highly Trained Guides: Our Tour Guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and have a comprehensive program of continual professional development.
• Early Return: Your return train ticket is at 14:55 or 15:20 from Aguas Calientes. Therefore you arrive in Cusco early so you will sleep enough to do any tour the next day.
• We dont share the service with other operators: We assure our clients that we will not cancel your your Inca Trail due to low sign-ups or limited participation on the departure date.  These commitments provide our travelers with the confidence and peace of mind that their travel plans are secured and guaranteed.
• We Pay on Time: At AB Expeditions, our porters, guides, driver, and Cooks receive their salaries as soon as they finish their job.

SHORT INCA TRAIL TOUR  2 DAYS ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Aguas Calientes

We will leave Cusco at 04:00 am to start our Inca Trail 2 day hike. We drive for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo where we have our Breakfast, then take our train until kilometer 104(Trailhead). Our trek today takes us along the most wonderful stretch of the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days. We’ll visit beautiful Inca sites, see a variety of flora and fauna and get to take in the stunning panoramas of the Andes.

Our hike begins in the Sacred Valley and works it’s way up along a paved Inca trail to the archeological site of Winay Wayna. After visiting Wiñay Wayna, we will have our picnic with an amazing view of the Mountain. After enjoying our meal. we’ll hike through the lush and green cloud forest that covers the mountain and get to see a wide variety of plants, flowers, orchids, and birds along the way.

After a full day of hiking, we will reach the Sun Gate, where you’ll get your first look at Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain ridge below. From there, we’ll hike for about 45 more minutes to reach Machu Picchu itself. We’ll explore the upper section of the site following Circuit 01, where you can take the famous postcard photo of Machu Picchu. Afterward, we’ll take a bus to Aguas Calientes, arriving at around 5:00 PM. Once there, the guide will help you check in at your hotel. You’ll then have free time before dinner, during which you can visit the hot springs for a relaxing bath. After dinner, you’ll return to the hotel to spend the night.

• Elevation Gain: 695 m / 1683 ft.
• Elevation Loose: 391 m / 820 feet.
• Highlights: hike original Inca Trail, visit Wiñaywayna ruins.
• Walking Distance: 11 km / 6.83 miles
• Trailhead Elevation: 2,000 m / 6561 ft.
• Highest point: 2,720 m/8923 ft.
• Weather: Hot and humid.

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco. 

The second day is the highlight of the trip: visiting Machu Picchu. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and together you’ll walk to the bus station to catch the first bus at 5:30 AM. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes to reach Machu Picchu.

At the entrance, you’ll show your passport and Machu Picchu tickets at the checkpoint. Once inside, your guide will lead you to one of the best spots to take a photo of the citadel. After that, you’ll explore Machu Picchu by following Circuit 03. For about 2 to 3 hours, your guide will show you key landmarks such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inca Houses, the water fountains, agricultural terraces, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, and the storehouse.

After the tour, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Once you’ve eaten, your guide will take you to the train station for your ride back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a driver will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving at around 7:30 PM.

If you book an extra hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, our guide will help you find the trailhead and explain all the details and safety tips. The guide will also give you the bus ticket to return to Aguas Calientes. The trail to these mountains is a single, well-marked path. Keep in mind that you will do this extra hike on your own. If you want a guide for the hike, there will be an additional charge. Let us know if you need one by sending us a message.

• Highlight: Visit Machu Picchu early in the morning, and enjoy the sunrise over the Citadel.
• Temperature: Warm and humid.
• Meals: Only Breakfast included.
• Aguas Calientes elevation: 2040 m / 6692 ft, we will sleep in this town.
• Machu Picchu Elevation: 2430 m/ 7972 ft.

INCLUSION

What s Included?

• Professional Guide:  At AB Expeditions, our guides are highly knowledgeable about the history, geology, and archaeology of the Peruvian region.
• Three-Star Hotel: We work with Tara Machu Picchu Hotel, and if they are fully booked, we arrange accommodations at another three-star hotel.
• Briefing: The night before your hike (usually at 6:00 PM), you’ll attend a briefing at our office with our guide and other hikers in your group. Hotel of 3 stars: After hiking over 7 hours, you need confortable hotel. We book Tara Machu Picchu or similar with 3 stars.
• Satellite Phone: Our guides always have a satellite phone on hand, allowing them to contact hospitals, doctors, and coordinate emergency rescues if needed.
• Pick-Up And Drop-Off At Your Hotel: Pick-Up And Drop-Off At Your Hotel: We will pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco to start your Inca Trail. After your hike, we will drop you off in your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco.
• Private Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo: Once we pick you up, our drivers will then transport you in our private AB Expeditions van to Ollantaytambo.
• Picnic Tent With Chairs And Tables: We will provide you with a large dining tent, along with chairs and a table where you will enjoy your lunch.
• 2 Breakfasts: The first breakfast you will have in Ollantaytambo. And the second breakfast the hotel will provide you before you go to Machu Picchu.
• Picnic Lunch: We are the exclusive provider of picnics, allowing you to enjoy your meal amidst the breathtaking scenery of the short Inca Trail. Our picnic offerings include a range of dishes, such as a protein choice, salads, various sides, and delightful desserts. Additionally, we cater to dietary preferences and restrictions, offering alternatives for vegetarians, gluten-free options, lactose-free choices, and accommodations for other food allergies.
• Dinner: We will provide a dinner in a Restaurant in Aguas Calientes town.

• Inca Trail Permit: The cost of the Inca Trail covers the admission fee for the shorter Inca Trail route, along with access to the different Inca sites we’ll encounter during the journey.

• Machu Picchu Ticket: With this ticket you visit Machu Picchu with your own private guided tour.
• 3 Bus Tickets: On the first day after completing the hike, you’ll board a bus to Calientes. Then, the following day, you’ll ride the bus to Machu Picchu. After the tour concludes in Machu Picchu, you’ll need to catch a bus back to Aguas Calientes.
• Round Trip Expeditions Train Tickets: On the initial day, you’ll catch the train departing at 06:10 from Ollantaytambo to reach km 104. Then, on the following day, your Expedition Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo Train Station will be provided, departing either at 14:55 or 15:20.
• Private Transportation From Ollantaytambo To Cusco: They will take you back to your hotel or Airbnb in Cusco.
• Oxygen Tank: Our tour guides will always carry a tank of oxygen in case of an emergency
• First-Aid Kit: Our guide carry first-aid kits during hikes and can offer assistance if required.
• Rain Poncho: Even if you have good rain gear, heavy rain during some months can still be overwhelming. That’s why we offer a plastic poncho to give you extra protection from the rain.
• Guided Tour Of Machu Picchu: You will explore Machu Picchu with our guide, visiting the most important temples and ruins. This also includes a visit to the unique guardhouse platform.
• Daypack Cover: We’ll also give you a backpack cover that protects your backpack from rain, dust, and dirt.
• Free Storage For Your Extra Belongings: We keep your extra belongings safe during the trek in our secure storage space in Cusco.

FREQUENT ASK QUESTION ABOUT OUR 2 DAY INCA HIKE 

HOW TO BOOK THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS WITH AB EXPEDITIONS?

In order to book your Inca Trail 2 days with us, click on the BOOK NOW button, then select the day of your departure, then, fill out all your personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment. You can pay us with your credit card or debit.  Send us only the deposit of $150.

On the booking platform, you will also find the extras. The Huayna Picchu Mountain, the Vistadome train, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Walking Sticks. You have to book the Huayna Picchu, Vistadome and Machu Picchu together with your 2 days Inca Trail, because they run out quickly like Inca Trail Permits.  However, you can rent walking sticks in Cusco 1 day before your trip.

When your Inca trail permits are in our hands, we will send you a confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

WHAT CIRCUIT WILL I FOLLOW IN MACHU PICCHU AFTER HIKING THE INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS?

During our 2-day Inca Trail hike, you will explore two circuit: Circuit 1 (Upper Terrace Route) and Circuit 3 (Royal Route). On the first day, you will arrive at the Sungate and hike straight to Machu Picchu, entering through the upper area via Circuit 1. From the upper terrace, you can take the famous photo of Machu Picchu. After exiting the site, you will return the next day to follow Circuit 3, which takes you through the most important temples and structures of this ancient city. This carefully planned itinerary allows you to fully appreciate the beauty and history of Machu Picchu from different viewpoints.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Yes! During the 2 days Inca trail hike, you can store your luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.  Please bring what you will only need during your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

WHAT ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?

The outstanding balance can be made in cash one day earlier your trip in USD or soles or if you prefer PayPal at least one week prior to your trip(a 7% service fee applies). Also, you can pay us with a Credit card (a 5% service fee applies).  Please let us know what you prefer. Cash payment MUST be paid 1 day prior to your trip.

HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

According to Peruvian law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your hike to the Inca trail 2 days (if you are 18 or over, you need valid student cards). Below is a sample of a valid student card

• All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $25 USD.

All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@abexpeditions.com

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED?

Unfortunately, it is not possible. The Peruvian government doesn’t allow us to change once the two-day Inca trail permits have been bought. Short Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers.

HOW DOES IT WORK IF I BOOK HUAYNA PICCHU?

For our customers who hike the Inca trail 2-day trek, we will always book the 09 – 10 am Schedule for Huayna Picchu Mountain. You will get to Machu Picchu at 6 a.m. on the second day. So you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel from 06 until 08:30 am. Then you will enter Huayna Picchu at 09:00 a.m. This hike takes around 2 hours and a half roughly. Therefore You will finish this hike at 12:00 roughly. Then you will take the bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes which takes around 30 minutes. So you will be in Aguas Calientes at 12:30 pm. You will have time to eat your lunch until 02:50 p.m.

When you hike Huayna Picchu Mountain, we always book the 15:20 train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. Therefore you will get back to Cusco around 19:30.

Note: The 09 am and 10 am Huayna Picchu tickets run out quickly, so it is better to book the Huayna Picchu together with your 2-day Inca trail hike permits in Advance.

HOW DOES IT WORK IF I BOOK MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN?

In case you book the Machu Picchu Mountain, we book the Schedule of 08 – 09 am. So you will have a guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel from 6  to 8 am then you need to exit Machu Picchu, use the toilet, and reenter Machu Picchu then you need to walk for 10 minutes until the Machu Picchu Mountain checkpoint. You will access the Mountain at 8:45 a.m. This hike takes 3 hours roughly so you will be back in Machu Pichu Citadel at 12 pm then you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes which takes 30 minutes. You will be in Aguas Calientes around 12:30, then you will have time to explore the town and have lunch until 14:25 pm.

IS THE MACHU PICCHU TICKET INCLUDED IN INCA TRAIL 2 TREK?

Yes, it is Included Machu Picchu ticket.

IS THERE ANY SPECIFIC SCHEDULE TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU WHEN I HIKE INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS?

There is no specific Schedule. With those tickets, you can visit any time of the day. We take our groups on the first Schedule at 06 a.m. because you beat the crowd and see the sun rise over the Inca site. However, if the group decides to go later then we can take you later.

HOW HARD IS THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?

This hike is classified as moderate-difficult, it’s recommended to be in good physical condition.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT TO MACHU PICCHU?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your Short Inca Trail 2 days permit. Your passport will be checked at the Short Inca trail checkpoint, Machu Picchu, and when you board the train.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Machu Picchu 2 day hike permits. If you no longer have your old passport, any government-issued ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your permit.

 WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF MY TRAIN TICKET?

We usually book the 06:10 am schedule from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104 on day 1 and the return train ticket is at 02:55 pm so you arrive in Cusco at 06:30 pm and you have enough time to sleep and do any tour the next day, like Rainbow Mountain.

CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY FOR MY INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS?

Yes, you can stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.  by staying in the Sacred Valley, your pickup will be 1 hour and a half after the Cusco pick up so you will sleep more.

CAN I BOOK MY OWN HOTEL IN AGUAS CALIENTES?

You can book any hotel in Aguas Calientes. It will decrease the price of your hike $40 per person. If you decide to book your own hotel, don’t forget to tell us where you plan to stay so our guide will take you there safely.

IS INCA TRAIL 2-DAY PET FRIENDLY?

Unfortunately, you can’t visit Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu with a dog. Only Guide Dogs are allowed. But you need permits to bring them.

WHAT KINDS OF REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES SHOULD WE BRING TO THE INCA TRAIL 2 DAY HIKE?

Starting on March 01st, 2022, single-use plastic water bottles and other plastic waste are prohibited in Inca Trail 2 days. You must bring your own personal reusable water bottles to fill out the wáter. You can buy a bladder hard shell bottle, or pouch whichever is convenient for you.

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?

There is not any age limit for the Inca Trail 2-day hike. We at AB Expeditions recommend that the minimum age should be 7 because there is some steep section that would be difficult for Little legs.

HOW MANY KILOS IS IT ALLOWED TO CARRY ON THE SORT INCA TRAIL?

There is no weight limit for you, you can carry heavy or lightweight. However, the porters should carry no more than 20 kilograms.

WHAT TIME WILL WE GET TO MACHU PICCHU?

On day 01, our groups reach the Sun Gate at approximately 2:00 pm roughly, and from Sun Gate to Machu Picchu takes 45 minutes so you will get to Machu Picchu at approximately 3 pm. You will take a postcard shot then you will take a bus to Aguas Calientes.

HOW MANY DAYS IN ADVANCE SHOULD I  ARRIVE TO HIKE THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?

It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days prior to your departure, especially if you are coming from sea level. However, if you live in places over 2000 m( 6,561 ft), you can arrive 1 day before your departure.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ALTITUDE OF THE INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS?

• Cusco, where we pick you up. It is located 3,500 m (11,251 ft)
• KM 104(Chachabamba), where we start hiking at 2,170 m (7,120 ft).
• The highest point of 2 day Inca Trail tour is at 2,708 m (8,884 ft).
• Machu Picchu, where the 2 day Inca trail Trek ends, is 2,431m (7,973 ft).
• Aguas Calientes village, where we board the train back to Cusco, is 2,042 m (6,693 ft).

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE THE 2 DAY INCA TRAIL EXPRESS?

The Best time to hike the Short Inca Trail is April to October which is the dry season in the Peruvian Andes. The driest months in Short Inca Trail are May, June, July, and August. But, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu will be very busy with tons of visitors.

The wet season begins in November and finishes in March. It is possible to hike the Machu Picchu 2 day trek in the rainy season but you need to bring good rain gear.

WHEN IS THE SHORT INCA TRAIL CLOSED?

The short Inca Trail is closed all month of February due to landslides, heavy rain, and maintenance of the trail.

WHAT ABOUT FOOD ON THE 2-DAY HIKE TO PICCHU?

• The first breakfast is included in our tour, which we will provide you in Ollantaytambo town before you board the train.
• Lunch is included on the first day. We will provide you Picnic at Wiñaywayna campsite where you will eat.
• Dinner is also included, you will eat in the restaurant in Aguas Calientes town.
• The second-day breakfast is included too. The hotel will provide you with it. The only meal that is not Included is the last lunch. However, there are many restaurants in Aguas Calientes that you can choose from.

DO YOU INCLUDE PORTERS IN YOUR SHORT INCA TRAIL TOUR?

Porters are included in our Short Inca Trail 2 day with the hotel. However, they only carry your box lunch, not your belongings. If you want to hire a personal porter, the Price will be $45 per porter. Note: Porters are not allowed all the way to Machu Picchu. They will only go to Wiñayywayna campsite then they go straight to Aguas Calientes where they will leave your belongings.

CAN I HIKE THE SHORT INCA TREK WITHOUT A TOUR GUIDE?

You can’t hike the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu without hiring a registered travel Agency. You must be accompanied by a tour guide to hike Machu Picchu two day hike.

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS 

IMPORTANT:

A maximum of 250 people per day are allowed to access the Inca Trail 2 days at km. 104; This number includes all support staff such as authorized porters, cooks, and tour guides and is most tightly controlled; when the short Inca trail trek to Machu Picchu reaches its limit of 250 travelers, the Trail is closed off for the day and no further reservations could be made; Booking are not held on the Trail and all permits to trek must be bought a year in advance, if possible.

THINGS TO KNOW

• This Machu Picchu 2-day hike is not recommended for travelers with back problems
• You will have a tour guide during your short Inca trail and on the Machu Picchu tour.
• Daily departures with a group of 2 or more.
• No departures in February due to trail maintenance.
• There is no access to a wheelchair.
• Don’t FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, insurance card, personal medications.
• Our two day Inca trail to Machu Picchu will have a maximum of 8 travelers

STRIKES

Strikes and roadblocks are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our short Inca trail to Machu Picchu hike and rail service to and from Machu Picchu. We will do our best that your hike to Machu Picchu continues as planned with some changes.

If the strike happens on the first day of your short Inca Trail tour, we will take you to Aguas Calientes the night before your start date. You will spend the night in a hotel which will be at your expense. And the next day, you will hike an extra 1 hour and a half to Km 104 where your 2-day Inca Trail tour starts.

If the strike happens the day that you finish your 2-day 1-night Inca Trail. We will send our vans to Hidrolectrica. So you will need to hike an extra 2 hours from Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric. Then we will drive 7 hours to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel around 09:00 pm.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you get travel insurance because if you cancel your two-day Machu Picchu hike at the last minute it can reimburse you for your pre-paid, non-refundable short Inca Trail permit. Also when you get sick or hurt while you are far away from home, it can reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling.

SHORT INCA TRAIL WEATHER

The weather is unpredictable in the Andes. The dry season in 2 days Inca Trail is from April to October and the rainy season is from November through March, but this does not stop rain from falling in the dry season or the sun from coming out in the rainy season so just be prepared. No matter what season you are hiking the short Inca Trail trek, make sure that you get rain gear such as a rain jacket, rain pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. You might experience 4 seasons in only one day too. So you must be prepared. Layers are the key since they are easy to adapt to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a down jacket since the early morning and evening will be cold.

RETURNING FROM MACHU PICHU TO CUSCO.

Returning from Machu Picchu to Cusco needs a lot of logistics. But it is already organized by us.

Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for about 30 minutes. Buses run every 15 minutes. Then Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station. Our guide will give you your train tickets. Make sure to get to the train station 30 minutes earlier.

• The estimated time on the train is 1 hour and a half from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• The estimated time on the train is 3 hours and a half from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.

Once at the train station, our transfer will wait for you with AB Expeditions logo. He/She will then transfer you back to Cusco and then to your hotel.

• The estimated time from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is 1 hour and a half.
• The estimated time from Poroy to Cusco is 40 minutes.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

During the short Inca trail 2 days, solo travelers will be paired to share a hotel room with another traveler of the same sex and couples will have a room to themselves.

PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING

There is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cusco Office one day before your departure to the Inca trail 2 days at 6 pm. You will meet your tour guide and He will give you detailed information about your hike, a list of what to bring, rental equipment, or questions in general. Our office is located at Marquez Street 250, Second Floor. Office 03. Cuzco, Peru.

WHAT TO BRING FOR INCA TRAIL 2 DAY HIKE

• Passport: You must bring your physical passport. It will be checked at the Chachabamba checkpoint and when boarding the train. Make sure it’s the same passport you used to book your Short Inca Trail permits.
• Student Card: If you booked the Short Inca Trail as a student, you need to bring your physical student card.
• Backpack: A 25-liter backpack is recommended. You can bring a smaller or larger one as there are no restrictions on the Inca Trail. However, if your backpack is larger when visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll need to store it in a locker, for which you’ll need to pay 5 soles. The locker is safe.
• CamelBak or Water Bottle: You’ll need a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the trail. Bring a reusable water bottle because single-use plastic bottles are prohibited.
• Water: It’s recommended to bring at least 2 liters of water per person.
• First Aid Kit: It’s always a good idea to have your own first aid kit. Although our guides carry one, they are not allowed to prescribe you any medicine.
• Outfit for Machu Picchu: Since you’ll want to keep photos of Machu Picchu forever, it would be a good idea to bring an extra set of clothes for the trip.
• Swimsuit (Optional): Some travelers visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, but they are not highly recommended as they can be crowded.
• Sun Hat: The first part of the trail is exposed to the sun, so you’ll need protection.
• Sandals: After the trek, you can switch to sandals for comfort.
• Power Bank: Since there are many beautiful spots to take pictures and videos, bring a power bank in case your phone’s battery runs out.
• Towel (Optional): The hotel will provide a towel, but you can bring your own if you prefer.
• Trekking Shoes: It’s highly recommended to wear trekking shoes because the trail is rocky and can be slippery when wet.
• Sunglasses: It’s often sunny on the Short Inca Trail.
• Sunblock: The sun’s rays are very strong in the Andes, so bring sunscreen.
• Insect Repellent: The entire trail is in a rainforest area, so there will be many mosquitoes the whole year, especially more in August and September.
• Hiking Poles with Rubber Tips: If you’re not used to hiking, walking sticks can be very helpful, especially if you have knee problems.
• Snacks: Although snacks are provided, if you tend to eat frequently, you might want to bring your own, like energy bars, cookies, or candy.
• Electrolytes (Optional): If you need an energy boost during the hike, electrolytes can help.
• Hand Sanitizer: In some parts of the trail, there might not be water available to clean your hands, so hand sanitizer is essential.
• Toilet Paper: The toilets at the Wiñaywayna campsite and some trailheads may not have toilet paper, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
• Long-Sleeve Shirt: Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirts are recommended for sun protection and cooler mornings or evenings.
• Fleece Jacket or Pullover: A warm, lightweight fleece is essential for cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings.
• Trekking Pants: Trekking pants are recommended because they dry quickly, unlike jeans, which can cause you to get cold if it rains.
• T-shirts: Bring at least two t-shirts to change into, as you will likely sweat a lot during the hike.
• Rain Jacket: Due to global warming, it can rain at any time of the year, so it’s highly recommended to bring a raincoat.
• Camera or Cellphone: There are many beautiful places to take photos along the Short Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu.
• Money: If you forget something, you can buy it in Ollantaytambo, but they only accept cash. It’s better to bring Peruvian soles because the exchange rate for US dollars is not favorable.
• Moleskin: In case you get blisters, moleskin can help treat them.
• Extra Hiking Socks: You’ll need at least two pairs of socks—one for the first day and another for visiting Machu Picchu.
• Immigration Card: When checking into a hotel in Aguas Calientes, you’ll need to show your immigration card, which you receive on the plane when entering Peru.
• Binoculars (Optional): If you enjoy birdwatching, bring binoculars, as there are many types of birds in the area.