FREQUENT ASK QUESTION

HOW TO BOOK THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL WITH ANDEAN SOUL ADVENTURE?

To book your 2-day Inca Trail adventure with Andean Soul Adventure, follow these simple steps:

1. Click on the “BOOK NOW” button on our website.
2. Select your desired departure date from the available options.
3. Fill out the personal information of each participant.
4. Make the payment using your credit card or debit card.

Please note that we also offer additional options such as climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain, taking the Vistadome train, or exploring Machu Picchu Mountain. These extras must be booked together with your Inca Trail hike, as the permits for these attractions sell out quickly. However, you can rent walking sticks in Cusco one day before your trip.

Once we have secured your Inca Trail permits, we will send you a confirmation to ensure that everything is well organized. Rest assured, once your start date is confirmed, it is guaranteed.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

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

WHAT ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?

The outstanding balance can be paid in cash one day prior to your trip in either USD or Peruvian soles. Alternatively, you can choose to pay via PayPal at least one week before your trip (a 7% service fee applies). We also accept credit card payments (a 5% service fee applies). Please let us know your preferred payment method. Cash payment must be made one day prior to your trip.

HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

According to Peruvian law, to be eligible for the student discount, you must be under 18 years old at the time of the 2-day Inca Trail hike. If you are 18 or older, you will need a valid student card. Students aged 11 to 17 years old receive a discount of $25 USD. To avail of the discount, students must provide a copy of their passport and student card at the time of booking. Please send the copy to [email protected].

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

Unfortunately, the Peruvian government does not allow changes to be made once the two-day Inca Trail permits have been purchased. Inca Trail permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. However, changes to passport numbers are permitted.

HOW CHALLENGING IS THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL?

The 2-day Inca Trail is classified as moderate-difficult, so it is recommended to be in good physical condition.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL?

Yes! It is crucial that you bring your original passport, which should be the same passport you used to reserve your 2-day Inca Trail permit. Your passport will be checked at the Inca Trail checkpoint, Machu Picchu, and when boarding the train.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

If you are renewing your passport, please email us a copy of your old passport to book your 2-day Inca Trail permits. If you no longer have your old passport, any government-issued ID with the same name will be accepted. Once you receive your new passport, please email us a copy as soon as possible to update 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. The return train ticket is scheduled for 02:55 pm, which will bring you back to Cusco by around 06:30 pm. This allows you enough time to rest and participate in any other tours the next day, such as visiting Rainbow Mountain.

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

Yes, you have the option to stay in either Urubamba or Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. By staying in the Sacred Valley, your pickup time will be 1 hour and a half after the pickup from Cusco, giving you more time to sleep.

CAN I BOOK MY OWN HOTEL IN AGUAS CALIENTES?

Certainly! You are free to book any hotel in Aguas Calientes. If you choose to book your own hotel, it will reduce the cost of your hike by $40 per person. Please remember to inform us of your chosen hotel so that our guide can safely take you there.

IS THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL PET-FRIENDLY?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the Short Inca Trail and at Machu Picchu, with the exception of guide dogs. However, if you wish to bring a guide dog, you will need to obtain the necessary permits.

WHAT KIND OF REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES SHOULD WE BRING FOR THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL?

Starting from March 1st, 2022, the use of single-use plastic water bottles and other plastic waste is prohibited on the 2-day Inca Trail. You must bring your own personal reusable water bottles to fill up with water. You can choose to bring a bladder, a hard shell bottle, or a pouch, whichever is most convenient for you.

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL?

There is no specific age limit for the 2-day Inca Trail. However, at Andean Soul Adventure, we recommend a minimum age of 7 years old as there are some steep sections that may be challenging for younger children.

HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN I CARRY ON THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL?

There is no weight limit for your personal belongings. You can choose to carry heavy or lightweight items. However, it is important to note that the porters are limited to carrying a maximum of 20 kilograms.

WHAT TIME WILL WE ARRIVE AT MACHU PICCHU?

On the first day, our groups usually reach the Sun Gate at around 2:00 pm. From the Sun Gate, it takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Machu Picchu, so you can expect to arrive at around 3:00 pm. You will have the opportunity to take a postcard-worthy shot before taking a bus to Aguas Calientes.

HOW MANY DAYS IN ADVANCE SHOULD I ARRIVE TO HIKE THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL?

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

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ALTITUDE OF THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL?

Here are the average altitudes along the 2-day Inca Trail route:

• Cusco (pickup location): 3,500 m (11,251 ft)
• KM 104 (Chachabamba, starting point): 2,170 m (7,120 ft)
• Highest point of the Short Inca Trail: 2,708 m (884 ft)
• Machu Picchu (endpoint of the Short Inca Trail): 2,431m (7,973 ft)
• Aguas Calientes village (train departure point): 2,042 m (6,693 ft)

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

The best time to hike the 2-day Inca Trail is during the dry season, which is from April to October in the Peruvian Andes. The driest months are May, June, July, and August. However, please note that during this period, both the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tend to be crowded with many visitors.

The wet season begins in November and lasts until March. It is still possible to hike the 2-day Inca Trail during the rainy season, but you should be prepared with good rain gear.

WHEN IS THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL CLOSED?

The 2-day Inca Trail is closed throughout the entire month of February. This closure is due to landslides, heavy rain, and trail maintenance.

WHAT ABOUT FOOD ON THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL?

Our tour includes the first breakfast, which will be provided in Ollantaytambo town before you board the train. Lunch on the first day is also included and will be provided at the Wiñaywayna campsite. Dinner is included as well, and you will have it at a restaurant.

Breakfast on the second day is also included and will be provided by the hotel. The only meal not included is the final lunch, but you will find many restaurants in Aguas Calientes where you can choose to dine.

DO YOU PROVIDE PORTERS ON THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL TOUR?

Porters are included in our 2-day Inca Trail tour when booking with Andean Soul Adventure. However, please note that they will only carry your box lunch and not your personal belongings. If you wish to hire a personal porter, it will cost an additional $45 per porter. It’s important to know that porters are not permitted to accompany you all the way to Machu Picchu. They will only go as far as the Wiñaywayna campsite and then proceed directly to Aguas Calientes, where they will leave your belongings.

CAN I HIKE THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL WITHOUT A TOUR GUIDE?

No, you cannot hike the 2-day Inca Trail without hiring a registered travel agency and being accompanied by a tour guide. It is a requirement set by the authorities to ensure the safety and preservation of the trail.

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

After catching the first glimpse of Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate, you will hike for approximately 45 minutes to reach the Guardhouse. There, you can take the classic shot of Machu Picchu in the afternoon. On the following day, you will access Machu Picchu from the lower part and follow Circuit 03 to explore and visit the different areas of Machu Picchu. This circuit is applicable to everyone who completes the 2-day Inca Trail hike.

If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask.

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR INCA TRAIL 2 DAYS 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Access to the 2-day Inca Trail is limited to a maximum of 250 people per day, including support staff such as porters, cooks, and tour guides. The authorities strictly control this number. Once the limit of 250 travelers is reached, the Trail is closed for the day, and no further reservations can be made. It is essential to book your permits for the trek well in advance, preferably a year ahead if possible.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• This 2-day hike to Machu Picchu is not recommended for individuals with back problems.
• A tour guide will accompany you during the short Inca Trail and on the Machu Picchu tour.
• Departures are available daily for groups of 2 or more.
• There are no departures in February due to trail maintenance.
• Wheelchair access is not available.
• Remember to bring essential items: your original passport, insurance card, and personal medications.
• The maximum number of travelers for this short Inca Trail is 8.

IMPACT OF STRIKES

Strikes and roadblocks are common occurrences in Peru and may disrupt our short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike and the rail service to and from Machu Picchu. We will make every effort to ensure that your hike to Machu Picchu proceeds as planned, but there may be some necessary adjustments.

If a strike occurs on the first day of your short Inca Trail tour, we will arrange for you to stay in Aguas Calientes the night before your scheduled start date. You will need to cover the cost of accommodation. The following day, you will hike an additional 1.5 hours to Km 104, where your 2-day Inca Trail tour will begin.

If a strike occurs on the day you finish your 2-day, 1-night Inca Trail, our vans will be sent to Hidroelectrica. You will need to hike an additional 2 hours from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica. From there, we will drive for approximately 7 hours to Cusco. We will drop you off at your hotel around 9:00 pm.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We highly recommend obtaining travel insurance, as it can provide reimbursement for your pre-paid, non-refundable short Inca Trail permit in case of last-minute cancellations. Additionally, if you become sick or injured while away from home, the insurance can cover expenses for covered medical emergencies during your travel.

WEATHER CONDITIONS ON THE SHORT INCA TRAIL

Weather in the Andes can be unpredictable. The dry season for the 2-day Inca Trail is from April to October, while the rainy season lasts from November to March. However, rain can still occur during the dry season, and sunny periods can happen during the rainy season, so it’s important to be prepared. Regardless of the season, it is advisable to bring rain gear such as a rain jacket, rain pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Be prepared for potential temperature changes throughout the day, and layer your clothing accordingly. A down jacket is recommended for the chilly early mornings and evenings.

RETURNING FROM MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO

Returning from Machu Picchu to Cusco involves logistical arrangements, which we have organized for you.

• Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes: You will take a 30-minute bus ride from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. Buses run every 15 minutes.
• Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station: Our guide will provide you with your train tickets. Please arrive at the train station 30 minutes prior to departure.
• The estimated time on the train is 1.5 hours from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• The estimated time on the train is 3.5 hours from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.

Once you arrive at the train station, our transfer will be waiting for you with the Andean Soul Adventure logo. They will then transport you back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

The estimated time from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is 1.5 hours. The estimated time from Poroy to Cusco is 40 minutes.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

During the 2-day Inca Trail, solo travelers will be paired with another traveler of the same sex to share a hotel room, while 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 for the 2-day Inca Trail at 6 pm. During the briefing, you will meet your tour guide who will provide you with detailed information about your hike, a list of necessary items to bring, rental equipment options, and address any questions you may have. Our office is located at Marquez Street 250,  Off 8. Cusco, Peru. (5 min walk from Plaza de armas)

I hope this meets your requirements. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!