Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days

On the eve of the excursion, at 18:30, there will be a briefing session. It will last approximately 30-45 minutes. If you are unable to attend, please arrange another time with a member of the Expeditions office team. You will receive your duffel bags during the briefing.

For the 2-day Inca Trail trek with hotel, the briefing is not included. Our office staff will go over all the details during your check-in.

Local Expers is one of the few companies that will pick you up directly from your hotel. If your hotel is located in Cusco city centre, we will coordinate a pick-up time based on a time that your guide will discuss during the briefing. Depending on traffic conditions and previous pick-ups, pick-up times can vary between 30 – 45 minutes.

It is important to note that smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars cannot pass. They are also often on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with better access. You can check our list of hotels to find comfortable accommodation with easy access for pick-up and drop-off.

When leaving Machu Picchu, you will take a 25 minute bus from Machu Picchu Picchu to the village of Aguas Calientes. Buses are on a first-come, first-served basis and run all day. From there, you will take a train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy, depending on your itinerary. You will be given your train tickets during the briefing. Be sure to arrive at the platform 30 minutes in advance.

Once you arrive at the train station, look for a man dressed in green with a Visit Machu Picchu sign. He will lead you to San Francisco Square, Cusco. The van ride from Ollantaytambo to nearby San Francisco Square takes 2 hours, while the van ride from Poroy to nearby San Francisco Square takes 30 minutes.

Once you arrive near San Francisco Square, you will be separated into separate pre-paid taxis and taken back to your hotel.

Machu Picchu now has two visiting slots: morning or afternoon. Your entrance ticket will be valid for one session only. The morning session is from 6 AM to 12 PM, and the afternoon session is from 12 PM to 5:30 PM. However, if you have tickets for the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain hike, you will have additional time until 2:30 PM.

Machu Picchu is a beautiful place, and many people enjoy hiking up one of the mountains near the ruins after their visit.

Huaynapicchu is the most popular mountain and tends to sell out quickly, so it is best to book in advance. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top and another 45 minutes to descend. Tickets are sold by session, and you can choose between the first session, from 7-8am, or the second session, from 10-11am. We usually book the second session so that you can enjoy the hike with your guide beforehand. You will do this walk on your own, but your guide will show you where to start.

Machu Picchu Mountain is a little longer and less popular than Huaynapicchu. It takes about an hour and a half to reach the top and another hour and a half to descend. Again, there are two time windows for this hike, 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM, and you usually buy the second time window.

If you do a 4 or 7 day Inca Trail trek, you will need to book Huaynapicchu Mountain for the second day of your visit to Machu Picchu. If you are trekking the Inca Trail for 2 days, you will need to book Machu Picchu Mountain for the second day of your visit to Machu Picchu.

Be sure to inform your guide of any health problems or concerns you may have. Although our guides are not medical professionals, they are trained in first aid. You are responsible for assessing whether a trip is suitable for you. We recommend that you consult your doctor to confirm your fitness for the trip, participation in planned activities and any vaccinations or medical precautions you may need. If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from trekking, we will help you coordinate a visit to Machu Picchu by train.

When booking a group hike, keep in mind that everyone has different hiking abilities and ages. Your guide will work with the group to make sure everyone has fun. If necessary, the guide will modify the tour to suit the needs of the group.

You are responsible for your belongings throughout the tour. Remember to be diligent about where you leave your things, and do not leave anything unintentional behind during your tour.

Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. We recommend tipping porters and cooks between 50 and 200 soles, depending on the trek. For the guide, it is more personal and should be decided based on your relationship with them. You can tip with US dollars, Peruvian soles or even with your credit card.

It is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance, as adventure travel involves more risk than normal travel. If required, we can recommend an agent to advise you on this type of insurance.

The weather in Cuzco is unpredictable. Even during the dry season, from April to October, it can rain. Bring rain gear including a mackintosh, trousers, poncho and waterproof gloves. Layering is essential for adapting to temperature changes. Be prepared for cooler temperatures at night with a down jacket that you can carry in your rucksack.

Altitude sickness is a problem when travelling to high altitudes. Spend at least two days in Cuzco before starting any trek in the Andes to allow your body to adapt to the lower amount of oxygen in the air.

To avoid altitude sickness in Cuzco, it is advisable to take it easy and give your body time to adapt to the altitude. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and coffee, which can dehydrate you. Coca tea can be helpful in preventing altitude sickness and is a traditional remedy used in the region.

Also, avoid smoking and sleeping pills, which can make it difficult for your body to get the oxygen it needs. If you plan to take medication to prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended that you start taking it a couple of days before arriving at altitude and continue taking it while you are there.

Remember that the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race, so go slowly and enjoy the journey. If you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, report them immediately to your guide, who is trained to help you overcome them.

To get to Cuzco, you can take a plane or a bus. Cuzco airport is for domestic flights only, so international travellers must first fly to Lima and go through customs. Even if your flight to Cuzco is on the same day with the same airline, you will have to pick up your bags in Lima and check them in again.

The best way to get to Cuzco is by plane, and there are many airlines to choose from. LATAM has the most options, but it tends to be the most expensive and flights can be delayed or cancelled due to Cuzco’s high altitude and the weather. If you’re coming from a city closer to Cuzco, such as Puno, taking a bus is a good option, although the journey can be long, especially from Lima. Buses in Peru are comfortable and well maintained, but the journey from Lima will take 20 hours or more.