Short Inca Trail 2 Days with Hotel

Recommended Packing List: 2-Day Short Inca Trail

This hike involves a whole day of hiking, followed by the night in the town of Aguas Calientes, so your approach should be "light but prepared." You require a small daypack (25-30L), since your primary luggage will either remain in your hotel in Cusco or will be transferred directly to the train station, depending on your operator's logistics.

Compulsory Documents

• Your Original Passport: It is the most critical item as you won't be able to access the KM 104 checkpoint and Machu Picchu without it. If you renewed your passport after making a booking, you have to bring both passports with you.
• Soles Cash: Most small stores along the route or in town do not accept payments by card. You will require it for buying bottles of water and using toilets at the entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Travel Insurance: Its paper or electronic version containing the policy number and emergency phone line.

Dressing and Footwear

• Hiking Footwear: You will require good boots or high-quality trail running shoes due to the steep steps made of stone that may become slippery when damp.
• Moisture-Wicking Layers: Two shirts made of synthetic material or merino wool as they dry fast from sweat or rain, unlike cotton clothes that stay wet and cold.
• Trekking Pants That Can Be Converted to Shorts: They are great because mornings are usually cold; however, the temperature rises quite considerably when you go down into the cloud forest zone.
• Waterproof Clothing: Either light waterproof jacket or plastic poncho, as it often rains unpredictably in this region irrespective of the time of year.
• Dry and Clean Clothes for Dinner: A set of clothes to change to after trekking and to visit the hotel and restaurant in Aguas Calientes.

Gear and Accessories

• Daypack with Rain Cover: Even a "water-resistant" bag needs a rain cover during a downpour to protect your electronics and dry clothes.
• Hydration System: You need at least 2 liters of water for the first day’s hike. Reusable bottles are preferred as plastic disposables are discouraged at the sanctuary.
• Trekking Poles with Rubber Tips: These are highly recommended for the descent from the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu to reduce the impact on your knees. Metal tips are prohibited to protect the Inca stones.
• Protection from the Elements: High-protection polarized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. The mountain sun is much stronger due to the altitude and thin atmosphere.

Health and Personal Care

• Toiletries: Since you are staying in a hotel, bring only the basics: toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant.
• Insect Repellent: The mosquitoes at Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are small ("no-see-ums") but have a very itchy bite.
• Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Apply frequently. The combination of wind and high-altitude sun can cause severe burns quickly.
• Personal Medical Kit: Include blister pads (moleskin), hand sanitizer, ibuprofen for altitude headaches, and any personal prescriptions.

How to book the Short Inca Trail 2 Days with Hotel

Send us your preferred date and the number of travellers, and we check permit availability: the route from Km 104 is limited to 250 people a day, including guides and staff. For each traveller we need the details exactly as they appear in the passport: full name, passport number, nationality and date of birth. Since September 2026 permits are issued only with full payment and are valid only for their date, route and holder, so check the details carefully: a permit cannot be corrected, refunded or moved to another date once it is issued, except in documented cases of force majeure.

Prices

• Adult: USD 580 per person, group service
• Student: USD 550 per person, with a valid university student card
• Private service: on request

When to book

• May to August: 6 to 8 months ahead, or as soon as permits go on sale.
• September and October: 4 to 6 months ahead.
• November to January, and March: 2 to 4 months ahead. The Inca Trail is closed in February.

Tell us the name of your hotel in Cusco for the pick-up, and any diet or allergy.

Payment and confirmation

To confirm your Short Inca Trail, pay through our secure link: Contact us to confirm availability and request a payment link. As soon as we receive the payment we buy your permit and book the Machu Picchu tickets, the trains, the buses and the hotel. You then receive an email with the schedule, the packing list and the final instructions. Read how permits work in our Inca Trail permits guide.