Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days & 1 Night

Important Info

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Please read carefully the following information carefully; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu.

WELCOME TO CUSCO

You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek. Look out for our representative holding an orange board saying either your name or “Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu” outside the arrival terminal. You must exit the terminal in order to find our representative (they cannot enter inside).  We can pick you up on the day that is best suited to you! 

THE BRIEFING

The briefing will take place the night before your treks departure. Typically briefings begin at 6pm in our office which is located at Calle Garcilaso #210 (second floor), in La Casa del Abuelo shopping center. 

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE IN YOUR OFFICE:

Of course! During the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both are free. Please do not  pack anything in your main luggage that you will need for your hike.

HOW TO BOOK THE SHORT INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU

FIRST, to book your Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu, you need to fill out our booking form by clicking the BOOK NOW button on our homepage.

Please be ready with the following information (FOR EACH PARTICIPANT in your group).  We cannot purchase a Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu permit without the following information:

• Your full name, exactly as on your passport
• Gender as it is listed in your passport
• Passport number
• D.O.B. (dd/mm/yyyy)
• Nationality

SECOND, we require a deposit of US$211.00 (US$200 + US$11) which includes a 5.5% service charge by PayPal and Visa per person.  In order for us to purchase a permit for the 2 day Inca Trail Machu Picchu please make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment type of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL, 

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?

It would be greatly appreciated if you pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have many cash machines in the historical center where you can withdraw money.  You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online- this includes a 5.5% service charge, charged by VISA and PAYPAL.  To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account using our email address of info@shortincatrailmachupicchu.com. 

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

1. According to Peruvian Law you must be under 18 years of age at the time of your trek, tour, or visit to Machu Picchu (students 18 & above need valid student cards). For example if you book a trek at the age of 17 but you turn 18 before you do your trek, you do not qualify for a student discount.
2. All students from 11 to 17 years, the discount is $30.
3. For children from the age of 2 to 11 the discount is $40.
4. For children from the age of 0 to 2 are free.
5. All students must provide a copy of their passport at the time of their booking to get the student discount.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?

Unfortunately the answer is “NO”. Once the tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure date after the ticket has been bought. The Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu tickets are also not transferable nor refundable.

If you cancel your Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu, the deposit is completely non-refundable.

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE SHORT INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU?

Yes for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number that you booked your tour with. The rangers have various checkpoints along the trail to Machu Picchu where you will need to show your passport.

If you need to renew your passport before coming to Peru (remember you need at least 6 months validity before entering), we can secure your permit using your old passport, and can either change it when you get a new one or simply bring both passports with you.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE SHORT INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU?

It’s important to understand that in the Andes, the weather is very unpredictable and you can experience 4 seasons worth of weather in an afternoon. Likewise, on the trail we will pass through several different microclimates, each of which may present its own type of weather. It’s best to dress in layers that are easy to get on and off.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

In general if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to let your body acclimatize, you will be fine.

The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is water, coca tea, plenty of rest and oxygen only if necessary. The best thing you can do for yourself is to give yourself time to take it easy in Cusco before the trek begins. Once on the trek, our guides are trained to treat you for altitude sickness.

See our detailed information about Altitude Sickness under FAQS.

We can add on a Cusco City Tour or Sacred Valley Tour to help you get used to the altitude before your trek. Check them out in our “Day Tours” tab.

HOW MANY PEOPLE PER GROUP?

The maximum group size is 8 persons. Usually our groups are between 2-6 persons. Sam Travel Peru is specialised in SMALL and PRIVATE groups and provide a personalised service.

WHAT DOES THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU LOOK LIKE IN THE PEAK SEASON?

It can get a bit crowded but with the strict government regulations to limit the amount of people hiking per day, there is enough space for everyone. To improve your experience on the Short Inca Trail Machu Picchu, we have small groups with expert guides.

ARE WE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE SHORT INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU?

Absolutely! Hotel pick up and drop off is included in this tour. We also have the option for drop-offs in the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo or Urubamba).

WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?

It will depend on the train availability but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views from the train on the way back to Cusco. Typically we try to ensure the train at 2:55 PM or 3:20 PM depending on availability.  

VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE; HOW MUCH IS IT?

Upgrading to Vistadome train is a great way to add a little comfort and luxury to your trip without breaking the bank. The Vistadome has nicer seats as well as panoramic windows- even on the ceiling. There are snacks provided and a traditional dance shown aboard.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip however much you feel, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE? 

Yes, we are a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator in that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and respect the local places and it’s people.