One Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

At Vidal Expeditions, we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in the Inca Trail one day to Machu Picchu. We know this is very important so that you know exactly what to bring and don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your trek.

INFO

At Vidal Expeditions, we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details you need to know before leaving your country and starting your life experience in Peru..

What you need to pack? Important

• Passport
• Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
• Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

A daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25 liters will not be allowed. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside the citadel gates. But don´t worry; they have a secure storage facility.

• Sun hat
• Rain gear
• Fleece
• Camera
• Music (iPhone)
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
• Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
• Earplugs
• Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)

TOILETRIES:

• Sunscreen
• Face moisturizer
• Bug spray
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Small towel
• Toothbrush and paste
• Toilet paper
• Personal medication
• First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.

Here some frequently asked question about the Inca trail to Machu Picchu OUR BOOKING SYSTEM

At Vidal Expeditions, we try to make the booking system as easy as possible for you. Once you decide to do the Inca Trail, we will send you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details, which can’t be changed once confirmed. We also need a previous deposit of $200 USD per person. As soon as you pay it, we immediately book a spot for the Inca Trail. Once we are done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that all the booking processes have been set up satisfactorily.

INCA TRAIL PERMITS

To book the Inca Trail permit, you should do it in advance because there are limitations on how many people can hike this trail every day; the capacity is 230 tourists per day. Once your permit is confirmed, the start dates and your name cannot be changed under any circumstance. According to government rules, the only information we can change is the passport number, which you should take care of before confirming the booking form.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new and old passports. If you no longer have your old passport, any government-issued ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Also, make sure your passport does not expire six months or less after your trip.

WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO?

Cusco is a big enough city to find different categories of hotels, from 2 stars to 5 stars. There are also Airbnb places where you can stay without any problem. Cusco streets are narrow, especially near the main square, and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs. We will send you a notification for the pick-up if it is not possible to access them with our car and arrange another place to pick you up and drop you off. Also, it is possible to stay in the Sacred Valley near Urubamba City or Ollantaytambo, where we can pick you up in 1.20 hours, rather than in Cusco. In case you want some recommendations, please ask the Vidal Expeditions sales team..

CAN I SPEND AN EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES?

Yes. It is possible, if you are ok with taking the same train out of Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, which is typically at 14:30 or 14:55 that afternoon, that there is no additional charge to move the train back a day. If you need us to secure your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, this will be an additional cost. If you do choose to spend one more night in Aguas Calientes, make sure you tell the Vidal Expeditions office at least one month in advance so your train ticket is purchased for the right day.

ALONG THE INCA TRAIL IS THERE ELECTRICITY ALONG THE TRAIL?

No. The Inca Trail is located in remote places where there is not access to electricity. You should bring an extra battery or power bank for 4 days; you can have change to buy one in Cusco. There is also no cellphone service, so we recommend telling your family you are going to the trail where there is no phone signal.

HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK?

While you don't need any specific training to do the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, being fit will help. The best preparation for the trek is treadmill exercise with steep inclines and stairs. With some days of acclimatization in Cusco, you will be fine along the trail. The second day will be your toughest day, as you will climb up to the highest peak, which is called Death Woman Pass (4215 m/13779 ft).

DO I NEED HIKING BOOTS?

Definitely, it is always recommended to wear light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing and going down so many steps created by the Incas, some of them become slippery as time goes on. Now that they are uneven and at varying heights, the extra support helps prevent twisting your ankles.

SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS?

Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, but particularly on this trek. There are so many stairs that you will walk down, all made by the Incas 600 years ago. They vary in height and are not all straight. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing this portion of the trail. Plus, they will help you get up the mountain as well. For those who are bringing their own, make sure you have rubber tips, or the rangers will not allow you to use them. Rubber tips can be purchased in Cusco if you forget before you leave, as well as at the beginning of the trail.

WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE?

In case you have extra luggage that you do not need to bring to the Inca Trail, all the hotels in Cusco have storage where you can leave your luggage completely free. If you change hotels after the trek, we have storage available in the Vidal Expeditions office. Get more information from our office team.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER?

The weather in Cusco and parts of the Andes is unpredictable, even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny. We can’t trust it. It is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically, April through September is the dry season; November through February is the rainy season; and March and October are bridge months—a mixture of both. But the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. Prepare for sun and rain, no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up, you should be comfortable hiking and touring Machu Picchu in short sleeves. Long pants (for yoga or hiking) are encouraged to protect against the mosquitoes, which can be a nuisance in Aguas Calientes.

From: USD 440.00 per person

* Upgrade a overnigh in Aguas Calientes $100USD
* Upgrade the returning train to Vistadome service (With larger windows and more comfortable seats) $60US per person

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Vidal Expeditions. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

Our Pledge |  Your privacy is respected and protected. Vidal Expeditions will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.

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