Use the eve of the trek to save energy. The short trail is far more accessible than a multi day route, but your legs will still meet hundreds of uneven stone steps laid centuries ago.

Have a dinner rich in carbohydrates in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, avoid hard exercise and leave alcohol out. Drinking plenty of water or an electrolyte mix that day sets your muscles up for the climb.

The walk begins the moment you step off the train at Km 104. Park rangers at the Chachabamba checkpoint check every permit against your passport.

The control is this strict because the whole road network is protected under international heritage law. The UNESCO listing for Machu Picchu explains why daily visitor numbers are limited on the Qhapaq Nan.

Past the checkpoint the scenery quickly becomes subtropical cloud forest, with native orchids, thick moss and steep drops to the river.

Keep an even, unhurried step, the one local guides call the Andean shuffle. It saves your strength for Winay Wayna. If you would like a bigger challenge over several days and high passes, have a look at the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days.

The trail runs on a strict Leave No Trace rule. Everything you bring in, organic or not, goes back out in your daypack.

Walking sticks must have rubber tips at all times so they do not damage the old paving. Respecting these simple rules helps keep the archaeological sites of Cusco intact for the hikers who come after you.

Permits for every section of the Inca Trail are limited to protect the sanctuary. For the 2 day route they can sell out months ahead, mainly in high season from May to September. Booking early locks in your date and your train seats.

Yes. Reserve with your current passport number or an ID card. When the new passport is in your hands, tell us so that we can update the permit at least 2 days before departure.

Yes. We offer private pickup from hotels in Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Yucay, Pisac and Calca for groups of 2 or more.

The classic trek means 3 nights of camping, high passes and about 42 km on foot. The short trail covers only the last 12 km in one moderate day, with no cold camps and a night in a 3 star hotel in Aguas Calientes.

The highest point of the trek is about 2,720 m, lower than the city of Cusco at 3,400 m. Even so, we recommend at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand. Coca tea and plenty of water help.

You hike with a light daypack holding what you need for 2 days. Suitcases can be left free of charge at our Cusco office, and most Cusco hotels store luggage too.

It is rated moderate. Day 1 involves 6 to 7 hours of walking with stone stairs and uphill stretches. No technical skill is needed, but basic fitness and healthy knees for the descents make it far more enjoyable.

The dry season from May to September has the clearest skies. Rain is most likely from November to March. The entire Inca Trail network, this route included, is closed every February for maintenance.

No. Tipping is voluntary and simply a way to say thank you for good service. Our guides and drivers always appreciate it.