Important information before taking the Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail tour?
Please read all instructions from Guiding Cusco Expeditions carefully before booking. They will help you prepare for your trip to Cusco and the Inca Trail.
Permits and advance booking
The Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail package requires a mandatory permit; only 400 permits are issued daily, including those for guides, cooks, and porters. Permits often sell out 5 or 6 months in advance—especially between May and September—so we recommend booking as early as possible. The trail is closed every February for maintenance.
Briefing
A member of our team (your guide) will meet you at your hotel to provide clear, accurate information about the trip, including weather conditions and group size. This meeting is important, as it is when final details are settled before starting the Short Inca Trail.
Where can I leave my luggage?
Cusco is a major tourist hub; hotels and hostels are accustomed to multi-day excursions and will happily store your belongings while you are away. If you are changing hotels, you can leave your luggage at our office, and we will keep it safe until your return.
Can I change my travel date?
Unfortunately, no. Permits for the Sacred Valley—and especially for the Short Inca Trail—are tied to a specific date and passport number. Once issued, they cannot be modified, transferred, or refunded.
How do I book my trip? To book the Sacred Valley and 2-Day Short Inca Trail tour, we need the following details for each traveler in your group via our booking form:
Full name(s) exactly as they appear on your passport(s)
Passport number(s)
Date(s) of birth
Gender
Nationality
We also require a deposit of 450 USD per person to secure the Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail permits and organize the trip. Payments can be made securely via bank transfer, online payment, OpenPay, or through our website.
Passport requirements
You must bring your original passport (not a copy), and it must be the same one used to book the permit. It will be checked at checkpoints along the route, at Machu Picchu, and when boarding the train. Ensure it does not expire before your trip.
What to bring for the Inca Trail
Pack layered clothing suitable for changing conditions. We recommend:
Original passport
Thermal base layers, a fleece jacket, and a warm jacket
Rain jacket or poncho
Hat, gloves, and sunglasses
Sun protection (sunscreen and lip balm)
Insect repellent
Comfortable hiking boots
Trekking poles with rubber tips (mandatory to protect the Inca trails)
Sandals for the hotel
Cash in Peruvian Soles for tips, snacks, and restroom use
Luggage handling (duffel bag):
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu does NOT include an additional porter. Your duffel bag will be transported by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Please try to pack as lightly as possible, as this is key to enjoying this incredible hike.
Where will we sleep?
The Sacred Valley and 2-Day Inca Trail tour is of moderate difficulty. Depending on the season, on the first day we explore the Sacred Valley—where we will stay at a hotel in Ollantaytambo after the tour. We will have dinner, and the next day we set out on the Short Inca Trail, eventually resting at a comfortable, cozy hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) to ensure you have the energy for the climb the following day.
Where will we be dropped off after the hike?
Our service includes pickup from your hotel (or a nearby meeting point). After touring Machu Picchu with your guide, you will descend to Aguas Calientes and take the return train—passing through Ollantaytambo—to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel (or nearby, if direct access isn't possible).
Should I bring extra money?
Yes. There are no ATMs along the Inca Trail, so we recommend carrying cash in soles for emergencies, snacks, cold drinks, restroom fees, and tips.
Is it necessary to tip the staff?
Tipping is a meaningful gesture that motivates the staff to continue providing excellent service (suggested amount: 10%).
