u/knitgal443

Recently completed a 2 day Machu Picchu short Inca Trail hike and wanted to share my experience with information that I had looked for pre-trip.

My husband and I booked through Machu Picchu center website for a full day hike, hotel accommodation, and second day at MP doing circuit 3 about 4 months in advance.

We got to Cusco Sunday 6/28 to allow for acclimation to the altitude. I’m glad we did because right away we were lightheaded. The tea, coca leaf candies, ibuprofen, and electrolyte packs from home helped a lot. I got sick the worst about 36 hours after arrival (day before MP hike!). Thankfully skipping our planned excursion so I could rest was so worth it.

Day of, 7/1, we got up super early and met our cab driver to bring us to the bus station (all included in our booking). The bus station has a nice restroom. Bus ride to Ollantaytambo is quite windy and bumpy so prep with Dramamine or their equivalent you can purchase at the pharmacy. Ollantaytambo station also has a nice restroom. There are restrooms on the train, but I can’t speak to them. Definitely use the restroom before getting off the train because from there it is pack your tp out and hovering over a hole in the ground.

Once we got to the stop km106, we jumped off the train and got ready to meet our guide. We lucked out by being the only 2 with our lovely guide, Alex! Leave some space in your backpack to carry your lunch, which was delicious!

The first part of the hike is mostly steps. Take your time and take breaks. Definitely doable but I needed to rest a lot since I had just been sick the previous day. We stopped for lunch at a base camp (and facilities-last one before MP) and continued to Wiñaywayna. The views were insane!

Going through the Sun Gate was an emotional experience for sure, plus it was day 3 of my period (more on this later). From there it was a lot of steps and mostly downhill whew. Once we reached MP we saw circuit 1 and it was incredible.

The excursion also included bus back to Aguas Calientes and dinner out. The hotel was just fine for the night. Next day we took the bus up, explored circuit 3 with our guide, and took the bus back down. We had a few hours to explore before train then bus back to Cusco. It was so nice to have all of the logistics planned for us.

Ok back to the period for those interested. I opted just for period underwear for these days as the facilities on the trail are not sanitary and you would need to take all of the trash with you. I was worried about the restrooms pre-trip, but like others have said you’ll be so consumed with the incredible views that you’ll forget all about it.

Overall rating 100/10 it is an experience you will never forget!! Total cost $525/person and felt it was definitely worth it to have everything planned out for you.

Recently completed a 2 day Machu Picchu short Inca Trail hike and wanted to share my experience with information that I had looked for pre-trip.

My husband and I booked through Machu Picchu center website for a full day hike, hotel accommodation, and second day at MP doing circuit 3 about 4 months in advance.

We got to Cusco Sunday 6/28 to allow for acclimation to the altitude. I’m glad we did because right away we were lightheaded. The tea, coca leaf candies, ibuprofen, and electrolyte packs from home helped a lot. I got sick the worst about 36 hours after arrival (day before MP hike!). Thankfully skipping our planned excursion so I could rest was so worth it.

Day of, 7/1, we got up super early and met our cab driver to bring us to the bus station (all included in our booking). The bus station has a nice restroom. Bus ride to Ollantaytambo is quite windy and bumpy so prep with Dramamine or their equivalent you can purchase at the pharmacy. Ollantaytambo station also has a nice restroom. There are restrooms on the train, but I can’t speak to them. Definitely use the restroom before getting off the train because from there it is pack your tp out and hovering over a hole in the ground.

Once we got to the stop km106, we jumped off the train and got ready to meet our guide. We lucked out by being the only 2 with our lovely guide, Alex! Leave some space in your backpack to carry your lunch, which was delicious!

The first part of the hike is mostly steps. Take your time and take breaks. Definitely doable but I needed to rest a lot since I had just been sick the previous day. We stopped for lunch at a base camp (and facilities-last one before MP) and continued to Wiñaywayna. The views were insane!

Going through the Sun Gate was an emotional experience for sure, plus it was day 3 of my period (more on this later). From there it was a lot of steps and mostly downhill whew. Once we reached MP we saw circuit 1 and it was incredible.

The excursion also included bus back to Aguas Calientes and dinner out. The hotel was just fine for the night. Next day we took the bus up, explored circuit 3 with our guide, and took the bus back down. We had a few hours to explore before train then bus back to Cusco. It was so nice to have all of the logistics planned for us.

Ok back to the period for those interested. I opted just for period underwear for these days as the facilities on the trail are not sanitary and you would need to take all of the trash with you. I was worried about the restrooms pre-trip, but like others have said you’ll be so consumed with the incredible views that you’ll forget all about it.

Overall rating 100/10 it is an experience you will never forget!! Total cost $525/person and felt it was definitely worth it to have everything planned out for you.