Why the 2-Day Inca Trail hike Doesn't Have Porters

The short 2-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is a popular choice for families and groups seeking a challenging yet comfortable mini-adventure in Peru. 

One of the hallmarks of the 2 day trip is that there's no camping. This makes it an ideal choice for small groups who want to hike together, but have members who will not camp for any reason. The other benefit of the 2 day trip is it's short and doable even if you have only 5 days in Peru, 

Here's why porters are not used on the short 2-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu:

• Porters need to travel from their small communities in the mountains to get to the trails where service is needed. It's not worth it for them to provide service for a day hike.
• The cost of the 2-day trip to Machu Picchu is expensive, even by western standards. Adding porters would increase that cost.
• It's feasible for you to bring your own backpack large enough to carry everything you need for the hike plus overnight gear for 1 night in a hotel. (Suggested maximum size is 24 liters women / 28 liters men / 20 liters kids (depending on size)
• All hotels store excess luggage in Cusco (or the Sacred Valley) during your trip to Machu Picchu, not matter how many days it is.
• Adios Adventure Travel staff provide assistance with luggage transfers. Once we know your itinerary, we automatically include the extra logistics to manage everyone's luggage whether they're hiking or going by train to Machu Picchu.
• Trains to Machu Picchu do not have capacity to travel with all your luggage. There's no tagging and tracking for your bags. It's customary for all travelers going to Machu Picchu to bring an overnight bag/backpack if you plan to stay in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, whether you hike or go by train. Bags are stashed between the seats or in an open space at the back of the carriage.

How to choose a bag for your trip to Machu Picchu

What if a group needs help with carrying their gear on the short 2-day hike to Machu Picchu? 

A private porter can be hired in cases where families with kids or members who can't carry everything for a 2-day trip need help. This means a porter will take 1 small/medium sized duffle bag by train and deliver to your hotel in Aguas Calientes while you hike. After your visit to Machu Picchu, you bring the bag on the train back to your hotel. 

What if I told you there's a way to organize your trip with the option to hike the short 2-Day Inca Trail or go by train? What's the 2-in-1 itinerary to Machu Picchu?