How to Visit The Short Inca Trail

Have you ever dreamed of exploring Machu Picchu in a unique and challenging way? Well, you’ve come to the right place. If you have heard about the famous Inca Trail, but are worried about time or prefer a shorter hike, we have the perfect solution for you!

Imagine enjoying the majesty of Machu Picchu in just 2 days, without compromising your energy on long treks. The Short Inca Trail is the ideal alternative to the traditional 4-day Inca Trail.

WHAT IS THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?

The Incas ruled one of the largest empires in the South American region, known as Tawantinsuyo, a Quechua term that refers to the “Four Suyos of the Sun.” This impressive civilization originated in the Peruvian highlands in the early 15th century and flourished until the arrival of the Spanish in 1532. During their heyday, the Incas exercised dominion over vast territories that included Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.

To connect such an extensive empire, the Incas built a network of trails, known as the Qhapaq Ñan or Inca Trail. At that time, Cusco, named Qosqo, which in Quechua means “Navel of the World,” was the central and most significant city where the Incas resided.
All the roads of the empire started from Cusco, extending to the south, north, east and west.

These roads were of vital importance, as they facilitated trade, communication, food transportation and the movement of the Inca army. The total length of the Inca Trail is staggering, exceeding 30,000 kilometers/ 18,641 miles in its total length. This monumental network of trails is a lasting testament to Inca engineering and the strategic vision of the Incas.

Today the most famous stretch of the Inca trail network or Qhapac Ñan is known as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and is one of the most challenging treks in the world.

WHAT IS THE SHORT INCA TRAIL? WHY IS THE SHORT INCA TRAIL FAMOUS?

The Short Inca Trail is a shorter option, with only 10 km compared to the 44 km of the Classic Trail.
It is a scenic trail with a less challenging hiking experience.
It traverses beautiful archaeological sites along the way.
It allows hikers to experience the richness of the Inca culture.
Combines breathtaking natural scenery with historical heritage.
It is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SHORT INCA TRAIL:

Enjoy a less challenging hiking experience.
Walk through Chachabamba, an ancient Inca site.
Be part of history at Wiñay Huayna, an archaeological gem.
Access Machu Picchu exclusively through the Sun Gate.
Rest in comfortable accommodations in Aguas Calientes.
Learn more about the flora and fauna of the Cusco Andes.

THE SHORT INCA TRAIL

The 2-day Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu represents a unique opportunity for those with time constraints who wish to experience the highlights of the 4-day Classic Inca Trail.

This tour combines the wonders of the dense cloud forest landscape with some of the most impressive Inca ruins. Entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon, you will enjoy the rare opportunity to see Machu Picchu with fewer crowds.

The 2-day Inca Trail Short Trek is perfect for a wide range of travelers, whether they are individuals, couples, groups of friends or families with children. With only one day of hiking and exploration of Machu Picchu the following day, this option is ideal for those looking for a more condensed and accessible experience.

STARTING POINT OF THE SHORT INCA TRAIL

The start of the 2-day Short Inca Trail takes place at kilometer 104 of the Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu railway, which is known as Chachabamba. Along this exciting route, you will encounter outstanding archaeological sites, such as Chachabamba, Wiñay Huayna and Inti Punku.

SHORT INCA TRAIL SHORT ALTITUDE

The Short Inca Trail is highlighted by several important points and presents an average altitude along the trek.

Chachabamba: This ancient archeological site is located at an altitude of approximately 2,200 meters (7,218 feet).
Wiñay Huayna: Located at about 2,680 meters (8,792 feet) above sea level,
Inti Punku (Sun Gate): Approximately 2,730 meters (8,956 feet) above sea level.
The average altitude along the Short Inca Trail ranges from 2,500 to 2,600 meters (8,202 to 8,530 feet).

Note: In case you have purchased the entrance ticket for any of the additional treks such as Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you will be able to visit these iconic attractions. Remember that these are optional activities with an extra cost, and must be booked in advance because spaces are limited.

After the tour, we return to Aguas Calientes and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, we continue in our private transportation back to Cusco, marking the exciting end of our tour along the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.