Short Inca Trail Complete Guide

What is the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

To begin, on the Short Inca Trail, The first day we will hike, and on the second day, we will visit Machu Picchu.

The tour from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by car and from there to km104 by train. The two-day Inca Trail begins with a 6 to 8-hour hike to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna. After exploring this archaeological complex, the journey concludes by passing through the Sun Gate (also known as Inti Punku), the gateway to Machu Picchu.

From here, you will descend on a side trail, skirting the ruins, to take a bus to Aguas Calientes. Rest, relax, and enjoy the evening in a hotel, and on the second day of your short Inca Trail journey, get ready to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL AND THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?

The main difference between the 2-day Inca Trail and the Classic Inca Trail lies in the duration and distance of the trek. The Short Inca Trail is a shorter version, usually completed in two days, allowing you to explore the best parts of the Inca Trail in less time, while the Classic Inca Trail lasts four days. The Short Inca Trail covers a distance of approximately 10 kilometers, whereas the Classic Inca Trail extends over about 42 kilometers.

Moreover, the Short Inca Trail is less physically demanding, making it a popular choice for those with limited time or seeking a less strenuous hiking experience. With fewer tourists compared to the Classic Trail, you’ll also have a more intimate experience. Additionally, you don’t need to worry about camping, personal porters, or a sleeping bag for the 2-day Inca Trail. You’ll stay in a hotel along the way, making the trek comfortable and hassle-free. Enjoy stunning landscapes, incredible views of Machu Picchu, and explore captivating Inca ruins, all without extra gear or logistical concerns.

CAN YOU DO THE HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU IN 1 DAY?

Yes. The one-day hike on the Inca Trail starts at KM 104, ascends to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna, where it joins the classic Inca Trail hike, and then continues to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) towards Machu Picchu. This is a one-day hike to Machu Picchu, with the option to return the next day for a full tour of the ruins.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE 1-DAY INCA TRAIL AND THE 2-DAY INCA TRAIL?

The only difference between the 1-day Inca Trail hike and the 2-day Inca Trail is that on the 2-day Inca Trail, hikers return to Machu Picchu on the second day for a guided tour of the Citadel after spending a night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. The actual hiking itinerary is the same: it starts at KM 104, passes through Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate, and arrives at Machu Picchu in the afternoon. This is a one-day hike on the Inca Trail; it is not possible to split this hike into two days.

2-DAY INCA TRAIL WITH CAMPING: IS IT POSSIBLE?

Since the Short Inca Trail is a one-day hike, camping is not possible along the trail. Campsites at Wiñay Wayna are reserved for Classic Inca Trail hikers and are not available for those undertaking the Short Inca Trail. Camping in Aguas Calientes is possible, but the campsite there does not provide a pleasant experience due to its location and the abundance of biting insects. It’s much better to stay in a hotel (included in the price of our 2-day Inca Trail hike) and get a good night’s sleep before visiting Machu Picchu.

DAY BY DAY ON THE SHORT INCA TRAIL: 2 DAYS ON A WORLD-FAMOUS TREK

SHORT INCA TRAIL DAY 1: FROM KM 104 TO WIÑAY WAYNA AND THE SUN GATE

MORNING

The 2-day, 1-night Short Inca Trail hike begins with a journey from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll take the train to the start of the Short Inca Trail at KM104. On the train, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and the changing Andean landscapes before the train reaches the stop at KM104, where everyone must disembark and start walking.

Upon getting off the train at KM104 and crossing the hanging bridge over the Urubamba River, explorers find themselves walking amidst the dense cloud forest with its warmth, humidity, and many different shades of green. With each breath comes the fresh scent of dew. That fragrance and the roar of the river accompany walkers for most of the day.

In addition to the green color of the forest, it’s easy to admire yellow, red, and pink orchids, as well as white, brown, yellow, and black butterflies.

Passing through Chachabamba, the route visits an administrative checkpoint located near the starting point, close to the river. From there, it is possible to observe in the distance the Choquesuysuy sites, also by the river, and Intipata, perched on a hill, while walking 7 hours to Wiñay Wayna.

Hikers can also enter an alternative route at KM106. Instead of visiting the archaeological site of Chachabamba, visitors on this alternative hike will see the archaeological site of Choquesuysuy. The KM104 route is always uphill but with a relatively gentle slope. The KM106 route is uphill in zigzag and steeper, and it takes only about 3 hours to reach the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna. From Wiñay Wayna, the route follows the standard trail to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate.

AFTERNOON

After passing through some streams and a couple of waterfalls, walkers reach one of the most impressive Inca archaeological sites in the area known as Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), named after the orchid of the same name found in this area. Wiñay Wayna features a ceremonial section with a double door and a room with 7 windows, as well as several finely carved water fountains. (Read more about Wiñay Wayna on our blog).

On this 2-day Inca Trail hike, it is very common to observe different species of fauna such as quetzals and hummingbirds playing cheerfully in the trees. Another famous endemic bird in the area that can be observed is the Cock-of-the-Rock, the national bird of Peru.

After lunch and a tour of Wiñay Wayna, walkers will reach a stretch of stairs: the last stretch before reaching the Sun Gate or Inti Punku. It’s only an hour’s walk from Wiñay Wayna to Inti Punku, from where it is possible to get a spectacular first view of Machu Picchu, the most important and magnificent archaeological site in America.