The short Inca Trail is a breathtaking hiking path, covering 12 km of trekking before you get to the wonder of the world. It offers tremendous views of the sharp mountain faces, covered in lush vegetation. This short hike goes on the original Inca roads with abundant flora and wildlife. The hike is much lower in altitude compared with the 4 day trek. It starts at a different place from the Classic Inca trail. But after the beautiful ruins of Winaywayna, hikers will go on the same famous trail of the 4 day trek to Machupicchu.
This mind-blowingly 2 day hike to Machu picchu, has special meaning like no other path. Walking on the Short Inca trail 2 days, you will encounter unique geography, with formidable Inca sites, stunning scenery and finally the magical feeling of arriving at the Sun gate and Machupicchu. This magical 2 day hike, is an excellent option to visit the lost city in the wet season (November to March). Because it allows hikers to visit this great wonder of the world twice in the same trip.
In the morning at the appropriate time, travelers will be picked up from their hotels in Cusco and transported for 1 hour and half to the train station of Ollantaytambo; the train ride is approx. 1 hour and half to arrive to km 104 the trail-head for Short Inca Trail 2 day trek. After to cross the check point you will hike uphill for about 3 hours through the beautiful cloud forest until you reach the beautiful site of Wiñaywayna.
This is an impressive site mixed of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious temple and an urban sector. You will be able to explore this charming and marvelous Inca complex. Which is definitely one of the highlights for this hike, afterwards we will eat our box lunch.
The second part of this route is easier, you will walk towards the Gate of the Sun and Machupicchu; at your arrival you will take pictures from the upper part of the ruins; then you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes town; to stay at the hotel.
In the morning after your breakfast at the hotel, the guide will pick you up from your hotel, then you will travel by bus to the citadel of Machupicchu. Where you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the farming sector, the Sun Temple, the water fountains, the Royal palace, the Temple of the Three Windows, Sacred Rock, warehouses, a large central square; and all the most interesting places. It will be a unique experience at this mysterious place. In the present day considered one of the new 7 wonders of the world. After the guided tour, there will be a free time to admire the site or you can go for the optional hikes:
In the afternoon at the scheduled time we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, and then the train ride back to Ollantaytambo and then you will have transfer back to the hotel in Cusco.
The journey by train takes approximately 1:40 Hours and 1:30 hours by car to arrive back to the hotel in Cusco.
Note: The spaces for this Inca trail 2 day trek and Huayna Picchu Mountain are limited (View Regulations), we kindly suggest you to book it way in advance to assure your trek permits for this 2 day hike to machu picchu
The Peruvian government office sells the trek permits for the Inca Trail Trips in general 4 day or 2 day. To book your trek permits for the short Inca Trail hike you can contact well established tour companies or directly to authorized tour guides. The limit of spaces for the Inca Trail 2 day trek is 250 per day and that is including trekkers, guides and some porters. We suggest hikers booking in advance to secure the spots for this hike.
This Machu Picchu 2 day hike is categorized as a moderate hike. But still some people will need a bit of acclimatization to the altitude. If you are relatively fit or at least you exercise regularly and then you are prepared to hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
In comparison with the 4 day hike, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu goes in lower altitude. The beginning point at Cachabamba is just 2180 m / 7150 ft. and its high elevation get to 2720 m / 8930 ft. at the Sun gate. So the elevation change is 1780 ft. between the start and highest point. It mainly goes in the cloud-forest, so the weather is quite warm and wet sometimes.
The 2 day inca trail to Machu Picchu is the only option highly recommended for the wet season. Because it allows you to go through Machupichu twice. Also let travelers to sight Machu Picchu from the Sun gate in the distance. If you plan hiking up to Huayna Picchu this will be your best opportunity in the second day. So hiking this 2 day inca trail to Machu Picchu is totally worth it in every way.
The total distance from the beginning at km 104 all the way to Machu Picchu is 13 km / 8.1 miles. Usually it takes five and half hours to finish this popular Machu Picchu 2 day hike. Some sections is up-hill, very gentle around some of the hills and some down-hill after the Sun gate.
People need to be relatively fit to hike the short Inca trail 2 days or at least have some training before to do it. Less weight you carry in your back-pack it will be very helpful for the hike. It is important to have a brief with the guide before to go on the trail. Especially if you want to discuss about the trekking conditions.
