Short Inca Trail hike or 2 day Inca Trail tour, also called the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike, offers you the best sections of the wonderful four-day trek into a couple of days. This Inca Trail short trek is perfect for those looking for adventure excitement, and a greater understanding of Peruvian history and culture. Also, perfect for those with limited time but a strong desire to hike to Machu Picchu or for those visitors who wish to arrive to the magical, mystical Machu Picchu by foot through Inti Punku “The Sun Gate”, and see Machu Picchu in all its majesty and grandeur, and live a unique experience in a lifetime.
Embarking on this once in a lifetime trek along the 2 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you’ll visit Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku, or the “Sun Gate”, and Machu Picchu. Moreover, you’ll enjoy the sunset in Machu Picchu during the first day with few visitors, and arrive early on the second day to witness the amazing sunrise, surrounded by majestic Andean peaks. This an adventure trekking through the mountains and the jungle, which was very well known by the Incas, one of the best ways to reach Machu Picchu.
What to Expect in Regards to Time Periods to Complete the Short Inca Trail MAP!
- From Cusco to Ollantaytambo is about 1 hour and 45 minutes by private van.
- Ollantaytambo Train Station to KM 104 is 1 hour and 10 minutes by train where you start your trek.
- KM 104 to Wiñay Huayna is about 3 hours mostly uphill trekking with lots of steps, difficulty moderate but varies based on your fitness level.
- Wiñay Huayna to Sun Gate is about 1 hour with stretches of steep steps upward and then down.
- Sun Gate to Machu Picchu is about 1 hour downhill steps and easy for most trekkers to complete.
- All trekkers (1 day or 2 days) will receive a 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Times vary depending on level of fitness and group pace, for the 1 day Inca Trail you need to be moderately fit in order to hike it in one day and arrive in time to do your Machu Picchu tour.
View map below:
Short Inca Trail Map
Why hike the 2 days Inca Trail?
- You are hiking the last 1/3 of the famous Classic Inca Trail that everyone worldwide desires to hike.
- It is a trek through history with archeological sites all along the way to view and explore.
- The views from the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu Citadel are spectacular.
- You have the opportunity to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain.
- You are hiking the actual trail that the Ancient Incas hiked more than 600 year ago.
- You get to visit Machu Picchu Citadel twice, the 1st and 2nd day of the trek.
What to SEE on the Short Inca Trail?
The Inca Trail is a world-famous hiking trail that forms part of the Ancient Inca Road Network. The 2 Day Short Inca Trail takes you on the last third of the Classic Inca Trail through the Sun Gate to the majestic Machu Picchu Citadel! The journey begins as soon as you cross the bridge at KM 104 over the Urubamba River. It offers impressive Inca ruins, expansive mountain views, lush subtropical vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. As you hike on the flat stone steps walked by the ancient Incas, 600 years ago, you pass through cloud forests and finally into the subtropical vegetation of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival to the Guards Gate at Machu Picchu you´ll get to take the picture-perfect postcard photos of Machu Picchu Citadel. Discover multiple historical sites and all that nature has to offer.
Train ride
The journey to the Short Inca Trail starts on the Expedition Train, stationed in the bustling small town of Ollantaytambo. Departure time is usually scheduled at 6:10am just as the sunrises over the mountains. The train tracks straddle the Urubamba River on the left, as it gently curves with the road. On your right are stunning views of the rugged mountains with snow hooded peaks. As the journey continues the ruggedness of the mountains transforms into lush vegetation with beautiful splashes of color. This is a sign that you are now approaching not only the high jungle, but KM 104 (2 100m/6 927ft), the starting point for the Short Inca Trail.
You can upgrade to the Vistadome train which has glass ceilings and windows, providing the most spectacular panoramic views of the stunning Andean landscape you pass on the way. The Vistadome also offers onboard entertainment and snacks.
Suspension Bridge
To get to the checkpoint of the Short Inca trail, you need to cross a suspension bridge over the Urubamba River. As soon as people disembark the train, they immediately create a small traffic jam. It’s the perfect spot to take those first pictures of this historical journey you are about to embark on. There is also no better vintage point to capture the full scope of the Urubamba River that originates in Puno flowing for a 724km before joining the Tambo River to form the Ucayali River (part of Amazon River). So, stop soak in this momentous occasion, you are about to follow in the footsteps of the masterful ancient Incas.
Chachabamba Archeological site
Chachabamba is only a stone’s throw away from the checkpoint of KM104. It was rediscovered in 1940. It sits at an elevation of 2 171m/6 995ft, surrounded by massive green mountains and lush vegetation typical in a subtropical Andean Forest. It’s located in a spot at the top of a mountain that appears to have somehow been flattened by the skillful builders that were the Incas. The structure of the buildings have been designed to conform to the shape of the terrain that it encompasses. The stone work is sturdy and impeccable in its built and design. There are a number of water baths around the site giving the impression that it could have been used as a religious site to worship water. This valley is very fertile and nature was very important to the ancient Incas, knowns for making seasonal sacrifices to Pachamama. As with most Inca sites, in the center you will find a religious altar carved out of natural rock. Another theory is that it was used as a guard house for people wishing to visit the great citadel of Machu Picchu. Because this valley is so fertile it played a very important agricultural role, they planted potatoes, cassavas and medicinal plants and herbs among other things.
Waterfall
About half way on your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike, you will encounter a small waterfall with its crystal-clear waters cascading into the rocks below. It proves to be a welcomed and much needed break before embarking on the only 2 challenging climbs on this trail. Splash your face or if time allows, take off your hiking boots and dip your toes into the ice-cold soothing waters. Take in the splendor nature has to offer, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Flora and Fauna on the Inca Trail
The trail is dotted with Flora and Fauna that’s unique to this region. So, feast your eyes on the many different species you will have the pleasure to see. We will provide short details of the most eye-catching and famous species. The Andean Bear / Spectacled Bear a herbivorous giant bear linked to many Andean myths and legends. The Puma/ Cougar, I don’t know about you but this scares me a lot, but don’t be afraid it really hates people and stays as far away from trail as possible. Cock-of-the-rocks is a colorful and strikingly beautiful national bird of Peru. They are solitary and silent birds. During mating season 50 birds gather on the rocks, hoping to be lucky one to be chosen by a female. The Giant Hummingbird is the biggest hummingbird in the world and you have very high chances of coming across one during your Inca Trail hike. Finally, is the famous Llamas. They were used to transport cargo by the Ancient Incas. Today they are domesticated animals, kept for their wool and delicious meat.
The Flora is just stunning. Winay Wayna is by far the most famous, with an ageless archeological site named after it. The name means ´Forever young´ in Quechua. Waqnki (tears in Quechua) is a close second. It tells the tale of an unsupported love affair between two people in different social classes in society. It’s a tearful Quechua love story. The Cendral Montana is a very popular cedar tree in this region. It’s been carved into many things like furniture, balconies and altars among other things. Then you have Molles, which is the most cultivated shrub in the Andean region. You will come across a lot of these bushes; its leaves are used for healing purposes.
Wiñay Wayna
Winay Wayna (2 650m/ 8 694ft) is an enigmatic Archeological site. It looks ageless, as though the construction was completed only recently. Its aptly named after the famous orchid found on the trail, with its name meaning ¨Forever Young¨ in Quechua. You get small glimpses of the site all the way from the suspension bridge, with the full effect of its magnificence making its presence felt on arrival. Climb up the chiseled steps until you reach the top, making stops along the way to discover the uses and importance of each section. At the top you will be met by panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley, snow-capped mountain peaks like Mt Veronica and the Vilcanota River gently flowing down stream. Learn the fascinating history behind this stunning Inca Site before stopping at a campsite of the same name nearby for some refreshments and use of restrooms. Click for more information!
Monkey steps
Monkey Steps/ Gringo killer steps, whatever you choose to call them, they always stay true to the name. The name refers to these narrow steps found just before arriving at the Sun Gate and getting your first breath taking view of Majestic Inca City of Machu Picchu. There is only one way to get through this section, drop your inhibitions, get on all fours, and climb up like a monkey on its best day. It’s the safest, easiest and quickest way to get to your end goal. This section is very short but super steep, it has left a few gringos completely out of breath. Gringo is a term of endearment used for foreign travelers in most Latin countries.
Sun Gate
The Sun Gate also known as Inti Punku stands at an elevation of 2 720m/ 8 924 ft overlooking one of the 7 wonders of the world, the great Machu Picchu Citadel. It was a kind of control gate for people entering and leaving the Inca City of Machu Picchu. Because of its remote and strategic location, it is believed that Machu Picchu only welcomed elite guests from the empire. It is a large place, with windows and doors supported by terraces. From the Sun Gate you can see the entire Inca City of Machu Picchu from the middle of the mountains. In the past, you would have been able to hike up to the Sun Gate from Machu Picchu. However, due to new government regulations, the only way to access the Sun Gate is via the Inca Trail Trek. All Inca Treks – whether it’s the 1 day or its longer variations – will pass the Sun Gate. For more information!
Machu Picchu
The Majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by Yale University history lecturer Hiram Bingham. He incorrectly named it ´The Lost City of the Incas´, because the people that still lived up in the Andes mountains were fully aware of its existence. It’s a massive and enigmatic city, one of the 7 Wonders of The World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The brilliance, genius and precision of Incan engineering and construction is astonishing. The structures that remain give you a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Incas who once called this place home. Click on the following link to read about the different structures you get to visit on your exploration of Machu Picchu. Each site peels a layer into the historical, cultural and religious legacy of the vast Empire of the Incas: What to see in Machu Picchu
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DIFFICULT IS THE ONE DAY INCA TRAIL?
It is very important for potential trekkers of the 1 Day Inca Trail to understand that you are doing the same trail as the 2 Day Inca Trail, just quicker. Trekkers need to be in moderate to excellent physical condition to be able to do this trek and arrive at Machu Picchu Citadel on time. If you think the trek may be too strenuous, you may book the 2 day Inca Trail.
WHERE IS THE STARTING POINT OF THIS HIKE?
The actual hike starts at KM 104, from this point to Machu Picchu is 12km.
DO I NEED PERMITS FOR THIS HIKE?
Yes – government issued permits are required and can only be bought by licensed tour operators.
There are only 250 permits per day for the Short Inca Trail. All visitors and professional crew need a permit so we recommend booking as soon as there’s availability for your preferred dates.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FROM KM 104 TO MACHU PICCHU CITY?
It takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on your fitness, it covers 12km in total.
WHAT ABOUT THE ALTITUDE?
Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level, which is much lower than the city of Cusco — 3,400 meters or 11,152 feet — so it’s likely you won’t suffer from altitude sickness if you’ve already spent time acclimatizing in Cusco first. If you’re concerned about the altitude, take it slow and drink plenty of water. Sipping coca tea, chewing coca leaves or taking a soroche pill are other effective ways to deal with the altitude.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU?
Consider visiting Machu Picchu from April through May or from September through October. The high-tourist season months are June, July and August when it doesn’t tend to rain.
