1.- INTRODUCTION TO SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is considered the shortest version of trekking activity that allows you to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, besides being emblematic, is also accessible and allows an unforgettable experience for the most daring to immerse themselves in culture and nature. The particularity of the Inca Trail 2 day is that it lasts only 2 days and while travelers follow the ancient path of the Inca civilization they can also walk part of the great Andean mountain range.
2.- General Description of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Short Inca Trail is in fact a shortened version of the traditional trail that normally lasts 4 days, this 2 day trek has been designed explicitly for those who are looking to enjoy or experience the thrill of the traditional Andean route but who have less time or do not have the physical fitness necessary to complete the traditional version.
Both the traditional Inca Trail and the Short Inca Trail Tour are considered sacred routes belonging to the Inca culture that are used as a ceremonial trail that connected the ancient city of Cusco with the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. More than just a means of communication, it was a spiritual link that somehow brought people closer to the gods, especially the Sun God who was the main god of the culture.
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3.- COMPARISON TO THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL
| Details | Classic Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail Tour |
| Duration | 04 days – 03 nights | 02 days – 01 night |
| Total distance | Approx. 43 km | Approx. 12 km |
| Difficulty level | Moderate to high (due to mountainous terrain and altitude) | Moderate (less distance and altitude compared to the classic) |
| Starting points | Starts at kilometer 82 of the railway (near Ollantaytambo) | Starts at kilometer 104 of the railway (near Chachabamba). |
| Main archaeological sites | Patallacta, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna | Chachabamba, Inti Punku(Sun Gate). |
| Natural attractions | Cloud forests, panoramic views, high mountain, diversity of flora and fauna | Cloud forests, spectacular mountain views, tropical ecosystems. |
| Daily hiking time | 6-8 hours per day | 5-6 hours the first day, 3-4 hours the second day |
| Popularity | Very popular, especially among those seeking the full Inca Trail experience | More accessible to those with less time or less experience |
| Accommodation | Camping nights | Hotel nights |
| Community visits | Interaction with some communities along the trail | Does not include interaction with communities, focus on the historic trail |
| Ideal for | Adventurers looking for the full trekking experience and connection to history and nature. | Those with little time or moderate level of experience who want a more accessible experience without sacrificing beauty and culture. |
4.- ROUTE AND HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SHORT INCA TRAIL
To properly enjoy the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu we must first know step by step how to do it. Everything starts in Cusco from where you take transportation that allows you to get to the town of Ollantaytambo where the train station is located, here you start the train ride to kilometer 104 which is also the checkpoint where the walk begins the incredible adventure of the Inca Trail 2 day.
After passing a brief security check with our guide specialized in hiking activities, the tour begins first knowing the archaeological center of Chachabamba, then the trail requires you a little more physical effort because the geography becomes steep until you reach Wiñay Wayna which is the closest archaeological center to Machu Picchu, here we take advantage of the time to rest and have lunch, finally the last part of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu takes you to the highest part of the mountain which is also known as the door of the sun and from this point it is possible to appreciate the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and a path that gradually brings you closer to the citadel where you can appreciate it more closely, however, you still can not visit it, you must first go down to the checkpoint where you can take one of the tourist buses to finally reach the town of Aguas Calientes where a comfortable hotel is scheduled that will allow you to relax and rest from the day’s hike.
The second day of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu comes the best part, you will use again a tourist bus to get to the top of the mountain to enter the Inca citadel and start your guided tour of all the main places inside, at the end you can go back to the village again where you have time to have lunch and finally use one of the trains to return to Cusco.
5.- KEY LANDMARKS AND ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE TRAIL
5.1.- Chachabamba
To get to Chachabamba the road starts at kilometer 104 of the railway between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, a few meters from the checkpoint is this archaeological center of Inca origin, according to research it is believed that this was a resting point and at the same time a ceremonial center in the extensive path of the Inca trail, possibly used by people who were heading to the Inca citadel Machu Picchu. Currently you can see how there are several structures inside including some agricultural terraces and open spaces such as squares that have the particularity of having a breathtaking view of the Andes Mountains, for all travelers who enjoy the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu this is the first point of visit.
5.2.- Wiñaywayna
As you go along the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu you will come across one of the most exciting archaeological centers of both the classic version of the Inca Trail and the Short Inca Trail Tour. The archaeological center of Wiñaywayna is located 2650 m above sea level and is characterized by the presence of a large number of agricultural terraces which demonstrates at a glance the advanced agricultural technique that possessed this culture. Its name comes from a Quechua word which means always young, making a direct reference to the presence of orchids in the place. Another important aspect that stands out at first sight are the stone buildings, besides the ceremonial squares that can be found, it is believed that the archaeological center of Wiñaywayna was mainly used as a place of rituals and ceremonies besides being the main supplier of resources for the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
5.3.- Terraces of Intipata
Located on the same mountain where the archaeological center of Wiñaywayna is located, there are also the incredible terraces of Intipata which is an agricultural center belonging to the Inca culture, they are oriented in an exact way to make the most of the sunlight during the day so it is considered that it was a special place for the production of corn and potatoes thanks to the diversity of microclimates that exist between each of the terraces. Today, when visited, they offer a panoramic view of the entire Urubamba valley and it is believed to have had a ceremonial relationship due to its proximity to the citadel of Machu Picchu.
5.4.- Sun Gate
It is the highest point that is reached during the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, it is also known as Inti Punku which is located on top of a mountain that is parallel to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu from where you can access to visit it in a traditional way, this archaeological center also functions as a natural viewpoint from where you can see the incredible Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the distance. According to studies of the place it is believed that during the Inca time it was used as a checkpoint for people who came to know the citadel through the network of roads.
6.- CAUTION AND SAFETY
“Like the traditional Inca Trail, the shortened version of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is completely paused during the month of February due to heavy rains and maintenance on the trail. So you can think about resuming the trip with peace of mind from March 1.”
7.- DIFFICULTY OF THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Part of the concerns that a traveler has when deciding to choose the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu as his next experience is whether the activity as such is very heavy or difficult. The reality of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is that it is intended for travelers who have a notion of hiking, although it does not require the same as the traditional 4-day trail, it does require a level of resistance as well as having an adequate physical condition because of the geography that presents requires strength in the legs and knees for the ascent as well as for the descent.
8.- PREPARE YOURSELF IN ADVANCE
One of the main tips that will help you to enjoy in a special way the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is that long before your trip you can start doing casual exercise, short walks of 15 to 20 minutes a day will make your body gradually get used to the habit of walking for long periods, it is also a good idea to create a habit of using bicycles instead of using transport. It will also be a good idea to schedule your arrival at least 3 days in advance, this way you will give your body the possibility to get used to the altitude gradually without so much effort.
9.- PERMITS FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
A particularity that has the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is that it has 200 daily spaces, no additional person can enter to this number so it is an option that is subject to availability and almost most of the time is exhausted in spaces for this reason it is a good idea to anticipate your reservation with at least 4 months so you can ensure that for the date of your trip there is still a space available.
Everything is ready for your next adventure and the Inca Trail 2 day is waiting for you. In fact something curious about this destination is that not all travel companies can offer you this experience only those that maintain an alliance with the entity SERNANP and fortunately Auri Peru is one of the companies that has this type of alliance allowing you to live a unique experience safely, contact us now and secure your space within the incredible Inca Trail.
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