Short Inca Trail Insights: Preparation, Gear & Trail Advice

We congratulate you on your decision to hike the Short Inca Trail. Here, we present a list of the seven best travel tips to make this excursion without any problems. This hike involves adventure, nature, fun, information, tips, and more, so let’s begin.

best time to hike the Short Inca Trail

You should know the best time of the year. Peru is one of those diverse countries with different geographies and climates, so determining the ideal travel time is difficult. But if we focus on this trek, the best time to hike the Short Inca Trail is from April to October, during the dry season in this region, when there is no rain. It is more pleasant to trek on sunny and cold days than on persistently rainy days.

In February, we should also note that this route is closed for maintenance, but Machu Picchu is open every month.

Make your reservation for the Short Inca Trail well in advance.

If you decide to do this trek, it is advisable to book several months in advance: 6 to 10 months in the high season (May to September) and 2 to 4 months in the low season (later months), as there is a limit on the number of spaces per day.

We also tell you that Kondor Path Tours is authorized to hike the Inca Trail. We provide quality service that will allow you to complete your trip fully without any setbacks, so decide to hire our services.

Conditions of the route

The Short Inca Trail is one of the best alternatives to the Traditional Inca Trail. Nowadays, thousands of tourists try to do it because it is the ancient Incas’ route to Machu Picchu.

5. Acclimatization for the Short Inca Trail

Acclimatization is essential to concluding this tour satisfactorily. Two days in the city of Cusco are required for acclimatization. In addition to resting properly, eating bland foods, and drinking plenty of water, this tour will take you to altitudes above 4000 meters to avoid altitude sickness. Follow our tips.

6. What to bring for the Short Inca Trail

We recommend taking only what is necessary to avoid weight gain and fatigue during the trek. Remember that you must walk several kilometers to reach Machu Picchu; therefore, here is a list of items to consider taking along the Inca Trail.

• Passport
• Cash
• Camera or cell phone
• Backpack cover
• Windproof, waterproof jacket
• small towel and bathing suit
• 04 shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• One pair of shorts
• Two pairs of long pants
• Hiking boots / solid and comfortable shoes
• Sport Sandals
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Bottle of water
• Flashlight
• First aid kit.

7. Enjoy the Inca Trail Short Route

Enjoy the tour to the fullest. Please do not consider it a race to see who gets to Machu Picchu first. Take your time and live it, because this hike offers a combination that other tours won’t: adrenaline and fun, lots of nature, amazing landscapes, archaeological sites, and new experiences.