Short Inca Trail Trek (2024) – The Ultimate Guide

Short Inca Trail Trek (2024): The Ultimate Guide

The Short Inca Trail is a famous trek that lasts for two days. The two-day Inca Trail includes a five-hour hike on day one and a two-hour guided tour of the spectacular Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on day two. During the Short Inca Trail, we pass the Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna and end at Puerta del Sol “Inti Punku” above Machu Picchu.

It continues overnight in a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes. The next day, we explore the ruins of Machu Picchu and the possibility of climbing Huayna Picchu. “Book tickets in advance.” This section of our website reports the experience, questions, and advice needed for this short two-day trip to Machu Picchu.

Get ready for the Short Trek of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The two-day trek includes hiking to find the final section of the Classic Inca Trail. The walk is cataloged for an average level of physical condition.

The night before the hike, your tour guide from the agency provides a brief on everything you need to prepare for the Short Inca Trail.

On the tour day, a walking guide will pick up travelers from their hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo to travel to Ollantaytambo Train Station. The well-maintained trains have large windows offering impressive views of the mountains and the Urubamba River. The train stops at 104 km of track for a few minutes to disembark. “The tour guides and train crew will warn you to disembark the train in advance.”

The First 3.5 Hours of the Short Inca Trail

The first few hours are the most challenging part of the hike. On the short Inca Trail, there is a steady climb of three and a half hours. Hike the edge of the Wiñaywayna Mountain and follow the Inca Trail with well-preserved steps.

The Urubamba River first flows near our feet, then recedes and becomes smaller until it becomes a thin line in the distance.

The first part of the Short Inca Trail is exposed to sunlight. Some trees provide shade on some parts of the path. Of course, the hiker can’t linger too long because shade means mosquitoes “bring excellent mosquito repellent (no spraying).”

Before finishing the 3:30 walk, we have the Wiñay Wayna waterfall in front of us. After the Wiñaywayna waterfalls, we will walk for about 10 minutes to find the Inca ruins of Wiñaywayna.

Wiñay Wayna Archaeological Site of the Short Inca Trail

After a grueling three-and-a-half-hour climb, all hikers are rewarded with their first view of the Inca site of Wiñaywayna, along the Choquesuysuy Valley and cloud forest area.

This part of Wiñaywayna intersects with the Main Inca Trail. This is the last camp for 4-day Inca Trail trekkers before reaching Machu Picchu.

Wiñaywayna Archaeological Construction has a building on the top floor made up of Inca house structures. The remains of Inca window frames and drainage holes give an idea of ​​how the ancient Inca may have lived in this part of Machu Picchu.

In addition to Inca houses, there are terraces in several places that may have been used for agriculture. Before leaving Wiñaywayna, there is a viewpoint where you can take photos of the entire Inca ruins. Keep walking until you reach the Wiñaywayna checkpoint, then hike for 1.5 hours to the Inti Punku ruins.

Arriving at Puerta Del Sol, “Inti Punku—Sun Gate,”

During the last hours, the Short Inca Trail is semi-flat and smooth. It is pleasant to walk and contemplate the incredible panoramic views.

Before you reach Puerta del Sol, a final climb is known locally as the Monkey Steps. The stairs are steep. It is recommended to climb using your hands. Finally, we get to the summit of Intipunku to see Machu Picchu for the first time.

After our first sighting of Machu Picchu, we will descend Mt. Inti Punku for approximately 35 minutes. Arrive ​​​​at the top of Machu Picchu; we go to the Inca guard house to see the classic view of Machu Picchu as on the postcard “15-minute photos session”. Then we go towards the parking lot to get on the bus to Aguas Calientes town to spend the night there and prepare for the second day. DAY 2: EXPLORING MACHU PICCHU “2-hour guided tour”

What is the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Short Inca Trail is the shorter version of the world’s most famous hiking trail, “The Classic Inca Trail.” At the same time, this hiking trail is the best option for people who prefer moderate hikes to Machu Picchu.

The Short Inca Trail excursion includes a bus ride from Cusco to Ollantaytambo on day one, a train ride from Ollantaytambo town to 104 km, and a 5- to 6-hour walk via the Short Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu World Heritage Site. On this first day, after all the hiking, we will go to the Machu Picchu viewpoint to see the classic and most famous view of Machu Picchu from the Inca Guard House. We stay in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes on this first day.

On the second morning, visit Machu Picchu on a two-hour guided tour. In the afternoon, we return to Cusco. We travel to Ollantaytambo Railway Station. At Ollantaytambo, we have a private vehicle to take you back to Cusco.

What are the Inca sites within the short Inca Trail?

Chachabamba

The Incas built this citadel as a place of religious worship to water (in their worldview, all of nature had a spiritual essence, which, when honored, provided what was necessary for life). Agriculture was the basis of the Inca economy. In addition, the other purpose seems to be a point of surveillance and access control to Machu Picchu since this Inca sanctuary was the primary vacation spot for the Inca nobility, located a short distance away.

Wiñayhuayna

Wiñayhuayna is an Inca site located six kilometers (3.7 miles) from Machu Picchu. Wiñaywayna was the gateway to the sacred city of the Incas and may have been used as a resting place for visitors. The Inca site of Wiñaywayna has many terraces carved into the hillside, with stone walls and steps leading to the temple of the sun or the rainbow above. There are also many water fountains and storage areas where the Incas used to store food grains.

Intipata

The site of Intipata was a crucial agricultural center in the cloud forest region for specific agrarian production due to the type of climate in the area. The terraces perfectly fit the shape of the mountain, which was built to provide farmland for the Incas and the South Andean camelids. The Inca terraces are designed to collect rainwater and channel it to the crops.

Intipunku

Also known as “Puerta del Sol,” Intipunku is the main entrance to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu with its panoramic views. The name comes from the Quechua words INTI (sun) and PUNKU (door). The Incas built this gate to coincide with the sunset at Machu Picchu. The view of Intipunku is impressive; on one side, you’ll find the majestic Andes Mountains; on the other side, the ancient city of Machu Picchu is located in the Vilcabamba Batholith Valley and surrounded by the meandering Urubamba River. If you are lucky enough to witness the sunset over the mountains, you will have an unforgettable Machu Picchu experience.

Macchu Picchu

There’s nothing more fun than walking the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu was built in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Machu Picchu was abandoned shortly after the Spanish conquest of Peru in the 15th century. However, it was rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham. In 1911, Peru became one of South America’s most popular tourist destinations. You can reach Machu Picchu by hiking the Short Inca Trail or by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. Once at Machu Picchu, visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of this fascinating site on a 2-hour guided tour.

How long is the Short Inca Trail Tour?

The hike starts at km 104 of the railway from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo. The hiking trails consist of 11 kilometers, or 6.1 miles, of paved Inca Trail. We visit archaeological sites such as Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Intipata, Inti Punku, or Sun Gate through this walking adventure.

What are the elevations of the Short Inca Trail?

Elevations on the Short Inca Trail start at 2,250 metros or 7,240 pies and ascend to 2,700 meters or 8,540 feet at Inti Punku’s Puerta del Sol before descending to Machu Picchu, which sits at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level or 7,972 feet. The Short Inca Trail tourist circuit is ideal for all ages and people who require an outdoor walk full of cloud forest vegetation that shows incredible landscapes during the entire walking experience.

What is the highest pass on the Short Inca Trail?

The highest point of the entire Short Inca Trail is 2,700 m (8,540 ft), located at the Inti Punku mountain pass. To get to Inti Punku or Puerta del Sol, you’ll have to walk from kilometer 104 of the railway line, following and ascending the Inca Trail for about four and a half hours. At the top of Inti Punku are the ruins of Inti Punku, which consist of several Inca houses with pyramid platforms supporting the building of Inti Punku.

Inti Punku offers spectacular views of the entire Inca citadel of Machu Picchu; if travelers love panoramic Machu Picchu views from the Inca Guardian’s House! Inti Punku is the best, offering dramatic views of Machu Picchu.

Over the years, the top of Inti Punku has become one of the most popular spots for all the walkers who visit Machu Picchu and the Short Inca Trail.

How challenging is the Short Inca Trail?

The difficulty of the short Inca Trail is moderate and recommended for all ages, families, etc. “Be inspired to walk one of the most famous Inca trails in the world, “THE SHORT INCA TRAIL PERU.” The tour allows you to admire the beautiful Andes and the Amazon of Machu Picchu landscape and discover the beautiful Inca architecture. Visit the famous Puerta del Sol, or Inti Punku, with views of Machu Picchu.

The Short Inca Trail is an uphill hike; ensure you have everything you need, like sunscreen, water, etc. In the first 3 hours, you will consistently climb the Short Inca Trail until you reach the ruins of Wiñayhuayna; from Wiñaywayna, there is still a two-hour walk, but the level of walking is classified as easy to moderate. From Wiñaywayna, the Short Inca Trail section is the most exciting of all the Inca Trails!

Does the Short Inca Trail tour include your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu?

The entrance ticket to the Short Inca Trail covers the entrance to Machu Picchu on the day of the guided visit.

The short Inca Trail entrance ticket, in addition to allowing entry to the Inca Trail network of the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, provides access to Machu Picchu only once through circuit number 5 of Machu Picchu.

In the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, there are five established circuits for guided tours; if travelers require a re-entry to Machu Picchu, they can purchase a new ticket.

Are trekking poles required for the Short Inca Trail?

Walking sticks are unnecessary for the Short Inca Trail; hiking without them is 100% possible. However, its use is guaranteed to make walking more accessible and reduce pain during and after walking. For aluminum trekking poles, it is necessary to bring rubber tips to not damage the network of the Short Inca Trails.

Trekking poles are prohibited in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu because they disrupt traffic or cause accidents. In Machu Picchu, only older adults or people with visible physical disabilities can use trekking poles.

For the Short Inca Trail, trekking poles are allowed to “take it with you; it helps a lot to climb the mountain, and it gives you security and balance.”

Is there internet on the Short Inca Trail?

There is no internet signal at the beginning of the Short Inca Trail, which is kilometer 104 of the railway. After ascending the Inca Trail until reaching Wiñaywayna, there is an internet signal, but it is weak. Upon reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the internet signal is connected 100 percent, as in Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.

How is the box lunch for the Short Inca Trail?

Packed Box lunches for the Short Inca Trail, along the 104 km of the railway that leads to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), are prepared in a tourist restaurant in the center of Cusco. Box Lunch ensured the biosecurity and quality the Short Inca Trail deserves. The contents of the lunch box are as follows; have a look.

1. Cheese and chicken Tequeños rolled with spinach and paprika (We use pasteurized cheese from the province of Anta, precisely from the town center of Ancahuasi, Cusco.)
2. Quinoa tabbouleh with vegetables: We work with three types of quinoa: white, red, and black. (We buy the vegetables on Saturdays at the Huancaro market, where farmers from the different towns of Cusco come.)
3. Cake of the Day: We make chocolate or vanilla Keke muffins using Andean flours such as Kiwicha Cañihua and vegetables such as carrots and oranges from the Convention Valley (“southern jungle of the Cusco region”) as raw materials.
4. Cereal bar (We make cereals based on Quinoa, kiwicha, and honey from the Limatambo Valley, Cusco)
5. 01 Seasonal fruit (fruits from the Valle de la Convencion such as tangerines, granadillas, bananas, etc.)
6. Cutlery (We use wooden, bamboo, or corn fiber cutlery)
7. Wet wipes (We used compressed bamboo hiking towels)
8. 1 water bottle of 700 milliliters
9. 1 small bar of chocolate (Sublime)

Note: Biodegradable Containers and Biodegradable Forks

Can you buy snacks on the Short Inca Trail?

After the control of the 104 of the railways, when entering the beginning of the network of Short Inca Trails, there is a local stall selling snacks; in the local store, they sell bottled water, chips, chocolates, wooden sticks, plastic rain ponchos, etc.

At kilometer 104, it is the only place on the entire Short Inca Trail that sells snacks until you reach the exit gate of Machu Picchu. Before boarding the bus service to Aguas Calientes in Machu Picchu, snacks with coffee, Coca-Cola, and ice water are sold.

Is there drinking water on the Short Inca Trail?

At the beginning of the Short Inca Trail, there is a stream to provide water from the Andes of Peru. It is recommended to bring water tablets, filters, or electronic devices to purify the water.

For more water, hikers can reach the Wiñaywayna waterfalls and ruins. You should bring at least 2 liters of water; the usual amount is 3 liters to cover the entire route of the Short Inca Trail.

It is essential to bring your aluminum bottles to recycle plastic bottles; plastic bottles are prohibited on the Short Inca Trails and Machu Picchu network!

Will I have altitude sickness on the Short Inca Trail?

During the short Inca Trail to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, it is possible to feel some of the symptoms of altitude sickness. Still, they dissipate little by little as the Inca Trail swings from 2,250 meters (7,240 feet) to 2,700 meters (8,540 feet), and it’s not a significant problem.

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu recommended that people adapt to the Andes and then go to higher elevations like the Rainbow Mountain of Cusco.

Can you walk the Short Inca Trail on your own?

The Short Inca Trail cannot be made on your own, so a permit issued by the National Institute of Culture and the Ministry of Environment (“SERNANP”) is required for the hike.

Tickets are required to control access to the short Inca Trail network and the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. There is a limit on entries: “200 entries per day”. Travel agents who can enter the Inca Trail will obtain their trekking permits.

How far in advance do you book the Short Inca Trail?

We recommend booking the Short Inca Trail service four months in advance to obtain permits for the high season. The high tourist season in Machu Picchu is from May to October.

However, you can book the Short Inca Trail two months in advance, from October to December, or two weeks in advance. It should be noted that the Shorter Inca Trail is permanently closed for maintenance in February.

When is the best time to walk the Short Inca Trail?

• February is the rainiest month in the Andes of Cusco. The Short Inca Trail is closed in February for necessary maintenance. Machu Picchu remains open throughout February.
• The Short Inca Trail reopens in March, although it still rains in the Andean highlands in early April.
• May to October are the best times to make the Short Inca Trail. Also, June, July, and August weather is dry and hot.
• The Festival of the Sun (Inti Raymi) takes place on June 24 in Cuzco—an ideal month for explorers looking for local customs towards Machu Picchu.
• Peru’s national holiday takes place on July 28. July is the popular season to make the Short Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu. From August to September, dry weather conditions favor domestic and foreign tourists.
• In November, the rainy season begins again on a smaller scale. However, you can still get excellent trekking conditions.
• December has warm weather, attracting holiday crowds for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. “Hotels and transport costs increase.” Things calmed down again in January due to the official start of the rains in the Andes.

Are authorization and permits required to enter the Short Inca Trail?

Yes, authorization and permits are required to enter the network of short Inca Trails to Machu Picchu. The license is issued annually to the operating travel agencies that obtain passes to organize organized group excursions within the Inca Trail network.

What are the restrictions of the Short Inca Trail?

The following restrictions are prohibited in the excursions of the Short Inca Trail Peru: following good hiking practices to preserve the Inca Trail network for future generations is essential.

1. Entry of free tourists and service providers without the respective authorization.
2. Displacement by trails and unauthorized routes.
3. Entry of minors not listed in the annex and relatives of guides and support staff
4. Alter or contaminate the natural and cultural landscape and archaeological monuments.
5. Camping or spending the night outside the assigned area, except in situations of force majeure upon the determination of the park and caretaker staff,
6. Enter and use elements that threaten the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage and the assets of public use.
7. To make bonfires in the Inca Trail Network, archaeological monuments, and surrounding natural environment areas.
8. Climb the walls; make strokes on the floors of the earth and scratches on the archaeological monuments.
9. Make any graffiti.
10. Disturb and affect species of flora and fauna.
11. Fly over and use airspace without prior authorization from DDC-CUSCO and JSHM-SERNANP.
12. The food intake inside the archaeological monuments
13. To place political and commercial ads on the Inca Trail Network.
14. Transit and work in an ethyl state or under the effects of other narcotic drugs (among others).
15. Entry and transit of motor vehicles.
16. Make transfers of tourists from one group to another.
17. The abandonment of the group of tourists by the tour guide
18. Obscene acts that are contrary to morality and good manners
19. Many hikers support the philosophy of leaving no trace.

What elements are not allowed on the Short Inca Trail in Peru?

• Fire or air guns, bows and arrows, hunting and fishing implements, axes, machetes, mountain knives whose steel blade exceeds 7 cm in length, spikes, shovels, or other
• Any trap for capturing or collecting specimens of wild fauna and flora.
• Fossil fuels like petroleum, diesel, and gasoline
• Alcoholic beverages, stimulants, psychotropics, narcotics, and other drugs are not permitted by current national legislation.
• Beverages and products in glass containers.
• Sound equipment and other annoying noise generators (musical instruments)
• Domestic and exotic animals.
• The hiking poles must have metal tips that do not have a rubber protector and wooden rods of native species.
• Transport vehicles such as bicycles, tricycles, or others.
• Drones or any smaller craft and professional filming equipment for unauthorized commercial purposes

What are the prohibitions in Machu Picchu after the Short Inca Trail?

Visitors must respect the protocols indicated on each tourist circuit.

2024: strictly prohibited!

• To carry backpacks or bags of more than 40x35x20 cm. Those that exceed this size or capacity must be deposited in the wardrobe.
• Enter with food and utensils.
• Enter any illegal substance or its effects.
• Enter with any alcoholic beverage or in an ethyl state.
• To carry umbrellas. (Caps, hats, and raincoats are allowed.)
• To take tripod supports, extensions for cameras, cell phones, or any other element of stabilization or extension for filming and photography unless authorized by the DDC Cusco
• Enter with animals, except for guide dogs, when strictly necessary.
• Enter without any aerosols.
• Enter with any musical instrument, megaphone, or speaker.
• Use virtual applications with cell phones or mobile devices in narrow arteries, trails, and congestion sites (these technologies are allowed only in large spaces and areas of explanation).
• Enter with high-heeled hiking shoes or hard-sole shoes (only shoes or sneakers with soft or rubber soles).
• Access with baby cars (only accessible with baby carriers that do not have metal frames)
• Enter with sharps and weapons of any kind.
• Enter flags or posters among other objects of this type (flags will be exclusive to tour guides with groups greater than five visitors and will be limited to the model and dimensions presented by the competent authority in coordination with the respective guilds).
• To cause tumult, jumping, or to generate disorder in the access of Machu Picchu and at any point inside the same, this concerns the organization and displacement of the groups of visitors.
• Enter with clothing intended for advertising purposes.
• To climb or lean on walls and structures.
• To touch, move, or extract lithic elements. Perform any graffiti.
• The disturbing, collecting, or extracting of native flora, fauna, and cultural elements
• To carry out activities that distort the sacred character of Machu Picchu, such as fashion shows, dances, social engagements, ceremonies of any kind, and portable seating, among others.
• Enter with walking poles with metallic or hard tips (it is allowed to use hiking poles for older adults or those with apparent physical incapacity, as long as they have rubber tips).
• Perform any activity implying the deterioration of Machu Picchu, its natural environment, and its facilities.
• Obscene acts that are contrary to morality and good manners
• Undress, disguise, lie down, run, and jump.
• No, make loud or annoying noises such as clapping, shouting, whistling, and singing, among others, because they disturb the tranquility and sacredness of Machu Picchu.
• Perform any fire.
• Dispose of waste of any kind.
• Failure to respect established circuits and routes
• Outpatient commerce in Machu Picchu and the surrounding area until Ruinas Bridge.
• Feed the domestic and wild animals of Machu Picchu.
• Fly over with paragliding, drones, or any small craft.
• To take pictures for advertising purposes or in places of high-risk
• Illegal entry to Machu Picchu by route is not permitted.

Where do you sleep after hiking the Short Inca Trail?

After hiking the wonderful walk of the Short Inca Trail in Machu Picchu, we board the bus service that goes to Machupicchu Pueblo.

In Machupicchu Pueblo, hikers on the Short Inca Trail sleep in a three-star hotel. We work with the best three-star hotels with no train noise and have a good location in the center of Machupicchu Pueblo. We also have the best options for upgrading service to four- and five-star hotels.

Are there porters on the Short Inca Trail, or do I carry my belongings?

Yes, visitors carry their belongings during the Short Inca Trail trek, so we recommend bringing only the necessary items.

Suppose visitors need a porter service for the Short Inca Trail Trek. In this case, send a booking form using our website. Book the porters when you sign up for the Short Inca Trail! Once the passenger’s Short Inca Trail permits are booked, adding or using the porter’s services is impossible.

The porters of the Short Inca Trail carry between 10 and 18 kilograms of weight, which means that hikers can rent half or full porters.

Note: Most hikers on the Short Inca Trail in Peru do not require porter service since the trek is 5 hours, and they only carry what is necessary for the short adventure.

Is it worth going to the Short Inca Trail?

The short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is suitable for everyone. Hikers not only have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes, but they can also see important Inca constructions such as Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Intipata, and Inti Punku. Enjoy the panoramic views of Machu Picchu from the Inti Punku and the Inca Guard House. Enjoy short hikes on the Inca Trail in Cusco, Peru, South America.

Can I go with the children to the Short Inca Trail?

Yes! Children can make the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Children must like outdoor walks.

Many hiking trails lead to Machu Picchu, but none like the Short Inca Tour, South America’s most famous hiking trail. Cusco is an ideal place to walk the short Inca Trail through the jungle, thick fog, ancient stone steps, and Inca ruins.

Don’t hesitate to try the short Inca Trail with your kids. You might think traveling with them would be inconvenient, but Inca culture’s vibrant nature and dynamic display will keep them entertained. They will see many plants and animals, different people, and exotic words in foreign languages, “such as Spanish.” Inca architecture fascinates travelers, and no time is wasted taking family selfies.

Can I go with older adults to the Short Inca Trail?

Seniors can also walk the network of short Inca trails in Cusco. Of course, older adults must be in good health. It is best to consult your doctor in your home country before making the Short Inca Trail.

What other adventure alternatives, combined with the Short Inca Trail, exist?

We have several alternatives for the Short Inca Trail combined with different tourist circuits within the Cusco region of Peru. Have a look.

Short Inca Trail Treks

• Short Inca Trail 2 Days
• 4 Day Inca Trail
• 5 Day Inca Trail
• 3 Day Inca Trail
• 1 Day Inca Trail