{"id":5824,"date":"2024-05-21T17:20:27","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T17:20:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peruadventuretrek.com\/blog\/?p=5824"},"modified":"2024-05-21T17:47:52","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T17:47:52","slug":"short-inca-trail-faqs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/peruadventuretrek.com\/blog\/en\/short-inca-trail-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Classic Inca Trail<\/a> is a popular bucket list item for millions of people worldwide. But for those who want to visit Machu Picchu without the commitment of having to hike for four days to get there, there are many excellent\u00a0alternatives to the Inca Trail<\/strong>. One of these is the Short Inca Trail, which follows the same network of trails as the Classic, and the final part of the two walks is the same. The difference is that you only have\u00a0one full day of walking<\/strong>, you get to stay in a\u00a0comfortable hotel<\/strong>\u00a0rather than camping, and you still have a full day to\u00a0explore the Machu Picchu ruins<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Why take the Short Inca Trail<\/a>?<\/h2>\n

The Short Inca Trail is a great option for those who are short on time, money or don\u2019t have the fitness\/stamina levels to hike the full Inca Trail. You still get to enjoy all the\u00a0best bits of the\u00a0classic Inca Trail<\/a><\/strong>: catching your first glimpse of\u00a0Machu Picchu<\/strong>\u00a0from the\u00a0sun gate<\/strong>, spectacular\u00a0Andean scenery<\/strong>, Inca ruins and a\u00a0feeling of accomplishment<\/strong>\u00a0when you arrive at Machu Picchu for the first time. But you don\u2019t have to hike for four days or spend the night camping.<\/p>\n

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What does the Short Inca Trail involve?<\/h2>\n

The Inca Trail involves an early bus and train ride from Cusco, followed by a\u00a0three-four hour uphill hike<\/strong>\u00a0to the spectacular Inca ruins of\u00a0Wi\u00f1ay Wayna<\/strong><\/a>. From there, you have a packed lunch before continuing for around\u00a0two hours to reach the Intipunku<\/a> (Sun Gate)<\/strong>\u00a0where you get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu<\/a>. The trail then descends for about\u00a0an hour and a half to reach the ruins<\/strong>. Rather than visiting Machu Picchu straight away, you take a bus to the nearby\u00a0town of Aguas Calientes<\/strong>\u00a0where you\u00a0spend the night in a hotel<\/strong>, then return to the ruins the following morning for a\u00a0guided tour<\/strong>. In the afternoon of the second day, take the\u00a0train and coach back to\u00a0Cusco<\/strong>, arriving in the evening.<\/p>\n

SHORT INCA TRAIL MAP<\/h3>\n
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Short Inca Trail Map<\/p><\/div>\n

What sights do you see?<\/h2>\n

As well as admiring\u00a0beautiful Andean scenery<\/strong>\u00a0throughout the day, there are several interesting sights on the Short Inca Trail. Along the way, your guide will point out flora and fauna as well as Inca ruins including\u00a0Chachabamba<\/strong><\/a>,\u00a0Choquesuysuy\u00a0<\/strong>and the Inca terracing of\u00a0Inti Pata<\/strong>. After the most difficult part of the trek, which involves three hours of walking uphill, you reach\u00a0Wi\u00f1ay Wayna<\/strong><\/a>. These are some of the most beautiful Inca ruins in Peru, set on a steep slope with different examples of terracing as well as baths and waterfalls.<\/p>\n

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How difficult is the Short Inca Trail?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s a lot of walking to cover in a day, and at high altitude, but it is achievable if you have a\u00a0good level of fitness<\/strong>. There will always be slower and faster walkers in your group but your guide will adjust his or her walking pace to make sure that everyone in your group is happy. The toughest part of the day is the\u00a0three-hour walk uphill<\/strong>\u00a0at the start, climbing rapidly from the Urubamba River to the Wi\u00f1ay Wayna ruins. The Short Inca Trail may not be suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.<\/p>\n

What altitude does\u00a0it reach?<\/h2>\n

The Short Inca Trail\u00a0starts at 2,000 metres<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0ascends to 2,700 metres<\/strong>\u00a0at the Sun Gate, before descending to Machu Picchu which sits at an altitude of 2,400 metres. The guides carry basic medical supplies, but as you will be in remote mountain areas, more\u00a0advanced medical facilities are not available<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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How long is the Short Inca Trail?<\/h2>\n

The Short Inca Trail<\/a> stretches from Chachabamba at km 104 on the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu, over a distance of\u00a0nine miles<\/strong>. The total walking time on the first day is around\u00a0seven hours<\/strong>, split up into three main sections with lots of rest breaks. On the second day, you have most of the day to explore the ruins, before catching a train and coach back to Cusco in the afternoon.<\/p>\n

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA<\/p><\/div>\n

What is included on the Short Inca Trail?<\/h2>\n

Entrance fees<\/strong>\u00a0to the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary and the Short Inca Trail are included, as are the\u00a0transfers<\/strong>. The transfer to the start point of the trail is by bus and train. The bus trip down from Machu Picchu to the train station and the journey back to Cusco in the Expeditioner train is included. In Cusco you will be transferred to your hotel. A\u00a0packed lunch<\/strong>\u00a0is provided for the hike. If you want other snacks during the trail, these can be bought in Cusco. Lunch on the second day is not included and you can buy this in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes.<\/p>\n

When is the best time to go?<\/h2>\n

From April to October, it is usually warm and humid during the day (around 20-25\u00baC) and night time temperatures are around 15\u00baC. The dry season lasts from March to November, when the weather is more changeable. During the wet season, from December to February, it can rain heavily, although it can also rain year round. For more information, check out our page\u00a0\u00abWhen is the best time to visit Peru?\u00bb<\/p>\n

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What should I pack for the Short Inca Trail?<\/h2>\n

Please ensure you have\u00a0suitable medical insurance<\/strong>\u00a0for the Short Inca Trail in place. The majority of your luggage is left in your hotel in Cusco, and you will just need a\u00a0day pack<\/strong>\u00a0for the trail, to carry your packed lunch, water bottle and anything else you require. You should pack a change of clothes in case it rains on the hike.<\/p>\n