What You Must Know Before Hiking The Short Inca Trail (Updated For 2025)
The Short Inca Trail is an epic hiking route which includes many of the same sites you’ll experience on the full four day route.
Here you will visit epic ruins such as Wiñay Wayna, see epic Andean scenery and also relive the same sacred journey that the Inca one also took along these stone steps. It’s essentially the perfect compact version of the classic route for those who have less time available.
In this guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about hiking the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This includes how difficult the route is and how it differs from the classic route. We’ll also answer all of your most burning questions in our FAQ section later in this guide.
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The Short Inca Trail Route
The first day begins with an early departure as we drive to the KM 104 marker, which is the starting point of the trek (which is different to that of the usual four day hike). From here we will then hike along paved steps, visiting numerous ancient ruins such as those of Wiñay Wayna, Chachabamba as well as Machu Picchu.
After spending the first night resting up, on our second day we will then visit Machu Picchu again, however this time early without the crowds. This also includes a full archaeological tour around the Sacred Ruins, as well as the opportunity to hike the adjacent mountain of Huayna Picchu. From here we will then take the comfortable train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and then drive back to Cusco.
You can learn more about our Short Inca Trail Itinerary, including all highlights as well as the sites you will see along the way!
How Hard Is The Short Inca Trail?
With a small elevation gain of just a few hundred meters, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek is quite easy to complete.
This means that whilst you’ll still want to be in reasonable shape, you won’t need to be extra fit or to have followed a proper Inca Trail preparation routine beforehand. Also, as the maximum altitude here is 2650m, it means you won’t need to spend a few days in Cusco getting acclimated before you start hiking.
It’s still important to pack properly before heading on the trek, which includes using quality hiking boots, walking sticks if necessary as well as waterproofs if coming during the wet season.
Comparing The Short Inca Trail With The Classic 4 Day Inca Trail Hike
There are many notable differences between the short and standard Inca Trail hikes that you’ll want to know before heading choosing one. Below we’ll list some of the most important.
- Distance – The Short Inca Trail is just 13 km of walking over two days, whilst the longer route has a total distance of 43 km.
- Elevation – The maximum altitude you’ll reach here is 2650m, compared with a much higher 4215m on the four day route.
- Difficulty – Given there’s less overall walking involved, the Short Inca Trail is much easier to hike compared with the usual classic route.
- Altitude Preparation – If heading on the Short Inca Trail then you can start the same day you arrive into Cusco (as Cusco is actually higher than this route at an altitude of 3399m). Otherwise on the 4 day route we suggest spending 2 days prior in the city to get properly acclimated to these higher altitudes.
- Trek Highlights – Although the Short 2 Day Route allows us to see ruins like Wiñay Wayna and the cloud forests, the longer 4 day route wins here given we will see larger mountains, local cultures as well as extra ruins such as Llactapata and Runkurakay.
- Item Checklist – The Short Inca Trail still requires good trekking equipment and to be taken seriously, just like the 4 day route. However overall you’ll need less items and clothes given it’s a shorter trek.
- Cost – Although prices depend on the company and trip type, the Shorter Inca Trail Trek will almost always be cheaper than the longer route (unless you choose a mega luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes for the night, that is!).
The Short Inca Trail FAQ
Below we’ll now answer some of the most frequent questions we get about hiking the Short Inca Trail, which will help you to prepare properly before heading on the trek
Is The Short Inca Trail Worth It?
Over two days you’ll experience just about everything that you would ever want during a hike here. This includes seeing epic Andean mountains, walking through the cloud forest, seeing ancient archaeological ruins and even potentially spotting local wildlife such as Spectacled Bears and the infamous Cock-of-the-rock. It’s arguably the most complete two day hiking tour you can do when in Peru!
How Long Is The Short Inca Trail?
In total the Short Inca Trail measures 13 km in distance, which takes around 6-7 hours to complete by walking (although it may be more or less depending on your physical capabilities). It’s important to remember that the majority of the hiking is done on the first day, whilst the second day is spent relaxing whilst enjoying the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Overview Of The Short Inca Trail
And that’s all for this guide on everything you need to know about hiking the Short Inca Trail.
The perfect route for those who have less time available yet still want to have an authentic hiking experience, the Short 2 Day Inca Trail is full of incredible scenery, ruins and natural wildlife. As well as visiting Machu Picchu at the end of the route, you’ll also have more flexibility too in terms of your comfort and where you choose to stay for the night.
Check out our 2 Day Short Inca Trail now, where you will have a professional private guide lead you all the way. You’ll also have all meals and logistics included, as well as the choice between camping or staying in a hotel for the night.