Recommendations Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Getting to Machu Picchu is quite an adventure. From taking the classic design trains and enjoying the panoramic views, it is a great option, but there are more demanding routes.
Although the Classic Inca Trail takes you 4 full days to do the entire trek. My two-week itinerary did not allow me the luxury of this time, so I found a two-day version.
The short 2-day Inca Trail involves between six and eight hours of hiking, passing through the Inca viewpoint of Wiñay Wayna and ending at the Sun Gate which is the entrance to see Machu Picchu.
We will spend one night in a hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo and one day exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu with the option to climb Huayna Picchu.
We will summarize all the details and tips necessary for this trek. I have also included contributions from other travelers who have conquered the traditional four-day Inca Trail pilgrimage and the Salkantay Trek.
Preparation for the Short Inca Trail
This hike is the 4th day of the Classic Inca Trail, arriving at Machu Picchu in the late afternoon. Although it is an intense hike, it is achievable with a medium level of fitness.
One day before your trek we will have a briefing at the Sullpayky Experiences office where we will meet our guides and porters, receive an overview of all the activities to be done, as well as other recommendations.
Early the next day we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco or anywhere in the Sacred Valley, we will board the Peru Rail Expeditions train which consists of beautifully decorated carriages, we will stop at kilometer 104 to begin the hike.
THE FIRST 4 HOURS OF THE SHORT INCA TRAIL
These were easily the hardest part of the hike. It was a steady four hour climb. We circled around the edges of the mountains on a well-maintained trail and what seemed to be, endless stairs.
The Urubamba River, which ran alongside our feet at first, became smaller and smaller, until it was just a line in the distance.
The initial part of the hike is very sunny, surrounded by vegetation, although you have to be careful with mosquitoes.
WIÑAY WAYNA
We will make a 4-hour ascent, with the reward of enjoying beautiful landscapes near an Inca monument, Wiñay Wayna.
Here we will meet hikers doing the 4-day Classic Inca Trail.
On the sides of the houses there are terraces, which are common in several Inca sites in all regions and were probably used for agriculture.
How to acclimatize to the Classic Inca Trail
Machu Picchu is at an altitude of 2,430 meters there is less oxygen in the air than in cities at sea level, so altitude sickness is a very real and common problem.
Sullpayky Experiences recommends you to acclimatize in Cusco at least 3 days before the trek, we recommend you to do tours in the city and the Sacred Valley.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL
Three main tips for this hike are:
- Your backpack should always be light
- Carry at least one and a half liters of water.
- Make sure that half of your backpack is almost empty.
What to carry in your backpack for the Inca Trail Short
- Original Passport
- Previously worn hiking shoes
- Rain poncho or jacket
- Pants and waterproof shirt
- sunscreen (minimum SPF35) and sunglasses with UV protection
- Insect repellent
- toilet paper
Regulations for doing the Inca Trail Short 2 Days
The Peruvian government has strict control over the Short Inca Trail. Why?
When there were no regulations, the Inca Trail was mistreated with garbage, improvised camps, and destruction of the environment and many travel agencies did not control the conduct of the hikers; that is why now there are strict regulations and only 250 spaces are allowed.
During the high season (May-October), tickets must be reserved six to twelve months in advance.
We recommend hiring a local company with local guides to do your trek, as they are the ones that pay their workers better, compared to large travel corporations that in addition to charging high commissions (which unnecessarily increases the price) offer lower quality services.
Book tickets for the Inca Trail with Sullpayky Trail Experiences
The Inca Trail, whether short or long, involves hiking at a steady pace. This means that there is not much time to stop and photograph. But if you require it, we can make a special photography trip plan for you.
On the hike, there are many mosquitoes that can bite you and the natural thing to do is to use a lot of repellent; but be careful; this repellent can damage your camera.
Two accessories that will be very useful for your hike:
We recommend that instead of carrying solar or portable chargers, it is better to carry several batteries; they are lighter and guarantee more photos.
Bring good binoculars
The short Inca Trail tour offers dazzling landscapes that will remain in your memory thanks to a camera. But you can share your trip with friends and family with stunning photos. Also bring binoculars or a telephoto lens to take pictures of birds that are far away from you.
Something else to take to the Short Inca Trail
We also recommend that you bring a small towel, gloves in case you are sensitive to the cold, and a pair of sandals to be able to walk in the low jungle area.
Recommended seasons to do the short Inca Trail
Dry season
It is characterized by the lack of rain, it goes from April to October. However, that does not mean that it is hot, in Cusco the temperature drops at night.
Rainy season
For rain lovers, between November and March Cusco receives a lot of water to turn green for a few months (In February the Inca Trail is closed).
Book the short Inca Trail in advance
The entrance to Machu Picchu has a limited capacity, so it is advisable to make your reservation in advance with at least 3 months to visit Machu Picchu.
Always hire a LEGAL tour operator such as Sullpayky Experiences.
OUR BEST Recommendations Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is hire an agency with all the authorizations, and good reviews on TripAdvisor.
We are a local company with years of experience, directed by Peruvians of Quechua origin and with thousands of tourists satisfied to live the incredible adventure of reaching Machu Picchu by traveling a millenary route with all the necessary services.
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