Inca Trail Weather and Facts

People who wish to go to Machu Picchu but don’t have the time to complete the longer, four-day Classic Inca Trail journey may take the shorter, more direct Inca Trail to get there instead. This journey is just two days long, but it includes stops at some spectacular ancient sites, including Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, and the Sungate (Intipunku). You will also spend the night in a pleasant hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), so that the following day you may spend as much or as little time as you want exploring the historic citadel.

Everything You Need to Know About the Difficulty and Altitude of the Short Inca Trail

The short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a wonderful choice for individuals who do not have the time or motivation to climb the complete Inca Trail. This shorter version of the path offers views of historical landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences along its route.

Difficulty of the Short Inca Trail

A trek of accessible and moderate difficulty, the Short Inca Trail 2 Day Trek spans 10 miles (16 kilometers) and takes 2 days to complete. It is vital to have at least an intermediate level of physical fitness and be physically prepared before embarking on this trip. Along its path, there are steep climbs, steps, and historic Inca monuments. In order to adequately prepare oneself, one needs to have at least a moderate degree of physical fitness. Before arriving at Machu Picchu, travelers will pass through a number of stunning landscapes along the route, including old Inca sites that have been overgrown by vegetation.

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & The Short Inca Trail Group for Two Days.

The height gained on the Inca Trail Short Hike over the course of two days

You will be trekking at a lower altitude than Cusco city when you are on the Short Inca Route. This is because the Short Inca Trail is shorter. The Sungate, which is at an elevation of 2708 meters (or 8884 feet), is the highest point of the short 2-day Inca Trail climb. Hikers who embark on the Short Inca Trail Tour won’t have any difficulties related to the high altitude.

• The altitude of Cusco is 3,399 meters, which is equal to 11151 feet.
• At an elevation of 2170 meters, or 7120 feet, KM 104, Chachabamba, may be found.
• At an elevation of 2600 meters, or 8530 feet, Wiaywayna may be found.
• The Sungate (Intipunku), which stands at 2708 meters, or 8884 feet, is the highest point.
• At an elevation of 2,430 meters, or 7972 feet, Machu Picchu serves as the terminus of the Inca Trail.
• The elevation of the town of Aguas Calientes is 2,040 meters (6692 feet).
• The length of the Short Inca Trail in kilometers.

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, also known as the Short Inca Trail, is just 16 kilometers (10 miles) long and can be completed in around 7 hours. If you are not well prepared for the trek, despite the fact that it is the quickest alternative, it may still prove to be difficult.

The mental and physical training for the journey or trip as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The following are some of the actions that may be taken to assist in getting ready for the Short Inca Trail trek:

Make sure that your physical preparation includes training your cardio and leg strength. Your performance will greatly benefit from this. To avoid becoming sick from the high altitude, you should spend a few days in Cusco before beginning your walk so that your body can acclimate to the altitude.

Pack little but intelligently: ensure that you have all of the necessities, including rain gear, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Use your backpack as a training tool and get in the habit of walking large distances while wearing it.

Obtain Travel Insurance: Before you go on this journey, you should always make it a point to protect yourself financially by purchasing travel insurance.

The circumstances of the weather during the hike

On the short Inca Trail journey, which takes two days, the weather may be unpredictable. One day it can be cloudy and chilly, and the following day it might be overcast and scorching hot. Because of this, it is essential to pack clothes appropriate for a variety of climates. There are two distinct seasons in Cusco: the dry season and the rainy season.

The months of April through October constitute the dry season. This is often the time of year when there is the least amount of variation in the weather, with warm days and cold nights. However, even at this time of year, there is always a possibility that there could be unexpected shifts in the weather; thus, it is better to always be ready for everything.

When trekking during the rainy season (November to March), when the routes may be exceedingly muddy and slippery, it is essential to exercise extreme caution.

From November to March, we experience the wet season.

Short Inca Trail or Shortened Version of the Inca trek to Machu Picchu

The topography of the two-day hike over the Short Inca Trail

Short excursions along the Inca Trail take travelers through stunning and varied landscapes. Your journey into the Andes Mountains starts in Cusco, which is located at an elevation of 3,400 meters. From there, it will take you through some absolutely amazing hilly landscapes until eventually winding its way into thick cloud forests and then back down again. Cusco is the highest city in South America.

The cloud forest segment of the Inca Trail is home to a rich variety of fauna, including colorful birds, butterflies, and other winged creatures. As you get closer to Machu Picchu, its amazing beauty and mysterious atmosphere become more apparent.

An ancient stone route network, the Short Inca Trail 2 Days, leads hikers to Machu Picchu’s lost city. The trail is just two days long. This trek may be more difficult than expected due to the sections that have steep steps both going up and down as well as the limited pathways.

The number of people in the group

The number of participants that sign up for a hike along the Short Inca Trail will determine the size of the group. The typical size of a group is ten people, and there are two tour guides to oversee their activities.

When hikers are in small groups, they are able to have a more personal experience and get acquainted with one another more quickly. Larger groups aren’t always less enjoyable; we’ll provide one tour guide for every eight hikers in smaller groups, but we’ll provide two for larger ones.

Participants Average Ages on the Short Inca Trail Tour

Although there is no set minimum age requirement, the majority of tour providers suggest that hikers be at least 9 years old before doing the Short Inca Trail for two days. Before signing your kid up for this walk, it is vital for parents to evaluate their child’s physical capabilities and assess their current level of fitness. Due to the difficult nature of the trail and the physical obstacles it presents for younger hikers, In the event that an older kid also expresses an interest in participating in the trek, the following are some important considerations to keep in mind while registering them:

Hiking at a high altitude may be difficult for even the strongest hikers, so it is very essential to make sure that your child is adequately acclimatized before beginning the trip.

In addition, small children should never trek without their parents supervision, and if it’s an option, we highly recommend booking a private trip.

Short Inca Trail with Flowers and a brief section of the Inca Trail

Visiting Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail in a Short Amount of Time

A Condensed Inca Trail Leading to Machu Picchu, Complete with Hotels

Because it is a more condensed version of the conventional Inca Trail, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a good choice for those who may not have the time or physical ability to do the whole four-day journey. This shorter path nevertheless gives a tough walk and the opportunity to view some of the most magnificent scenery in Peru, including a piece of the traditional Inca path and the breathtaking arrival to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate. This track also offers the chance to explore some of the Inca ruins along the way.

• Cusco, Kilometer 104, Wiñaywayna, and Aguas Calientes make up Day 1 of the Inca Trail.
• Get an early start and ride the train to Kilometer 104, which is the beginning point of the walk.
• Visiting the Chachabamba Inca site is the first stop on the trek.
• Hiking for four hours will bring you to the spectacular Inca remains of Wiñay wayna, which are known for their many terraces and platforms used for ceremonial purposes.
• Take your time to explore Wiñay Wayna, and while you’re there, have a picnic lunch in the middle of the breathtaking scenery.
• After that, continue hiking in the direction of the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku, which will reward you with your first stunning panorama of Machu Picchu.
• It is possible to descend quickly to Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, where you may then explore the many vistas.
• Following your tour, you will ride a bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will check into a hotel for the night.
• Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, and Cusco make up Day 2 of our journey.
• Get up and about early so you can board one of the first buses heading back up to Machu Picchu.

During your visit to Machu Picchu, take advantage of the opportunity to take a guided tour and get insight into the history, importance, and mysteries that surround this old Inca city.

Following the conclusion of the trip, you will have the opportunity to explore the site on your own, take photographs, or trek to the famous viewpoint atop Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (extra permissions are necessary).

After returning to Aguas Calientes by bus in the afternoon, you will have the rest of the day free to relax, visit the hot springs, or wander about the town as you want.

At last, your excursion down the Short Inca Trail will come to a close as you board the Panoramic Vistadome train for the journey back to Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

There is no better way to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Andes and immerse yourself in Inca history than by hiking the Short Inca Trail that leads to Machu Picchu. It is essential to keep in mind that this hike has a moderate degree of physical difficulty since it requires a certain amount of physical stamina. In addition, there are instances when the path might be reserved months in advance, making preparation very essential.

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that Included camping ⛺️ 🏕️

The hotel version of the Short Inca Trail and the camping version follow the same schedule; the only difference is that on the camping version, you will sleep in nice tents. Sparrow Explorer Travel is an operator of high-end short Inca Trail trips that include a glamorous camping experience.

Day 1: Inca Trail, Kilometer 104, Wiñaywayna, Machu Picchu, and Aguas Calientes.

Pickup service at your Cusco hotel You will be transported to Ollantaytambo in order to board a train that will take you to Kilometer 104, the starting point of your Inca Trail hike. You will have breakfast in the form of a picnic at the trailhead.

• You will go to Chachabamba and then climb for four hours in the direction of Wiñaywayna.
• You will delight in a picnic meal that has been meticulously prepared by our seasoned chefs.
• After hiking for an hour from Wiñaywayna, you will arrive at Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate. From this vantage point, you’ll get your very first look at Machu Picchu.
• You will take the bus down to Puente Ruinas, where you will spend the night in luxurious walk-in tents. After that, you will descend into Machu Picchu.
• You will eat wonderful meals and sleep in walking tents or camping cots while on the Short Inca Trail, since it is a camping experience.

Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

On the second day, you will sleep in the tents and then have a leisurely breakfast picnic in the morning. In order to take one of the first buses back up to Machu Picchu, you will have to climb for twenty minutes to get to Aguas Calientes.

The history of the area as well as the importance of the many monuments, including the Sun Temple, the Room of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana Stone, will be discussed in depth throughout the course of a guided tour.

Following the conclusion of the guided trip, you will have the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu on your own. Some people may be interested in climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, but keep in mind that these excursions need separate tickets that must be reserved in advance.

You will return to Aguas Calientes by bus in order to enjoy lunch, which is not included in the price.

In the afternoon, you will take a train called the Panoramic to Ollantaytambo, and then you will be transported back to Cusco by road. This will be the conclusion of your brief experience along the Inca Trail.

What are the primary distinctions between staying in a hotel and going on a camping tour?

Both excursions take the same path, are led by the same tour guides, and ride the same trains. These are the key distinctions:

One lunch in a box, one supper at a local restaurant, and one breakfast at the hotel are all included in the Short Inca Trail with Hotel package. The first breakfast is not included in the price of this excursion.

The first picnic breakfast, one picnic lunch, one picnic dinner, and one picnic breakfast on day 2 are all included in the Short Inca Trail with Camping package.

One other distinction that may be made is between spending the night in a hotel and having a pleasant camping experience.

The most enjoyable aspects of the Short Inca Trail with camping are the gourmet picnic supper that is prepared by our skilled chefs as well as the glamping experience.

Advice for Hikers on the Two-Day Trek to Machu Picchu Along the Inca Trail

It is important to have all of your gear ready before starting this path since it might be difficult, especially on the first day. The following is a list of our best hiking suggestions for the Short Inca Trail:

Book in advance:

Because there are only a certain number of permits available each day, it is essential that you prepare early for your hike up the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

On the Inca Trail, the number of visitors allowed each day is capped at 250 by the Peruvian government in an effort to preserve the natural and historical attractions along the route.

Preparation on a Physical Level

Even though 2-day hikes are often shorter and less physically demanding than 4-day treks, adequate preparation for a 2-day hike still requires working on one’s overall level of physical fitness. You should start getting ready for the event many months in advance by participating in cardiovascular workouts such as jogging, swimming, or cycling and also working on improving your leg strength.

Acclimatize to Altitude

Spending a few days in Cusco or another high-altitude location will give your body time to adjust to the altitude before you go on your climb. If at all feasible, do this. If you are unprepared, altitude sickness may be quite dangerous and potentially spoil your tour. Spending some time here might help you avoid having to deal with this issue.

Don’t overburden yourself.

Your overnight bag for Aguas Calientes should be sent ahead so that it does not weigh you down while you are trekking and so that you can carry just the materials that are absolutely necessary in your day pack, like water, food, a camera, and rain gear.

Keep yourself hydrated.

It is of the utmost importance to maintain proper hydration when hiking at high elevations, so make sure you drink lots of water during your journey. Consume a lot of fluids both before and during each step.

Put on many layers.

The weather is sometimes difficult to forecast, with warm mornings, scorching afternoons, and chilly nights alternating throughout the week. Layering your clothing enables you to easily adapt to the fluctuating temperatures throughout the day.

Wear good hiking boots.

Because the terrain of the trail may be difficult and uneven, it is necessary that proper hiking boots provide a sufficient amount of ankle support.

Utilize a cane or walking stick.

When descending steep terrain, using a walking stick might help you maintain your balance and take some of the weight off of your knees.

It’s important to protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun.

The sun’s beams may be more intense at greater elevations. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to keep the sun from damaging your skin.

Pay attention to your impact on the earth.

Because the Inca Trail is such an important historical and natural location, visitors are asked to adhere to all of the trail’s laws, which include properly disposing of trash and refraining from collecting any rocks or plants from the area.

Hire the services of a local tour guide.

Your trip may be made more meaningful by hiring a guide to explain the historical and cultural value of each location you will be seeing, and in doing so, The local economy will benefit from your involvement. Sparrow Explorer Travel in Peru offers a variety of high-quality excursions, including one that travels down the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Bring along lots of water as well as some snacks.

Because there are no resupply sites along the path, you will need to make sure that you carry all of the materials that are required for survival with you. This includes a sufficient amount of food and water to sustain you during the rest of your trip, as well as enough drinking water.

Keep in mind that your experience on the route will be unique, and because of this, it is essential to pay attention to your body and go at a speed that is comfortable for you if you want to have a pleasant trip and destination.

FAQs Regarding the Two-Day Inca Trail

How challenging is the hike along the Inca Trail, which takes two days?

The two-day hike along the Inca Trail is regarded as moderately difficult. On day 1, you should be prepared to spend around six to seven hours climbing upward, which is still less demanding than the same hike over four days.

What is the highest point that may be reached on the Inca Trail’s second day?

At the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), your journey will ascend to its highest point, which is roughly 2,720 meters (8,923 feet) in height.

How can I get myself acclimated to the high altitude before I hike the Inca Trail?

Before beginning any kind of hiking or other activity at a high altitude, it is highly recommended that you spend at least a couple of days acclimatizing in Cusco or another high-altitude destination beforehand. Maintain a healthy level of hydration, eat light meals that do not include alcohol, and, if necessary, see your primary care physician about medication to treat altitude sickness.

What kind of physical condition do I need to be in for the two-day hike along the Inca Trail?

It is not required that you be an athlete; nevertheless, you need to have a respectable degree of fitness. Being able to walk 10–15 kilometers a day over hilly terrain should be sufficient; consider going on some practice treks before you leave your house to ensure that you are sufficiently prepared.

I have a medical condition. Is it too late for me to hike the Inca Trail?

It is essential that you have a conversation with your doctor before beginning any hike on the Inca Trail. The high altitude and physical activity may make some medical issues worse, particularly those that affect the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system.

Is it risky to hike this trail?

Accidents may still occur on trails, even though they are generally believed to be safe, especially if unsuitable footwear is used or if you wander off the route that has been designated. Pay attention to your guide, stay on the path that has been marked out for you, and proceed with extreme care if you are walking on areas that are uneven or slick.

What will happen if I am unable to finish the journey?

In the event that you are unable to complete your journey, your guide will evaluate your circumstances and make preparations to take you back to Aguas Calientes, from where you will be able to arrange for transportation back to Cusco.

Do I need to hire a guide for the two-day hike along the Inca Trail?

Yes, you are required to have a guide, both to ensure the preservation of the area’s unique legacy and for your own personal protection. In addition to assisting you in finding solutions to any issues that may crop up along the way, your guide is able to provide insight into the historical and cultural value of each location you visit.

Is it possible for children to hike the short Inca Trail?

The majority of youngsters over the age of 12 should be able to finish the two-day Inca Trail journey as long as they are physically healthy and used to trekking. However, parents should give great consideration to their child’s comfort and delight while on this strenuous journey. Keep in mind that it may be particularly stressful for younger hikers.

When is the most favorable time of year to hike the Inca Trail?

The dry season, which runs from May to September, is the best time of year to hike the Inca Trail; however, this is also the trail’s busiest time of year, and repairs and maintenance are likely to be done in February.

• The top Machu Picchu travel experiences
• The Classic Inca Trail lasts for four days.
• Short Inca Trail, which takes two days
• Salkantay Trek: 5 days
• Machu Picchu Tour via Train