Written by:Claire Dean
Published: 27-04-2023
If you are trying to decide which Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu works best for you, then this article is especially for you. You may be thinking to yourself that the Inca Trail is something you HAVE to do when visiting Peru, but all you know about is the information about the classic 4-day Inca Trail hike. If you don’t want to take up too much of your trip hiking the Classic Inca Trail because you only have a short time on vacation and there’s just so much you want to see, don't worry, there is a perfect solution to this problem! The 2-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.
View of Wiñay Wayna from The Short Inca Trail
2-Day Inca Trail Summary
The Short 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a shorter and less strenuous way to experience the original Inca steps and still hike the trail directly into Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate or "Inti Punku". The 2-dayInca Trail trek passes 2 archaeological sites along the way, a variety of flora and fauna, and is rich in an iconic history, just the same as the 4-day option, The 2-day trek is 14km/8.7m, reaches up to 2,700 m/8,858 ft, and is classified as an easy-moderate trek with minimal altitude gain. If you love the idea of hiking directly into Machu Picchu via the Sungate but want a shorter hike, then the 2D/1N Inca Trail Trek is the trek for you!
View over The Valley from The 2 -day Inca Trail
The 2-day Inca Trail requires a permit and a limited number of people are allowed to trek per day, the same as the classic Inca Trail these permits sell out quickly so booking well in advance (at least 3 months recommended) is essential. There are 200 permits available per day, which means that only 200 travelers are allowed to access the trail every day. Although permits for the Short Inca trail don’t tend to sell out as quickly as they do for the 4-day trek, it’s still a good idea to book your tickets in advance if you are planning to do the hike during peak season (May-October). Remember there are no porters on the Inca Trail and or camping, therefore the permits are generally reserved for trekkers!
The trail to Wiñay Wayna
Bird Watching
For any budding ornithologists, the 2 day Short Inca Trail is a dream come true. The 2-day trail is right in between two different altitude levels, between the jungle lowlands and the higher jungle of Peru. This cloud forest is home to different ecosystems, with humid montane forests. The incredible diversity is home to different mosses, bromeliads, ferns, and orchids, making for an excellent feeding ground for the wide range of bird species in the area.
Cock of The Rock
The Hike
The two-day hike involves one day of hiking to meet up with the 3rd day of The Classic the Inca Trail, followed by a late afternoon arrival at Machu Picchu. It’s a lot of walking but achievable with an average fitness level.
Trekking the Trail
Chachabamba
The first Inca site you will pass will be Chachabamba, shortly after which comes to an ascent through a beautiful cloud forest before arriving at Wiñay Wayna. After exploring this ancient site you will climb ancient Inca stairwells through terraces, exploring water features and buildings of times gone by. From here, the most beautiful section of the entire Inca Trail takes over. Lush vegetation flanks you on either side. The scent of wild orchids fills the air. And all around you, brightly colored songbirds fill your ears with song.
Chachabamba
The first 4 hours of The Short Inca Trail, are generally considered the hardest part of the hike. A constant four-hour climb will loop around the edges of the mountains on a well-maintained path and what seems to be endless stairs. The Urubamba River will keep getting smaller and smaller, below you, until it is simply a line in the distance as you ascend. Just before the four-hour mark, you will pass in front of the Winay Wayna Waterfall, a true oasis in the Inca trail "desert".
A Trekkers Delight!
Wiñay Wayna
For the four-day Inca Trail hikers, this would be their last Inca ruin before Machu Picchu. They would have passed six others before arriving at this point. Wiñay Wayna has an upper level containing house structures. The remains of window frames and drainage holes give an idea of how people would have lived. The views from the windows put top-notch real estate to shame. To the side of the houses are terraces, which are common in several Inca sights throughout the regions and were likely agricultural terraces.
Terraces at Wiñay Wayna
The Sungate
The last few hours of the hike are much easier. The trail is much flatter until Just before reaching the Sun Gate, you will have one last climb. The stairs are somewhat steep but eventually, you will make it to the top for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
Sun Gate
The Second Day
Generally, once you pass the sun gate you will then head down to Aguas Calientes and spend the evening in a hotel. On the second day, you will catch a bus back up to Machu Picchu for your complete tour of the archaeological site. Some tours may even allow you to visit Machu Picchu on the first afternoon but it is recommended to visit in a hurry and go in on the second day, after all, it is included in the entrance permit. On the first day, you will see Machu Picchu from the top and have a great view of the Inca city from above; the classic post-card view. Since the hike started early, you should arrive at the top of Machu Picchu at around 3:15 PM. before dark. On the second day, you will visit Machu Picchu and walk through the whole complex with a guide who will explain the meaning and history. This guided tour in Machu Picchu will take about two and a half hours. and then you will head back down o Aguas Calientes for lunch before you take the train back to Cusco. You may wish to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own Climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain– to appreciate the scenery and magnificence of Machu Picchu from above. These extra hikes sell out fast and must be requested at the time of booking. Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs.
Machu Picchu
If you are interested in booking the 2-day Inca Trail contact us here and trek the awe-inspiring Inca Trail, as the Incas once did!
