“The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is for lovers of adventure, history and archeology. It is located in Cusco, Peru, this impressive hike is considered one of the best hikes in South America, where we will walk 12 km through ancient Inca trails to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
The duration of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is approximately 6 hours, here we will have the opportunity to appreciate the scenic beauty of the Sacred Valley of the Incas as orchids of different colors, sizes and Inca archaeological sites such as Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku and the Wonder of the World Machu Picchu.
In this blog you will learn all about the short route of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu before visiting this magical place in 2023.
You are ready to discover one of Peru’s most valuable treasures and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Let’s get started!
You should know that it is one of the best hikes in the world and that is why tickets are limited and you should book your tickets in advance.
Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail is an immense connection of Inca roads built mostly by the Inca Pachakuteq in the fifteenth century, during this period the Incas were united and built as part of a great political, military, ideological and administrative project that became known as the Tawantinsuyo.
To know the Inca Trail is to understand how well organized our ancestors were, these roads linked the main cities of the empire with Cusco, capital of the Inca empire.
Due to their historical importance, the Inca road networks are currently considered ‘Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO. Because of this, they are protected and preserved for the future of the next generations.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most important treks you will do in the Cusco region, due to its impressive Inca constructions in harmony with the landscapes, flora and fauna. Without a doubt the short Inca Trail hike is one of the best options if you are looking for an unforgettable experience and the best thing is that you can do it without any age limit since the difficulty of the hike is minimal.
The short Inca Trail is located between 2650 masl at the maximum and 2400 masl at the minimum, at the top of the mountain and on the banks of the Vilcanota River, which makes it one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in the region of Cusco.
You will depart from Cusco to Ollantaytambo station where you will take the tourist train Expeditions or Vistadome whichever you prefer to have a nice view of the landscapes of the sacred valley, you will have a trip of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the starting point of the hike at kilometer 104.
The hike will take 12 km or 6 hours approximately, which makes it an exciting hike. Believe me; all the effort will be worth it!
MY TIP: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, cell phones (nowadays they are usually of very good quality), and don’t forget to bring a portable charger. You don’t want to miss the panoramic views, flora and fauna.
Flora and Fauna on the Short Trail to Machu Picchu
In terms of architecture, the Inca Trail is a great example of advanced Inca architecture in the mastery of stone. Many constructions that have very large blocks were apparently made by taking advantage of the original erosion of the rock.
This amazing hike to Machu Picchu is evidence of Inca ingenuity and their connection with nature.
Inca architecture on the short road to Machu Picchu
The archaeological sites along the Short Inca Trail are many. The most prominent is Wiñay Wayna, but others along the trail are worth visiting. Many of these archaeological sites are well preserved and offer a glimpse into the past.
Chachabamba
View from Inti Punku – Short Inca Trail
Wiñaywayna – Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The hike is moderate to challenging because it covers 12 km. Walking the “Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” includes stairs, climbs and steep steps. Be in moderate physical shape before embarking on this hike.
The first part of the trail is mainly uphill until you reach Wiñay Wayna, where you can enjoy your lunch, the second part is easier until you reach Machu Picchu.
If you plan to hike the “Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu”, it is important to bring the following items to ensure a safe and comfortable experience:
Bring enough water, souvenirs for 1 day of trekking and adequate clothing for the hike.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
REMEMBER: Respect the archaeological site, structures, terraces, flora, fauna. Mother Nature and our ancestors were very wise to give us these beautiful sites.
The Inca Trail is considered one of the best trekking routes in the world.
And what are you waiting for to do the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu!
Machu Picchu
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We were recommended this company by our neighbor. Ruben/Juan was great with questions and provided a lot of valuable information as I was planning parts on my own instead using a set tour, partially due to wanting to climb one of the optional peaks which you need to book months in advance. We then hit a snag with my wife’s passport and Ruben happily rearranged the tour for us even though we gave last minute notice.
Our tour guide Wagner met us where the bus dropped us of (can be arranged to pick up from your hotel as well), and we spent the next two hours learning a lot about the history of the site and he took us away from the crowds, and accommodated our photos requests. After we hung around and explored on our own until it was time to leave….
Traveler:
FANTASTIC!!! From start to finish! Amazing Andean Adventures was in charge for our entire 8 day trip to Peru. Every detail and pick up was perfect. Every driver and guide was great! Thank you Kivin and Joaquin for finding my camera!
There was one special guide that we will never forget. Dany met us at our hotel in Agnes Calientes and was very patient as our train was late arriving. His knowledge of the history and culture of the Incans made the tour of Machu Picchu come alive! We were fortunate to have Dany for two days, always upbeat, helpful, fun, and competent. The Cusco City Tour was also amazing with the continuing history making us feel like we were actually there in the time of the Inca rule. Magical…
Traveler:
We traveled to Cusco this December with a three day private tour planned with Danny. My mom had done a similar tour with Danny and recommended him/amazing andean adventures to us! Our three day adventure was pretty much perfect; danny was always early to meet us, super friendly, with great english and tons of knowledge to share about the ruins and inca historical sites we visited. He even made the rain clear up so we could get a perfect view of machu picchu after our hike. On day one we went from our hotel to various destinations in sacred valley, which I worked with the company to plan so that we would hit all the spots I wanted to. They were helpful and accommodating in building a highly individualized itinerary…
Traveler: