SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU, how to do?

“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!

BEFORE VISITING THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

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

HISTORY

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 HIKE 2 DAYS AND 1 NIGHT

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.

HOW TO GET THERE

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

ARCHITECTURE

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

WHAT YOU WILL FIND ON THE SHORT INCA TRAIL

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 (valley of mosquito bites): Located at kilometer 104, this will be the first archaeological site to visit, located on the banks of the Urubamba River.
  • WIÑAY WAYNA (eternally young): The most beautiful and largest site on the Inca Trail that you will explore.
  • INTI PUNKU (Sun Gate): It was the most important access gate to the Inca citadel, it is located at 2745 meters above sea level, this place can only be visited by hikers of the Inca Trail.

 

Chachabamba

View from Inti Punku – Short Inca Trail

Wiñaywayna – Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

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.

WHAT TO BRING FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO 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:

  • Original passport
  • Backpack
  • Comfortable trekking shoes.
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent (most important)
  • Trekking poles
  • rain poncho
  • Light, comfortable and warm clothes
  • Hat
  • Camera
  • Spare batteries and portable charger
  • Sunglasses
  • Water and snacks
  • Medications
  • Money

RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENJOY THE HIKE TO THE MAXIMUM

Bring enough water, souvenirs for 1 day of trekking and adequate clothing for the hike.

  • If you plan to make the short trek to Machu Picchu, choose during the dry season which is from April to November, this is when the weather is usually more stable, with sunny days and cool nights, however, it is always necessary to be prepared in case of sudden changes in the weather.
  • Take only what you need. Make sure you take what you will need during the trek.
  • Hire a travel agency that can guide you on the route. They will provide you with more relevant information about the history of the Incas and will accompany you on this wonderful journey.

 

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

Machu Picchu

CAMINO INCA CORTO A MACHU PICCHU ENTRE LOS MEJORES DESTINOS DE AVENTURA PARA VISITAR ESTE 202 3

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