Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most thrilling treks loved by adventure enthusiasts across the world. however, the classic, full trail is a 42-kilometer stretch that takes 4 days to complete. Don’t worry if you lack in time. There’s a shorter version of this trail as well. The short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is equally exciting trek condensed to fit your holiday plans.
What is this short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days?
While the excitement and thrill match the classic-trail, it is the sorter version with hiking limited to 2-days only. The first day is spent hiking and second day exploring the fascinating sites.
On the first day, you explore the original Inca Trail. It starts from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by car, and then by train.The first 6-8 hours of hike takes you to the Winay Wayna of Inca. This archaeological complex is quite fascinating. After a spending a little time, you proceed towards the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the gateway into Machu Picchu. Further trails take you to the ruins and to catch a bus down to Aguas Calientes.
Spend the second day exploring the fascinating world of Machu Picchu.
How the Short Trail is different from the classic Inca Trail?
Duration and distance covered set the two tours apart. As expected, the Short Inca Trail is a shorter version. The Short Inca Trail spans 10-kilometer, whereas the Classic Trail is 42-kilometer.
Apart from that, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days is less tiring, thus providing a good choice for those who have less time in hand to trek without exerting them too much.
The trail usually has fewer tourists compared to the Classic Trail, offering a more intimate and enriching experience.Additionally, there’s no need to worry about personal porters, camping, or sleeping bags. You can enjoy a comfortable stay at a hotel.
Comfortable and hassle-free, the trek offers stunning landscapes, breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and Inca ruins.
Can two-day Inca Trail have camping?
Including just one day of hiking, Short Inca Trail doesn’t provide camping facility anywhere along the trail. Camping at Wiñay Waynais reserved for the Classic Trail hikers only.
Aguas Calientes had camping facility, but the campground isn’t that exciting and enjoyable because of the location and plenty of biting insects.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days– CompleteItinerary
Day: 1 From KM 104 to Wiñay Wayna & the Sun Gate
The 2-day 1-night Inca Trail trek begins from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. It also includes a train journey to KM100. This train journey offers stunning views of the Urubamba River and changing Andean landscapes, before deboarding at KM104 to start the trail. Hiking through dense clouds forests, a variety of flora and fauna, offers a fresh smell of dew. The yellow, red, and pink orchids as well as white, brown, yellow, and black butterflies never fail to captivate hikers.
There’s also an alternate option for Day -1 Trek via via KM 106
In the afternoon, hikers reach the most impressive Inca archaeological sites of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young), named after the orchid of the same name. This trek offers a view of different fauna species, as well as view of the endemic birds of the area.
Hiking further from Wiñay Wayna, hikers will reach the last stretch before reaching the Sun Gate, or, Inti Punku.
In the evening, hikers walk past the ancient city to take a bus to Aguas Calientes town (also called Machupicchu Pueblo).This is a wonderful feeling to reach here. Hikers will now retire to bed after checking into their accommodations.
Day: 2Exploring Machu Picchu
A visit to Machu Picchu is worth your excitement. The historic sights hold fascinating secrets that will remain ingrained in your memory forever.
Is the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 Days worth your time?
Absolutely! It’s exciting and thrilling for all good reasons as it offers the best of adventure in the shortest possible time.