Hiking the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic and breathtaking destinations in the world, and hiking to it is a bucket-list experience for many. While the full Inca Trail is a challenging 4-day trek, the Short Inca Trail hike offers a fantastic alternative for beginners or those with limited time. This 2-day hike provides a beautiful and manageable way to experience the Inca Trail and reach Machu Picchu. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your Short Inca Trail trek unforgettable.
3.1 What is the Short Inca Trail?
The Short Inca Trail is a 2-day trek that takes you along ancient Incan pathways leading to Machu Picchu. Covering a distance of just 12 kilometers (7.5 miles), this trail is a much shorter and more accessible option compared to the full 43-kilometer Inca Trail.
Trail Highlights:
3.2 Why It’s Ideal for Beginners
The Short Inca Trail is designed for beginners, offering a more manageable and less strenuous experience while still providing an authentic Inca Trail adventure. Here’s why it’s perfect for first-timers:
3.3 What to Expect on the Short Inca Trail
Hiking the Short Inca Trail is rich in both history and natural beauty. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Day 1:
Day 2:
3.4 What to Bring on the Short Inca Trail
Packing smart is essential for a comfortable and successful trek. Here’s what to bring:
3.5 Conclusion
Hiking the Short Inca Trail is an incredible way for beginners to experience the magic of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. It offers stunning scenery, rich history, and the perfect balance of challenge and reward. With the right preparation and a sense of adventure, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re a first-time hiker or someone looking for a shorter trek, the Short Inca Trail provides a fantastic and accessible way to explore one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
After a friend’s recommendation, we decided to book with Qoricancha Expeditions, believing they would be the perfect tour company to introduce us to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. They exceeded our expectations in every aspect. If you are looking for a tour or guide for the Sacred Valley area, look no further. You’ve come to the right place!
Our family of four had an incredible two-day tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Victor was an outstanding guide, extremely positive, professional, and knowledgeable about the relevant history of the sights we visited. Although Machu Picchu was as spectacular as one would expect, our favorite experiences occurred on the first day.
My friends and I booked the 2 day Inca Trail hike with Qoricancha Expeditions, it was a wonderful time and experience.
The hike: A solid day of hiking in our group of 7 to reach Machu Picchu. Visiting interesting inca sites along the way. The hike was challenging but manageable as you navigated up and down the mountains and through the jungle.
After we contacted many tour agencies in Cusco we have decided to go with Qoricancha Expeditions, We did the Classic 4 days Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu and it was incredible! Our guide, Simon impressed us with his in-depth knowledge of the region and his passion for helping others experience it. He had just the right blend of being informative without being overly talkative.
