Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is a dream destination for travelers worldwide. The Inca Trail leading to this historic site offers a unique and profound hiking experience. However, the full 4-day trek may not be suitable for everyone. For those with limited time or fitness, a shorter version of the trail is the perfect alternative. Enter the Short Inca Trail, a condensed 2-day hike that still provides the essence of the Inca Trail, culminating at Machu Picchu via the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
The 2-day Inca Trail is a shorter version of the classic trek, covering 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) instead of the traditional 43 kilometers (26.5 miles). Starting from the Km 104 train station, hikers follow a path through cloud forests and pass several fascinating archaeological sites. The journey ends at Inti Punku (Sun Gate), where travelers enjoy panoramic views of the iconic Machu Picchu.
This trek is an excellent choice for beginners or those looking for a less demanding hiking adventure. Here’s why it’s the ideal option for newcomers:
While the trek is shorter, it offers plenty of rewarding experiences:
For those with limited time or physical stamina, the short trek offers a fantastic alternative to the full Inca Trail:
The Short Inca Trail provides an ideal introduction to the wonders of Machu Picchu, perfect for beginners or those with limited time. With its manageable duration, moderate difficulty, and incredible scenery, this 2-day trek offers a fantastic way to experience the magic of the Inca Trail without the challenges of the full 4-day hike. Whether you’re new to hiking, short on time, or simply looking for an accessible way to visit Machu Picchu, this version of the trek promises an unforgettable adventure filled with history, culture, and stunning natural beauty.
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.
