Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 2 Days

The Inca Trails are ancient pathways that comprise an ample road network that was built during the Tawantinsuyu or the Incan Empire. The network covered all of the Incan Empire’s territory which at its largest reached from what is nowadays the southern borders of Colombia, to western Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and large portions of Chile. These ancient pathways connected important Inca sites and thus are some of the most outstanding trekking trails in the world.

The Short Inca Trail of 2 days is one of the shortest and easiest treks to Machu Picchu in the Inca Trail network. Unlike the classic Inca Trail which lasts four days, out of which you will be hiking for 3 days and visiting Machu Picchu on the 4th day, you will only do a small part of the trek. Instead, you will hike only one day and visit Machu Picchu on the second day.

This trek is ideal for people who are short on time or prefer a less strenuous hike, but still want to enter Machu Picchu through the famous Sungate or “Inti Punku”, which is after all an incomparable experience.

The difficulty of the Short Inca Trail is considered moderate to easy, but it also depends largely on your fitness level and acclimatization.

The first hours of the hike are ascending which can be moderately challenging especially as the altitude may add a strenuous factor. However, after the first climb, the trek gets easier. Nonetheless, hereafter the sections vary in their degree of difficulty.

In any case, it is advisable to acclimatize to the altitudes the days before the hike. We recommend acclimatizing for at least one day in the city of Cusco, eating healthy foods, drinking a lot of water or coca tea, and avoiding alcohol or smoking.

In Cusco we have two seasons:

The best time to do the Short Inca Trail is during the dry season, from April to November as there is a lower chance of rain and generally more sunlight.

During the rainy season, from November to March there is a higher chance of rain and the rain can be very strong. During the peak months of January and especially February extreme rainfalls trigger landslides and avalanches, causing roads to be blocked and trekking can become very dangerous, which is why the Inca Trail is closed in February.

The Inca Trail of 2 Days covers a total distance of approximately 13 km / 8 mi. The first day covers a distance of 12 km / 7.5 mi wherein the estimated hiking time is about 6 hours in a humid and rather hot climate, so beware to take some repellent as there are places with mosquitoes.

The second day consists of visiting Machu Picchu Sanctuary which can vary in time and hiking distance as you have the option to visit Huayna Picchu as well. Generally, we estimate 2 ½ hours for visiting only Machu Picchu and an approximate 6 km / 3.7 mi of the whole visit.

The maximum elevation of the Inca Trail of 2 days reaches 2,780 m. / 9,120.7 ft. while you start at an altitude of 2,250 m. / 7,381.9 ft., which means that the total elevation gain that you climb up is +530 m. / 1,738.8 ft.

Here is an elevation map of the Short Inca Trail to illustrate the hike:

No, since June 2002 the Peruvian Ministry of Culture prohibited trekking independently on the Inca Trail. Since then each trekker must be accompanied by a professional, qualified, and licensed guide that was authorized by the Ministry of Culture. There is a list of basic criteria that a travel agency must meet in order to be able to guide the Inca Trail.

This is why we prioritize high-quality service and work each year diligently to renew our authorization by complying with all the necessary official criteria.

Yes, you need a permit to do the Inca Trail, but don’t worry, we will get you the permit so that you don’t have to worry about anything.

Each day there are 250 permits available for the Short Inca Trail. The short and classic Inca Trails are the most strictly controlled trekking trails in Peru, this is due to their popularity and the fact that they are already more than 500 years old. Thus, in order to protect this marvelous ancient road, the Peruvian government imposed strict regulations to control access to the trail and protect its condition and environment.

Luckily we are an authorized travel agency that each year renews the license to be able to offer you the best guides for the Inca Trail.

The tickets for the Inca Trail of 2 Days are not that difficult to get, unlike the classic 4-Day version. We recommend making your reservations at least a couple of weeks in advance. For the months of May, June, and July we recommend booking your trek at least a month before.

It is generally good to have a certain fitness level, but the Short Inca Trail is not as strenuous as the 4-Day version. If you are moderately fit and healthy you should be able to do it, however, you need to acclimatize to the altitudes!

We recommend acclimatizing for at least one day in the city of Cusco. For this purpose, we can offer you various city tours in Cusco out of which we especially recommend the easier ones such as the Cusco City Tour, Maras and Moray Tour, and the Sacred Valley Tour.

Furthermore, we recommend eating healthy, avoiding fatty foods, and drinking a lot of water or Coca-tea. Please avoid drinking alcohol or smoking, especially on the days before the hike.

Nonetheless, altitude sickness can happen even to the fittest, thus here are the most common symptoms so that you can recognize it: headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, shortened breath, and difficulty with coordination. As long as the symptoms are relatively mild, we recommend using Coca leaves as a way to treat the symptoms. You can chew them or drink them as tea.

In any case, acclimatize your body and take it easy!