You, the greatest adventurer got ready for the adventure of your life: the great Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You have already made room in your tight schedule for 2018 holidays and you have a golden week for your vacations. Your camping gear is in your backpack and you have bought a new hat to be like Indiana Jones. Then you try to book your tour and it turns there are no spaces left. What to do then? No worries, check this article about the Short Inca Trail.
Short Inca Trail 101: A 2-day hiking adventure to Machu Picchu in 2018
Chachabamba, start of the hike
The Short Inca Trail is a 2-day adventure tour. It starts in Chachabamba archaeological site and ends in Machu Picchu. This hiking experience is the main alternative for the Classic Inca Trail. It is subject to availability, being 250 the limit for the people that can do the 2-day hiking tour per day in 2018.
The trail starts in the kilometer 104 of the railway, and then there is a short trek until we get the first Inca ruins: Chachabamba. The buildings in the site are supposed to be used for religious purposes because of the building style. Then we will hike again by the Urubamba River and the beautiful Andean valleys. The next stop is in Winay Wayna. This Inca ruin has a beautiful view where the farming terraces are the main attractive.
After having a meal in Winay Wayna, we will hike until Inti Punku, the Machu Picchu old entrance. You will have the chance to see Machu Picchu and have one of the classical photos in of your picture list. Then we will go to the Aguas Calientes village to spend the night and restore energy.
Winaywayna ruins from above
During the second day, we will go out very soon to catch the bus from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu. Once we get there, our tour guide will start the Machu Picchu Guided Tour. Be ready to enjoy the fantastic Inca architecture, the history behind the stone walls, the magnificent views of the agricultural terraces and temples, and the peace and restful ambiance of this citadel. Later, you will have free time to spend and explore the world wonder by yourself.
Finally, you will come back to Cusco via train (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo) and a private van (Ollantaytambo – Cusco).
Some good reasons to choose the Short Inca Trail in 2018
You will see Machu Picchu twice. The first when you get to the end of the trail in Inti Punku, and the second during the guided tour in the second day.
It is a shorter and easier hike. This options suits perfectly for beginners on hiking, families with children and visitors with a tight schedule.
It is more likely to be available. The tickets for this option are up to 250, compared to the 500 permits of the Classic Inca Trail. However, the short trail is less popular hence, it rarely sells out.
Full tour guide assistance. You tour guide will stay with you during all the tour. You can ask him any question or ask for help in case of any hassle you might experience.
Spend your night at a comfortable hotel. You will not need camping gear in your backpack as you will sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Nutritive food for the hike. We have carefully chosen the items in your box-lunch in order to have a very enjoyable and healthy meal in the Short Inca Trail.
Have the Short Inca Trail in the 2018
Some important information about the Short Inca Trail
No matter which option you choose, you must check the permits number before booking. We have the Short Inca Trail permits availability chart updated live for you!
Preparation is very important. To make you things easier, we have written an article about what to pack for the Short Inca Trail. Check it out!
Remember that you will face high altitudes then your body needs to be ready for this hike. Read our tips on physical preparation for the Short Inca Trail and start your training!
Finally, other travelers like you have made this hike and want to share their feelings about it. We invite you to watch some of the Short Inca Trail testimonies.
Do not miss the chance to visit Machu Picchu in the 2018!
If there are no spaces left or there is any reason you can not do the 4-day Inca Trail in 2018, the short one is the best alternative. Book with TOUR IN PERU and have a great experience along a great service. Contact us to start this wonderful tour.
