Immerse yourself into the mystery of the Inca.
The Short Inca Trail is the easiest Machu Picchu hiking tour. This trail connects with the classic four-day Inca trail and takes you straight to the Sun Gate
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Trek Details:
Equipment Required: Hiking boots, rain gear, daypacks and camelbacks for during the day. |
Includes:
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PERMITS FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE WHOLE YEAR.
The average hiking time of this day hike is 8 hours. The second day consists of a tour to the Sacred City of Machu Picchu. The views, the flora and fauna along this ancient Incan road will leave you speechless. This is a unique alternative for those who don't want to hike the long classic inca trail. The Short Inca trail is short in distance but not in adventure.
Itinerary:
Day One
Start time 5:40 AM Travel Transfer to train station. Train to kilometer 104. Highlights of the day The day starts with a scenic train journey (approximately 2 hours) to the starting point of the Inca trail, which is the 104 Km or Chachabamba. From this place, we hike for approx. 3 hours to the Incan site Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) 2680m/8792ft. After lunch, we continue the walk until we reach the Sungate or Inti Punku 2730m/8957ft, from where you will have your first dramatic panoramic view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft). We continue the walk toward Machu Picchu where we have an amazing view of the Sunset. Finally, we take a shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes. Difficulty level Moderate ascent to Winay Wayna and Inti Punku and then a descent to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes. Meals Included: Lunch on the trek and dinner in Aguas Calientes. Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes Other information: Although a shortened Inca Trail, this trek joins the main inca trail in time to see the highlights. |
Day Two
Start time 5:00 AM Travel Bus to Machu Picchu Highlights of the day A walking tour (2 hours) of Machu Picchu by your guide. On completion of the tour those that have selected to climb of Huayna Picchu 2720m/8923ft (It takes 45 minutes to reach the top) will commence their climb. Difficulty level Easy Meals Breakfast in Hotel in Aguas Calientes. Lunch in Aguas Calientes. Accommodation You will be back in Cusco in your own accommodation for this evening. Other Information You will be given your train tickets by your guide at lunch time. The train usually leaves about 2:55 PM and arrives back in Cusco at 7:45 PM although this may be subject to change. You can opt to have an extra night in Aguas Calientes to explore Machu Picchu further and visit the thermal springs in Aguas Calientes. |
What you need to take:
Optional items to take:
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Prices:
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Private tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2018 through January 2019. All prices quoted are $USD
Price per person:
IMPORTANT: Train included in all tours is the tourist train (to Ollantaytambo). Train times will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earliest train you could take is the 1:37 PM and the 9:20 PM being the last train (high season June to September). We will organize the transport back to Cusco (by taxi or by bus). Please Note: Train times are subject to change based on Peru rail time table and availability. If organized in advance, the train can be upgraded to Vistadome (larger windows than the backpacker cerrojo train) for an additional price. 
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PERMITS FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE WHOLE YEAR. ONLY 4 DAY INCA TRAIL PERMITS ARE SOLD OUT.
other important information
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MEALS:
MEDICAL INFORMATION
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WATER:
TREKKING BOOTS
DRUGS, SMOKING AND ALCOHOL
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HOW TO TRAIN FOr the short inca trail to machu picchu
You might be wondering about how you are gonna get in your best shape for your hike in Ausangate Peru. Maybe you think you will not be able to do it. Trust us, we do this every day. If you follow the information below. You will have an amazing inca trail adventure.
First, Prepare your mind
The success of your trip depends on it. Preparing for a trip could be time consuming, stressful and exhausting. Most likely you might feel like you are not ready enough, fit enough, etc. The fact is that when it comes to traveling, there is not such a thing as being 100% ready. In the words of my dear friend Marinel. “You learn best by just doing it. Be mindful of your fears and anxieties. Learn the means to pacify them. But also remember that despite of preparation, imperfect scenarios will still creep in on you.”
In Peru we have a common saying which is “The nature of a wanderer (traveller) is to make her path along the way." One cannot be in control of everything as we do in our daily lives at home. The fact is that travelling offers us the opportunity to let go of the need to want to control everything, and lets us enjoy the beauty of travelling whatever challenges it might pose us.
Your resilience and open-mindedness will be put to the test no matter how experienced of a traveller you are. The world is full of differences that you need to be prepared to embrace. Finally, looking back on your trip, you will be proud of the impact it had on you mentally and physically.
First, Prepare your mind
The success of your trip depends on it. Preparing for a trip could be time consuming, stressful and exhausting. Most likely you might feel like you are not ready enough, fit enough, etc. The fact is that when it comes to traveling, there is not such a thing as being 100% ready. In the words of my dear friend Marinel. “You learn best by just doing it. Be mindful of your fears and anxieties. Learn the means to pacify them. But also remember that despite of preparation, imperfect scenarios will still creep in on you.”
In Peru we have a common saying which is “The nature of a wanderer (traveller) is to make her path along the way." One cannot be in control of everything as we do in our daily lives at home. The fact is that travelling offers us the opportunity to let go of the need to want to control everything, and lets us enjoy the beauty of travelling whatever challenges it might pose us.
Your resilience and open-mindedness will be put to the test no matter how experienced of a traveller you are. The world is full of differences that you need to be prepared to embrace. Finally, looking back on your trip, you will be proud of the impact it had on you mentally and physically.
TIPS FOR HIKING THE Short inca trail to machu picchu
Before the hike:
- Make sure you have all that you need in your daypack.
- Always check that your backpack is properly attached to your body.
- Most new backpacks have a safety whistle located in the chest buckle.
- Test the emergency whistle. Remember the following guidelines for how to use a whistle in case of emergency. One blast means hi! or where are you? Or you can interpret that as a call-back signal if you hear anything that sounds like an emergency request. Two Blasts of the whistle mean "Come here” and Three blasts mean SOS! Emergency! Help!
- Make sure you wear hiking boots and hiking socks. They reduce the risk of injuries.
- Check that your hiking boots straps are well tied.
- Always use trekking poles.
- Start well hydrated. It is best to start any hike after you have had a good amount of electrolytes. We suggest that you drink gatorade or any other hydrating salts right before you start hiking. Do this especially if the day is hot.
- Avoid heat exposure by wear a cap during the day if the temperatures are hot.
- Avoid Hypothermia by wearing a warm hat if the temperatures are really low.
- Make sure you are wearing the right layers of clothing based on the weather conditions. You don’t want to be sweating profusely if it is a warm day and you don’t want to be cold if it is freezing out there.
trek comparison:
Classic Four-day Inca Trail versus Five-day private Inca Trail and Short Inca Trail.
Many people believe that there is only one way to hike the Inca trail, but that is not entirely accurate. Some trails differ from one another regarding campsites, attractions, access points, and itineraries depending on the type of tour a person takes and the travel operator they choose.
Classic Four-day Inca Trail
Almost all tour operators (including Evolution Treks Peru) take their clients along the four-day classic Inca trail that starts at the 82km or Piskacucho.
The trail they walk along starts at the 82km or Piskacucho.
The Park rangers station is located in this area; People must present passports to check in with the park rangers before they enter the park by crossing the bridge that leads to the left bank of the Urubamba river.
Almost every single person hiking this part of the Inca trail share the same path, visit the same Incan sites and use the same campsites. Usually, these campsites are overcrowded and lack one of the best ingredients of trekking, which is solitude and silence.
Especially the Huayllabamba, Pacaymayu and Winaywayna campsites, where most people camp.
Evolution Treks Peru's groups walk further along the trail on days one and two to get campsites at Ayapata and Chakicocha to avoid the crowds.
Private Five-day Inca trail
Our five-day Inca Trail trek differs substantially from the Classic four-day trek in almost all of these things.
The access point for this trek is located at Qoriwairachina or Km 88. We check in with the park rangers at this location.
The first part of the path that we take runs through a different area than that one of the four-day Inca Trail.
In our case, the road we take runs on the right bank of the Urubamba river.
During this first section, we are the only travel operator using this path.
Also, the path that we follow is the same path that the other groups take; especially during days two, three and four.
Although, due to our itinerary, our group will remain away from most people as we camp in different, less crowded campsites.
In our campsites, we get to have a lot of quietness and spectacular views.
Furthermore, The itinerary we have for this five-day hike enables us to visit many different attractions and archaeological sites that other people cannot visit due to the tours they take. Some of these places are off the beaten track; other tourists barely visit them.
Finally, one of the benefits of taking this hike is that it allows people to see Machu Picchu twice. First when they get there in the afternoon of the fourth day, and again the next day when they come back to take the tour of Machu Picchu.
Short Inca Trail
The short Inca trail differs from the other two itineraries in almost everything. For instance, its access point to the sanctuary is located at the 104 km or Chachabamba. People who hike this trail use a different path than that one of the Classic 4 day trek. They are not allowed to camp at all and only walk on the last part of the original Inca trail from Winaywayna to Machu Picchu.
Moreover, there are only two archaeological sites to be visited on this hike. Perhaps the most beautiful one of them is Winaywayna.
Finally, Just like the five-day Inca trail trip, one of the benefits of taking this hike is that it allows people to see Machu Picchu twice. First when they get there in the afternoon of the first day, and again the next day when they come back to take the tour of Machu Picchu.
Classic Four-day Inca Trail versus Five-day private Inca Trail and Short Inca Trail.
Many people believe that there is only one way to hike the Inca trail, but that is not entirely accurate. Some trails differ from one another regarding campsites, attractions, access points, and itineraries depending on the type of tour a person takes and the travel operator they choose.
Classic Four-day Inca Trail
Almost all tour operators (including Evolution Treks Peru) take their clients along the four-day classic Inca trail that starts at the 82km or Piskacucho.
The trail they walk along starts at the 82km or Piskacucho.
The Park rangers station is located in this area; People must present passports to check in with the park rangers before they enter the park by crossing the bridge that leads to the left bank of the Urubamba river.
Almost every single person hiking this part of the Inca trail share the same path, visit the same Incan sites and use the same campsites. Usually, these campsites are overcrowded and lack one of the best ingredients of trekking, which is solitude and silence.
Especially the Huayllabamba, Pacaymayu and Winaywayna campsites, where most people camp.
Evolution Treks Peru's groups walk further along the trail on days one and two to get campsites at Ayapata and Chakicocha to avoid the crowds.
Private Five-day Inca trail
Our five-day Inca Trail trek differs substantially from the Classic four-day trek in almost all of these things.
The access point for this trek is located at Qoriwairachina or Km 88. We check in with the park rangers at this location.
The first part of the path that we take runs through a different area than that one of the four-day Inca Trail.
In our case, the road we take runs on the right bank of the Urubamba river.
During this first section, we are the only travel operator using this path.
Also, the path that we follow is the same path that the other groups take; especially during days two, three and four.
Although, due to our itinerary, our group will remain away from most people as we camp in different, less crowded campsites.
In our campsites, we get to have a lot of quietness and spectacular views.
Furthermore, The itinerary we have for this five-day hike enables us to visit many different attractions and archaeological sites that other people cannot visit due to the tours they take. Some of these places are off the beaten track; other tourists barely visit them.
Finally, one of the benefits of taking this hike is that it allows people to see Machu Picchu twice. First when they get there in the afternoon of the fourth day, and again the next day when they come back to take the tour of Machu Picchu.
Short Inca Trail
The short Inca trail differs from the other two itineraries in almost everything. For instance, its access point to the sanctuary is located at the 104 km or Chachabamba. People who hike this trail use a different path than that one of the Classic 4 day trek. They are not allowed to camp at all and only walk on the last part of the original Inca trail from Winaywayna to Machu Picchu.
Moreover, there are only two archaeological sites to be visited on this hike. Perhaps the most beautiful one of them is Winaywayna.
Finally, Just like the five-day Inca trail trip, one of the benefits of taking this hike is that it allows people to see Machu Picchu twice. First when they get there in the afternoon of the first day, and again the next day when they come back to take the tour of Machu Picchu.
