EVOLUTION TREKS PERU
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      • Changes in the entrance times to Machu Picchu.
      • Is Machu Picchu closing?
      • Best time to hike and climb Machu Picchu
      • INCA TRAIL BOOKING AND RESERVATIONS
      • CHECK INCA TRAIL PERMIT AVAILABILITY
      • The best reads and videos to get you ready to come to Peru.
      • Training for Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and other Hikes
      • Hiking machu picchu tips. Tips for hiking the inca trail.
      • How to pack your backpack
      • What to carry in your daypack.
      • Other important information about your trip to Peru
    • Sustainable and Eco Tourism >
      • What is Ecotourism?
      • What is Sustainable Tourism?
      • Why traveleres are the only hope for sustainable tourism.
  • Machu Picchu Tours
    • Private Machu Picchu Tours
    • Sacred Valley + Machupicchu by train
  • Inca Trail Treks
    • The Short Inca Trail
    • 5 day Private Inca Trail Hike
    • 4 Day Inca Trail Trek
    • 4 day Private Inca Trail Trip
    • Inca Trail Trek 2018
    • Inca Trail 2019
  • Alternative Treks
    • Lares Trek - Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu
    • Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
    • Huchuy Qosqo - Short Inca Trail Combination
    • Huchuy Qosqo Trek
    • Ancascocha Trek
    • Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu
    • Ausangate Trek - Rainbow Mountains Trek
    • Choquequirao Trek
    • Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek
    • Vilcabamba Trek
    • Rainbow Mountain Peru
  • Tours in Cusco
    • Free walking tours Cusco
    • Zip Lining
    • Sacred Valley Tour
    • Classic City Tour
    • Inca Jungle Tour
    • Tours in Cusco and Inca Trail
  • Contact us
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Free walking tour booking form
    • Booking form

HIKE THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU

two day /one night inca trail

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

Picture
  • TripAdvisor
​​Trek Details:
  • Hike Distance:  7.45 miles
  • Difficulty:​  Moderate
  • Duration:  2 days
  • Elevation Gain:  480m/1574ft.
  • Weather:  See below
  • Seasons:   From March 1 until January 31(February is closed for maintenance).​ 
  • Hike Trail Map:   See below
  • Cusco Drive Time:   3hr 55min+
  • Town Nearest Hike:   Aguas Calientes 
  • Beauty:   Cloud forest, last stretch of classic Inca trail, Urubamba mountain range views, scenic trail. Wildlife: Spectacled bear, Marsupials, frogs, Birds; Peruvian rupicola, torrent tyranulettt, black-chested buzzard-eagle, Sparking violetear hummigbird. 
  • Activities:   Hiking, archaeological site tours, nature.
  • ​Price:
        From $500   per person​ based on group size.

Equipment Required:  Hiking boots, rain gear, daypacks and camelbacks for during the day. 
​Includes:
  • Professional, bilingual Tour Guide 
  • Collection from the hotel to train station.
  • Return train journey (backpacker service).
  • Entrance fees to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
  • 1 breakfast, 1 box lunch to be carried by each tourist, and 1 dinner  (breakfast on day 1 and lunch in Aguas Calientes on day 2 are not included).
  • Three bus tickets Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes town -Machu Picchu-Aguas Calientes
  • 1-night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (hot showers, private bath, and breakfast included)**.
  • Oxygen bottle.
  • First Aid kit.
  • Hotel Presidente in Aguas Calientes
Book Now
PERMITS FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE WHOLE YEAR.
Picture
​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.
Picture
Picture

What you need to take:

  • ​​Original passport (and *International Student card (ISIC) if applicable)
  • Travel Insurance is essential
  • Sleeping bag (not included but can be hired from us)
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat and gloves
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Sun hat
  • Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
  • Insect repellent
  • Water (only until lunch time on day 1)
  • Toiletries and hand sanitizer.
  • Personal medication
  • Camera 
  • Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful) 

Optional items to take:
  • Shorts
  • Walking stick (with rubber tip)
  • Plasters and bandages
  • Sandals
  • Extra money
  • Bathing suit (for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)

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:
  • Two trekkers: $585
  • Three trekkers: $555
  • Four trekkers: $530
  • Five trekkers or more :   $500

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. 
Picture
PERMITS FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE WHOLE YEAR. ONLY 4 DAY INCA TRAIL PERMITS ARE SOLD OUT.
book now

​other important information

​MEALS:
  • ​Breakfast starts at 5:30 AM on most days. 
  • Please follow the directions of your tour leader regarding meal times and be there on time to avoid eating cold foods or left overs. 
  • Please let us know if you have a particular dietary request or if you are vegetarian or vegan.
  • ​We cannot provide Kosher alternatives. 


​

MEDICAL INFORMATION

  • We recommend that all our customers purchase full coverage travel health insurance plan before coming to Peru. Most airfare engines offer this service at the time of purchasing their flight tickets.
  • Yellow fever, malaria or other kinds of inoculation (vaccination) are NOT needed for when you visit Cusco's Andean region.
  • Please let us know of any changes in your health conditions within the first 24 hours of your arrival to Cusco. We want to know your progress to acclimating to high altitude and your adaptation to the local food.
WATER: 
  • We will supply you with boiled filtered water.
  • We do this every day in the mornings before we start hiking and after our lunch breaks. 
  • Bring a refillable water container or camelback for when you are hiking. 
  • We strongly advise you to drink at least 2 litres of water a day.  Do not attempt to drink water from the streams, rivers or faucets along the trails. 
  • Do not bring plastic bottled water to our excursions.
  •  Use only drinkable water to brush your teeth.  

TREKKING BOOTS

  • ​We strongly encourage you to wear trekking boots on our treks. 
  • Please make sure to wear boots that you have already broken in prior to the trek.
  • We discourage people from wearing brand new trekking boots. You are more prone to get blisters from wearing brand new boots.   

DRUGS, SMOKING AND ALCOHOL

  • Smoking is not allowed while on the trek. We want you to have an overall healthy experience while in the mountains.
  • We discourage people from heavy alcohol consumption while on the hikes.
  • Any type of mind altering substances are discouraged and illegal while on the hikes. ​
READ MORE INFO ON THIS TOPIC HERE

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.
READ MORE INFO ON THIS TOPIC HERE

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. 
READ MORE INFO ON THIS TOPIC HERE
read more resources here

Company

Who we are
Why Evolution Treks Peru
Safety first
​
Resources

Treks

Inca Trail 4 Day
​
Short Inca Tr​ail
​
Lares Trek

Contact us

Trip Advisor
evolutiontreksperu@gmail.com
Address: Urbanizacion Ucchullo Calle Chile Q-17, Cusco-PE
(PE) Phone:   +51 84 265523 
USA Phone:  (510) 943 7497  
Office hours: Monday to Sunday from 9am to 10 pm
​(pacific time)
​Evolution Treks Peru SAC
© COPYRIGHT 2016. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
    • Who are we?
    • Why Evolution Treks Peru?
    • Empowering Women
    • Evolution's Blog
    • Safety first
    • Resources >
      • Changes in the entrance times to Machu Picchu.
      • Is Machu Picchu closing?
      • Best time to hike and climb Machu Picchu
      • INCA TRAIL BOOKING AND RESERVATIONS
      • CHECK INCA TRAIL PERMIT AVAILABILITY
      • The best reads and videos to get you ready to come to Peru.
      • Training for Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and other Hikes
      • Hiking machu picchu tips. Tips for hiking the inca trail.
      • How to pack your backpack
      • What to carry in your daypack.
      • Other important information about your trip to Peru
    • Sustainable and Eco Tourism >
      • What is Ecotourism?
      • What is Sustainable Tourism?
      • Why traveleres are the only hope for sustainable tourism.
  • Machu Picchu Tours
    • Private Machu Picchu Tours
    • Sacred Valley + Machupicchu by train
  • Inca Trail Treks
    • The Short Inca Trail
    • 5 day Private Inca Trail Hike
    • 4 Day Inca Trail Trek
    • 4 day Private Inca Trail Trip
    • Inca Trail Trek 2018
    • Inca Trail 2019
  • Alternative Treks
    • Lares Trek - Short Inca trail to Machu Picchu
    • Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
    • Huchuy Qosqo - Short Inca Trail Combination
    • Huchuy Qosqo Trek
    • Ancascocha Trek
    • Salkantay Trek to Machupicchu
    • Ausangate Trek - Rainbow Mountains Trek
    • Choquequirao Trek
    • Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek
    • Vilcabamba Trek
    • Rainbow Mountain Peru
  • Tours in Cusco
    • Free walking tours Cusco
    • Zip Lining
    • Sacred Valley Tour
    • Classic City Tour
    • Inca Jungle Tour
    • Tours in Cusco and Inca Trail
  • Contact us
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Free walking tour booking form
    • Booking form
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