The 2-Day Inca Trail Hike Difficulty or Short Inca trail is considered a moderately challenging trek, but it’s significantly less demanding than the classic 4-day Inca Trail. It offers a condensed version of the full trail, allowing you to experience some of the most famous sights along the way, including Wiñay Wayna and Intipunku (Sun Gate), without committing to the longer hike. This 1 Day Inca Trail is with one night hotel at aguas calientes Town where you will have good rest after 6 hours hike and then you can explore machu picchu after resting well at your hotel.
Here’s a breakdown of the difficulty:
1. Distance & Duration:
- The 1-Day Inca Trail usually covers around 12 km (7.5 miles).
- The trek typically takes 5-7 hours depending on your pace and the group size.
2. Elevation:
- You will be trekking at high altitudes (starting around 2,500 meters / 7,530 feet and reaching up to 2,720 meters / 8,924 feet).
- Altitude can make the trail feel more strenuous, particularly if you’re not acclimatized to the high elevations.
3. Terrain:
- The trail has a mix of steep ascents, rocky steps, and uneven terrain, which can be challenging for some.
- You will need to ascend some pretty steep sections, and the final ascent to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) is particularly challenging.
4. Weather:
- The weather can vary, but it’s usually quite sunny and warm in the day, with cooler temperatures in the morning and evening. Rain is possible, especially during the wet season (from November to March).
5. Experience:
- This 2-Day trek to Machu Picchu is ideal for people who have a reasonable level of fitness but don’t want to tackle the 4-day trek.
- If you’ve done some hiking before, you should be able to complete it, but the altitude and terrain might still make it a bit tough.
Day 1: Short Inca Trail
- Start: You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and transferred to the starting point of the Short Inca Trail at Km 104.
- Hike: The trail is approximately 12 km (7.2 miles) and takes around 6–7 hours, with moderate elevation gain. You’ll pass through Inca ruins like Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, offering fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Finish: You’ll reach Inti Punku (The Sun Gate), where you’ll get your first stunning view of Machu Picchu.
- Arrival in Aguas Calientes: After descending to Aguas Calientes, you can check into your hotel. Many tours offer a comfortable stay in one of the several hotels there, from budget to more luxurious options.
Hotel in Aguas Calientes
In Aguas Calientes, you have a range of hotel options:
- Budget: Hostal Andino, Hotel Machu Picchu, or Casa Andina Standard.
- Mid-range: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu, Hotel El Mapi.
- Luxury: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel.
You can enjoy a restful night before visiting Machu Picchu the next morning, often included in the tour package with early access.
Day 2: Machu Picchu Visit
- After breakfast, you’ll take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ancient citadel. Some tours also offer the option to hike up to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you want extra adventure.
This is a great option if you want to enjoy the Inca Trail experience without the physical demands of the longer trek, while also having time to relax in Aguas Calientes after your hike.
Conclusion:
It’s definitely not challenging trek especially if you’re fit and prepared for the altitude. The stunning views and iconic Inca ruins along the way make it all worthwhile!