Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Short Inca Trail: Tips, Packing & What to Expect

Getting to Machu Picchu is an adventure in itself. While taking a train with panoramic views is a great option, there are more rewarding, challenging routes.

The Inca Trail is a world-renowned trek that typically takes four days to complete. However, for those short on time, the 2-day Inca Trail offers an incredible alternative. This trek includes 6 to 8 hours of hiking, passing the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna ruins before reaching the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu. After a night in a hotel, you'll spend the next day exploring the iconic ruins, with the option to climb Huayna Picchu for even more stunning views.

In this guide, I’ll share my experience, provide essential tips, and include insights from fellow travelers who have conquered both the classic 4-day Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek.

Day 1 – Hiking to Machu Picchu

Preparing for the Hike

The 2-day Inca Trail combines one full day of hiking with an afternoon arrival at Machu Picchu. It’s a challenging but doable trek for those with an average fitness level.

The night before, our guide from Machu Picchu Center hosted a briefing session, covering everything from packing essentials to the weather forecast and an overview of the trek.

At sunrise, we departed from our hotel in Ollantaytambo, boarding the PeruRail Expedition Train. With panoramic windows revealing stunning views of the Andes Mountains and Urubamba River, the journey was mesmerizing. After about an hour, we disembarked at Kilometer 104, the starting point of our hike.

And so, we began our trek.

The First 4 Hours – A Challenging Ascent

The first four hours were easily the toughest part of the hike. The trail consisted of a steep, continuous climb, winding around the mountains with seemingly endless stone steps.

Looking back, the Urubamba River, once beside us at the trailhead, became just a distant silver thread.

Though several groups disembarked with us, everyone hiked at their own pace. Within minutes, we found ourselves alone on the trail, surrounded by nature.

Sun, Shade & the Elements

The early part of the trek was exposed to the sun, making us grateful for occasional patches of shade—though shade also meant mosquitoes.

Since November marks the start of the rainy season, the mountains were lush with moisture. Thick clouds loomed in the distance, a constant reminder that the weather could change in an instant.

As we neared the four-hour mark, we reached the breathtaking Wiñay Wayna Waterfall. After a strenuous ascent in the humid heat, it felt like a desert oasis.

A quick five-minute break was enough to soak my clothes in cool water and recharge with an energy bar before continuing.

Thirty minutes later—I was dry again.

Wiñay Wayna – A Glimpse into Inca History

After an exhausting four-hour climb, we were finally rewarded with our first close-up view of an Inca site—Wiñay Wayna.

This was where our path intersected with the legendary Inca Trail. For those embarking on the four-day trek, Wiñay Wayna would be the last major Inca ruin before reaching Machu Picchu, after passing six others along the route.

Wiñay Wayna features an upper level containing house structures, with well-preserved window frames and drainage holes offering a glimpse into how the Inca once lived. The breathtaking views from these windows could rival the most luxurious modern real estate.

Adjacent to the houses, the site boasts a series of terraces—common throughout Inca archaeological sites—likely used for agriculture, showcasing the Inca’s advanced farming techniques.

Halfway Point – Lunchtime with a View

Following our exploration of Wiñay Wayna, we stopped for lunch. The team at Machu Picchu Center had provided a hearty and nutritious meal, featuring quinoa, chicken, avocado, fresh fruit, and energy bars. Carrying the meal in our packs had added some weight, so finishing it felt like a relief.

Lunchtime also brought an unexpected delight—our first encounter with llamas. These curious creatures weren’t shy and one even tried to steal my orange!

During our 30-minute break, we rested and used the washroom facilities. Though basic, they served their purpose. I was surprised at how much water I had consumed during the hike, yet how long I had lasted without needing a restroom break. The combination of heat and physical exertion had clearly left me dehydrated—something to keep in mind for future hikes.

Arriving at the Sun Gate – The Final Stretch

The last few hours of the hike were significantly easier. The terrain leveled out, and with renewed energy from our meal, we pushed forward at a steady pace. Eban, our guide, hung back and let us lead, allowing us to fully absorb the experience.

Before reaching the Sun Gate, we encountered one final challenge—a steep staircase that required using both hands to climb. Despite the strain, we powered through, knowing what awaited at the top.

And then, we arrived. Breathless, tired, yet exhilarated, we stood at the Sun Gate, taking in our very first glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance—a sight that made every step of the journey worthwhile.

Halfway Point – Lunchtime with a View

Following our exploration of Wiñay Wayna, we stopped for lunch. The team at Machu Picchu Center had provided a hearty and nutritious meal, featuring quinoa, chicken, avocado, fresh fruit, and energy bars. Carrying the meal in our packs had added some weight, so finishing it felt like a relief.

Lunchtime also brought an unexpected delight—our first encounter with llamas. These curious creatures weren’t shy and one even tried to steal my orange!

During our 30-minute break, we rested and used the washroom facilities. Though basic, they served their purpose. I was surprised at how much water I had consumed during the hike, yet how long I had lasted without needing a restroom break. The combination of heat and physical exertion had clearly left me dehydrated—something to keep in mind for future hikes.

Arriving at the Sun Gate – The Final Stretch

The last few hours of the hike were significantly easier. The terrain leveled out, and with renewed energy from our meal, we pushed forward at a steady pace. Eban, our guide, hung back and let us lead, allowing us to fully absorb the experience.

Before reaching the Sun Gate, we encountered one final challenge—a steep staircase that required using both hands to climb. Despite the strain, we powered through, knowing what awaited at the top.

And then, we arrived. Breathless, tired, yet exhilarated, we stood at the Sun Gate, taking in our very first glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance—a sight that made every step of the journey worthwhile.

There it was—tiny and distant. For some reason, I had imagined the Sun Gate to be directly above the ruins, but seeing it so far away gave me a better sense of Machu Picchu’s layout. Apart from the winding road used by buses, there was no other path leading there. It truly emphasized how remote the site was and how skillfully the Incas had hidden it.

A wave of accomplishment washed over me as I reflected on hiking even a portion of the Inca Trail. I could only imagine the immense sense of achievement felt by those who spent five days on the full trek.

After taking in our first sighting, we gradually made our way towards the ruins, stopping above them for our first up-close view. As the sun began to set, most of the tourists had already departed for the day.

No matter how many times I had seen this image before, capturing it with my own camera was an indescribable experience.

Day 2 – Exploring Machu Picchu and Hiking Huayna Picchu

The second day of the short Inca Trail adventure includes a guided tour of the ruins and, for those who book in advance, an optional climb up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

How to Acclimatize for the Short Inca Trail

One does not simply land in Cusco and start hiking to Machu Picchu. Why? Because at an elevation of approximately 2,430 meters (7,972 feet), there is significantly less oxygen in the air than at sea level, making altitude sickness a common and real concern.

It’s highly recommended to spend at least three days acclimatizing before attempting any hikes in the region. The Sacred Valley serves as an excellent place to do this.

Everyone’s body reacts differently to altitude, so consulting a doctor before traveling is always a good idea.

Tickets and Regulations

The Peruvian government strictly regulates access to the Inca Trail. Why?

Years ago, the Inca Trail was open to all, leading to excessive waste and damage at campsites (a classic case of "this is why we can’t have nice things"). To preserve the trail and its historical sites, visitor permits are now limited to 200 travelers per day.

If you're planning to visit during peak season (May–October), securing tickets 6 to 12 months in advance is essential.

Additionally, not all tour companies prioritize sustainability. Many online options are foreign-owned and offer poor wages to their porters. When booking, ensure your chosen company operates ethically, treats its staff well, and contributes positively to the local Peruvian economy. For these reasons, I chose to book with Machu Picchu Center.

Book Your Inca Trail Adventure with Machu Picchu Center