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One of the best options when you cannot find availability for the 4-day Inca Trail is to take the shorter route, which lasts only 2 days, since on both routes you will be able to visit the archaeological site of Wiñay Huayna.
| Traditional Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days | 2 days |
| Distance | 48 km | 52 km |
| Maximum altitude | 4,215 m | 4,650 m |
| Minimum altitude | 2,160 m | 2,160 m |
You will begin the hike early in the morning, when you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and taken to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you will travel to Km 104 to begin the Short Inca Trail. First, you will visit the Phuyu Wachi waterfall and, after approximately 4 hours of hiking, you will arrive at Wiñay Huayna to explore its terraces and agricultural platforms. Then, you will continue to Intipunku, where you will enjoy a panoramic view of Machu Picchu before descending to the citadel to capture the classic postcard photo. Once the Inca Trail route is completed, you will spend the night in Aguas Calientes.
On this day, you will visit the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu again, but you will not get the classic postcard photo, because this will be the moment to visit the interior of the Inca citadel. After the visit, you will begin your train journey to Ollantaytambo, where you will wait for transportation to Cusco and finally be taken to your hotel.
Another popular alternative to the Inca Trail is the Salkantay trek, considered one of the TOP 20 best hikes in the world. This trail is also part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the road network that connected the entire Tahuantinsuyo. Throughout the route, you will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery, where you can connect with nature, see snow-covered mountains, and reach the high jungle for the chance to visit Machu Picchu.
Here we present the main differences between both hikes:
| Inca Trail | Salkantay Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days | 4 days |
| Distance | 48 km | 52 km |
| Maximum altitude | 4,215 m | 4,650 m |
| Minimum altitude | 2,160 m | 2,160 m |
Your day will begin with pickup from your hotel for a 4-hour journey to Challacancha, with a stop in Mollepata. From Challacancha, where the support team is organized, you will begin a 3-hour hike to Soraypampa, which will be your first campsite. After lunch, you will visit Lake Humantay and return to the campsite to rest.
After breakfast, you will begin a 7 km hike toward the Salkantay Pass, followed by a descent to Huayracmachay for lunch. In the afternoon, you will hike 10 km through the jungle to Chaullay Village, which will be your base campsite on the way to Machu Picchu.
You will begin the hike toward the town of La Playa through the Santa Teresa Valley, passing through Colpapampa, where you will observe waterfalls, birds, hot springs, and diverse flora and fauna. After lunch in La Playa, you will continue to the campsite in Lucmabamba, where you will spend the night.
You will begin with a 2-hour ascent to Llactapata Inca, facing Machu Picchu, while admiring the Santa Teresa Valley. You will explore the ruins and descend for 2 hours to the Hydroelectric Station for lunch. You will visit Intiwatana and continue toward Aguas Calientes along the railway tracks.
On this day, you will explore Machu Picchu with a 2-hour guided tour, observing temples and terraces. You will also have additional options, including climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, walking to the Sun Gate, or visiting the Inca Bridge, where you will enjoy the city for more than 7 hours.
If you want something more than just hiking, this tour is for you. Here, not only will you trek, but you will also enjoy a bike ride through the entire jungle area of Cusco until you reach Machu Picchu.
Here we present the main differences between both routes:
| Inca Trail | Biking to Machu Picchu | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days | 4 days |
| Distance | 48 km | 55.5 km |
| Maximum altitude | 4,215 m | 4,450 m |
| Minimum altitude | 2,160 m | 2,950 m |
Your day will begin around 5:00 a.m., when you will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco and travel for 2 hours by car, passing through Ollantaytambo toward Abra de Yanamayo. At 10:00 a.m., you will descend 32 km by bicycle to Ocobamba. Finally, you will be transferred to Quillabamba to spend the night.
At 8:30 a.m., you will depart from Quillabamba toward Abra de Santa Rosa. You will travel by car for approximately 1 hour. From there, you will descend 15 km through jungle trails to Santa Teresa. Once settled in, you will head to the Cocalmayo hot springs, ending the day around 8:00 p.m.
You will travel by car to the Hydroelectric Station in approximately 45 minutes, which will be your starting point for the walk to Aguas Calientes. The hike will last around 2 hours and 45 minutes, as it will depend on your physical condition. To end your day, you will visit the Mandor waterfalls and have the afternoon free in Aguas Calientes.
After breakfast, you will be picked up at 6:00 a.m. in Aguas Calientes to go up by car to Machu Picchu. You will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour, and at midday you will descend to Aguas Calientes to return by train to Ollantaytambo, where you will finally be taken to your hotel in Cusco at approximately 6:30 p.m.
It is one of the best alternatives if you want to do one of these treks, since certified travel agencies have all the permits required to operate these routes. This guarantees you a well-planned trip with an itinerary that will help you not miss anything. In addition, it ensures assistance and support throughout the entire journey, so you can fully enjoy the whole experience.
At CuscoPeru.com, we offer travel packages that combine adventure with history, where you will always be accompanied by an experienced and highly knowledgeable guide who will help answer all your questions about the places you visit. Something important you should know is that our travel agency has all the logistics needed so you can enjoy any of these treks safely and without worries.
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