Classic Inca Trail 4 days VS Short Inca Trail 2 days – Which is better?
In Cusco we have routes so diverse and full of color, culture, and traditions, and this is the case of the Inca Trail. This trail is part of a network of roads called Qhapac Ñan, which connected the entire Inca Empire, even across different countries. This road system was very important during the time of the Inca rulers, to the point that nowadays it is considered a protected area and monitored by the corresponding Peruvian government authorities.
Specifically in Cusco, we have the Classic Inca Trail, a very popular route that includes a variety of archaeological centers that were of great importance in Inca times. This route, as well as the 2-day Inca Trail, are the only two ways to reach Machu Picchu on foot. Now let’s tell you the details of each route.
Classic Inca Trail 4 days
This route is one of the most important and recognized hikes in the world. As its name says, you will walk for 4 days through the main archaeological centers until you reach Machu Picchu.
The route
The 4-day Inca Trail begins at kilometer 82 of the route from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. It has a total distance of 42 kilometers through the mountains until reaching Machu Picchu. The trail goes through archaeological complexes and steps that go up and down, crossing different ecosystems, from the dry highlands to what we know as the cloud forest of Cusco.
How is the itinerary?
Day 1: Cusco – Km 82 – Wayllabamba – Ayapata
Early departure from Cusco towards Km 82, the starting point of the Inca Trail. Hike with views of the Vilcanota River, Llactapata ruins, and Urubamba mountains. First campsite in Ayapata, located in a green valley.
- Distance: 12 km | Difficulty: Easy/Moderate | Accommodation: Camping
Day 2: Ayapata – Warmiwañuska – Pacaymayu – Chaquicocha
The most demanding day, with an ascent to Warmiwañuska Pass (4,200 m), the highest point of the trail. Then descent to Pacaymayu and a second climb to Runkuraqay Pass before reaching the camp at Chaquicocha.
- Distance: 16 km | Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult | Accommodation: Camping
Day 3: Chaquicocha – Phuyupatamarca – Wiñay Wayna
Hike through Andean landscapes and cloud forests, visiting the Inca sites of Phuyupatamarca (City in the Clouds) and Intipata. Arrival at Wiñay Wayna camp, near the archaeological site of the same name.
- Distance: 10 km | Difficulty: Moderate | Accommodation: Camping
Day 4: Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Very early departure to reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and enjoy the first view of Machu Picchu at sunrise. Guided tour of the citadel and free time to explore. Return by bus to Aguas Calientes, then train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
- Distance: 6 km | Difficulty: Easy
What archaeological sites can we see on the route?
- Llactapata (Patallacta): Perhaps one of the best-known sites on the trail. It is the first one you will see when starting the hike. Considered a high village, it was believed to have agricultural purposes.
- Sayacmarca: Another archaeological site on the Inca Trail. Found on the second day, it is considered the Dominant Town because of its location on the edge of a cliff.
- Phuyupatamarca: Located on the third day, as famous as Llactapata. Because of its altitude, it is known as the place among the clouds, as the area is often covered by dense mist.
- Wiñayhuayna: A traveler favorite. Due to its architecture, it’s considered similar to Machu Picchu. Located near the Sun Gate.
- Intipata: One of the most striking archaeological sites due to its high and less accessible location.
- Intipunku: The most awaited point for travelers, as this is where you get the first distant view of Machu Picchu. It was the main entrance used by the Incas.
Availability of the 4-day Inca Trail
As this route is one of the most sought after by travelers, it must be booked well in advance. In Cusco’s tourism world, there’s a low season (October to March) and a high season (April to September). If you plan to travel between April and September, we recommend booking at least 4 months in advance to secure your preferred dates. In general, the Inca Trail requires early planning since last-minute reservations are usually not available.
How to book the 4-day Inca Trail?
This route has special tickets, different from the regular ones for Machu Picchu. The only way to get one is through a certified travel agency. Agencies will usually ask for a copy or photo of your passport to validate the information. Once you buy your ticket, you automatically gain access to the protected Inca Trail route and Machu Picchu.
Food during the 4-day Inca Trail
Travel agencies usually provide all meals during these 4 days. Meals are buffet-style, including options with carbohydrates, proteins, and salads. Drinks may include chicha morada (a traditional Peruvian drink), water, and natural juices. If Peruvian food already amazes the world, it’s even more impressive that cooks on the trail prepare such delicious dishes in the middle of the mountains.
Now that you know more about the 4-day Inca Trail, let’s talk about the shorter version of this mythical trail. It can be done in 2 days and lets you see at least the final section of the Classic Inca Trail.
Short Inca Trail 2 days
If long hikes aren’t for you, this option is perfect. You will walk less but still have the chance to see the last part of the Inca Trail and reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
The route
The 2-day Inca Trail starts at kilometer 104 on the route from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. To get to Km 104, you take a train from Ollantaytambo to Chachabamba (Km 104), where the hike begins. This trail features uphill and downhill steps, ending at Machu Picchu. It covers 12 kilometers (30 less than the classic one) and allows you to reach Machu Picchu in the afternoon. The hike includes several uphill sections and passes through Wiñay Wayna for lunch.
How is the itinerary?
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
Early departure from Cusco by train to Km 104. Begin a 3-hour hike to Wiñay Wayna, enjoying beautiful landscapes and archaeological ruins. Continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Finally, descend to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay.
- Meals: Box lunch and dinner | Accommodation: 3-star hotel | Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Early morning bus ride to enjoy sunrise at Machu Picchu. Guided tour of about 2 hours through the main areas of the sanctuary and free time to explore. Later, return to Cusco.
What archaeological sites can we see on the 2-day Inca Trail?
Even on this shorter route, you can still see important archaeological sites along this sacred path, such as:
- Chachabamba: Archaeological site located at the start of the hike (Km 104). It was an important ceremonial center dedicated to the water cult, with ritual fountains and channels. Due to its proximity to Wiñay Wayna, it also served as a watch point.
- Wiñay Wayna: Located about 3 and a half hours from the start, this site closely resembles Machu Picchu. It will be your lunch stop and the main visit of the day.
- Inti Punku (Sun Gate): Here you will get the first distant view of Machu Picchu, a great reward after several hours of hiking.
Availability of the 2-day Inca Trail
This route is more flexible than the 4-day one since spaces don’t sell out as quickly. Still, we recommend booking in advance, especially if you want to add extra hikes like Huayna Picchu on the second day.
How to book the 2-day Inca Trail?
Just like the 4-day trail, it must be booked through a certified travel agency. By reserving these tickets, you gain access to the Inca Trail from Km 104 to Machu Picchu, plus an extra ticket for a second visit the next day. You’ll also need a valid passport to confirm your information.
Food during the 2-day Inca Trail
Because of its short duration, there’s no cook on this route. Meals include a box lunch (to eat at Wiñay Wayna) and a hot dinner in a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
Accommodation on the 2-day Inca Trail
Unlike the 4-day trail, the 2-day version includes a night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, a much more comfortable and rewarding rest after several hours of walking.
Option: 2-day Inca Trail with camping
There is also a short version like the 2-day hotel option, but this time with camping. The route is the same, but instead of sleeping in Aguas Calientes, you take a bus down from Machu Picchu to Puente Ruinas. This place is close to Aguas Calientes and ideal for camping. Most travelers rest here in comfortable tents, and it’s where the cooks show their best skills by preparing delicious meals.
Day 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
Early departure from Cusco (4:00 a.m.) by train to Km 104. Along the way, visit archaeological ruins and enjoy different landscapes and microclimates, including a waterfall and the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna. After lunch, continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu at sunset, with time for photos from the upper viewpoints. Then descend by bus to Puente Ruinas to camp overnight.
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After an early breakfast, take the bus up to Machu Picchu to enjoy sunrise. Guided tour of about two hours through the main archaeological areas. Free time to explore or have lunch in Aguas Calientes before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco, arriving around 7:00 p.m.
Summary: Classic Inca Trail 4 days vs Short Inca Trail 2 days
Now that we’ve learned about both routes, here’s a summary so you can decide which of the two options suits you best.
| Classic Inca Trail | Short Inca Trail | |
| Kilómeters | 42 KM | 12 KM |
| Days | 4 days | 2 days |
| Acommodations | 3 camping nights | Hotel / Camping |
| Pros | Many archeological sites to visit Camping under stars Arriving on Machu Picchu by sunrise Tasty food along the way Porters to carry your stuff | Less kilometer Walking Fits a tight Schedule Arrive by sunset to Machu Picchu Visit Machu Picchu twice Enjoy train rides twice |
| Cons | Walking around 6 hours per day Needs a regular fit condition | Missing other archeological sites Arriving in Machu Picchu late afternoon |
| Pricing | Approx 787 USD | Approx 522 USD |
So, either you decide to do the 4 day option or 2 day option, you will enjoy the pure beauty of the andes! The coice is yours!
