The Differences Between the Classic Inca Trail and the Short Inca Trail

Are you trying to decide between taking the Clasic Inca trail and the Short Inca Trail? The Inca Trail is a walking adventure that has as destination the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. There are two routes: Classic Inca Trail and the Inca Short Trail. While the Classic is more popular and more promoted, the short route also offers an unforgettable experience with less effort. Here we show you the differences between the Classic Inca Trail and the Inca Short Trail.

Duration

The first difference is the duration of the walk. The classic route is four days. During the first day 12 kilometers are covered, the second one 13 kilometers and the third 15 kilometers. On the fourth day there is a two-hour walk to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu and take the guided tour.

The Inca Short Trail is just two days long. We start from Chachabamba at kilometer 104 and travel around 6 hours until we reach Intipunku. During the second day the guided tour to Machu Picchu takes place.

Availability

The Classic Inca Trail Trek supports up to 500 people per day, including guides and service personnel. The spaces are usually sold quickly so it is best to buy them in advance.

The route of the 2 Day Inca Trail Hike only supports 250 people. If you do not have a lot of time to do the Full Inca Trail tour, you can choose to take the short Inca Trail tour, which will only take a day of walking and the other one to visit the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail campsite

In the Classic Inca Trail night camps are made on the route the first three days. During the Short Inca Trail, the night is spent at the hotel of your choice in the town of Aguas Calientes.

Attractions to visit

The Classic Inca Trail route includes the following attractions:

• Piscacucho located at Km 82
• Miskay camp
• Archaeological Group of Patallacta
• Ruins of Wayllabamba
• Mountain and Paso de Warmihuañusca, the highest point of the route.
• Pacamayo, place of rest.
• Archaeological Site of Runncurakay
• Ruins of Sayaqmarca
• Camp and Archaeological Site of Wiñay Huayna
• Sun Gate or Inti Punku
• Machu Picchu

The route of the Inca Short Trail includes the following attractions:

• Archaeological Group of Cachabamba
• Archaeological Site of Wiñay Huayna
• Sungate or Inti Punku
• Machu Picchu

What is the best trek for you?. You can reserve these tours here like Classic Inca Trail and Short Inca Trail.