Why to visit the Short Inca Trail

Thinking about hiking the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? Honestly, it’s a great option if you’re not up for the full four-day trek but still want that epic experience. I mean, it’s a win-win—you get to walk part of the famous trail and still make it to Machu Picchu without needing days to recover after. Here’s why you should consider it.

First off, it’s shorter, duh. If you’re low on time or just don’t feel like doing the full trek, this is perfect. It’s just a one-day hike, so it’s much easier on your legs and schedule. You start at KM 104 (fancy way of saying a specific point on the trail) and hike for around 7 hours. Sure, you’ll still break a sweat, but it’s nothing compared to the full trail.

Another cool thing? You still see some awesome ruins along the way. You’ll pass through Wiñay Wayna, which is honestly one of the most beautiful ruins on the trail. It’s this ancient site with terraces and stone buildings, tucked into the mountainside. Not as famous as Machu Picchu, but still super impressive and worth the stop.

And guess what? You still get that amazing moment at the Sun Gate. After the hike, you’ll arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the late afternoon and get your first view of Machu Picchu from above. It’s that “wow” moment people always talk about, and you get to experience it without doing four days of hiking.

Let’s be real—the Short Inca Trail is also way less intense than the full one. You’re not camping, you’re not dealing with high altitudes for days, and you can still sleep in a hotel that night. It’s kinda the best of both worlds. Hike a little, enjoy nature, then hit Machu Picchu fresh the next day.

Plus, if you’re not a big hiker or you’re traveling with someone who isn’t super outdoorsy, this trail is way more doable. It’s still a challenge, but nothing that’ll leave you totally wiped out.

Oh, and don’t forget to bring water and snacks. You’ll definitely need them. There’s a lot of stairs and uneven ground, so having some energy bars or fruit will keep you going. And don’t stress too much about your fitness level—just take it slow, enjoy the views, and you’ll be fine.

In the end, the Short Inca Trail gives you a little taste of adventure without overcommitting. You’ll still feel like you earned that first view of Machu Picchu, but you don’t have to spend days hiking to get there. Honestly, it’s the perfect balance.