If you plan to hike to Machu Picchu but cannot decide between a short or long trek, we are here to help you. We will provide the necessary information for you to design your next adventure holidays Peru; for this, it is essential to understand the differences between the 2 day and the 4 day Inca Trail to choose the route that best fits your pace and expectations.
Both Inca Trail expeditions lead to the majestic citadel, but they offer different experiences:
- The Classic Inca Trail (4 days): It is the most popular and promoted option. It covers 43 km along a scenic route that crosses mountain passes and four impressive archaeological sites: Phuyupatamarca, Wiñaywayna, Intipata and, finally, Machu Picchu.
- The Short Inca Trail (2 days): It is an excellent alternative for those looking for an unforgettable experience with less physical effort. It is a 15 km hike that allows you to appreciate the beauty of Wiñaywayna and Intipata before entering the citadel through the Sun Gate.
Below, we analyze the main differences regarding difficulty, landscapes, and logistics so you can choose the best trekking option toward the wonder of the world.
The Inca Trail Hike
Doing the Inca Trail is, for many, the high point of a trip to the Andean region. Although there are cheaper alternatives by train or car, nothing compares to the feeling of moving step by step along the most famous walking route in America.
The start of the adventure: From the capital to the Andes
Your journey begins after flying from Lima, the capital of Peru, to the city of Cusco. Located at 3,400 meters high, Cusco is the mandatory starting point for all expeditions.
The path to the Inca City
For four days, you will walk on paths that cross cloud forests and old stone steps. Accompanied by a team of guides, cooks, and porters, you will be able to focus fully on discovering old forts and Inca cities hidden in the mountains.
The effort of walking this long and rocky path has its reward at the end: reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From here, the view of Machu Picchu at sunrise is one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences a traveler can have.
Planning and Ideal Season
Choosing the right time is crucial to guarantee your entry to Machu Picchu:
- Maintenance: Keep in mind that in February the trail closes for maintenance. The hiking season is available between March and January.
- June, the month of traditions: If you travel in this month, you can live a full cultural experience by booking the Inti Raymi Tour (June 24), the most important sun festival of the Incas.
- Adventure extensions: To complete your vacation, we recommend adding the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, an incredible alternative to the rainbow mountain that offers spectacular views without the crowds of other routes.
What is the difference between the 4 Day with the 2 Days Inca Trail?
To decide which route to choose, it is essential to know the details of each one. We begin by analyzing the full experience of the traditional route.
The Classic Inca Trail (4 days / 3 nights)
This version is the expedition par excellence. It includes three nights of camping under the stars and an impressive logistical display that allows the traveler to fully learn the history of the Inca Trail.
- Logistics and Team: You will walk accompanied by a professional guide, a cook in charge of preparing fresh and nutritious food, and a team of porters who carry the camping gear (tents, kitchen equipment, and sleeping bags).
- The Physical Challenge: The average hike is 7 to 8 hours daily. The terrain is an impressive combination of original cobblestones, Inca tunnels, and landscapes that vary from cloud forest to subtropical jungle.
- Critical Point: The second day is the most demanding, as you climb to the Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman's Pass), reaching 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) in altitude.
Attractions included in this route: Throughout the 42 km, you will visit archaeological complexes that are not accessible in any other way:
- Patallacta and Wayllabamba.
- Warmihuañusca Pass (highest point).
- Runkurakay and Sayaqmarca sites.
- Phuyupatamarca (the city above the clouds).
- Wiñay Huayna and Inti Punku (Sun Gate).
Questions about the Classic Inca Trail
- Is the hike difficult? Yes, it is considered a high-level challenge. The trail involves climbing from 2,300 m to 4,215 m, followed by steep descents down ancient stone staircases and a second climb toward 3,680 m.
- How long does it last and what distance does it cover? The total distance is 42 km (26 miles) spread over 4 days. The key to completing it successfully is prior acclimatization; it is recommended to spend at least two days in Cusco before starting.
- Is the effort really worth it? Without a doubt. It is considered the most beautiful trekking route in Peru and the world. It is part of the Qhapaq Ñan (Great Inca Road), a road network that integrated the entire empire. The final reward of seeing Machu Picchu after days of effort is incomparable.
Other variations for the 4 day Inca Trail
While the 4 day itinerary is the standard, there are adaptations designed for different types of travelers. Here we explain how to choose the best adventure:
- Is it possible to do the Inca Trail in less than 4 days?
Yes, there is the 3 day Intrepid Inca Trail. This route is designed only for travelers with excellent physical condition and little time.
The challenge starts at kilometer 82, but the big difference is the intensity of the second day, where you walk for more than 10 hours straight from the Ayapata camp to Phuyupatamarca to reach Machu Picchu on the third day.
More information: 3 Day Inca Trail Intrepid
- Is there a 5-day Inca Trail?
Technically, the hike on the historic path always lasts 4 days. However, the 5 day Inca Trail is an extra option that offers a more relaxed experience:
→ The benefit: Upon reaching Machu Picchu on the fourth day, instead of returning to Cusco, you will spend the night in a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes.
→ The advantage: This allows you to enter the citadel again on the fifth day with more calm, allowing you to add extra hikes like the Huayna Picchu mountain or the Machu Picchu Mountain without the exhaustion of the previous walk.
More information: 5 Day Inca Trail
- The 7-day Inca Trail: An epic expedition
This route is not a slow version of the traditional path, but a mix of two of the best tours in the Andes:
→ The route: It starts from Soraypampa (the Salkantay Trek route) and follows Andean trails for 3 days until it connects at Huayllabamba with the official Inca Trail.
→ The logistics: While you cross the mountains, the team of porters enters through kilometer 82 to meet you. Once together, you walk the remaining sections of the classic route until completing the visit to the citadel. It is the ultimate option for those seeking a total immersion in the mountain range.
More information: 7 Day Inca Trail
2 Day Inca Trail Machu Picchu
If you have less time or look for a less physically demanding experience, the 2-day tour is the ideal option. This route allows you to enjoy the essence of the historic path without the need to camp for several nights in the mountain.
- Logistics and Accommodation: Unlike the long route, here you can choose between spending the night at a campsite (Puente Ruinas) or enjoying the comfort of a hotel in the town of Aguas Calientes.
- The Physical Challenge: It is considered a moderate level hike. On the first day, you will make an effort of about 8 hours, while the second day consists of a short climb of 1 hour and 30 minutes toward the citadel.
- Nature and Landscapes: You will go through the lush vegetation of the cloud forest, an ecosystem rich in biodiversity where it is possible to see exotic birds like the Andean Guan and the Gray-breasted Mountain-toucan, as well as a great variety of wild orchids.
Attractions included in this route: Despite its short duration, this 12 km (7 miles) section holds fascinating archaeological treasures:
Chachabamba: The first archaeological point on the route.
- Wiñay Huayna: An impressive complex whose name means "Forever Young".
- Intipata: Agricultural terraces with spectacular views of the Urubamba River.
- Inti Punku (Sun Gate): The grand entrance from where you will see Machu Picchu for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Short Inca Trail
- How long does it last and what is the distance? The hike covers a total of 12 km (7 miles). It is a manageable distance that is completed mainly during the first day.
- Do I need previous acclimatization? Unlike the 4-day route, it is not strictly necessary to spend previous days for acclimatization, since most of the journey is done at a lower altitude, which reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
- Is it worth choosing the short route? Absolutely! It is a section of the classic trail that brings together the best of Inca flora, fauna, and archaeology. It is the perfect alternative for those who wish to reach Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate without the fatigue of a high mountain expedition.
Alternative Treks to Inca Trail
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2026 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
