Cusco Machu Picchu Short Inca Trail 2 Day Tour: A Detailed Review

Thinking about experiencing Machu Picchu? That incredible site! And considering doing the Short Inca Trail? Well, that sounds awesome too, right? Many people want to hike to Machu Picchu, but not everyone can swing a four-day trek, so a shorter trip is super appealing, yeah? So, the Cusco Machu Picchu Short Inca Trail 2 Day Tour, too, is becoming quite a popular choice. I will give you a glimpse of what this quick trip is like.

What Exactly Is the Short Inca Trail?

The Short Inca Trail, it’s often called the “2-Day Inca Trail,” is a condensed version of the traditional, longer Inca Trail. It’s roughly 10–12 kilometers (6–7 miles) in length. Instead of several days, you’re looking at only needing two. Because of its easier pace and length, it is really quite popular. This route offers the chance to walk on an authentic Inca path, which, it’s thought, was part of an ancient route to Machu Picchu. This tour still includes great sights like the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), which offers, like your own movie preview, that very first view of Machu Picchu from a distance. Anyway, the best bit? You finish it all up with a tour of Machu Picchu itself on the second day. Pretty cool, eh?

Who Is This Tour For?

So, this Short Inca Trail tour, it really shines for several groups of people. If you are kinda tight on time but still want an authentic Inca Trail experience, then it’s perfect. Maybe, just maybe, you are not quite up for the multi-day trek, or maybe, potentially, you want a bit of a test before tackling a longer adventure sometime? This could work. This hike also seems quite well-suited for older people or for families, you know, who still are reasonably active. As a matter of fact, if you kinda hate camping, you’ll enjoy spending the night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu. Makes total sense, you know?

Booking Your Tour: Tips and Considerations

Alright, so you want to book this thing? First off, you’ll want to book well in advance. Permits are, that is, a total must, and, arguably, they go like crazy! Especially during the peak season (May through September). I guess this is, arguably, true for almost anything fun, right? A great strategy, you see, is to look at tour operators that are approved and reputable. Look through their reviews and see if other travelers had some pretty stellar experiences. When checking prices, ensure it covers things like the permit, the transportation, a guide who, it is hoped, knows tons, your accommodations (hotel), and the entrance fees to Machu Picchu. Check the small print to get a total, that is, clear price, since many cut-rate companies add hidden expenses. Actually, many folks get a little disappointed, in a way, because they, to be honest, fail to research reputable companies before buying a trip. Remember to ask whether porter service is included or available at an additional fee. It’s worth it if you want assistance carrying your backpack, is that right?

Day 1: From Cusco to Aguas Calientes

Your first day will probably start with, too it’s almost like being pulled out of bed before the sun gets up. Your tour people will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the start of the trail, generally at KM 104 (Chachabamba). Then you cross a bridge and present the all-important documents before getting going! So, expect to see some fairly beautiful stuff on this portion, that is, really, beautiful stuff. Waterfalls, like honestly cool Inca constructions, and just wonderful scenery. It really, in short, is hard to find hiking like that anywhere else, too, huh? That day’s hike leads you to Wiñay Wayna, which is a quite gorgeous Inca site, then it keeps going to the Sun Gate. The plan is to catch your first view of Machu Picchu around dusk. After that, you know, you trek down to Aguas Calientes to stay overnight in a hotel. Remember to chill in Aguas Calientes; there’s even a little market where you can shop or even sample some local food!

Day 2: Exploring Machu Picchu

You may need to wake up super early on your second day! Getting an early start to Machu Picchu seems to work well to miss big groups and savor a quieter visit, doesn’t it? It’s very important, right?,. Typically, it starts by waiting in line for one of those early buses that take visitors up to the site from Aguas Calientes. When you get up there, try to appreciate just how very impressive Machu Picchu actually seems! With a tour guide by your side, try going through spots like the temples, plazas, and other prime spots. The story of Machu Picchu, yeah, the way that it interweaves architecture and environment, wow! Usually, if not all the time, it’s super fascinating to learn more about, like, how the Inca people lived and used that sacred spot. Afterwards, some folks, I would guess, hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for a killer view. These generally require extra tickets and should probably be booked months in advance! Finally, you head down to Aguas Calientes and then grab either the train and bus or maybe just the train back to Cusco.

Altitude Sickness: Prepare Yourself!

It is that high altitude, though, which causes issues. Cusco sits way up high, roughly 11,200 feet (3,400 meters) above sea level. High altitude can definitely make a lot of visitors feel pretty ill, alright? Symptoms of altitude sickness may consist of dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and headaches. And these tend to, in most instances, hit visitors within their initial few days. A great idea could involve spending a few days acclimatizing in Cusco ahead of the hike to, perhaps, reduce the severity of possible altitude troubles, hm? Drinking heaps of water and bypassing those strong activities on your first day should also work well, wouldn’t it? Consider using coca tea (mate de coca), a typical local option believed, you know, to relieve symptoms. It is often freely served at hotels. Similarly, there’s some medications accessible. So ask a doctor before you travel.

What to Pack

Getting your gear ready is actually quite essential to an incredible Short Inca Trail outing. You want the things in your daypack to be light but important, do you agree? Definitely bring hiking boots that are broken in. As a matter of fact, you can’t go wrong with layering your clothing to accommodate differences in temp. I will make you a short but hopefully pretty useful list to go by:

Sunscreen – It reflects at these high altitudes!
Bug spray – Keep the annoying biters at bay.
Rain gear – Even in dry season, the weather can change, wouldn’t it?
Water – It is important to remain hydrated.
Snacks – Always carry munchies (trail mix, energy bars, chocolate).
Camera – For recording everything you view.
Cash – To buy snacks, water, and gifts along the way.

Is the Short Inca Trail Worth It?

Okay, here’s that tricky issue! So, is it something you ought to think about and probably do? For me, it seems, you see, to give a big payoff. If your thing is time constraints or fitness concerns prevent, like maybe, more extended hikes, you may actually enjoy it, possibly. That really great piece about doing it, without a doubt, you’re walking on a real Inca trail with scenery. What also comes with the excursion too might not work as good as that big hike in terms of pure outdoorsyness. The good thing about getting in early for Day 2 may leave, you know, lots to appreciate about what happens. It feels very real. Basically, getting there and being on location at Machu Picchu might make it feel like time moved slowly because you absorbed it so well! You will get to see things the way those very same Inca trail makers may have as well.

If Machu Picchu tops your “must-see” travel dreams and visions but taking time is a hard to solve riddle, you know? A Short Inca Trail just might turn out the perfect adventure to make that visit an unforgettable and convenient thing. With cautious prep plus selecting well what seems like, or in truth has seemed like for some other previous folks, the best operator tour, I mean, seems pretty neat, yeah?! You can get the trail’s essence down as well as all the wonderment that encompasses Machu Picchu to make for experiences to really cherish.

Quick tips for unforgettable experiences:

Book Early: Machu Picchu, that is one desired locale, huh? Lock that tour spot a fair amount into the future. Permits go too quickly, you should know.
Come Ready, Adjust to New Spot: Be aware of heights on elevation because it could be hard to acclimate quickly. Relax a little for a pair of the opening few days prior to when you tour and drink plenty of what has seemed pure to those before you.
Equipment Matters: The footwear or your pack contents may really transform your comfort, agreed? Don reliable plus high-performing products when you move or hike.

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