Short Inca Trail Tour Review: Is it the Best Machu Picchu Hike?

Okay, so you’re pondering a trip to Machu Picchu and you have stumbled upon the Short Inca Trail. Is that right? Well, you’re likely weighing your choices, right? I get it. It could be quite an important trip. Maybe you’re wondering if it is the right hike for you. That makes sense, really. This is a breakdown to help you get your bearings, that it really helps you figure out if the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu fits the bill, yeah?

What Exactly is the Short Inca Trail, Anyway?

Well, the Short Inca Trail, so people know, is basically the snippet version, right? It gives you a taste of the classic Inca Trail without requiring a huge time commitment. Most take about four days and three nights. Typically, you just need two days and one night for this trip. You’ll experience pretty spectacular mountain scenery, and the cloud forest is pretty unbelievable, plus see some pretty significant Inca ruins, ending your hike at the Sun Gate for sunrise over Machu Picchu, maybe? Pretty fantastic!

For some people, maybe time is an issue. Maybe they don’t feel quite ready for a super strenuous, multi-day trek, or they want the Inca Trail experience, but also want to add additional adventures into their Peru trip. In those situations, this trip might be perfect. Yet, so you understand, know what you are signing up for!

Pros and Cons of Choosing the Short Inca Trail

Right, so let’s break down what’s awesome and maybe less awesome about the Short Inca Trail. Knowing this may help you feel confident. Sound good?

Pro: Time Saver. Very important if you’re short on vacation days, it’s true. It’s like a quick immersion.
Pro: Less Strenuous. Might be better if you are unsure if you can handle tough, high-altitude trekking.
Pro: Inca History. Experiencing spots along the Inca Trail is really amazing. Like Wiñay Wayna. Pretty cool, actually.
Con: Permits. You will need permits. And so, it may be very difficult to find one, so plan ahead, that is, if you really want to go.
Con: Crowds. Sadly, like other hikes in Peru, there will likely be loads of people hiking. Loads of people, actually!

Premium Tour: What Does Premium Really Get You?

When you select a premium tour, basically, you are hoping for a nicer experience, in every respect. That likely means a small group for more personalized service. Nicer accommodations are what you might be dreaming about, right? Like comfier hotels. Good meals should be part of this. Plus, extras, you see, like knowledgeable guides who speak good English, and maybe they share interesting stories and maybe they offer more background info. When paying extra for a premium Short Inca Trail tour, this is likely what you want and expect.

Is a premium Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour worth your money? Very likely, this will depend on your budget, very much. But really consider this: Machu Picchu is likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Getting it done exactly how you like is worth considering.

Evaluating the Tour Operator: Questions to Ask

So, you have found a tour you think looks interesting, that is good, right? Yet it is really worth taking a moment to pause. What questions do you have for the company, and, perhaps even more significantly, what kind of responses do they give you? Consider asking some questions similar to the ones below, for instance.

What’s included? Verify what the price does and doesn’t include. For instance, find out whether your tour covers things like entrance fees to Machu Picchu. I would also ask about bus tickets down from Machu Picchu.
Group size? Is a small-group experience something you’d be happy with?
Guides? What kind of certifications or training does the tour leader hold? Can they fluently speak English? How experienced are they?
Sustainability? I am just curious, but I feel it really shows the ethos of the company. Does your agency promote any specific eco-practices?

My Actual Short Inca Trail Experience: The Details

Okay, here’s my experience, that it maybe will bring clarity to your thinking. I chose a premium tour, mainly since I wanted a smaller group and, if possible, a really knowledgeable guide, so that the hike had some context.

So, day one saw an early start, basically catching a train from Ollantaytambo to the start of the trail at Km 104. I really, really liked hiking through the cloud forest. The climate was moist and almost jungle-like. The climb was a bit steep but so worth it. The spot we got to, Wiñay Wayna, provided impressive views and was the perfect spot for snapping pictures, which, of course, I did.

Day two? Well, that was much easier, actually. An early start gave us the chance to hit Inti Punku, which is the Sun Gate, just at sunrise, which, to be fair, some days may be shrouded in cloud. Sadly, the cloud was there when I was there. Nonetheless, as the cloud lifted, I could see the amazing spread of Machu Picchu before me. Magical, almost. After spending a ton of time taking in the citadel, I took the bus down to Aguas Calientes to get a train to get me back to Cusco.

Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went

Okay, a few insights that might be of interest before going. Ready?

Fitness does help! While this hike may be called “short”, some amount of uphill walking is still to be expected. Begin some sort of walking/training plan now!
Bring layers! High-altitude mountain weather changes rapidly. What feels balmy now might not later. Being ready is important!
Book way, way, way in advance! Licenses for hiking sell out many months ahead of time. Reserve immediately to guarantee the trip!
Manage altitude! Altitude can affect you. Plan a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before your trek, which could be very important.

Is the Short Inca Trail Premium Tour Worth It?

The Short Inca Trail is fantastic. That being said, is the premium Short Inca route worth spending your hard-earned money on? My take? If you’re trying to find ways to add value to an experience and would prefer a better experience with good, informative guides and small group sizes, you would likely have an absolutely fabulous experience. A trip that may change you.

One thought. If the permit availability on the Short Inca Trail route isn’t there, bear in mind that additional treks, for instance the Lares Trail, offer equally spectacular views, with loads less hikers around. Plus, you likely don’t require a permit to complete the Lares Trail to Machu Picchu trek, so you could arrange last-minute trekking if required!

Essential Packing List for the Short Inca Trail

Making ready for a hike takes consideration. Here are things that might improve your hike.

A light backpack is really helpful (20-30 liters is about right)
Walking boots – ones you can wear every day
Trekking trousers – very lightweight
Moisture-wicking shirts – keeps you smelling good
Warm layers
Water bottle (or hydration reservoir)
Sunscreen is totally essential
Insect repellent. Believe me, this is key
Camera (fully charged) and spare battery. Pictures matter, don’t they?
Headlamp or flashlight (for early morning starts). This is something that could slip your mind.
A bit of cash – for small purchases/tips. Bring change.