WHICH IS BETTER: THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL VS SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

Classic Inca Trail vs Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

In this article, we will address a very important topic, that one which often becomes a real headache for many travelers interested in Machu Picchu, due to the lack of clear answers.
We are referring to the Inca Trail, the famous trekking route that leads to the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu and that, over the years, has gained significant popularity. This growing demand encouraged several tour operators in Peru to develop new alternatives connecting to the traditional Inca Trail and allowing travelers to reach Machu Picchu directly. But honestly, do you know the different Inca Trail options available to visit Machu Picchu? It is an essential consideration for anyone planning to undertake this ancestral route.

We will compare two of the best and most wanted alternatives for reaching Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail: the Classic Inca Trail vs Short Inca Trail. This will allow you to draw your own conclusion and choose the tour that best suits your expectations.

Where Is the Inca Trail Located?

This information is essential for every traveler. All Inca Trail routes leading to Machu Picchu lie within the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary, a Protected Natural Area of the Peruvian State, strictly safeguarded by institutions such as the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of the Environment.

The Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary is located in Cusco region, approximately 70 kilometers northwest from the City of Cusco, and covers an area of 37,302.58 hectares. Within this territory, over 300 kilometers of ancient Inca trails extend, of which slightly more than 70 kilometers are currently used for tourism purposes. Among the most notable routes are the Classic Inca Trail and the Short Inca Trail, both ending at Machu Picchu.

Important Information to Know About the Classic Inca Trail vs Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The corresponding authorities strictly regulate the Classic and Short Inca Trails, as all tourist activity occurs within a protected natural area managed by the Peruvian government. For this reason, it is essential to follow all instructions provided by your authorized guide without exception.

Visitors to either the Classic or Short Inca Trail must be aware of the following specifications:

• Access to the Inca Trail is permitted only through certified Tour Operators, and groups are led exclusively by Professional Inca Trail Guides accredited to operate within the Inca Trail network.
• Daily visitor capacity is limited. As the Inca Trail is Peru’s most popular trekking route, it is crucial to book well in advance. Considering the high tourism season, it is strongly recommended to check availability at least four months in advance.
• Reservations for the Classic Inca Trail permit are made using the traveler’s passport. This prevents the transfer of permits to third parties, even in cases of health-related issues.
• Certain items are prohibited on the Inca Trail, like alcoholic beverages, drones, and firearms.
• Activities outside the authorized itinerary, such as open fires or collecting wild plants or animals, are also strictly forbidden.
• Once past the official checkpoint on any of the routes, there are no transportation options available as support during the trek. Therefore, it is vital to receive all necessary guidance before the trip and even before confirming a booking.
• Failure to comply with Inca Trail regulations may result in the visitor’s removal from the route, sanctions for the Inca Trail tour operator, or penalties for the Inca Trail Tour Guide, depending on the severity of the infraction.

Classic Inca Trail VS Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Classic Inca Trail Considerations

• A good level of physical preparation is required, and travelers must consider their personal health condition.
• It is essential to have proper trekking gear, including a rain-resistant backpack, trekking poles, layered clothing, and, of course, quality hiking boots.
• The classic route covers 43 kilometers across arid, humid, and cold environments.
• Hiring porters and cooks for the Classic Inca Trail is indispensable, depending on the size of the group.
• The views are diverse, spanning a wide range of landscapes and ecosystems.
• Elevations range from 2,500 m to 4,215 m at the highest point.
• There is no network signal from day one until the afternoon of day three.
• Temperatures at the camps vary according to location and altitude.
• Restrooms are available consistently on the first day, and afterward only at official campsites until day four.
• Tips are customary on this route, as a farewell gathering with the support staff is usually held on the afternoon of day three.

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Considerations

• In the Short Inca Trail version, physical preparation is optional.
• For the Short Inca Trail version, carrying only the essentials is sufficient: adequate footwear, even trail-running shoes with good grip and the rest can be optional.
• The Inca Trail short version covers 12 kilometers, with terrain that is mostly humid and warm.
• Support staff is optional.
• Views primarily overlook the Urubamba River valley.
• The Inca Trail short route ranges between 2,300 m.a.s.l. and 2,750 m.a.s.l., this last being the Intipunku viewpoint.
• There are certain points along the Short Inca Trail route where network connection is available.
• Camping is optional, and the temperature at the “Puente Ruinas” campsite is warm; most travelers overnight in hotels in Aguas Calientes.
• There are only three points with restroom facilities: Chachabamba “beginning of the trail”, Wiñaywayna Camp “break spot for lunch”, and Machu Picchu “Inca Site“.
• Tips are optional and may be given solely to the tour guide.

With all these important factors in mind, the final decision is yours, Peru Hiking Tours suggests to carefully choosing between the Classic Inca Trail vs Short Inca Trail as your tour to reach the Inca City of Machu Picchu.