The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an excellent option for those who want to experience the Inca Trail but don't have the time or stamina for a longer hike. The Short Inca Trail starts at km 104 and passes through incredible scenery, including the lush cloud forest, the Rio Urubamba River valley, and several small Inca ruins. The highlight of the trail, however, is undoubtedly Machu Picchu itself. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Peru's most popular tourist destinations, and for a good reason. The ancient city is an incredible feat of engineering, and its setting in the Andes Mountains is breathtaking.
We began our journey at 4:00 am with a pick-up from our hotel in Cusco. We drive for about an hour and a half to the small town of Ollantaytambo, where we board the Expedition train to Km 104, the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu entrance. The hike from Km 104 to Machu Picchu is about 16km (10 miles) and takes around 7 hours. It is a relatively easy hike but can be challenging at times due to the altitude. Along the way, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Andes mountains and the lush vegetation of the Amazon rainforest. When you finally reach Machu Picchu, you will be able to explore this world-famous Inca site at your own pace. You will also want to take many photos to remember this incredible experience!