The Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu hike is for those who do not have much time in hand, it is still possible to do the trail in a very strenuous 2 days.

This shortened expedition starts in Cusco, a former political, cultural, and religious center of the Inca civilization. Then take a train to the Urubamba River where the Inca Trail begins. Continuing around a small bridge and a checkpoint, the trail becomes steep and brings the visitors into the cloud forests with countless endemic flowers, hummingbirds, toucans, and orchids.

You will walk fast on the Machu Picchu 2 day hike and you will cover about 26 miles and reach Sun Gate which overlooks Machu Picchu. The first place you will visit is the ruins of Patallacta; you will have a fantastic view in the valley where you came from. Continue the journey to reach Huayllabamba, a huge camping site that is strategically located at the mountainous region to prepare for the longest and most difficult trekking on the following day.

When you are done with the cultural and scenic view of Sacred Valley, it is time for the climax – Machu Picchu. While both let you visit the ruins, the two-day options involve an overnight stay in a hotel close to the site or in the town of Aguas Calientes.

Wake up early on Day 2 to start the 10 mile hike up to Dead Woman Pass. The four hours spent climbing make the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit of 13,828 feet very rewarding. Take a break here and then proceed to Warmiwañusca Pass and have a steep Inca staircase right into the Pacaymayo Valley. Next two mountains pass and you’ll get to Winay Wayna ruins with stunning agricultural terraces and actually working water fountains after half a millennium!

From Winay Wayna, it takes 2 hours to climb up to the Sun Gate to witness the splendid view of Machu Picchu especially in the morning when the light hits the architectural designs and the well-irrigated terrains. Walking for 2h across this vast 15th century fortress, let your mind be captured by the life of Inca nobility. Follow the mountain roads to take the bus to the city of Aguas Calientes or else for the train journey back to Cusco.

The Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu provides a unique opportunity to see the highlight of the Inca culture – Machu Picchu. Challenging in terms of effort but preferable due to lesser time spent finding camping spots to spend a night. For the travelers who don’t have much time to spend but are willing to take on one of the biggest and most sought after challenges in South America and the Peruvian Andes.

Doing a 2 day Inca Trail means that even after the hike you have time to go around and look at the history of the ruins. You just have to prepare yourself for early morning wake-up calls and rigid climbing through the Andean trails to be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Sun Gate.