If you’re planning a trip to Machu Picchu and wondering whether the Short Inca Trail is within reach, here’s the short answer: the 2-day Inca Trail is rated moderate, not hard. If you can walk for 4-5 hours on uneven ground and handle some stairs, you’ll be fine. It’s designed for people with average fitness, not just elite hikers.
Below, we break down exactly what to expect — distance, altitude, the toughest sections, and who this trail is (and isn’t) a good fit for.
How Long Is the Short Inca Trail?
The 2-day Inca Trail covers about 6-7 miles (10-11 km) in total, split across two days:
- Day 1 is the physical part of the trek, roughly 4-6 hours of walking.
- Day 2 is short, mostly dedicated to arriving at and exploring Machu Picchu itself.
How Fit Do You Have to Be to Walk the Inca Trail?
You don’t need to be an athlete to complete the short route. What you do need is:
- The ability to walk 4-6 hours with breaks
- Comfort with stairs and uneven stone steps (some sections are steep)
- No serious heart, lung, or joint conditions, given the altitude
A good rule of thumb: if you can hike a moderate trail at home without stopping every five minutes, you’re ready for the Short Inca Trail.
What Is the Hardest Part of the Inca Trail?
What Is the Hardest Day of the Inca Trail?
The toughest stretch on the short route is the climb up to Wiñay Wayna, a set of steep stone stairs that gets the heart rate up fast. It’s short but intense — usually 30-45 minutes of sustained climbing. This is the section most hikers remember as the real test of the trek.
On the 2-day trail, Day 1 is the hard day — it’s the only day with real elevation gain and distance. Day 2 is light: a short walk to the Sun Gate and then down into Machu Picchu, with plenty of time to enjoy the site itself.
What Is the Scariest Part of the Inca Trail?
Most people point to the narrow stone steps near cliff edges on the approach to Wiñay Wayna. There are railings in the exposed sections, and guides keep the pace slow there — it’s more intimidating-looking than actually dangerous.
Can You Do the Inca Trail Without Training?
Yes, for the short version. Light preparation — a few weeks of walking or stair-climbing — makes it noticeably easier and helps with altitude, but it’s not a requirement like it is for the classic 4-day trail.
Can a 70-Year-Old Hike the Inca Trail?
Often, yes. Many people in their 60s and 70s complete the short trail every year. What matters more than age is:
- General mobility and no major joint issues
- A relaxed pace with a small group
- Acclimatizing in Cusco for 1-2 days beforehand
Talk to your tour operator about a slower pace if needed — most can accommodate it.
Can Kids Walk the Inca Trail?
Yes. The short trail is a common choice for families with kids around 8 years and up, as long as they’re used to walking and can handle a few hours outdoors.
Why Is the Short Inca Trail So Expensive?
Permits are limited by the Peruvian government to protect the trail and the ruins, so prices reflect scarcity, not luxury. Costs also include a mandatory licensed guide, train tickets to and from Aguas Calientes, and entrance fees — none of which you can skip.
What Is the Easiest Trail to Machu Picchu?
If even the short Inca Trail sounds like too much, the train + bus route to Machu Picchu (no hiking required) is the easiest option. For a light hiking experience with fewer crowds, some travelers also choose the Salkantay short trek variant — though it’s a different route entirely.
Bottom Line
The Short Inca Trail is achievable for most healthy adults with a bit of walking practice. It’s the steep stairs — not the distance — that make it feel harder than it sounds. With a couple of weeks of light preparation and a day or two to acclimatize in Cusco, most travelers find it a rewarding, manageable way to reach Machu Picchu on foot.
