Short vs Classic Inca Trail: which one is right for you?
Both routes follow the original Inca road and both end at the Sun Gate with Machu Picchu at your feet. The difference is everything in between: the Classic Inca Trail is a four-day expedition over a 4,215 m pass with nights under the stars, while the Short Inca Trail condenses the final, most archaeological section into a single day of walking and a hotel bed. Here is how to decide.
Side-by-side comparison
| Short Inca Trail | Classic Inca Trail | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 days, 1 night | 4 days, 3 nights |
| Walking | About 10 km in one day | Roughly 40–45 km |
| Highest point | About 2,700 m | 4,215 m (Dead Woman’s Pass) |
| Night | Hotel in Aguas Calientes | Camping with porters and chef |
| Sun Gate | Yes, in the afternoon | Yes, at sunrise |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate to demanding |
| Our price from | US $585 | US $820 |
The Short Inca Trail in brief
You take the train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (Chachabamba) and climb for about three hours, from 2,000 m to 2,700 m, to the terraces of Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful Inca sites on the whole trail. After lunch a mostly flat path leads to the Sun Gate and your first view of Machu Picchu, then down to Aguas Calientes for the night. The next morning you take an early bus up for a full guided tour. See our Short Inca Trail in 2 days.
Choose your Inca Trail
Short Inca Trail from US $585 · Classic Inca Trail from US $820, permits included.
The Classic Inca Trail in brief
Starting at Km 82, the classic route crosses high Andean valleys, climbs to Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m on day 2 and continues through cloud forest past Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca and Wiñay Wayna. Porters carry the camp and a chef cooks every meal. On day 4 you reach the Sun Gate at sunrise. Full details in our Inca Trail guide and on the Classic Inca Trail tour.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Short Inca Trail if you have limited time, prefer a hotel to camping, are travelling with older children or want a moderate challenge at lower altitude.
- Choose the Classic Inca Trail if you want the full adventure, the high pass, the ruins only reachable on foot and the sunrise arrival, and you can book months ahead.
- Choose neither if permits are sold out: the Salkantay or Lares treks also finish at Machu Picchu.
Permits and booking
Both routes require a personal permit issued in your passport name, booked through a licensed operator. Classic Inca Trail permits for May to September sell out four to six months ahead; Short Inca Trail permits are a little easier but also sell out in high season. The Classic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance. Bring the same passport you used to book — it is checked at the trail checkpoint and at Machu Picchu.
Fitness and altitude
The Short Inca Trail is moderate: about three hours of steady climbing and a long day on stone steps. The Classic is harder because of the 4,215 m pass and three nights at altitude. For both, spend two or three days in Cusco beforehand and walk regularly in the weeks before your trip. Our training guide and packing list will help you prepare.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. It covers Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate, the most spectacular final section of the trail, with only one day of walking and a hotel night.
About 10 km of walking from Km 104 to Aguas Calientes, via Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate.
Yes. Both the short and classic routes need a personal permit booked through a licensed operator.
The Classic. It crosses Dead Woman’s Pass at 4,215 m and includes three nights of camping; the short route stays below about 2,700 m.
Yes, in the afternoon of the first day, before descending to Aguas Calientes.
