Inca Trails - Classic or Short? Which one to choose?

alexandrasturmayr
Mar 19, 2020
3 min read

If you are looking for challenges. . . Inca trails are your destinations

Inca trails are synonymous with challenges, adventures, fun one of the most attractive after the Salkantay Trek, and you find them close to Brazil right here in South America !. Chosen and highlighted by Tripadvisor the most proclaimed trails of world renown for presenting various levels of difficulty that offers the adventurer every breath taken. The Inca Trails have lived up to their prestige among the most famous adventurers, where many Brazilian tourists and from all over the world seek to explore the challenges of nature, be dazzled by the beauty of the landscapes, stone paths and the archaeological sites that are found along the trail are fascinating outdoor routes. Both by train and on the trail, the enriching experience goes beyond expectations. In fact, both routes offer a panoramic view of the Andes that remains in excellent condition.

I'm in doubt which Trails to choose?

First: Time

To choose between one Track and another the most important is the time is not! But which one to choose ?. . . The best option for those looking for adventure, adrenaline to the max, the right choice is the Classic Inca Trail that takes 4 days and 3 nights (3 days walking and camping and on the last day walking through Machu Picchu) while for those who have less time the usual if choosing the Short Inca Trail is the most recommended because it only takes 2 days and 1 night - 1st day walking from kilometer 104 through IntiPunku (Porta do Sol), the rest is in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and on the 2nd day Machu Picchu. It is the best way to clear up doubts is to listen to the witnesses of those who passed by.

Second: Level of Difficulty

Before choosing any of the Inca Trails you need to prepare yourself physically to be able to face one of them, the Short Inca Trail is the easiest and recommended for all types of people, including elderly people who are excited about this adventure, the route is shorter , although you are very rewarded with the second day which will be entirely dedicated so that you can tour Machu Picchu.

And there's more…. the Classic Inca Trail requires greater physical effort and is breathtaking for tourists, a little over 40 kilometers from the town of Patallacta to the sacred citadel, without forgetting the unevenness that you will encounter along the way and without prior preparation you can pass it through. bad time with the Altitude Evil . If you choose one or the other, you will know that every step of this effort will be worth it when you arrive at Machu Picchu, you will be able to be dazzled by the panorama.

Third: The best time, the best choice!

Definitely, without a doubt, choosing the best months are from April to October - but that does not mean that the other seasons are not suitable - so you can have more cool days, see the landscapes better and more clearly, but you can't trust the nights since at rise in altitude the temperature will drop. We always recommend taking warm clothes, the environment is humid in mountainous areas, so that you can shelter it. Just to remember ! the only month that the INCA TRAIL is CLOSED is the month of FEBRUARY , when it takes the opportunity to carry out environmental conservation projects in the Sanctuary.

Four: Limited Access

Due to the great demand that occurs on the Classic Inca Trail of 4 days and Short Inca Trail of 2 days it becomes difficult to get an available space, since there are a total of 750 coupons released per day, where 500 coupons for the Classic Inca Trail (available spaces) and 250 coupons released for the Inca Trail (available spaces) , in addition, also includes all support staff. It is thus, that to guarantee we recommend you to make your reservation in advance. And choose the best track that fits your profile.