Welcome, adventurers and history lovers! If you’re planning your trip to Machu Picchu, you’ve probably encountered the difficult decision of choosing between the 2 day Inca Trail vs 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Both trails offer a unique experience filled with stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, but which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ll break down the differences, advantages, and challenges of each route to help you make the best decision and ensure that your visit to the jewel of the Andes is unforgettable. Get ready to discover the charm of the paths that will lead you to the heart of the Inca Empire!
What is the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail?
The Classic Inca Trail is the most famous and iconic trekking route, lasting 4 days and 3 nights, during which you will travel through beautiful landscapes, exclusive archaeological sites just seen on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Incan history before finally reaching the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex. It’s a breathtaking and challenging journey that will test your physical and mental limits, offering unforgettable rewards overcoming all obstacles.
Descubre la historia de Machu Picchu
¡Sumérgete en la fascinante historia de Machu Picchu y déjate cautivar por uno de los lugares más enigmáticos del mundo!, Te invitamos a explorar las paginas que narran legado de esta antigua ciudadela inca perdida en lo más alto de los andes.
¡Conoce más!General Facts:
- Duration: 4 days and 3 nights.
- Length: 43 kilometers/27 miles.
- Start: At Kilometer 82 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu railway.
- Highest Altitude: Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmiwañusca) at 4,215 m / 13,828 ft ASL.
Highlights:
- Landscapes: As you hike the trail, you’ll enjoy diverse habitats, such as Andean valleys, snowy mountains, and cloud forests.
- Archaeological sites: This is your best choice if you are a culture lover and want to explore all the archaeological sites this route offers.
- Adventure and challenge: Nothing beats the Classic Inca Trail for offering the perfect mix of challenges and unique rewards that will stay with you forever.

The best and most rewarded hiking experience.
What is the 2 Day Short Inca Trail?
The 2 Day Inca Trail Express is a shorter, more concise version that also concludes with a visit to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex. It is designed to offer a rich experience filled with culture, history, and nature, without the physical challenges and demands of its counterpart, the classic Inca Trail.
General Facts:
- Duration: 2 days and 1 night.
- Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers/7.5 miles.
- Start: At Kilometer 104 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu railway.
- Highest Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft ASL at the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site.
Highlights:
- The Adventure: Explore the best of the Inca Trail without all the challenges of the full version.
- Nature: The last section of the Inca Trail provides a visually stunning experience, surrounded by the lush nature of the Cusco jungle.
- Affordable: Due to its shorter duration and fewer logistical needs, this version of the Inca Trail is less expensive.

Start this trip with a great mix of activities for a better experience.
Inca Trail Availability
Permits for the 2 day Inca Trail vs 4 day Inca Trail are completely independent in terms of availability, booking, and cost. Therefore, travelers must make the right decision based on their available time and budget.
- 2-Day Inca Trail Availability: 250 permits per day for travelers.
- 4-Day Inca Trail Availability: 500 permits per day, 250 for guides and porters and 250 for tourists.
Difficulty of the 2 Day Inca Trail vs 4 Day Classic Inca Trail
The choice between the 2 day Inca Trail vs 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu depends greatly on your level of physical fitness. While both routes offer valuable and unique experiences, each presents different challenges that you will need to overcome step by step.
Difficulty of the 2 Day Inca Trail Express
Due to the specific characteristics of this alternative route, commonly known as the Short Inca Trail, its difficulty is considered easy.
Features:
- Distance: Shorter, meaning less walking time per day.
- Altitude: Starts at a higher altitude, so prior acclimatization is crucial.
- Ascents: Steeper and more concentrated within a shorter time period.
- Descent: The descent to Machu Picchu can be tough on the knees, however, you can use trekking poles.

Nothing like choosing the right version, to have an unparalleled experience on the Inca Trail.
Difficulty of the 4 day Inca Trail
This adventure is considered moderately challenging, ideal for adventurers looking for new challenges and great rewards.
Features:
- Distance: Longer, allowing for a more relaxed walking pace.
- Altitude: Starts at a lower altitude, making acclimatization easier.
- Ascents: Spread over several days, allowing for better adaptation.
- Descent: The descent is more gradual.

The stairs are part of the Classic Inca Trail and will test your physical endurance.
Prices for the 2 Day Inca Trail vs 4 Day Classic Inca Trail
It’s difficult to provide an exact price to help you choose between the 2-day and 4-day Inca Trail, as prices can vary depending on factors such as the season, type of service, and number of travelers. However, here’s an approximate range to give you an idea:
- 2 Day Inca Trail Express: Between $500 and USD 800 per person.
- 4 Day Inca Trail: Between $600 and USD 1,000 per person.
Below, you will find a list of prices offered by Inkayni Peru Tours and Waman Adventures, two highly recommended travel agencies with great reputations. They are known for maintaining consistent prices throughout the year, so regardless of when you read this blog, you can trust that the prices remain the same.
Inkayni Peru Tours:
This travel agency has over 10 years of experience in Cusco, founded with the goal of providing an incredible and unique experience to all travelers who trust their services.
- Classic Inca Trail (Group): From USD 799.00 (best seller).
- Classic Inca Trail (Private): From USD 800.00.
- Short Inca Trail (Group): From USD 489.00.
- Short Inca Trail (Private): From USD 599.00.
Waman Adventures:
Founded more than 5 years ago, Waman Adventures is known for its quality services and professional staff, offering incredible, personalized experiences tailored to each traveler’s needs.
- Classic Inca Trail (Group): From USD 779.00 (best seller).
- Classic Inca Trail (Private): From USD 740.00.
- Short Inca Trail (Group): From USD 469.00.
- Short Inca Trail (Private): From USD 579.00.
These Prices Generally Include:
- Transportation from Cusco to the starting point and return.
- Bilingual professional guide.
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for the 4-day tour.
- Tents and camping equipment for the 4-day tour.
- Porters for carrying camping equipment for the 4-day tour.
Logistics of the Classic Inca Trail vs. the Short Inca Trail.
It is important to differentiate the gear you’ll need depending on whether you choose the Inca Trail 2 day vs 4 day, as this will impact your safety, comfort, and health.
Equipment for the Classic Inca Trail
The equipment you will need for the Classic Inca Trail vs. the Short Inca Trail differs significantly due to the need for a duffle bag on the longer route.

The implements that you will need on the Classic Inca Trail vs Short Inca Trail differ greatly due to the need for the duffle bag.
Equipment for the Short Inca Trail
There isn’t a huge difference in the backpack essentials for the 2-day Inca Trail vs the 4-day trail.

There is not a huge difference between the elements of the backpack for the Inca Trail 2 days vs Inca Trail 4 days.
Meals on the 2 Day Inca Trail vs 4 Day Inca Trail
The Classic Inca Trail gives you the chance to enjoy gourmet buffet-style meals, prepared by a professional chef at the various rest stops. The type of food can vary depending on the travel agency or traveler’s needs, but you can expect a high-quality culinary experience.
- Day 1: Includes lunch, happy hour, and dinner.
- Day 2: Includes breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner.
- Day 3: Includes breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner.
- Day 4: Includes breakfast.
On the other hand, the Short Inca Trail, due to its shorter duration, only offers a “Box Lunch,” which is a complete lunch you can carry with you and enjoy after the Wiñay Wayna hike.
Main rules for the Classic Inca Trail vs the Short Inca Trail
As a traveler, it’s crucial to understand the specific regulations and rules that distinguish the 4-day Inca Trail from the 2-day Inca Trail. This will help you comprehend the implications of each route, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your travel goals.
Important: Remember, on both routes, it is prohibited to litter, start fires, or use drones.
Permits for the Classic Inca Trail vs Short Inca Trail
Whichever you choose, whether the Classic Inca Trail or the Short Inca Trail, you will need to acquire the necessary permits through an authorized travel agency. Keep in mind that permits are non-transferable, cannot be postponed, brought forward, or canceled (except in cases of natural or social risk).
Remember, without this document, whether you choose the 2-Day or the 4-Day Inca Trail, you will not be able to access either of the routes.

Remember that without this document, whether you choose the Inca Trail 2 days vs Inca Trail 4 days, you will not be able to access any of the routes.
Porters on the Inca Trail 2 Days vs 4 Day
Porters are mandatory if you’re hiking the 4 day Classic Inca Trail, as they are responsible for carrying your luggage (duffle bag) and other necessary items for your comfort. On the contrary, you won’t need as much luggage for the 2 day Inca Trail Express, so their services are not required.
One of the most noticeable differences between the 2 Day Inca Trail vs 4 Day Inca Trail is the valuable service these brave porters provide.
Guides on the 2 Day Inca Trail vs 4 Day Inca Trail
It’s important to clarify that whether you choose the Classic Inca Trail or the Short Inca Trail, you must be aware that neither option can be done without the presence of a certified professional guide.
Conclusion: 2 Day Inca Trail vs 4 Day Inca Trail
The Inca Trail, in general, is a journey that every lover of adventure, history, and nature should experience at least once in their lifetime, regardless of the version. To choose between the 2-day and the 4-day Inca Trail, you only need to prioritize the most important aspects such as difficulty, duration, cost, and travel goals.
Now that you know the highlights of each route, we are confident that you will be able to make the right decision to enjoy an adventure tailored to your needs. If you have any additional questions, you can always contact the sales staff of your chosen agency.
With all the information revealed in this blog, we are sure you’ll be able to make the best decision. Don’t hesitate any longer between the 2 Day vs 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and get ready for an amazing adventure that will stay with you forever!