My Journey in The Short Inca Trail.

The Short Inca trail is ranked as one of the 10 most beautiful hikes in the world, worldwide recognized for the unique views, the historical stops, the unmatched background and all the experiences to be collected. When I learnt this information, I knew I had to find my way to the next possible trip.

I started researching companies offering this adventure, and found many options. I was short on time, so the 4-day trek wasn’t an option for me. That’s when 69 Explorer started to sound like the best option, they are experts on the Inca Trail and the best for budget trips. Plus, they are one of the few companies offering a guided tour to the Machu Picchu Citadel for the 2nd day, including tickets (shuttles & entrance fee) for the visit.

Day 1: Hiking fromthe Km 104 to the Sun Gate and then into Machu Picchu

I adventured in one of the most amazing hikes I’ve ever done. A mind-blowing combination of stunning nature, incredibly well-preserved Inca sites and an immersion in history. This trek covered around 13km on the first day and a 2 hour guided tour in the Machu Picchu Citadel on the second day.

I’ll start by highlighting the service provided by 69 Explorer. They picked us up from our hotel at 4am, then we traveled to Ollantaytambo. Our driver, Fortunato, was professional and careful; we got there on time and without any incident. Once in Ollantaytambo, our guide, Jorge, picked our box lunches and took us to the train platform. We took the 6:40am train to Aguas Calientes and after about 1 hour and a half stopped at km 104, from there the adventure started.

Trailhead

First impressions, it’s warm and humid! Our hike was staged in the cloud forest, a transition ecosystem between the highlands and the Amazon rain forest. So, after losing a few layers and registering in the checkpoint, Jorge briefed us on the mission for the day. He braked the explanation in segments, indicating the challenges and stops for each one of them.

Delving into history.

After learning about the stops for the day, our excitement levels got higher! Right after getting the ball running, we came across the first archeological site of the day: Chachabamba. This set the tone for the learning portion of the experience. Jorge is really knowledgeable and his explanations about the place brought the experience to the next level. He told us about the ceremonies supposed to take place there, cleansing visitors before heading into Machu Picchu.

Apparently on the hillsides of the Urubamba Canyon lay several unexplored Inca sites, each one with its own history and purpose. Learning this turned our curiosity on, keeping our eyes looking for hidden ruins in the dense jungle and letting our imagination do its job.

Then we kept hiking towards Wiñay Wayna. On our way we learnt about the variety of Inca trails that were built during Imperial time. Our guide told us that the one we were hiking on was a Qhapaq Ñan. It was built for Royalty and had infrastructure like tambos or colcas, which were resting stations and storehouses respectively.

On our way to Wiñay Wayna we stopped in a few spots to watch and learn about the mountains. Also, we spotted the hydroelectric reservoir, Wiñay Wayna & Intipata and the Waterfall before Wiñay Wayna, which was our favorite. At this spot we refreshed with the water from the stream and had a chance to take a short brake before the big push, the steps at Wiñay Wayna.

Stunning Wiñay Wayna Inca ruins

At this archeological site we spent around 30 mins, wandering around the buildings and learning about the theories that explorers, archeologists and historians have developed. Jorge pointed out that the 2 main theories focus on this site being an agricultural lab or a ceremonial site.

The first theory is supported by the layout of the complex. Its many terraces and the aqueduct combined with an irrigation system set the perfect combination for this theory. While the site is located facing the north east, a combination of selective altitude and sun exposure time might have been used to adapt plants from the Amazon lowlands to the Andes.

Then, the second theory finds support from the strategic location of the site. It’s believed it was used for ceremonial cleansings before heading into Machu Picchu. The Temple of Water in the top section of the site suggests it served those purposes. Being only 5km away from the Inti Punku, it just makes sense to be a preparatory stop.

After delving into Inca history, it was time to continue, but first some amazing pictures to capture these memories. Following our pictures stop, we continued to the Inti Punku. On the way there we passed a campsite for the 4-day Inca Trek and a checkpoint. Where we met a dog that followed us for the rest of our hike.

Last push of the day

We hiked following a trail carved on a steep slope of the Machu Picchu Mountain for about 35 minutes. This segment got progressively steeper and, as our guide pointed out, was about to bring out a big surprise: The Gringo Killer Steps. This almost vertical segment of the trail found us already tired and challenged us with a little over 50 rock steps. It was so steep, we had to go on all fours!

After these steps, we had about 10 mins of a mellow climb to the Inti Punku. Once at our next stop, we were exhausted but feeling deeply accomplished. Here, we took a break to enjoy our box lunch. Enjoying our meal with the views of Machu Picchu is unreal, plus our lunch couldn’t be any better. They packed for us: a bowl of quinoa with chicken and veggies, some fruit and healthy snacks.

First visit to Machu Picchu

To finish our hiking portion of the day, our guide led the way to Machu Picchu. Once at the citadel we did a short sightseeing and from one of the top platforms captured some incredible pictures. Then, we took a bus to Aguas Calientes. Where our dinner was waiting for us. We had many options, but I chose a tasty trout ceviche and lomo saltado. Plus, we had a celebratory beer to wrap up such an amazing day.

We spent the night in a comfy hotel, booked by 69 Explorer for us. That night I crashed my bed and the next morning I was so ready for going back to Machu Picchu.

Higlights from the first day

My personal highlights include the natural scenery, the archeological sites and all the knowledge shared by our guide. To top that we were able to spot some wildlife including:

• Colorful caterpillars.
• Birds like: Oropendeulas, Andean Motmot, Hummingbirds and Cara Caras.
• Andean Lancehead or Jergon (Andean Viper).
• Lizards
• Many ferns.
• Wiñay Wayna orchid, which gives the name to the site. It translates to forever young.
• Bright colored Begonias.

To finish my list of highlights: The Gringo Killer Steps! They sound a lot more intimidating than they are rewarding.

Day 2: Explore Machu Picchu and the train Journey back to Cusco

We had an afternoon entrance to the citadel so we used the morning to visit the Hot Springs in Aguas Calientes and the Waterfall. Honestly, I was fatigued from the past day hike, so this morning at the thermal pools felt like heaven.

Tour around Machu Picchu

After a slow start for the day, we had lunch and immediately after joined the queue for the shuttle to Machu Picchu. Once at the citadel, our guide took us on guided visit thru the many rooms and temples explaining all what explorers have learnt along the years.

My favorite stops where:

• The terraces: the whole place is surrounded by them and learning that the Incas developed a drainage system and soil enrichment was mind blowing. They were really advanced farmers for the time.
• The Temple of the Sun: learning that it is not only eye-catching, but perfectly aligned with astronomical events was such a reaffirming fact. People in the Andes have been observing the skies for over 10000 years and this building was the perfect example of their understanding.
• The Sacred Plaza: this was an open space where ceremonial buildings used to serve the many rituals. I was specially captivated by the Templo de las 3 Ventanas. A temple dedicated to understand the movement of the Sun, predicting the seasons and key to plan the agricultural practices. Also, it was connected to the Inca cosmovision. It honored the 3 worlds (Hannan Pacha, Kay Pacha & Uku Pacha. Sky, Earth & Underworld)
• The Quarry Area: as it helped making sense of the massive effort that building Machu Picchu took. The whole mountain is mainly rock, but still it required mastery in construction and attention to the details to get such results.
• Casa del Inca: visiting the place where supposedly the Inca used to reside took the experience to a climax point. The details, the beauty of the construction and the boulder in the middle of the main patio just made sense to be a royal residence. Something really interesting was a couple of small fountains in the boulder. Some theories say that they were mirrors, used to observe the skies.

I could keep listing every single stop we did along our tour, but I would spoil it for you.

Highlights from the second day

I’ve been touring in Cusco for a few days now and my body was starting to show some fatigue, so having the morning off to enjoy the Medicinal Waters of Aguas Calientes was perfect. The guided tour inside Citadel of Machu Picchu was an immersive learning journey and I’m sure I will remember it forever.

To close this list I would like to emphasize the attention to the details from 69 Explorer, the exquisite food and the knowledgeable guide they provided.

Wrap up

Excited and with our brains packed with information, it was time to go back to Aguas Calientes. Our train back to Ollantaytambo was waiting for us. Taking the night train was a different and special experience, as we were able to admire the skies that the Incas did centuries ago. Our tour ended with a shuttle from Ollantaytambo to our hotel.

If you are looking to mix adventure, history, nature and top-level service I strongly recommend taking on this trip.

These are some stats I collected from my experience:

• Starting Point: KM 104
• Ending Point: Machu Picchu Citadel
• Maximum altitude: 2750 m / 9022 ft
• Minimum altitude: 2040 m / 6693 ft
• Elevation Gain: 695 m / 2280 ft
• Length: 13 kilometers / 8 miles
• Duration: Around 5 hours plus lunch break
• Difficulty: Moderate

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