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1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

one day Inca Trail - wiñay wayna
+1
December to May Rainy Season (Green Season)
June to November dry season (yellow season)

Places to visit

KM 104 Inca Trail Wiñay wayna Sun Gate (Inti punku) Machu Picchu Aguas Caliente
Hiking Difficulty Moderate
Max Altitude 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Group Size Min 2 ppl, Max 8 ppl
Type Service Private or Group
Considerations Permit Required

The 1-Day Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu Overview

For those who want the adventure but don’t have the time, the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is perfect. Get a taste of the Inca Trail before arriving into Machu Picchu for a guided tour. Pass spectacular mountains with views you will not quickly forget and thick green vegetation. Hike through the Machu Picchu National Park to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From the gate get your first amazing view of Machu Picchu. Tour Machu Picchu in the afternoon when the crowds are less and your photos will be not crowded. Visit all the corners of the citadel and learn about the legends and mysteries of Machu Picchu.

If you are considering the 1 Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, it is important to understand that you are doing the 2-day Inca Trail in 1 day. Trekkers need to be in moderate to excellent physical condition to arrive into Machu Picchu Citadel in time for the tour.

Please consider the 2-day Short Inca Trail if you think that this tour will be too strenuous.

  • At 4:00am your guide will pick you up with our van at your hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo (5:30am)
  • You will travel through Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo Train Station. (Train leaves at 6:10 am)
  • The Expedition train ride consists of spectacular views in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It takes a little over an hour to get to KM 104.
  • At 7:30 – 8:00 am, you and your guide will start hiking through the original Inca Trail till the Sun gate, from where you will have the first amazing view of Machu Picchu. The exact time depends on the group.
  • You will explore amazing Inca cities along the Inca Trail, especially the Wiñay Wayna Inca ruins.
  • You will have Box lunch after exploring the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, usually around noon.
  • An hour or so after lunch you will arrive at the Sun Gate where you will get your first view of Machu Picchu!
  • By 2:00pm you will start exploring Machu Picchu Citadel. Your guide will explain all the history of this amazing and mysterious Incan city.
  • In the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset and take the iconic photo of Machu Picchu when it is empty of tourists.
  • By 5:00pm take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, with time for a quick dinner in a restaurant, or to buy a takeout dinner to eat on the train. (Dinner is not included).
  • The Expedition Train departs at 6:20pm take the train back to Cusco then we will drive you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. If you choose the Vistadome, your train will depart at 6:10pm.

It is not possible to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain due to time restraints.

If you choose, you can stay the night in Aguas Calientes but you need to make your own hotel reservation; we will book your return train for the next day. 

You can start the trek from Ollantaytambo

The trek will include Circuit 3 at Machu Picchu, if you require a different ticket for different circuit or one of the many treks you will need to purchase another ticket, the cost is US$75 per person.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Cusco - Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Wiñay wayna - Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

    Pick up will be at 4:00am from your hotel in Cusco. Travel through the Sacred Valley to the train station in Ollantaytambo. If you are staying in Ollantaytambo pick up will be at 5.30am.

    Here the guide will provide you with a boxed lunch to put in your back pack, the train leaves from Ollantaytambo. Travel through the Sacred Valley for an hour and a half until you arrive at the start of the trail at KM104. Cross the bridge over the Urubamba River, show your passport and you are ready to start the 1 Day Inca Trail. Visit a nearby ruin before heading off on a gentle upward hike for 1 and a half hours. Stop several times to take pictures. The last 2 hours of the hike are steeper but you will be rewarded at the end with a wonderful waterfall.

    Take some time on the bridge below the waterfall, take photos and gaze at Winay Wayna in the distance. On arrival to these Inca ruins hear the wonderful history. Some parts are still hidden beneath the dense jungle surrounding. The guide will give you an informative tour and you will get a great insight into the site. Our wonderful lunch spot in just a short walk away.

    Savor every morsel of your delicious hearty gourmet lunch while enjoying your surroundings complete with tropical flowers. On booking don’t forget to tell us of your dietary restrictions or food allergies.

    After lunch, a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, the hour-long walk is a gentle up and down path, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca, known as the Gringo Killers. Once you reach the stairs you are almost at the Sun Gate. See your first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. Take in the views and enjoy the majesty. This is the place to take those wonderful pictures. The hike down to Machu Picchu is an interesting mix of ruins and views, ask you guide to explain the importance of the places you pass.

    On reaching Machu Picchu, take more pictures from the viewing platforms above Machu Picchu, known as the House of the Guardians. As you will arrive in the afternoon the site will start to empty of the hordes, giving you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light. A 2-hour long tour of Machu Picchu where you will learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sections agricultural, residential and religious.

    Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. In the evening at 6:20pm you will take the return Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo and catch our private van through the Sacred Valley to Cusco and your hotel.  You will arrive around 10:00 pm. If you upgrade to the Vistadome Train, you will depart Aguas Calientes at 6:10pm.

    • Meals: Picnic lunch
    • Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

What’s Included in This Tour?

 Included 

  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel
  • Pick up at your hotel by your guide
  • Private transport from your hotel to the train station
  • Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
  • English speaking professional guide experienced in trekking
  • Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo at 104 kilometers and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with private van connection to Cusco
  • Admission Ticket to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu Archeological site
  • Machu Picchu entrance (Circuit #2)
  • Box lunch
  • Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
  • Food included in the itinerary

Not Included

  • It is not possible to do the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb due to time restraints
  • Energy snacks such as chocolate bars, dried fruits
  • First breakfast & Dinner at Aguas Calientes
  • Tips for the staff, our staff receives a fair payment immediately after they end their trip; tips are optional but greatly appreciated
  • Upgrade to Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person – (Return only)
  • Note It is not possible to do the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb due to time restraints.

Pricing

Price  for One Day Inca Trail Hike

The 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available year-round, except in February for maintenance, and requires a minimum of two people to book

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 3 people US$ 429 per person
+4 US$ 409 per person

***If you are traveling alone, please contact us for a special private price or to find a group you can join.

EXTRAS

  • Upgrade to Vistadome Train: $65 per person (return only from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo).

 

Packing List

Essential items to do the Inca Trail in 1 day

  • Original passport (and valid student ID if applicable).
  • Hiking boots/shoes.
  • Waterproof jacket/poncho.
  • Warm jacket, hat, and gloves.
  • Short or long-sleeved shirts.
  • Comfortable pants.
  • Sun hat.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen (recommended SPF 35).
  • Reusable plastic or metal bottles, or a camelback.
  • Water – you can buy water bottles from local families along the way.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Personal medication.
  • Camera and camcorder.

1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

$429.00
USD / person
1 day
Designed and operated in Cusco

Your trip is personal.
Our support is too

Plan directly with local specialists who know Peru, understand the logistics and stay available throughout your journey.

  • Book directly with a trusted local operator in Cusco.
  • Receive personal guidance before confirming your trip.
  • Travel with experienced guides and carefully planned logistics.
  • Get direct assistance before and during your journey.
Speak with an advisor
Travelers hiking the Short Inca Trail through the Peruvian Andes

Verified traveler reviews

Travelers tell it best.

Genuine feedback from travelers who explored Peru with our local team.

5.0
Excellent
Read reviews on TripAdvisor
N
Nick S Verified on TripAdvisor
5.0 | Excellent

A memorable Short Inca Trail experience

We did the Short Inca Trail as a couple with Wari Expeditions and really enjoyed the experience. The hike was moderately challenging, but we had time to take in the scenery along the way. Visiting Wiñay Wayna and arriving at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate were highlights for us.

Traveler from USA

J
Jack H Verified on TripAdvisor
5.0 | Excellent

Excellent experience

The full-day tour to the Sacred Valley was an incredible experience. Everything was very well organized, from the punctual pick-up to the comfortable transportation. The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, and the sites we visited, such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray, were absolutely breathtaking. The buffet lunch was also very good. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Cusco!.

Traveler from Canada

S
Sory L Verified on TripAdvisor
5.0 | Excellent

Perfectly organized

My friend and I took the 4-day tour in Cusco with Wari Expeditions. Everything was perfectly organized: guides, smooth logistics, and unforgettable moments at Machu Picchu. Highly recommended for an authentic and stress-free experience!

Traveler from USA

F
Felix Verified on TripAdvisor
5.0 | Excellent

Unforgettable Short Inca Trail Adventure with Wari Expeditions

ExceI recently went on the Short Inca Trail with Wari Expeditions and it was an unforgettable experience! The guides were amazing and went above and beyond to ensure that we had a safe and enjoyable trip.

Traveler from Lima

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