Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 Day

Full Day

FROM

490 USD

PER PERSON

Duration

FULL DAY

Tour Type

DAILY TOUR

Group Size

2 - 18 PEOPLE

Difficulty level

EASY TO MODERATE

Language

ENGLISH SPANISH

DESCRIPTION

Short Inca Trail 1 Day

Short Inca Trail 1 Day the Challenge: Experience the Inca Trail Magic Without Camping.

Dreaming of hiking the legendary Inca Trail but don’t have 4 days to spare? Our 1-Day Short Inca Trail Tour is the perfect solution. This iconic trek, covering approximately 10-12 km (6-7 hours), allows you to experience the trail’s most spectacular history and scenery, culminating in the most memorable view of Machu Picchu.
The journey begins at Kilometer 104 of the railway (Chachabamba) and ascends along an original Inca path through lush cloud forest landscapes, offering an efficient yet intense immersion into the trail’s history.

Key Highlights That Make This Hike Unique.

Wiñay Wayna: After a challenging ascent, you are rewarded with the stunning archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”), a breathtaking Inca jewel built on terraces amidst the mist. This site is only accessible via the Inca Trail.
Inti Punku (Sun Gate): The excitement peaks upon reaching Inti Punku. This is the original vantage point from which the Incas first viewed the sacred citadel. Entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate is an exclusive experience reserved only for Inca Trail trekkers.
Machu Picchu Exploration: You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the citadel, often arriving in the late afternoon when the crowds are thinner, providing a quieter, more magical experience before descending to Aguas Calientes..

Short Inca Trail: Maximum Epicness in 1 Day. Conquer the Sun Gate Without Camping.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to hike South America’s most famous trail! Permits are limited; book your Short Inca Trail Tour months in advance. If you’re looking for more options, we recommend the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Contact our operators for more information.

LET YOURSELF BE INSPIRED!

1 Day Inca Trail Tour

OUR

Itinerary

Inca Trail KM 104

03:30 – 04:00 AM Hotel Pickup & Transfer

Pickup from your hotel in Cusco and transfer via tourist transport to the Ollantaytambo Train Station (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours).

06:10 – 07:30 AM Train Journey:

Departure from Ollantaytambo. Scenic train ride (approx. 1 hour 10 mins) through the Sacred Valley to Kilometer 104 (KM 104), the starting point of the trek.

07:30 – 08:00 AM Start of the Trek:

Arrival at KM 104 (Chachabamba). Passport and permit control at the Inca Trail checkpoint. Brief visit to the Chachabamba archaeological site.

08:00 – 11:30 AM Ascent to Wiñay Wayna:

Begin the most challenging part of the hike (a constant uphill climb of approx. 3-4 hours) through the cloud forest. You reach the breathtaking ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2,720 m.a.s.l. / 8,924 ft).

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Lunch Break

Well-deserved rest and enjoyment of the Box Lunch provided near Wiñay Wayna.

12:30 – 02:30 PM Sun Gate (Inti Punku):

Hike along the relatively flatter trail to Inti Punku. Here, you get your first unforgettable panoramic view of the Machu Picchu Citadel.

02:30 – 04:30 PM Guided Tour of Machu Picchu:

Descend from Inti Punku into Machu Picchu. Begin the guided visit through the Citadel’s main sectors (specific circuit may vary based on ticket).

04:30 – 05:30 PM Descent to Aguas Calientes:

Time for final photos and then take the bus down to Aguas Calientes town.

05:30 – 07:00 PM Dinner & Free Time (Optional):

Quick dinner in Aguas Calientes (usually not included).
07:00 – 08:30 PM Return Train Boarding the evening train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station (schedule depends on booked availability).

08:30 – 11:45 PM Final Transfer:

Transfer by bus or van from the train station back to your hotel in Cusco. End of the tour.

Important Reminders:

Permits: This route requires special, limited Inca Trail permits. They must be booked several months in advance.
Difficulty: The trek is classified as Moderate to Challenging due to the initial steep ascent. Good physical condition and prior acclimatization are required.

TOUR

Includes/Excludes

What is included in the tour?

Pre-History: You will meet your Inca Trail guide at our offices (or other agreed location) at approximately 6:00 pm and receive a tour briefing.
Round trip tourist transportation, Cusco – Ollantaytambo.
“Expeditions” round-trip tourist train, Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
Consettur bus return from the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Highly qualified professional guide in English and Spanish.
Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
1 box lunch (Options: vegetarian, vegan, celiac, etc.)
First aid kit and oxygen tank. (Our guides are highly qualified in first aid and mountain rescue; we have a plan for care, ground and air evacuations).
24-hour Customer Service: We offer telephone service available 24 hours a day.
Free luggage storage: We provide luggage storage at our offices in Cusco. You can leave your luggage before starting your tour (exclusively for our passengers).
A unique experience, created by Cúltural Perú Tours.

What is not included in the tour?

Trekking poles.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control such as: Natural disasters, bad weather conditions, itinerary changes due to passenger health issues (suffering from an illness or health problems), pandemic, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.

Note: It is not possible to visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain(*) due to lack of time.

What do we recommend to bring?

Original passport (and valid student ID if you applied for this option).
Boots/walking shoes.
Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
Warm jacket, hat and gloves.
Short or long sleeve polo shirts.
Comfortable pants.
Sun hat.
Sunglasses.
Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
Reusable plastic or metal bottles, or camelbak.
Water, along the way it is possible to buy bottles of water from local families.
Insect repellent.
Personal medication.
Camera and camcorder.

Before travelling

This tour involves a moderate amount of walking time, as well as stairs.
Some of the places you will visit are about 3800 meters above sea level, higher than the city of Cusco.
There will be stops at local artisan souvenir shops so you can browse and shop, if you like.

CONSULT

Prices

The price is per person. Request our seasonal offers and promotions for last minute bookings. If you have questions regarding prices, destinations or the tour, we will be happy to assist you. Write to us at info@culturalperu.com, you can also contact us at:

Cell phone – WhatsApp: +51 974 306885.
Cell phone – WhatsApp: +51 974 995090.

IMPORTANT

For reservations 3 months in advance request a special discount.
For groups larger than 4 people, contact us to send you a special price.

OFFERS

Check out our offers

TOUR IN GROUP SERVICE

PRICE PER PERSON - Minimum 02 peoples

Inca Trail One Day Price

Includes tourist transportation.
Round-trip tourist train (Expedition).
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2).
Inca Trail entrance ticket
Group guide (bilingual)..

490.00 USD

Consult

Per person

CONTACT

Reservation Form

From

490 USD

Contact

You have a question?

Do not hesitate on calling us. We are a team of experts and we are happy to speak with you.

QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions about the Inca Trail 1 Day

When is the best time to take the Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu?

The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the months of May, June, July, and August. These are the best months to take the two-day Inca Trail package. During these months, the mornings and evenings are clear, and you can clearly see the landscape. The days are cooler, but the nights are cold in the highlands.

How difficult is the Inca Trail?

The Inka Trail has a moderate difficulty.

The Inca Trail covers 39 kilometers along high mountain paths and descending trails surrounded by lush vegetation. These trails were built by the Incas hundreds of years ago to connect Cusco with Machu Picchu.

Where can I book the 1-day Inca Trail package?

Fill out the Inca Trail reservation form. To make a reservation, you must fill out the form.
Verification of your reservation. Our travel advisors will contact you to inform you of the status of your reservation.
Make the payment and Confirmation of your Inca Trail Reservation.

What is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu like?

Day 1: Cusco – Wayllabamba (13 kilometers).
Day 2: Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo (11 kilómetros).
Day 3: Pacaymayo – Wiñay Huayna (16 kilómetros).
Day 4: Wiñay Huayna – Machu Picchu (3 kilómetros).

Can the Inca Trail be done in one day?

The Inca Trail KM104 to Machu Picchu can be done as a 1- or 2-day trek. It’s the perfect alternative to the 5-day Inca Trail for those short on time who still want to hike to Machu Picchu. The 1-day Inca Trail hike* to Machu Picchu starts early in the morning and returns to Cusco the same day.