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1 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu​ – Short Inca Trail

(1 Review)
  • Length Of The TourFull day
  • Group SizeUpto 9 People
  • Max. AltitudeHighest Altitude: 2,700 meters above sea level
  • DifficultyModerately Challenging
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1 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu Details

Our journey on the 1 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu promises an unforgettable blend of history and nature. This Short Inca Trail offers breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, and a direct connection with Inca heritage. Together, we shall walk along sacred paths that once guided messengers to the royal citadel. Every step will reveal the spirit of the Andes.

The short inca trail to machu picchu invites us to discover vibrant cloud forests, stunning mountain views, and hidden archaeological sites. Ancient stairways carved in stone shall guide our way to the Sun Gate. From there, Machu Picchu will appear in full majesty. The magic of this short inca trail tour lies in the perfect balance of adventure and cultural discovery.

Choosing this route allows us to experience the essence of the Inca Trail in just one day. The trail shall combine natural beauty with fascinating history and offer moments of reflection in every corner. This journey to Machu Picchu will remain etched in our memories forever.

1 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu Includes

  • Tick
    Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco
  • Tick
    Expedition train to KM 104 – Inca Trail starting point
  • Tick
    Entrance tickets (Inca Trail + Machu Picchu Circuit 1)
  • Tick
    Box breakfast and picnic lunch
  • Tick
    Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
  • Tick
    Return Expedition train to Ollantaytambo
  • Tick
    Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
  • Tick
    Professional English-speaking guide

1 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu Excludes

  • Cross
    Dinner
  • Cross
    Travel insurance
  • Cross
    Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
  • Cross
    Access to Circuits 2 or 3 at Machu Picchu

Things to carry:

  • Original Passport: Mandatory requirement to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Always keep it with you.
  • Valid Student ID (if applicable): To receive the student discount, travelers must be under 25 years old with a valid card.
  • Daypack (20–25 L): Light but spacious enough for water, snacks, and personal items.
  • Comfortable Hiking Shoes: Worn-in trekking shoes with strong grip for rocky and dirt trails.
  • Clothing Layers: Lightweight shirt, windbreaker or rain jacket, and warm clothes depending on the season.
  • Rain Gear: Poncho or waterproof jacket since weather in the Andes can change quickly.
  • Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen.
  • Reusable Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder: At least 1.5–2 liters of water is essential for the hike.
  • Personal Snacks: Energy bars, dried fruits, or nuts to complement the included lunch.
  • Insect Repellent: Important for cloud forest areas like Wiñay Wayna.
  • Personal Medications: Carry your own medicine and altitude sickness pills if necessary.
  • Walking Poles (optional): Helpful for climbs and descents; rubber tips are required to protect the trail.
  • Camera or Smartphone: To capture your first views of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
  • Cash in Soles: Useful for small expenses in Aguas Calientes such as snacks, souvenirs, or tips.
1 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu

Note:

  •  Early Pickup: We start from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am and travel to Ollantaytambo. From here, we board the Expedition train to KM 104, the official entry point of the 1 Day Inca Trail.
  • Start Hiking: We visit Chachabamba and begin our hike along the Inca Trail. The path takes us through cloud forest until reaching Wiñay Wayna, where we stop for a picnic lunch with stunning views.
  • Sun Gate Arrival: In the afternoon, we arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From this sacred spot, we enjoy our first panoramic views of Machu Picchu.
  • Explore Machu Picchu: We follow Circuit 1, the ideal route to capture panoramic angles of the citadel. Ancient plazas, terraces, and temples reveal the brilliance of the Inca civilization.
  • Return Journey: We take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, then board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private transfer brings us to Cusco, arriving around 9:30 pm.

1 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu Itinerary

Day 1: Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu – Short Inca Trail

Our adventure on this 1-day tour begins before sunrise in Cusco. We will meet at your hotel and start the journey with a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley. The route follows the Urubamba River, and the morning landscapes will inspire us with their calm beauty. After about two hours, we will arrive at the Ollantaytambo train station.

From Ollantaytambo, we will take an early train towards the famous KM 104. This is the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. As soon as we step onto the trail, we will feel the ancient spirit of the Incas. The path will guide us across stone steps, lush vegetation, and unforgettable Andean scenery.

WIÑAY WAYNA

The hike will lead us to Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful Inca sites on the route. Here, we will explore impressive agricultural terraces and religious structures that stand as a testament to Inca brilliance. The location overlooks a deep green valley, creating a perfect atmosphere for photographs and quiet moments. We will stop here for a picnic lunch surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest.

SUN GATE ( INTI PUNKU)

After resting, we will continue hiking the Inca Trail towards the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku). This section offers stunning panoramas of mountains and forests. Arriving at the Sun Gate will be the highlight of the day. Here, we will witness the first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu in the soft afternoon light. Few experiences compare to seeing the Lost City from this perspective.

MACHU PICCHU

We will then descend into the citadel and follow Circuit 1. The path will take us through terraces, temples, and sacred plazas where history lives in every stone. From here, we may also admire the peak of Huayna Picchu, which rises majestically above the ruins. Our guide will share stories that reveal the mysteries of this sacred sanctuary.

As the afternoon ends, we will take the shuttle bus down to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Here, the group will board a return train to Ollantaytambo. Once at the train station, a private transfer will bring us back to Cusco. We will arrive around 9:30 pm, filled with lasting memories of this short inca trail tour.

Day Statistics – Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Hiking Distance: 13 km
  • Hiking Duration: approx. 6 hours
  • Highest Altitude: 2,700 meters above sea level
  • Lowest Altitude: 2,040 meters above sea level
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate

1 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu FAQ

How long is the 1 Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu?

The trail covers about 13 km and takes around 6 hours of hiking, including stops at Inca sites.

What is the highest altitude on the Short Inca Trail?

The highest point reaches 2,700 meters at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you enjoy your first views of Machu Picchu.

Do we need a permit for the 1 Day Inca Trail?

Yes. Entrance permits are limited and sell out quickly. We recommend booking at least 3–6 months in advance.

Is the Short Inca Trail difficult?

The trek is considered moderate. It includes uphill climbs, stone steps, and descents. Good physical condition is recommended.

What meals are included in this tour?

A box breakfast and a picnic lunch are included. Dinner is not included. You should bring snacks for extra energy.

Can we visit Machu Picchu after finishing the hike?

Yes. The tour includes Circuit 1, which allows you to explore Machu Picchu and enjoy panoramic views of the citadel.

Do we need to carry our luggage during the trek?

No. You only carry a daypack with water, snacks, and essentials. Your main luggage stays at your hotel in Cusco.

What should we bring on the 1 Day Inca Trail?

You should carry your passport, comfortable hiking shoes, rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, and a water bottle.

Can we climb Huayna Picchu on this tour?

No. The 1 Day Inca Trail tour does not include access to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, only Circuit 1.

What time do we return to Cusco?

Expect to return around 9:30 PM after taking the bus to Aguas Calientes, the train to Ollantaytambo, and a private transfer to Cusco.

Price
From$360
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Miley R.

Solo Traveller

“A Dream Come True!”
The 1 Day Inca Trail was everything we hoped for and more. Hiking through Wiñay Wayna was breathtaking, and arriving at the Sun Gate with the first views of Machu Picchu left us speechless. Our guide was knowledgeable and made the history come alive. This short inca trail tour is perfect if you want the Inca Trail experience in just one day.

July 18, 2025