Peru
Inca Trail Day Hike to Machu Picchu
Inca Trail Day Hike to Machu Picchu
Duration
Day tour
Start/End
Cusco
Tour type
Private · Group
Level
Moderate
Overview
The 1-Day Inca Trail is the fastest way to walk into Machu Picchu the way the Incas did. Perfect for travelers short on time, this express hike covers the final 13 km of the Classic Inca Trail – from Km 104 past Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate, where the Lost City of the Incas appears below you. Unlike visitors arriving by bus, you hike through cloud forest with orchids, waterfalls and panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley, and then explore Machu Picchu in the quieter afternoon hours on a guided tour. In the evening, the train and our private transfer bring you back to Cusco on the same day. Permits, entrance fees, train and bus tickets, a packed lunch and an experienced local guide are all included. You travel privately or in a small group – ideal for active travelers who want to experience the Inca Trail in just one day.
Tour Code
Tour Language
English, SpanishMaximum altitude
Itinerary
Itinerary
Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
13 km / 8.1 mi · 6–7 h · 670 m / 2,198 ft elevation gain
Your adventure begins at 4:30 am with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Our private transport takes you to Ollantaytambo, where you board the train for a scenic 90-minute ride along the Urubamba River to Km 104 (2,050 m / 6,726 ft), the starting point of the 1-Day Inca Trail. After crossing the footbridge and checking in at the control point, you explore Chachabamba, the first Inca site of the day. A moderate climb with panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley then leads past a lush waterfall to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), an impressive complex of terraces and buildings nestled in the cloud forest. From there, a gentle path through the forest brings you to the Sun Gate, Inti Punku (2,720 m / 8,924 ft), where you enjoy your first view of Machu Picchu. A descent of about 40 minutes takes you to the classic viewpoint above the citadel. In the quieter afternoon hours, your guide leads you on a 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu's most important sites and terraces. Afterwards, you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and board the 6:20 pm train to Ollantaytambo, where our team is waiting to bring you back to your hotel in Cusco by around 9:40 pm.
Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
Itinerary
13 km / 8.1 mi · 6–7 h · 670 m / 2,198 ft elevation gain
Your adventure begins at 4:30 am with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. Our private transport takes you to Ollantaytambo, where you board the train for a scenic 90-minute ride along the Urubamba River to Km 104 (2,050 m / 6,726 ft), the starting point of the 1-Day Inca Trail. After crossing the footbridge and checking in at the control point, you explore Chachabamba, the first Inca site of the day. A moderate climb with panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley then leads past a lush waterfall to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), an impressive complex of terraces and buildings nestled in the cloud forest. From there, a gentle path through the forest brings you to the Sun Gate, Inti Punku (2,720 m / 8,924 ft), where you enjoy your first view of Machu Picchu. A descent of about 40 minutes takes you to the classic viewpoint above the citadel. In the quieter afternoon hours, your guide leads you on a 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu's most important sites and terraces. Afterwards, you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and board the 6:20 pm train to Ollantaytambo, where our team is waiting to bring you back to your hotel in Cusco by around 9:40 pm.
Price from
US$420.00
Services
What's included
Trek Briefing: Briefing at your hotel two days before departure.
Professional Guide: Bilingual local guide (English and Spanish) with deep knowledge of Peruvian and Inca history, flora and fauna.
Permits & Entrance Fees: As a licensed Inca Trail operator, we secure your Inca Trail permit and your Machu Picchu entrance.
Transportation: Private transport from your hotel in Cusco to Ollantaytambo station and from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel.
Train Tickets: Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo.
Bus Ticket: Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.
Meals: Packed lunch on the trail; vegetarian and special diets on request.
First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit including emergency oxygen.
Taxes & Fees: All taxes and permit fees included; no hidden costs.
What's not included
Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for your safety and peace of mind.
Meals: Breakfast in Ollantaytambo and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
Tips & Personal Expenses: Tips for the guide and staff are optional and appreciated; personal expenses are not included.
Character of the trip
Condition
Moderate
Altitude
Medium (up to 2,720 m)
Culture / nature
Balanced
Fitness – moderate: The hike covers 13 km (8.1 mi) with about 670 m (2,198 ft) of ascent in 6–7 hours, mostly on uneven stone steps and narrow paths. Together with the very early start and the late return to Cusco, it makes for a long day. Good fitness and sure-footedness are required; no technical skills are needed.
Altitude – moderate: The highest point is the Sun Gate at 2,720 m (8,924 ft). As the trip starts and ends in Cusco at 3,400 m (11,155 ft), we recommend arriving at least two days before the hike to acclimatize.
Culture & nature – culture-focused: The Inca sites of Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, combined with cloud forest, waterfalls and views of the Urubamba Valley.
Daypack only: There is no overnight stay, so you only carry a light daypack with water, snacks and rain gear.
Dates and Prices
Individual Dates
Groups of 5 or more: contact us for special rates and tailor-made options.
Travel Information
Good to know
Acclimatization: We recommend arriving in Cusco at least two days before the hike so your body can adjust to the altitude.
Longer treks: If you have more time, we also offer the Classic Inca Trail in 4 or 5 days, including hotels and tours.
What to bring
Daypack: A small, comfortable backpack for the day.
Original Passport: Mandatory for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu; bring your ISIC card if you claim a student discount.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support.
Clothing: Rain jacket and pants or a poncho, and a warm layer for the early morning.
Protection: Sunscreen, after-sun cream, hat and insect repellent.
Gear: Metal or Nalgene water bottle, personal first-aid kit and medications, toilet paper and optional walking poles (must have rubber tips).
Extras: Snacks, camera with spare batteries and some Peruvian soles for drinks and emergencies.
Information
Book as early as possible: Inca Trail permits are strictly limited and often sold out months in advance, especially from May to September. Permits for the following year usually go on sale in October. Please send us your inquiry as early as possible – ideally 6 to 8 months before your trip.