1-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
1-Day tour to Machu Picchu
1-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
Experience the legendary 1-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu, the fastest way to reach the Sun Gate and witness the Lost City of the Incas. Perfect for travelers short on time, this express hike covers the final 13 km of the Classic Inca Trail, including archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna. Hike through breathtaking Andean scenery with expert guides, Inca Trail permits, Machu Picchu entrance, and train return included. Ideal for active adventurers seeking a one-day trek to Machu Picchu from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Book your 1-day Inca Trail tour today and hike to Machu Picchu in just one day!
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Begin your adventure with a 4:30 a.m. pickup from your Cusco hotel. Travel in private transport to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board a scenic 90-minute train journey along the Urubamba River to KM104, the official starting point of your 1-day Inca Trail trek (2,050 m / 6,725 ft).
Cross the picturesque footbridge and check in at the trailhead before exploring Chachabamba, your first Inca archaeological site. Then, begin a moderate uphill hike offering panoramic views of the Urubamba Valley. A bit further along, you'll be rewarded with a lush waterfall and the breathtaking site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft), nestled in the cloud forest and rich with flora and fauna.
From Wiñay Wayna, follow a gentle trail through the rainforest to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at 2,720 m (8,923 ft), where you’ll enjoy your first magical view of Machu Picchu. After a short descent (approx. 40 minutes), arrive at the classic lookout for a postcard-perfect photo of the citadel.
Enjoy Machu Picchu during the quieter afternoon hours with a 2-hour guided tour of its most iconic view point, and terraces. Afterward, take the shuttle down to Aguas Calientes, then board the 6:20 p.m. train to Ollantaytambo. Our team will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco by approximately 9:40 p.m.
Trek Details:
Distance: 13 km / 8.07 miles
Highest Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft (Sun Gate)
Duration: 6–7 hours total
Included Sites: Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate, Machu Picchu
Perfect For: Active travelers visiting Peru, adventure seekers, bucket-list hikers