Inca Trail to Machu Picchu full day

1 day
From $399.00 USD per person
$435.00 USD
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Duration1 Day
Group Size2/10
Activity LevelModerate

Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (1 day)

Our One-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is perfect for travelers who can't commit to the full Classic Inca Trail experience. This world-renowned hike offers an incredible journey through Incan history and culture, featuring ancient archaeological sites rich in Incan history, breathtaking panoramic views, key landmarks including Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Intipunku (Sun Gate), culminating in unforgettable views of majestic Machu Picchu.

This condensed version delivers the essence of the Inca Trail's magic in just one day, making it an ideal choice for time-conscious travelers who don't want to miss out on this historic experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Inca Trail

Km 104, Inca Trail Entrance to Machu Picchu

Sun Gate and Machu Picchu

Your day begins with an early morning pickup (around 4:00 AM) as your guide meets you at your Cusco hotel or agreed meeting point. Together, you'll make your way to the Ollantaytambo train station to catch the 6:10 AM departure.

Aboard the Expedition train, you'll experience a scenic 1.5-hour journey through the Sacred Valley, winding your way to Kilometer 104the starting point of your Inca Trail adventure. After clearing the checkpoint, you'll visit your first archaeological wonder, Chachabamba (2,100 m / 6,927 ft), an ancient Incan refuge that once sheltered travelers on their way to Machu Picchu.

The heart of your journey involves a breathtaking three-hour climb up original Incan stone steps. As you ascend, you'll be surrounded by an enchanting ecosystem teeming with life-colorful orchids dot the landscape, diverse tree species reach toward the sky, and you may also see some larger mammals such as Vizcachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and Spectacled Bears (if we are very lucky), and rushing waterfalls provide a stunning backdrop. Your destination? The magnificent Wiñay Wayna, or "Forever Young" (2,650 m / 8,747 ft). After a well-deserved rest, you'll continue to the legendary Inti Punku, the "Sun Gate" (2,730 m / 9,007 ft), where you'll catch your first awe-inspiring panoramic view of Machu Picchu.

With cameras ready and spirits high, you'll make the final descent to Machu Picchu itself. Entering through the upper section (part of circuit 1), you'll have time to marvel at this ancient wonder while your guide shares fascinating historical insights about the Incan citadel.

As your adventure draws to a close, you'll take a bus down to the charming town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), before boarding your train back to Ollantaytambo and final transfer to Cusco. (Please note that train schedules may vary based on availability.)

Meals: Box Lunch.
Distance: 12 km/ 7.5 mi
Difficulty: Moderate.
Walking Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours (including picnic / lunch in route)
Walk and Terrain: Walk, canter, on open roads, some steep ascending trails.

What's Included?

    • Pre-tour information: You will meet your Inca Trail guide at our offices (or another agreed-upon location) around 18:00 hours for an informative session about the tour.
    • Round-trip tourist transportation, Cusco - Ollantaytambo.
    • "Expeditions" tourist train, Ollantaytambo - Km 104, Chachabamba.
    • Return "Expeditions" tourist train, Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
    • Consettur bus, return journey from the Machu Picchu citadel.
    • Highly qualified professional guide in English and Spanish.
    • Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail (Included part of Machu Picchu Circuit 1).
    • 1 box lunch (Options: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.).
    • First aid kit and oxygen tank. (Our guides are highly trained in first aid and mountain rescue, with a comprehensive plan for care, ground evacuations, and air evacuations.)
    • 24-Hour Customer Service: We offer a 24-hour telephone service to facilitate communication with our agents before your trek.
    • Free Luggage Storage: We provide complimentary luggage storage at our offices in Cusco. You can leave your luggage before starting your tour (exclusive to our passengers).

What's not Included?

    • Trekking poles.
    • Afternoon entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 or Circuit 3, subject to availability).
    • Additional costs or delays beyond our control, such as natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to passenger health issues (suffering from an illness or health problems), pandemic, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.

    Note: Visiting Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain(*) is not possible due to time constraints.

Additional Services

    • Trekking poles. ($15.00 USD)
    • Upgrade to the Vistadome train. ($50.00 USD)
    • Afternoon entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2 or Circuit 3). ($50.00 USD)
    • We can assist you in booking hotels (standard and luxury) throughout Peru.

What to Bring?

  • 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.

Extra Items to Bring

  • Shorts.
  • Trekking poles (with rubber tips).
  • Bandages and plaster.
  • Sandals.
  • Extra money for personal expenses, tips (recommend 200 Peruvian nuevos soles for extra expenses).

PRICES

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu ful day USD 399.00

Discounts

  • 18 - 24 years old: We offer a $20 discount per student. To qualify as a student, you must have a valid student identity card and be under 25 years of age at the time of your trip. Scan and email us the copy at the time of booking.
  • Under 18 years old: We offer a $20 discount per child. (you will need to scan and email us a copy of the passports).

Important information

  • The itinerary may change based on the Peruvian government, weather conditions, and the health status of the trekkers.
  • The train schedule may vary depending on the availability of the train company.
  • We provide the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo: if someone books a train ticket last minute, it's not guaranteed they can be on the same train as the rest of the group.
  • If you wish to change the schedule or tickets for your train, you will need to pay an additional fee for transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco and for the train price difference.

Wiñay Wayna

Wiñay Wayna means 'forever young' and is considered a sacred site along the Inca Trail before reaching Machu Picchu.

Inti Punku or "Sun Gate"

The 'Sun Gate', also known as "Inti Punku," leads to Machu Picchu. It provides a breathtaking vantage point, offering the first view of Machu Picchu. The Incas utilized it for ceremonies during the summer solstice in December.

Chachabamba

Chachabamba is an archeological site left behind by the Incas believed to be dedicated to water.

Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Availability

What Our Travelers Say

Tour operator raccomandato

An Amazing 4-Day Adventure on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

A most rewarding challenge❣️

Buen guia Henrry Chauca.


Certifications

ISO 9001

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ISO 14001

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Trip Advisor - Traveler's Choice 2024

We're honored to be recognized with the Traveler's Choice Award in 2024, a testament to our dedication to exceptional travel experiences.

Official Agency - Tour Operator

We are an official agency and tour operator, ensuring a unique and high-quality travel experience to the destinations of your choice in Cusco and Peru.

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Travel Associations

Sernamp & INKATRAIL
Mincetur & INKATRAIL
Turismo responsable & INKATRAIL
Safe Travels & INKATRAIL
Gercetur & INKATRAIL
Official Agency & Official Tour Operator