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.
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 104 – the 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.
Note: Visiting Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain(*) is not possible due to time constraints.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu ful day | USD 399.00 |
Wiñay Wayna means 'forever young' and is considered a sacred site along the Inca Trail before reaching Machu Picchu.
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 is an archeological site left behind by the Incas believed to be dedicated to water.
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Aaron P
February 1, 2025
I cannot put into words how incredible our experience at Machu Picchu was, and that was all thanks to our amazing guide, Henry. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fascinating insights about the history and culture of the site. Henry’s passion for the Inca heritage truly brought the ruins to life, making the tour both educational and unforgettable. He was also incredibly patient and attentive, ensuring that everyone in our group felt comfortable and could enjoy the experience at their own pace. The whole tour felt thoughtfully planned and personalized, and I’m so grateful we had Henry to guide us through such a breathtaking place. I really cannot recommend him enough!
Arjun K
February 1, 2025
I cannot put into words how much I enjoyed this hiking experience. Jorge was a fantastic guide - so knowledgeable, charming and fun to hike with. We were lucky to have great weather and the path was not too busy. Hiking the Inca Trail was a challenge but thoroughly rewarding. The hike felt very personalised and I am so glad we chose this company and were given Jorge as our tour guide. I really cannot recommend him enough!
gary1234
January 29, 2025
It was a wonderful experience! Our guide Elio was very experienced and made the trip a lot more fun. Our group was also able incredible. The 4 days inca trail might be hard but is totally worth it and is full of unforgettable adventures. The cook made us very delicious meals and the potters were very hard workers and made sure our group had a comfortable experience. Highly recommend!
Maaike A
January 28, 2025
Great experience! Elliott our guide was THE BEST. Even though we had to take our time (not being the youngest and fittest) to get up to the top and down all the steps, Elliott always waiting for us and encouraged us (“almost there” and “you made it, you made it!”). He had a lot of knowledge of the nature we walked through, and all the Inca history. We learned a lot from him. The porters from José Louis were quick with setting everything up and very attentive. The cook, Anastacio, was amazing making an abundance of delicious meals 3 times a day. I had my birthday on day 3 of the trek and he even made me a yummy bday cake out of nowhere with my name written on it! Great group of people to camp with. Only thing that can be improve upon were the tents. They were old, not very big (we tall Westerners just fit in it with our packs) and were leaking and wet on the inside when it rained. The bathrooms at each campsite were also pretty crummy (we are used to basic toilets when camping in Canada but these were quite disgusting in need of an update). For the rest we LOVED the trek!! What a beautiful variety of nature we walked through! Machu Picchu at the end was a real treat. Although the Sun Gate was in the clouds so no view of the city from the top, we had a super interesting tour with Elliott for about 2 hours. We have some amazing new memories! Thank you!
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