Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 1 Day

Itinerary

Km 104, Inca Trail Entrance to 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 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 (circuit 1), you'll have time to marvel at this ancient wonder while your guide shares fascinating historical insights about the Incan citadel.

For an additional USD $50, you can extend your exploration by choosing Circuit 2 or Circuit 3, which offer alternative routes and unique perspectives of the archaeological site.

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 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

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 to Machu Picchu in 1 Day Map