1 Day
Daily Tour
16 people
English, Espanol
Your Traditional Inca Trail To MachuPicchu 1 Day adventure starts with a 4:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco and a beautiful 1.5-hour drive to the Ollantaytambo train station. To start your trek, get on the Voyager Train at 6:40 AM or the Expedition Train at 6:10 AM to Km 104. Meet your guide, get through the Inca Trail checkpoint, and start hiking through beautiful Andean scenery. As you go, visit the Chachabamba archaeological site (2,100 m / 6,890 ft) and hike to Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft) while learning about the Inca's history, culture, and engineering. From the Sun Gate (Inti Punku, 2,720 m / 8,924 ft), you'll get your first stunning view of Machu Picchu. Then, go down to the citadel for a guided tour. After that, take a 30-minute bus to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, and then get on the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, you'll be taken to Cusco, where you'll arrive at your hotel around 10:00 PM. The total distance of the hike is 15 km (8 miles), with elevations ranging from 2,000 m (6,562 ft) to 2,720 m (8,924 ft). This is an unforgettable cultural and natural experience on this famous one-day Inca Trail trek.
Essentials include: Sturdy hiking shoes, a lightweight rain jacket, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a small backpack, snacks, and a refillable water bottle. As you won’t be camping, there’s no need for heavy gear.
You’ll arrive at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu in the afternoon, usually around 2:00 to 3:00 PM. This time of day often provides a quieter experience with fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the majestic view of the site.
Yes, you’ll have some time to explore the upper parts of Machu Picchu and take those iconic photos. However, due to park regulations, your time inside Machu Picchu will be limited, and you’ll need to exit the site afterward.
The best time to hike is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is more favorable. However, this period is also the most popular, so booking in advance is recommended.
While the 1-Day Inca Trail is shorter, it still involves several hours of hiking. Children who are active and used to walking long distances may enjoy it, but it might be challenging for very young kids.