1 Day
Daily Tour
9 people
English, Espanol, Francais
The One-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an excellent choice for travelers who are short on time but still wish to experience the enchanting landscape surrounding Machu Picchu. This option is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Inca Trail within a single day.
This one-day adventure involves a 12 km trek leading to Machu Picchu. You’ll hike the last section of the renowned Inca Trail and arrive at the classic viewpoint, where you can admire the stunning panoramic view of Machu Picchu in all its glory.
It’s important to note that on this one-day trek6 tr , you won’t have the opportunity to explore the interior of the archaeological site itself. According to the regulations of the Machu Picchu archaeological park, if you opt for the One-Day Inca Trail, your access is limited to the upper area of Machu Picchu, where you can capture iconic photos of the ancient city. After this, you will need to exit the park to continue your journey to Aguas Calientes and then return to Cusco.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 AM and take a 1.5-hour drive to the Ollantaytambo train station. There, you will board a train at either 6:10 AM or 6:40 AM to Km 104, where the Inca Trail begins. Upon arrival at Km 104, you'll meet your guide and pass the checkpoint to start your 2-day adventure, beginning with a visit to the Chachabamba archaeological site. After exploring Chachabamba, the guided hike will take you on a 3 to 3.5-hour ascent to Wiñay Wayna, where you can explore this well-preserved Inca site. Afterward, enjoy a packed lunch and take a short break before continuing your hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), which offers breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. As you descend towards Machu Picchu, you'll have time to take photos and enjoy a brief guided tour of the site. By around 5:00 PM, you will take a 30-minute bus ride from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes. After arriving in town, enjoy dinner before boarding a train at around 6:30 PM for a 1.5-hour journey back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, a transfer will take you back to Cusco, where you will be dropped off at your hotel around 10:00 PM. This concludes your full-day Machu Picchu adventure. Highlights: Trekking the Inca Trail, breathtaking views from the Sun Gate, and sunset views of Machu Picchu. Walking Distance: 15 km / 8 miles Meals: Lunch and Dinner included Elevation: Starting point at 2,000 meters, the highest point at Sun Gate at 2,720 meters, with the camp at 1,900 meters. Weather: Hot and humid Train Time: Voyager Train at 6:40 AM / Expedition Train at 6:10 AM.
The 1-Day Inca Trail is a condensed version of the classic Inca Trail, perfect for travelers with limited time. This trek covers approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) and allows you to experience key highlights of the trail, including the stunning Inca ruins of Wiñay Wayna and the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), which offers a breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.
The 1-Day Inca Trail is moderately challenging. It involves a mix of uphill climbs and downhill descents. While it’s shorter than the multi-day Inca Trail, a good level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
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.
The highest point on this trail is the Sun Gate, at 2,720 meters (8,920 feet) above sea level. While altitude sickness is less common at this elevation, it’s advisable to spend a day or two acclimatizing in Cusco before starting the trek.
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.
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