For those who want the adventure but don’t have the time, the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is perfect. Get a taste of the Inca Trail before arriving into Machu Picchu for a guided tour. Pass spectacular mountains with views you will not quickly forget and thick green vegetation. Hike through the Machu Picchu National Park to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. From the gate get your first amazing view of Machu Picchu. Tour Machu Picchu in the afternoon when the crowds are less and your photos will be not crowded. Visit all the corners of the citadel and learn about the legends and mysteries of Machu Picchu.

If you are considering the 1 Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu, it is important to understand that you are doing the 2-day Inca Trail in 1 day. Trekkers need to be in moderate to excellent physical condition to arrive into Machu Picchu Citadel in time for the tour. Please consider the 2-day Short Inca Trail if you think that this tour will be too strenuous.

The 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Itinerary Overview.

• At 4:00am your guide will pick you up with our van at your hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo (5:30am)
• You will travel through Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo Train Station. (Train leaves at 6:10 am)
• The Expedition train ride consists of spectacular views in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It takes a little over an hour to get to KM 104.
• At 7:30 – 8:00 am, you and your guide will start hiking through the original Inca Trail till the Sun gate, from where you will have the first amazing view of Machu Picchu. The exact time depends on the group.
• You will explore amazing Inca cities along the Inca Trail, especially the Wiñay Wayna Inca ruins.
• You will have Box lunch after exploring the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, usually around noon.
• An hour or so after lunch you will arrive at the Sun Gate where you will get your first view of Machu Picchu!
• By 2:00pm you will start exploring Machu Picchu Citadel. Your guide will explain all the history of this amazing and mysterious Incan city.
• In the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset and take the iconic photo of Machu Picchu when it is empty of tourists.
• By 5:00pm take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, with time for a quick dinner in a restaurant, or to buy a takeout dinner to eat on the train. (Dinner is not included).
• The Expedition Train departs at 6:20pm take the train back to Cusco then we will drive you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. If you choose the Vistadome, your train will depart at 6:10pm.

It is not possible to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain due to time restraints.

If you choose, you can stay the night in Aguas Calientes but you need to make your own hotel reservation; we will book your return train for the next day. 

You can start the trek from Ollantaytambo

The trek will include Circuit 3 at Machu Picchu, if you require a different ticket for different circuit or one of the many treks you will need to purchase another ticket, the cost is US$75 per person.

Itinerary for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 Day

Day 1. Cusco – KM 104 – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Pick up will be at 4am from your hotel in Cusco. Travel through the Sacred Valley to the train station in Ollantaytambo. If you are staying in Ollantaytambo pick up will be at 5.30am.

Here the guide will provide you with a boxed lunch to put in your back pack, the train leaves from Ollantaytambo. Travel through the Sacred Valley for an hour and a half until you arrive at the start of the trail at KM104. Cross the bridge over the Urubamba River, show your passport and you are ready to start the 1 Day Inca Trail. Visit a nearby ruin before heading off on a gentle upward hike for 1 and a half hours. Stop several times to take pictures. The last 2 hours of the hike are steeper but you will be rewarded at the end with a wonderful waterfall.

Take some time on the bridge below the waterfall, take photos and gaze at Winay Wayna in the distance. On arrival to these Inca ruins hear the wonderful history. Some parts are still hidden beneath the dense jungle surrounding. The guide will give you an informative tour and you will get a great insight into the site. Our wonderful lunch spot in just a short walk away.

Savor every morsel of your delicious hearty gourmet lunch while enjoying your surroundings complete with tropical flowers. On booking don’t forget to tell us of your dietary restrictions or food allergies.

After lunch, a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, the hour-long walk is a gentle up and down path, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca, known as the Gringo Killers. Once you reach the stairs you are almost at the Sun Gate. See your first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. Take in the views and enjoy the majesty. This is the place to take those wonderful pictures. The hike down to Machu Picchu is an interesting mix of ruins and views, ask you guide to explain the importance of the places you pass.

On reaching Machu Picchu, take more pictures from the viewing platforms above Machu Picchu, known as the House of the Guardians. As you will arrive in the afternoon the site will start to empty of the hordes, giving you the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light. A 2-hour long tour of Machu Picchu where you will learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sections agricultural, residential and religious.

Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. In the evening at 6:20pm you will take the return Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo and catch our private van through the Sacred Valley to Cusco and your hotel.  You will arrive around 10:00 pm. If you upgrade to the Vistadome Train, you will depart Aguas Calientes at 6:10pm.

• Meals: Picnic lunch
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Note It is not possible to do the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb due to time restraints.

What is included in the 1 Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

• Transfer from the airport to your hotel
• Pick up at your hotel by your guide
• Private transport from your hotel to the train station
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• English speaking professional guide experienced in trekking
• Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo at 104 kilometers and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with private van connection to Cusco
• Admission Ticket to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu Archeological site
• Machu Picchu entrance (Circuit #3)
• Box lunch
• Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
• First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
• Food included in the itinerary

Not Included

• It is not possible to do the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb due to time restraints
• Energy snacks such as chocolate bars, dried fruits
• First breakfast & Dinner at Aguas Calientes
• Tips for the staff, our staff receives a fair payment immediately after they end their trip; tips are optional but greatly appreciated
• Upgrade to Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person – (Return only)