logo inca trail
Accommodation Icon
Camps
Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 8 People
Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
2,720 m / 8,924 ft
Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
12 Km / 7.4 miles
Total Hiking
Difficulty Icon
Moderate
Difficulty
Offer from
$ 399.00 USD
Regular Price: $ 430.00 USD

> Tours > Inca Trail

1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Chachabamba - Wiñayhuayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Cusco

The world-famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the best trekking routes in South America. Walk in the footsteps of our Inca nobility ancestors to their incredible Inca fortress, Machu Picchu, and dare to discover their secrets.

The Inca Trail is where those most daring choose to trek to Machu Picchu, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit unique archaeological sites that can only be accessed on foot along this route and become enveloped in the stunning Andean mountain landscape and thick vegetation. You’ll be challenged along the way but will receive the most amazing reward when you enter through the Sun Gate to look over mystical Machu Picchu for the first time.

SUMMARY

Inca Trail 1 day

Start your unforgettable 1-day Inca Trail adventure with hotel pickup in Cusco and transfer to Km 104, the official starting point of this short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Our first stop is the archaeological site of Chachabamba (2,250 m), once a key agricultural center that supplied crops to Machu Picchu. As we hike upward, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Urubamba River and pass through lush cloud forests filled with vibrant orchids and native flora.

We then arrive at Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Inca sites on the trail. After exploring, we pause for a well-deserved lunch in the heart of nature.

In the afternoon, we continue along the ancient stone path toward Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), where you’ll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Machu Picchu from above — a truly unforgettable moment during the golden light of late afternoon.

Upon reaching the citadel of Machu Picchu (2,400 m), enjoy a 2-hour guided tour through its majestic temples, terraces, and sacred enclosures, followed by free time to explore at your own pace.

In the late afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes for your scenic train journey back to Cusco, where we’ll transfer you to your hotel, marking the perfect end to your Inca Trail express hike.

ITINERARY

Complete 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Itinerary

Inca Trail Full Day Ollantaytambo Train Station, starting point for journeys to Machu Picchu Chachabamba archaeological site at KM 104 on the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Wiñayhuayna archaeological site along the 2-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu View of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) on the 2-day Inca Trail Machu Picchu

INCLUDED

Included

  • Briefing Session: Meet your expert Inca Trail guide at our offices (or a designated location) at 18:00 hrs for a detailed tour briefing.
  • Round-Trip Tourist Transportation: Comfortable transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and back.
  • Expedition Train Service: Scenic train journey from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (Chachabamba), the starting point of the Inca Trail.
  • Return Train to Ollantaytambo: Travel back from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo aboard the Expedition tourist train.
  • Consettur Bus Service: Round-trip bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
  • Professional Bilingual Guide: Expert guide in English and Spanish, certified in mountain safety.
  • Inca Trail Entrance Ticket: Includes access to Machu Picchu Circuit 1.
  • Gourmet Box Lunch: A nutritious meal with options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more.
  • First Aid & Emergency Support: Equipped with a first aid kit and oxygen tank. Our guides are trained in wilderness first aid, mountain rescue, and emergency evacuations (ground and air).
  • 24/7 Customer Support: Our team is available 24/7 to assist you before and during your trek.
  • Complimentary Luggage Storage: Secure luggage storage available at our Cusco office, exclusively for our travelers.

No Included

  • Hiking Poles: Recommended for better stability and support during the trek.
  • Machu Picchu Entry Ticket (Afternoon): Includes access to Circuit 2 or Circuit 3, depending on availability.
  • Unforeseen Expenses & Delays: Any additional costs or delays caused by factors beyond our control, such as natural disasters, extreme weather, itinerary changes due to passenger health conditions (illness or medical issues), pandemics, government policy changes, political unrest, strikes, and more.

 

Important Notice: Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain (*) are not accessible on this tour due to time constraints.

Extras

  • 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.

Discounts

  • To qualify as a student, it is necessary to have a valid ISIC card. Scan the card and email us the copy at the time of your booking. We will then offer a US$20 discount per student.
  • For children younger than 16, we offer a US$20 discount (you also need to scan and email us a copy of the passports).
  • For children younger than 7, we offer a US$40 discount (same here: you need to scan and email the passports)
¿WHAT TO BRING?

  •  Original passport.
  •  Trekking shoes.
  •  Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
  •  Warm clothes.
  •  Short and long sleeve polo shirts.
  •  Comfortable pants.
  •  Sun hat.
  •  Sunglasses.
  •  Sunscreen.
  •  Reusable water bottles.
  •  Insect repellent.
  •  Personal hygiene items.
  •  Personal medications.
  •  Camera.
  •  Flashlight with extra batteries.
  •  Shorts.
  •  Trekking poles.
  •  Bandages and sandals.
  •  Extra money.
  •  Bathing suit.
MAP

Inca Trail 1 Day to Machu Picchu map
ATRACTIONS

A brief description of the attractions you will see below

ChachabambaChachabamba is an archeological site left behind by the Incas believed to be dedicated to water.


Chachabamba - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

WiñayhuaynaWiñayhuayna means 'forever young' and is considered to be a sacred place along the Inca Trail before coming to Machu Picchu.


Wi単ayhuayna - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

IntipunkuIntipunku is also called the 'Sun Gate' and leads to Machu Picchu. This is a great vantage point where you will get your first view of Machu Picchu. It was used by the Incas during their ceremonies for the summer solstice in December.


Inti Punku - Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
 
Tour Map

CERTIFICATIONS:

ISO9001

Commitment to quality, we have ISO 9001, ensuring excellence in our services.

ISO14001

With ISO 14001 we prioritize environmental sustainability, reducing our impact on the planet.

official agency 2024

We are an official agency and tour operator, ensuring a unique and high quality travel experience.

travelchoise 2024

Traveler's Choice Award in 2023, a testament to our dedication to exceptional travel experiences.