Our One-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is perfect for travelers who can't commit to the full Classic Inca Trail experience. This world-renowned hike offers an incredible journey through Incan history and culture, featuring ancient archaeological sites rich in Incan history, breathtaking panoramic views, key landmarks including Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Intipunku (Sun Gate), culminating in unforgettable views of majestic Machu Picchu.
This condensed version delivers the essence of the Inca Trail's magic in just one day, making it an ideal choice for time-conscious travelers who don't want to miss out on this historic experience.
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.
Note: Visiting Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain(*) is not possible due to time constraints.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu ful day | USD 399.00 |
Wiñay Wayna means 'forever young' and is considered a sacred site along the Inca Trail before reaching Machu Picchu.
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 is an archeological site left behind by the Incas believed to be dedicated to water.
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Adrian L
July 25, 2025
Hicimos el camino Inka de 2 días. Nuestro guía fue Eduardo y anduvimos muy contentos. Tuvimos un día maravilloso. El día anterior hicimos un briefing en nuestro hotel donde nos explicó todos los detalles importantes. El día del inicio quedamos en el km104 del tren y ahí empezamos la ruta. Fueron espectaculares todos los paisajes que vimos, las informaciones de Eduardo y todas las otras conversaciones que tuvimos con el. Es un guía muy tranquilo y con muy buena actitud.
Roberto P
July 24, 2025
Foi uma das experiências mais belas de minha vida. Paisagem majestosa, história fascinante e um guia (Percy) extraordinário.
Horacio V
July 24, 2025
Isabel - fue mi guía personal.. y déjame contarte que fue unas de las mejores experiencias de mi vida!!! Estuve con dios en cada momento de este viaje y siento que dios me conectó con ella. Increíble guía llena de amor, compassion y cariño. (Estuve un poco enfermo) y ella me recomendó exactamente lo que necesitaba. Lo máximo!! Súper agradecido, porque no solamente fue un guía sino una gran amiga. Un servició 10/10 rating. Porque Isabel lo hizo mágico. Es más que un guía es un ángel de compañía. Gracias Dios, gracias Perú, gracias Machu Picchu, y gracias Isabel por los lindos recuerdos! Hasta pronto… amén.
Quenia S
July 23, 2025
Fazer o Caminho dos Incas estava a muito tempo nos planos da nossa família. Tivemos a grande sorte de ter uma experiência única com o nosso guia Percy! O Caminho é exigente, mas Percy consegue unir tudo que importa: atenção aos detalhes, talento, generosidade e carisma. Tudo que se pode esperar de um guia…ele ultrapassa e muito! Só agradecer por todo cuidado e atenção! Foi uma escolha certeira fazer a viagem com a Inka Trail! Além disso, a equipe que acompanha é muito simpática e solícita e a comida do chef Richard foi sempre surpreendente.
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