1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Full day
Up to 8 travelers
2,720 m
Moderate
Inca Trail one day hike
The Inca Trail One Day is the perfect option for travelers who want to experience the magic of the Inca Trail but have limited time or prefer a shorter hike. This carefully designed route showcases stunning Andean landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and includes a visit to Wiñay Wayna, the most impressive archaeological site along the Inca Trail.
With a total distance of just 11 km (6.8 miles), this one-day trek captures the highlights of the classic route, offering an authentic Inca Trail experience in a single, unforgettable day—without the commitment of the full 4-day trek.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 day Inclusions
Included 10
- Hotel Pick-Up in Cusco: Start your adventure with a punctual pick-up directly from your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist Transfer to Ollantaytambo: Travel comfortably in a modern tourist vehicle through the scenic Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo train station.
- Scenic Train to Km 104: Enjoy a beautiful train ride along the Urubamba River to Km 104, the official starting point of the Inca Trail, with stunning views of mountains, cloud forest, and Inca sites.
- Professional Bilingual Tour Guide: A certified and experienced guide will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing Inca history, culture, and ensuring your safety at all times.
- Inca Trail Permit: Official entrance ticket to hike the exclusive Inca Trail route from Km 104 to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
- Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket: Guaranteed entrance to Machu Picchu, pre-arranged for a smooth and stress-free visit.
- Box Lunch on the Trail: A nutritious boxed lunch including fruits, snacks, sandwiches, and energy-rich items to keep you energized during the hike.
- Safety Equipment: First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle carried by your guide for your peace of mind.
- Return Train to Ollantaytambo: Evening train from Aguas Calientes (usually at 6:20 pm; the time may vary by season), allowing plenty of time to enjoy Machu Picchu without rushing.
- Private Transfer Back to Cusco: Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, private transportation will take you directly back to your hotel in Cusco.
Not Included 3
- Breakfast
- Tips for your guide
- Dinner
Packing List 17
- Passport
- Bag
- Water bottle
- Money Cash in Soles
- Rain jacket or rain poncho
- long-sleeve trekking shirts
- short-sleeve shirts
- Pants
- Sport pants
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Beanie
- Gloves
- Short
- Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Inca Trail 1 day Itinerary
1
Day 1
Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu
Your Inca Trail One Day adventure begins early with hotel pick-up in Cusco, followed by a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo train station. You’ll board a tourist train to Km 104, the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
The hike starts in lush cloud forest, home to diverse flora and fauna, and follows original Inca stone paths. Along the way, you’ll explore impressive archaeological sites, including Wiñay Wayna, one of the most beautiful and important ruins on the Inca Trail.
After a guided visit, you’ll continue to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll enjoy your first unforgettable view of Machu Picchu from above. From there, descend into the citadel for a guided tour of approximately two hours, followed by some free time to take photos.
Later, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you have some free time before the train (your boxed lunch is eaten on the trail). In the evening, usually at 6:20 pm (the time can vary by season), board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our staff will meet you and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving late at night.
Trekking Overview
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Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
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Highest Point: Sun Gate – 2,720 m (8,924 ft)
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Start Elevation: 2,170 m (7,120 ft) at Km 104
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End Elevation: 2,430 m (7,972 ft) at Machu Picchu
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Weather: Warm and humid
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Meals: Box lunch carried by the traveler
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Train Schedule: Expedition (06:10) or Voyager (06:40), subject to availability
Route & elevation profile
- 11 kmhiking distance (6.8 mi)
- 2,720 mhighest point on foot: Inti Punku (Sun Gate) (8,924 ft)
- +550 melevation gain from Km 104 · Chachabamba
- km 0 Km 104 · Chachabamba Start after the early train
- km 7 Wiñay Wayna Guided visit of the ruins
- km 9.8 Inti Punku (Sun Gate) First view of Machu Picchu
- km 11 Machu Picchu Guided tour, train back to Cusco
Which Inca Trail is right for you?
| Feature | This tour 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from Cusco | Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: 2 Days / 1 Night | Classic Inca Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Full day | 2 Days | 4 Days |
| Hiking distance | 11 km (6.8 mi) | 11 km (6.8 mi) | 40 km (24.9 mi) |
| Highest point | 2,720 m | 2,720 m | 4,215 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate | Challenging |
| Nights | None · back to Cusco the same day | 1 · hotel in Aguas Calientes | 3 · camping |
| Machu Picchu | Sun Gate view + 2-hour guided tour, same day | Twice: Sun Gate view (day 1) + guided tour (day 2) | Early-morning view from the Sun Gate (about 6:50 a.m.) + guided tour (day 4) |
| Price from | $399 | $569 | $780 |
Good to know
Important Information about Inca Trail one day
Trail Regulations
Access to the Inca Trail One Day (Km 104) is strictly limited to 250 people per day, including guides and authorized staff. Once this limit is reached, no further reservations are possible for that date. Permits are limited and should be booked well in advance, ideally several months ahead.
⚠️ The Inca Trail is closed in February for annual maintenance.
Things to Know Before You Go
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This one-day trek is not recommended for travelers with serious back problems.
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A professional tour guide accompanies you during the Inca Trail hike and the guided visit to Machu Picchu.
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Daily departures operate with a minimum of 2 travelers.
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Maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
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Wheelchair access is not available.
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Mandatory essentials: original passport, travel insurance, and personal medications.
Strikes & Contingency Plans
Strikes and roadblocks can occasionally affect transportation in Peru. If this occurs, we will adapt the itinerary to ensure your safety and continuity of the tour:
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Strike before the trek: Transfer to Aguas Calientes the night before (hotel at your own expense). The following day, you’ll hike an additional section to reach Km 104.
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Strike after visiting Machu Picchu: Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes (at your expense), followed by a hike to Hidroelectrica and a private van transfer back to Cusco.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. It may cover non-refundable permits in case of last-minute cancellations, as well as medical expenses due to illness or injury during your trip.
Weather Conditions
Weather in the Andes is unpredictable year-round.
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Dry season: April to October
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Rainy season: November to March
Rain can occur at any time, so bring proper rain gear and warm layers. You may experience several climates in one day—early mornings and evenings can be cold.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
All return logistics are organized by us:
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Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (approx. 30 minutes)
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Train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
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Private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco
Estimated travel times:
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Ollantaytambo → Cusco: 1.5 hours
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Poroy → Cusco: 40 minutes
Pre-Departure Briefing
A mandatory briefing takes place one day before departure at 6:00 PM at our Cusco office. You’ll meet your guide, review the itinerary, receive packing advice, and clarify any final questions.
Av. El Sol 900, Cusco
FAQs about Inca Trail 1 day
How do I secure my spot on the Inca Trail One Day?
To book, simply click BOOK NOW, choose your travel date, complete the traveler details, and pay a USD 150 deposit per person. Once we receive your deposit, we’ll send you a booking confirmation and request the required documents to issue your permit.
Is there a special rate for Peruvians and Andean Community residents?
Yes. Peruvians, residents of Peru and citizens of the Andean Community (Bolivia, Colombia and Ecuador) pay the same national rate for the Machu Picchu entrance: S/ 69 instead of the S/ 163 that foreign adults pay in 2026. Your tour price is reduced by that difference in the entrance fee; everything else stays the same. Send us your DNI or passport details and we will send you your exact price.
Can I book for 2027 now?
Yes. We are already taking 2027 bookings: you reserve your space by paying 40% of the tour price. We buy your Inca Trail permit from the Ministry of Culture as soon as sales open for your month, and your date is guaranteed once the permit is issued. High-season dates sell out fast, so booking early is the best way to get your date.
Which train class can I choose?
You choose the train class when you book: Expedition, Voyager or Vistadome. Most of our travelers choose Vistadome or Voyager. The fare depends on the class and the schedule, so we confirm the final price with your booking.
What information is required to issue the permit?
To process your Inca Trail permit, we need:
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Full name (exactly as shown on your passport)
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Nationality
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Gender
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Passport number
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Date of birth
A passport copy for each participant is mandatory, as required by the Peruvian authorities.
Is my departure date guaranteed once I book?
Yes. Once your permit is secured and confirmed, your departure date is 100% guaranteed.
Can I leave my luggage somewhere during the hike?
Yes. You may safely store extra luggage at our office or at your hotel. We recommend carrying only what you’ll need during the hike.
How and when do I pay the remaining balance?
The outstanding balance can be paid:
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In cash (USD or soles) one day before departure
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By Visa credit card (5% service fee)
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Via PayPal at least one week in advance (7% service fee)
Cash payments must be completed one day before the trek.
Are discounts available for students or children?
Yes.
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Students aged 11–17: USD 30 discount
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Children aged 2–11: USD 40 discount
Students aged 18 or older must present a valid physical student ID. Passport and student card copies must be sent at the time of booking.
Can I change my departure date after booking?
No. Once the Inca Trail One Day permit is issued, the date cannot be changed, transferred, or refunded. Only passport numbers can be updated if renewed.
How challenging is the Inca Trail One Day?
It is a moderate hike: about 11 km (6.8 miles) with around 550 m (1,800 ft) of climbing, mostly on uneven Inca stairs, in 6 to 8 hours including the visits. Anyone who walks regularly and has acclimatized in Cusco can do it; the long day (you return to Cusco at night) is often more tiring than the trail itself.
Do I need to bring my original passport?
Yes. Your original passport is mandatory and will be checked at:
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Km 104 checkpoint
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Machu Picchu entrance
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Train boarding
The passport must match the one used for your permit.
What if I renew my passport before the trip?
You may book using your old passport or any official ID with the same name. Once you receive your new passport, email us a copy immediately so we can update your permit.
What train schedules are used?
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Outbound: early morning train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (Expedition 6:10 am or Voyager 6:40 am, subject to availability).
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Return: usually the 6:20 pm train from Aguas Calientes; the time can vary by season.
You arrive back at your hotel in Cusco late at night.
Can I stay in the Sacred Valley before the hike?
Yes. Staying in Ollantaytambo or Urubamba allows for a later pick-up time, giving you extra rest before departure.
