Inca Trail 1 day
Overview
Express Inca Trail 1 day
- Cusco, Peru
- Recommended by 100% of travelers
Full day
10+ Travellers
2450 m
Easy
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 10 km (6.3 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 Piccchu 1 day Inclusions
What’s Included?
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 (around 6:20 pm or 7:00 pm), 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.
What’s Not Included
- Breakfast
- Tips for your guide
- Dinner
Inca Trail 1 day Itinerary
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 free time to explore or optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (if booked in advance).
Later, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our staff will meet you and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving in the evening.
Trekking Overview
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Highest Point: Sun Gate – 2,720 m (8,924 ft)
Start Elevation: 2,000 m (6,561 ft)
End Elevation: 1,900 m (6,234 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate
Weather: Warm and humid
Meals: Box lunch carried by the traveler
Train Schedule: Expedition (06:10) or Voyager (06:40), subject to availability
Packing List
Essentials
Passport
Bag
Bottle Water
Money Cash in Soles
Clothing
Rain jacket or rain poncho
long-sleeve trekking shirts
short-sleeve shirts
Pants
Deport Pants
Rain Jacket
Hat
Sunglasses
Beanie
Gloves
Short
Shoes
Additional Items
Sunscreen
Insect Repelent
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
This one-day trek is not recommended for travelers with serious back problems.
A professional tour guide accompanies you during the Inca Trail hike and the guided visit to Machu Picchu.
Daily departures operate with a minimum of 2 travelers.
Maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Wheelchair access is not available.
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:
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.
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.
Dry season: April to October
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:
Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (approx. 30 minutes)
Train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
Private transfer back to your hotel in Cusco
Estimated travel times:
Ollantaytambo → Cusco: 1.5 hours
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.
📍 Marquez Street 250, Second Floor, Office 03 – 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.
What information is required to issue the permit?
To process your Inca Trail permit, we need:
Full name (exactly as shown on your passport)
Nationality
Gender
Passport number
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:
In cash (USD or soles) one day before departure
By Visa credit card (5% service fee)
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.
Students aged 11–17: USD 30 discount
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?
This trek is considered challenging due to continuous hiking, stone steps, and altitude. A good level of physical fitness is strongly recommended.
Do I need to bring my original passport?
Yes. Your original passport is mandatory and will be checked at:
Km 104 checkpoint
Machu Picchu entrance
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?
Train schedules depend on availability. Typically:
Outbound: Early morning train from Ollantaytambo
Return: Afternoon train, arriving back in Cusco early evening
This schedule allows you enough rest for optional tours the following day.
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.