Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – 01 Day
Do you want to experience the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the longer multi-day trek? This one-day version is perfect for travelers with limited time or no prior trekking experience. The trek includes breathtaking scenery, impressive archaeological sites, and ends with your first view of Machu Picchu through the Sungate just as the Incas did.
General Itinerary
This is a 1-day tour departing from Cusco or Sacred Valley and ending at Machu Picchu.
Distance
The total trekking distance covered is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
Duration
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours in total, from early morning to evening.
Day 1: Cusco or Sacred Valley Hotel to Km 104 – The Start of the Trek
- Morning: Departure from Cusco
- Early morning: You’ll depart from Cusco at 2:30 am or the Sacred Valley at 3:30 am to the starting point of the trek at Km 104, by train ride from Ollantaytambo station.
- Train to Km 104
- The train ride is around 1.5 hours, passing through the Sacred Valley and offering scenic views of the Urubamba River and surrounding mountains.
- Start the Trek (Km 104)
- After disembarking the train at Km 104, you’ll start the trek with a moderate climb. Your first stop is the Chachabamba archaeological site, a smaller Inca site where you’ll get an introduction to the history of the Inca Trail.
- Climb to Wiñay Wayna
- After visiting Chachabamba, you’ll begin the ascent towards Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological sites along the Inca Trail. The hike to Wiñay Wayna is about 3-4 hours, with stunning views of the valley below.
- Wiñay Wayna is a beautiful Inca site with terracing, a temple, and an agricultural center. It’s also the perfect place to take a break, enjoy the scenery, and learn about Incan culture from your guide.
Lunch Break
- After exploring Wiñay Wayna ancient site, continue hiking to the nearby campsite. Here, you’ll enjoy your delicious box lunch with your fellow trekkers.
- Arrive to Inti Punku (The Sun Gate)
- After lunch, you hike the last 6 km / 3.7 miles in a flat section of the trail. After around 2 hours, you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
- Sun Gate to Machu Picchu
- Enjoy 45 minutes of downhill hiking with Machu Picchu in front of you the entire time. Admire the famous Pachamama Temple and the original 100% Inca Trail.
- Machu Picchu Guided Tour
- Take your iconic photo of Machu Picchu from the most famous viewpoint. Enjoy the healing energy of Machu Picchu with fewer people. Your guide will give you a tour visiting the most important temples of the site for about 2 hours.
What to Bring
- PASSPORT (required)
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Another pair of comfy shoes for the train ride (especially during wet season)
- Rain gear
- Warm layers (mornings can be cold)
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
- Water and snacks
- Personal items (medicine, personal care)
Include
- Briefing one day before the hike
- Transportation hotel / train station / hotel
- Box lunch
- Round-trip train tickets
- Round-trip bus tickets
- Inca Trail permit
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Expedition train (upgrade available upon request)
- Fluent English-speaking guide certified by the government of Peru
- Hiking poles
- First aid kit
- Oxygen tank
Not Included
- Wayna Picchu Mountain (subject to availability – inquire)
- Machu Picchu Mountain (subject to availability – inquire)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the crew
- Hotel accommodation
- Breakfast, dinner
- Extra transportation if needed (inquire)
JOEL BEJAR ESPINOZA
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Recomendations
It was spectacular!! Beautiful views!! I loved it. I recommend them, excellent guide!! If I were to return, I would hire them again.
It was wonderful how they explained everything, the attention they paid, how quickly they resolved any problems. In short, I loved it, and my friends recommend them 100%. Thank you so much, we felt safe at all times.
Excellent service, responsible, super punctual, excellent guides, very knowledgeable and respectful, they know what they're doing and take beautiful photos, 100% recommended
Very great time and appreciated all Mijail did for me and everyone else. Truly made it a magical experience and we felt cared for the whole way