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Up to 8 People
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2,720 m / 8,924 ft
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12 Km / 7.4 miles
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Moderate
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$ 399.00 USD
Regular Price: $ 430.00 USD

1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Ultimate Guide for Hikers

Dead Woman’s Pass - Runkurakay - Sayacmarca - Phuyupatamarca - Wiñay Wayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu

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 days

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a famous multi-day trek through the Andes, but the full-day version (often called the "short Inca Trail") offers a condensed experience. Here’s a summary of what to expect on this one-day journey:

1. Start

The trek typically begins at the Km 104 marker along the railway to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. You will meet your guide and start hiking early in the morning.

2. Scenic Route

The trail covers approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) and ascends through lush cloud forests, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the Urubamba River.

3. Key Sites

Along the way, hikers pass Chachabamba (an ancient Inca site), and then the path continues through Wiñay Wayna, one of the most stunning Inca ruins on the trail. The site includes well-preserved terraces, fountains, and structures.

4. Arrival at Machu Picchu

The trail culminates at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. After taking in the view, it’s a short descent to the entrance of the ruins.

5. End of Hike

After exploring Machu Picchu, you can either return to Aguas Calientes by train or continue on to visit more of the ruins.

This one-day trek is an excellent option for those with limited time but still wanting to experience the majesty of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

ITINERARY

Complete 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Ultimate Guide for Hikers 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 Wiayhuayna 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

  •  One day before “briefing about your trail with our staff at our office”.
  •  Round trip tourist transportation.
  •  Tourist train to and from.
  •  Bus Consettur down.
  •  Highly qualified professional guide (English - Spanish).
  •  Entrance ticket to the short Inca Trail.
  •  Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
  •  1 box lunch (Options: vegetarian, vegan, celiac, etc.).
  •  First aid kit and oxygen balloon (Our guides are highly qualified in first aid and mountain rescue, so we have a plan of care, land and air evacuations).

No Included

  •  Trekking poles.
  •  Additional costs or delays beyond our control such as: Natural disasters, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to passenger's health problems (suffering from an illness or health problem), pandemic, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, etc.

Note: It is not possible to add income to Huayna Picchu.

Extras

  • Walking sticks (US$15 for a pair of sticks).
  • Vistadome train (US$50 Additional and subject to availability).
  • We can help you to book hotels (standard and luxury) in whole Peru.

Hotels in Cusco: no matter what the standard you would like (Standard, Economy, First Class, or Luxury) you should ask us to book your room as we know all the different rates for every hotel in Cusco and might secure you a pretty sweet deal.

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
 
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