1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
1-Day Express Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
Get to know the sanctuary of Machu Picchu on a 1-day tour from the city of Cusco, whilst hiking part of the most famous trail in Peru, the Inca trail to Machu Picchu! Designed for those with limited time in Peru, your private tour of the Inca Trail will take you door to door to the Lost Inca City and back to your hotel in Cusco in just one day.
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will take you on a 13 km journey through Inca history, visiting the impressive sites of Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna and Inti Punku sun gate, before reaching one of the 7 wonders of the world Macchu Picchu!
Route Highlights
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Overview
- 4:00am : Pick up from your hotel in Cusco
- 5:45am : Arrive at Ollantaytambo Train station
- 6:10am : Train journey to Kilometer 104
- 7:20am : Hike from Km 104 to Wiñayhuayna
- 10:45am : Guided tour of Inca ruins and lunch
- 12:00pm : Afternoon hike to Machu Picchu
- 2pm – 5:00pm : Afternoon guided tour of Machu Picchu
- 5:30pm : Travel by bus to Aguas Calientes
- 6:30pm : Return train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- 8:30pm : Private transport back to Cusco
- 10:00pm : Arrive at hotel in Cusco
CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – INCA TRAIL – KM 104 – WIÑAYWAYNA – PUERTA DEL SOL – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO
The Inca Trail 1-day tour begins with pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 4am.
After a 1-hour 30 minute drive through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you’ll arrive at the train station in Ollantaytambo ready to board your train at 6:10am.
Once you have boarded the train, you will embark on a 1-hour train journey to the start of the hike at Kilometer 104 at 2,200m / 7,217 ft.
After crossing the bridge over the Willkamayu River (Sacred River in Quechua), you’ll arrive at the first checkpoint of the Inca trail. Here you will show your Passport, Registration Card or National Identity Document, to pass into national park. The first archaeological site of the day, Chachabamba (valley of the trees in Quechua), is a 15 minute walk away, inside a pristine semi-tropical Andean forest, surrounded by fertile land and lush vegetation.
Once you have had chance to explore the ruins of Chachabamba, you will begin the 3-hour climb up the mountain trail to Wiñaywayna. The hike is tough but steady, and will treat you to spectacular views of agricultural stepped terraces, cloud forests and glistening waterfalls. Along the trail you will also get to know the local collection of flora and fauna unique to the region. Such as the Wiñay Wayna orchid, the Molle shrub and the Qeuña (Polylepis racemosa).
At around 11am, you’ll arrive at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna. The name means ‘Forever Young’ in Quechua and is inspired by the beautiful orchids that surround the site. Located at 2,650 m / 8,694 ft, the complex it situated upon the steep slopes of the hillside, amongst 40 levels of agricultural stepped terraces, overlooking the Urubamba River. Built by the Emperor Pachacutec in the 15th century, the citadel is one of the most famous sites within the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and was once an important venue for agriculture, religion and administration. Here your guide will take you on a journey through its history and provide you with an opportunity to rest and eat the lunch box we have prepared for you.
After lunch in Wiñayhuayna, you will begin the afternoons’ hike to the Inti Punku Sun Gate. The Andean path and stone steps will be a challenge to the best of us, but after enduring the climb for an hour or so, you’ll be greeted by the most breathtaking, panoramic view of Machu Picchu. At 2,720 m / 8,923 ft, the sun gate is strategically located to welcome noble visitors of the Inca citadel, acting as a control gate for its elite visitors. As well as offering one of the most stunning views of the sanctuary and its surrounding mountains, the sacred site is also famed for framing the sunrise during the winter solstice in June.
With a camera full of photos of that unforgettable view, you’ll follow the trail onward to Machu Picchu. Descending 45 mins, to the gates of the Lost city of the Incas at 2,490 m / 8,169 ft.
Once you have entered the citadel, you’ll have an afternoon guided tour of Machu Picchu lasting 2.5 hours. Throughout the tour, your guide will take you on a journey through the rich history of the Inca sanctuary, leading you along its famous sites to the legendary panoramic viewpoint. From there you will be best poised for the perfect view of Machu Picchu and the iconic bucket list photos you have been waiting for.
With a camera full of pictures, you will continue on with your guide through the ancient Inca streets to such landmarks as the temple of the sun, the central plaza and the iconic stepped terraces. As well as having time to explore the mysteries of the sanctuary alone.
Once you have regrouped with your guide, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes. There will be time to have dinner in one of Machu Picchu towns’ many restaurants (optional extra), before boarding the 6:30pm train back to Ollantaytambo. There you will be greeted by your guide and your private transportation, who will take you on the 2-hour drive back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco is approximately 10pm.
End of the tour services 🙂

What’s Included in the 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
Included
- Pick up from the hotel in Cusco
- Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide
- Entrance ticket to Inca Trail.
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu for the afternoon.
- Private transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Train ticket : Ollantaytambo – Kilometer 104
- Train ticket : Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Bus ticket : Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle
- Food : 1 Lunch box
Not Included
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Extra drinks and snacks
- Gratuities / Tips for the guide and driver
Recommendations to bring
- Original passport – expiration date no less than 7 months
- Valid Student ID card (if student booking)
- Good quality walking boots or shoes
- Trekking poles (can be rented at agency)
- Canteen water bottle as you should drink plenty of fluid throughout the tour
- Raincoat or long poncho (for rainy season)
- Waterproof trousers (for rainy season)
- Long sleeve shirts
- Long trousers
- Shorts suitable for hiking
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat – UPV is strong at altitude
- Sunglasses
- Medicine/personal effects (eg. contact lense liquid)
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Camera or phone camera
- Portable battery charger
- Toilet paper (not usually found on trail)
- Cash/coins – small denominations – soles & dollars
Packing List
ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
- Original Passport
- VALID STUDENT ID CARD (if booked as a student)
- Immigration card (delivered on the airport upon entering Peru)
- Good quality backpack (medium sized)
- Water storage bottle or canteen: Camelbak bottles are recommended, but all need to be sufficient to hold 1-2 litres
- Comfortable shoes, preferably light with good soles (waterproof goretex for rainy seasons)
FOR YOUR BAGGAGE:
The train has a luggage limit of 7-8 kilograms per person. We therefore recommend bringing only important and necessary items to Aguas Calientes.
- 1 long sleeve shirt
- 1 breathable t-shirt
- 1 trousers
- 1 set of underwear
- 1 pair of socks
- 1 shorts (suitable for hiking)
- 1 fleece
- 1 waterproof coat and pants (for rainy seasons)
- 1 sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Battery charger for phone and cameras
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Facial moisturiser
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
ITEMS TO TAKE INSIDE MACHU PICCHU:
We recommend taking a backpack into the citadel, however please be aware that bags of more than 25 liters will not be allowed. Larger backpacks will need be stored outside the gates of the citadel.
- Water bottle/canteen
- Sun hat
- Rain clothes
- Camera or phone camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper & small plastic bag for waste
- Extra cash for souvenirs, drinks and tips
Additional Information
VISTADOME TRAIN FIRST CLASS OR INCA RAIL 360º TRAIN : For an additional payment of $40 USD per person, you can upgrade your tour package to the Vistadome class train or the Inca Rail 360º train for the return journey from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The upgrade is subject to the availability of trains on the dates you wish to travel.
VISTADOME TRAIN
EXPEDITION TRAIN
DISCOUNTS:
* Foreign tourists with a student card, under 25 years old, current expiration date of the same year, get a discount.
For more information write to us by email: machupicchuviajesperu@gmail.com or to WhatsApp +51 995050803
- The hotel reservation is subject to space availability.
- The cost of the tour packages is based on a double or matrimonial room. For an individual room, an additional payment must be made.
- We can also organize a travel itinerary according to your requirements and the places you want to visit. These can be with category 3, * 4 *, and 5 * hotels.
- For more queries and information write to us by email:​machupicchuviajesperu@gmail.com
WHY CHOOSE MACHU PICCHU VIAJES PERU?
- We are a local tour operator based in Cusco with 15 years of experience as a Tour operator 100% Cusquenian Company.
- We have all the Authorizations and licensed by the Peruvian government as proof that we are an official tour operator.
- We have the Best Tour guides (Fluent in English and Spanish): We are so proud of our guides! They are highly professional, licensed and degrees by the Peruvian government and speak fluent English and Spanish. They are very knowledgeable and passionate about Incan heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development. They do research to ensure that you receive accurately and recognized theories in Incan and Andean cultures.
- Small groups & Personalized and High-quality service (Customized Private Tour), This fact alone sets us apart from other companies that operate departures with bigger groups.
- No hidden prices or Surprises/ We Never Pass you onto another operator as most travel agencies do here. We will depart even if you are a group of 02 persons (Departure of tours is 100% guaranteed).
- We never share services with other companies as most travel agencies do here to Minimize cost
- We are a Sustainable and eco-friendly tour company, Machu Picchu Viajes Peru has always believed that we should “give back” to the communities we pass through on our treks. Therefore, as part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we socially support and employ these communities.
- We are committed to social projects and improving living conditions for the children of Peru.
- Our dream as a locally based company is to create small personalized tours & treks strictly and only operated by local professional staff catering to Personalized and High-quality service.
- We treat our team of porters the best with a HOUSE for them to sleep in and proper equipment, wages, and health insurance for everyone
- Master Chefs The best in the Cusco region
- The food provided on our treks is the best( buffet Style and plenty of food)
- The best Camping Equipment for the Inca Trail and alternative treks (spacious tents 4 season aluminum poles tents, Eating & Cooking tents, Portable table & chairs, comfortable mattresses, and more…)
- Our tourist transports are exclusively for our services, which are completely reliable, comfortable, safe and with all the necessary authorizations.
“Machu Picchu Viajes Perú” We know how important it is to trust a trustworthy honest operator to create the adventure of a lifetime while in Peru. Take a look at our reviews and certificates of excellence in Tripadvisor
Where does the tour start and end?
- All ours tours begins with the pick up to the tourists at the door of their hotels “We pick up to our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco”, We recommend to stay close to the historical center of the city of Cusco, it will make it easier to find your hotel.
- All our tours ends at the door of the hotels, it means the tours will finish with transfer to your respective hotel located in Cusco.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
- The altitude sickness or soroche can cause you some discomfort during your visit such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before the visit.
- To reduce symptoms, try to acclimatize yourself one day before to the altitude of the city of Cusco. We recommend to drink infusions of coca leaf (natural plant used by the Incas) is an excellent option to avoid the actitude sickness.
How is the accommodation?
- For all the tours which include hotels. We offer hotels of 3* and 4* category, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, bathrooms, hot showers and bueffet breakfast. If the tourist like, you can change the accommodation to a better service. You just have to request it via email for an additional cost.
Which season is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
- The dry season months between April to December are the best time to come and visit Cusco. During those days the possibility of rain is very little, so the roads are not swampy and the landscapes can be better to enjoy and takes the best pictures. On the other hand, the months with the most rain are January, February and March.
What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?
- The coldest season in Cusco are in the months from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes and Jackets are necessary to bring during these months.
How long in advance can I request the tour?
- We recommend to purchase the tours weeks or months in advance, this because the train and Machu Picchu tickets has a limit of spaces, dont wait until the lust minute to book your tour, other ways you will not be able to find spaces.
During the trip to Machu Picchu, where the big luggages will stay?
The train company that operates to Machu Picchu does not allow the traveler to carry a suitcase that weighs more than 7 kilograms. To go up and visit the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry a light and small backpack for your convenience; the rest of the luggages you can leave them without any problem at the storage of your hotel in Cusco, or you can also leave at our office in Cusco city, we have an storage too.
Very Important in case you want to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu:
- CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS: If you want to book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, you must to book early to get your desired date. Depending on the month you prefer to do the hike, you may need to book 6 months or more in advance, the limit of spaces for the inca trail 4 days is 400 people per each day.
- SHORT INCA TRAIL: If you are booking the 1 or 2 day Inca Trail, it is preferred that you also book in advance, however 2 to 4 month in advance would be good, the limit of spaces for the short inca trail is 200 people per each day.
When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
- The best time of year to do the inca trail is between May to October, with August and September being the best months of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season between November to April the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.
What are customers saying about Us
At Machu Picchu Viajes Perú, our goal is to create the best possible experience for all our clients. Proof of our commitment is reflected in our customer recommendations.
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4.9/5 Reviews
Over 10,000 travelers servedMore than a trip, we create authentic experiences in Peru
We specialize in designing personalized trips to Machu Picchu and the main destinations in Peru, combining impeccable organization, personalized attention, and deep local knowledge.
Proven Experience
Years of experience operating routes such as the Inca Trail, Salkantay, and cultural tours, with packages throughout Peru.
Specialized Local Team
Certified guides and trained staff who guarantee quality service and professional support.
Safe and Official Operations
Company registered and authorized by official tourism entities in Peru.
Commitment to the Community
We work with local providers promoting sustainable development and responsible tourism.
National and international distinctions that support our commitment to quality and excellence in every experience.
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a highly recommended company on Tripadvisor, ranked as one of the best tour operators nationwide, winner of the 2025 Excellence Award.
Certificates and Authorizations
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru is a company fully authorized by the Peruvian government, certifying us as a legally established company with multiple excellence certificates.
Machu Picchu Viajes Peru meets the highest social and environmental standards in the tour operator market, meaning we practice sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism.
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