Inca Trail

One Day Inca Trail Hike

Experience a section of the Inca Trail in a single day, hiking from Km 104 through Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. The route combines archaeological discoveries, mountain scenery and arrival at the citadel on foot.

Editorial rating: 5/5

US$ 485: Price from
1 Day: Duration
2700 msnm: Maximum altitude
Max 8: Maximum group size
Moderate: Difficulty
Cusco: Starting point
English & Spanish: Languages
Pre- booking: Availability
March - January: Season

Overview

Guided experienceEnglish speaking professional guide experienced in trekking

Group sizeMax 8

Personal attentionAsk our team about your travel plans.

Your itineraryExplore the route and arrangements for your journey below.

Tour Highlights

DAY 1

Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco:

Detailed Itinerary

1DAY 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñaywayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Caliente – Cusco

The Inca Trail is one of the most iconic trekking routes in the world, a journey that combines history, nature, and adventure as you follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas. This tour begins at 4:00 a.m., with pickup from your hotel in Cusco or, if you prefer, in Ollantaytambo, heading to the train station. Before boarding, our guide will provide each traveler with a boxed lunch. The train ride will take us to the famous Kilometer 104, where the checkpoint is located to enter the fascinating Inca Trail.

The official trek starts at Kilometer 104, from where we begin the hike along ancient trails surrounded by high Andean jungle and mountainous landscapes, with approximately 3 hours of ascent. Along the way, we will discover several Inca archaeological sites, showcasing the skill of their builders and their deep connection with nature.

One of the most impressive highlights is Wiñay Wayna, an archaeological complex whose name means “Forever Young” in Quechua. Its agricultural terraces, temples, and ceremonial fountains reflect Inca ingenuity and spirituality, while also offering spectacular views of the jungle and surrounding mountains. After this visit, we will make a short stop to enjoy our boxed lunch.

Next, we continue our hike to reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we will get our first panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

Finally, the hike culminates at Machu Picchu, where we will stop at a platform near the Guardhouse to take the classic photos of this iconic site. We will arrive in the afternoon, meaning there will be fewer tourists, perfect for exploring the citadel and taking pictures without large crowds. Then, our guide will lead a 2-hour tour of the citadel, explaining its history, architecture, and the secrets of the Incas.

After this magical experience, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. In the evening, at 6:20 p.m., we will board the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will take us back to Cusco and drop us off at your hotel.

Meals: Picnic lunch
Aguas Calientes elevation: 2040 m / 6692 ft
Machu Picchu Elevation: 2430 m/ 7972 ft.
Walking time: 6 hours

What’s Included?

Included
Hotel pick up (We do offer DOOR to DOOR service).
Private transportation from your hotel to the train station
Permits for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and entrance to Machu Picchu.
Bus tickets: from Machu Pichu down to Aguas Calientes
English speaking professional guide experienced in trekking
Private guided tour in Machu Picchu
box lunch
Train Tickets from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
Taxes

What’s Not Included?

Huayna Picchu Mountain: $75 USD per person ( It is not possible to do in one day)
First breakfast and Diner
Tips for your staff

Frequently asked questions

WELCOME TO CUSCO

You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and we drive you to your hotel, please send us the information about flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek or tour. Look out for our representative holding an NOMAD IN PERU logo at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!

THE BRIEFING

We use to visit at your hotel from at 6pm or 7pm or if you prefer during the day, please you could send us an email with details to get your briefing time Will be ready any time for our clients.

HOW TO BOOK THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 1 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU TREK?

STEP ONE, to book our One Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu, please complete our booking form by clicking on the BOOK NOW button on our homepage or simply click here to access the torm.
You will need to provide the following personal information exactly as it appears on your passport:

STEP TWO, we require an initial payment USD $ 200 equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount, per person.

WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?

The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount, to ensure the date of the service. And the remaining payment will be paid immediately before one or two days of the start of the service in cusco. And ( if you want to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru you can pay in cash in US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in cusco there are many ATMs, or you can do it by this same means.
Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DATE AFTER PURCHASING THE PERMITS?

Unfortunately, it is not possible. The Peruvian government doesn’t allow us to change once the one-day Inca trail permits have been bought. Short Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. The only information that the government allows us to

Note: If you cancel your Cusco Machu Picchu Tour, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I HAVE TO PRESENT MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE TOUR?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your Short Inca Trail one days permit. Your passport will be checked at the Short Inca trail checkpoint, Machu Picchu, and when you board the train.

HOW IS THE CLIMATE IN CUSCO?

The climate in our country is very variant and does not consider the normal 4 seasons. Here, in just one day we can see all of the seasons! And this is why we recommend our visitors to be prepared for any occasion, either for rain or sunny days.
The Best time to hike the Short Inca Trail is April to October which is the dry season in the Peruvian Andes. The driest months in Short Inca Trail are May, June, July, and August. But, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu will be very busy with tons of visitors.
The wet season begins in November and finishes in March. It is possible to hike the Machu Picchu 2 day trek in the rainy season but you need to bring good rain gear.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip though not compulsory is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek.

Plan your journey

Published prices and conditions

PRICE
The One Day Inca Trail hike is available only by group service (from 2 persons). Then, we need minimum 2 persons to open this service for you.
Group Price (USD per person)
Group Service: US$ 485.00
Private Service: US$ 547.00
(best Price!)

Max Group Size: 8
Reservation price (deposit): USD $200 per person
Balance (Cusco): Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing

Group vs. Private Treks: What's the Difference?

Group Trek: Depending on the number of people in your booking, other travelers may join your group to form a larger group.
Private Trek: If you choose a private trek, the experience will be exclusively for you and your travel companions. No additional participants will join your group, regardless of the number of people in your booking. You will enjoy a more personalized experience with your own guide and trekking team.

*All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $25 USD. Private treks, single trekker, custom treks, large groups, and packages welcome email us to customize.

Packing recommendations

PACKING LIST
Packing List for the Short Inca Trail (1 Day) to Machu Picchu
Consider weather, remoteness, season, distance, and access to villages/transport. If you’re new to day hiking, bring the following: