One Day Inca Trail: Join Us for an Unforgettable Expedition to Machu Picchu in Just One Day
Discover the heart of the Inca Empire in a single day. Hike through stunning landscapes and explore ancient ruins. A compact adventure packed with unforgettable moments.
The One Day Inca Trail is like a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart of the Andes. You get the thrill of hiking ancient Inca paths, checking out Wiñay Wayna, and arriving at the iconic Sun Gate for that first jaw-dropping view of Machu Picchu—all in a single day.
Heads up, though: This tour only gives you entry to Machu Picchu on Day 2 without a guide. Want the full deep-dive with a guided tour inside? Skip this and go for the 2-Day Inca Trail. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
You can start from Cusco or any other town in the Sacred Valley. It will be the same price.
- Secure your spot early! We recommend booking this tour at least 2 months in advance to guarantee availability and ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience.
- Please note that the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February, but Machu Picchu remains open for exploration. Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your experience.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Your private One day Inca trail will take you along the world-famous trekking route, through some of the most wonderful scenery.
Visit the beautiful ruin of Wiñaywayna, and admire its imposing architecture and spectacular setting.
Exploring ancient Inca ruins through a deeply informative guided tour.
Walk through the famous Sun Gate for that once in a lifetime first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
Marvel at magnificent Machu Picchu, one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Enjoying a full, active day with a provided box lunch to energize you before reaching Machu Picchu.
One Day Inca Trail ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Set off on an unforgettable journey that takes you on a guided exploration of one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.
Whether you start your day early at 4:00 a.m. with a convenient pickup from your Cusco hotel or meet your guide at Ollantaytambo train station at 5:30 a.m., you can customize your experience to fit your preferences. Need a boost? Snacks and coffee are available for purchase at the train station to fuel your adventure.
Begin your scenic journey with a comfortable train ride to Kilometer 104, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Andean landscape. After about an hour, the adventure truly begins as you step onto the one-day Inca Trail. A three-hour moderate uphill hike awaits, featuring stunning waterfalls and the picturesque Urubamba River along the way.
Your first reward comes when you reach Wiñay Wayna, an ancient Inca site built into the hillside. Take a well-deserved break, enjoy your provided box lunch, and soak in the awe-inspiring surroundings. This moment offers a unique opportunity to connect with the rich history and beauty of the region.
Continue your journey downhill, winding through a lush, jungle-like path, before tackling the infamous “Gringo Killer,” a steep staircase that leads to Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate. Here, you’ll experience your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, the iconic fortress believed to have once protected the citadel. Capture this moment with photos as you take in the stunning vista of Machu Picchu below.
Descend into the heart of Machu Picchu, where your guide will lead you on a brief visit to capture the classic postcard photo and soak in the wonder of this ancient site. You’ll have a short window to enjoy and take photos before exiting the site.
The next day, your ticket grants access to Circuit 5, allowing you to explore the central archaeological zone of Machu Picchu independently. However, please note that Circuit 5 does not include access to the viewpoints for the iconic Machu Picchu photo again, as this route focuses on the main ruins and temples.
Hiking time: 6.00 – 7.00 hours approx.
Kilometers covered: 11 km. (6.8 mi.) approx.
Low point: 2’030 m./6’658 ft. – High point: 2’650 m./8’692 ft. approx.
Access to Machu Picchu: Day 1 vs. Day 2 Options
Option 1: Visit Machu Picchu on Day 1
If you want to visit Machu Picchu immediately after completing the Inca Trail on Day 1, you will need to purchase an additional afternoon ticket for an extra cost of US$69.00. This allows you to enjoy a guided tour of the ruins as a courtesy. It’s ideal for those who want to explore Machu Picchu right after the hike without waiting until the next day.
Important: If you choose this option, the standard entry included with your Inca Trail (for Day 2) will be automatically forfeited. This ticket is non-refundable and non-transferable, meaning it cannot be used by another person or be exchanged for a different day.
Option 2: Visit Machu Picchu on Day 2
If you prefer to rest after your hike and visit Machu Picchu on Day 2, your Inca Trail ticket already includes access to Circuit 5, valid between 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM. This circuit allows you to explore the central archaeological area of Machu Picchu for up to 2 hours.
Please note: This visit will be self-guided, meaning you will explore Machu Picchu on your own, as the guide is not included on Day 2. Also, Circuit 5 does not include the classic viewpoints for the famous Machu Picchu photo.
Option 3: Guided Visit on Day 1 + Self-Guided on Day 2
For those who want the best of both worlds, you can choose to do a guided visit of Machu Picchu on Day 1 by purchasing the additional afternoon ticket for US$69.00, and then use your standard Day 2 entry for an independent visit the following morning.
This option allows you to experience Machu Picchu with a guide on Day 1 and return the next day for a self-guided exploration at your own pace. It’s a great way to get the full historical overview with a guide and then revisit the central ruins on your own.
Note: Your Day 2 entry will be limited to Circuit 5, giving you access to the main places in Machu Picchu citadel.
More photos about this amazing tour HERE
Important Information:
When you book the Inca Trail, you gain access to Circuit 5 of Machu Picchu, offering extensive exploration of this iconic site. If you wish to extend your visit, additional options are available at the time of booking. For more details on Machu Picchu circuits, please refer to the following link.
Important Booking Notice
One minute after completing your payment, you’ll receive an automatic email. Please check your inbox (including spam) and fill out the form within 48 hours to secure your tickets. This step is essential to confirm your reservation.
We recommend you book this tour at least 2 months in advance. If you have any extra questions about this tour please contact us or chat with us via +00 51 971 186 418
Which Extra Circuit Should You Buy?
- If You’re an Inca Architecture Geek:
Circuit 2 and Circuit 3 are your playgrounds! 🏛️ These routes will let you nerd out on all the intricate stonework, hidden temples, and mysterious structures that make Machu Picchu an architectural wonder. - For History Buffs:
Pick any circuit, and you’re in for a treat! 📜 Each path will tell you a different part of the Machu Picchu story, from ancient myths to Inca rituals. Just get ready to geek out on all the juicy history facts! - Photographers on the Hunt for That Perfect Shot:
Circuit 1 and the hikes up to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu are your dream come true. 📸✨ These routes have all the epic viewpoints, postcard-worthy angles, and jaw-dropping scenery you need to fill up your camera roll (and make your friends jealous). - Adventurers, This Way!
Love a good physical challenge? 🧗 Go for the Circuit 3 Caverns or the Machu Picchu Mountain Hike. These trails are steeper, wilder, and way less crowded. Plus, you get to explore hidden corners of Machu Picchu that most tourists never see. Now that’s how to do Machu Picchu like a pro. - Families with Kid
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Why book with us
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Our Impact on This Tour 🌿
When you book the 2-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, your experience goes beyond just visiting a world wonder:
Supporting Local Education
Every box lunch you enjoy is prepared by El Albergue, a restaurant that donates a portion of its revenue to fund scholarships for children in the Sacred Valley through the Kuska School.
Empowering Local Communities
We exclusively work with local guides who are fluent in Quechua, Spanish, and English, ensuring your adventure is guided by those who call these lands home.
Environmental Preservation
1% of your tour purchase is contributed to sustainabletravel.org to support carbon offset projects, protecting the delicate Andean ecosystem for future generations. Additionally, our box lunches are made with organic ingredients, and the packaging is an eco-friendly cloth material—completely plastic-free.
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Enjoy free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure on most tours. For tours including Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, please check our booking and cancellation policies for specific terms.
Travel with confidence knowing that if your plans change, we’re here to make things right. With us, there’s nothing to lose – just incredible adventures to gain.
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FAQs ABOUT ONE DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
- What is the One Day Inca Trail?
- The One Day Inca Trail is a shorter trek that allows visitors to experience the beauty of the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu in just one day.
- How long is the trek?
- The trek typically takes around 6-7 hours, including guided tours and exploration at Machu Picchu.
- Is a permit required for the One Day Inca Trail?
- Yes, a permit is required to enter the Inca Trail, even for the one-day trek. It’s advisable to book in advance as permits are limited.As part of our commitment to providing a hassle-free experience, please note that when you book a tour with us, we handle the necessary permits for your Inca Trail entry. These permits are included in your package, offering you peace of mind and ensuring you have a secured spot for this remarkable journey. When you book the Inca Trail, you gain access to Circuit 3 of Machu Picchu, offering extensive exploration of this iconic site. If you wish to extend your visit, additional options are available at the time of booking. For more details on Machu Picchu circuits, please refer to the following link.
- Do I need to be in good physical shape for the trek?
- While it’s not an extremely challenging trek, a reasonable level of fitness is recommended due to some uphill and downhill sections.
- Do I need extra days in Cusco to acclimatize for the One Day Inca Trail?
- No, the One Day Inca Trail does not pass through high altitudes, so additional acclimatization days in Cusco may not be necessary.
- What is the maximum altitude reached during the trek?
- The highest point on the One Day Inca Trail is the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at approximately 2,720 meters (8,920 feet).
- What should I bring for the trek?
- Essentials include comfortable hiking shoes, a daypack, sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, a camera, and a rain jacket.
- Are guided tours included in the One Day Inca Trail package?
- Yes, guided tours are typically included, providing insights into the history and significance of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Can I explore Machu Picchu on my own?
- Yes, after the guided tour, you have free time to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace.
- Are meals included in the trek?
- We include 1 gourmet box Lunch.
- Is the trek suitable for children?
- The One Day Inca Trail is generally suitable for older children who are accustomed to hiking. Ensure they are in good health and able to handle the trail.
- Where should I leave my big luggage? For the One-Day Inca Trail, we recommend leaving your larger luggage at your respective hotel in either Cusco or Ollantaytambo, where most hotels offer free luggage storage. Alternatively, you can also leave your luggage at the Inca Rail station in Ollantaytambo, which provides a complimentary luggage storage service. This allows you to travel light during the trek, bringing only what you need for the duration of the trail.
- Can I hire a porter for my belongings? Due to the relatively short distance covered on the One-Day Inca Trail, we do not offer porter services for this particular trek. The trek itself is designed to be manageable, with a total duration of around 6 hours. We recommend that participants carry a small backpack with a maximum weight of 8 kilograms (approximately 17.6 pounds). This approach allows you to enjoy the trek comfortably and connect more closely with the experience while ensuring that you have the essentials for the journey. Additionally, all the hotels in Aguas Calientes provide amenities such as towels, shampoo, and soaps for your convenience.
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DepartureCUSCO
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Departure Time4:00 am
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IncludedPermit to Inca Trail from km104Entry ticket to Inca TrailPermit to descend by train in km104- (Only available for travel companies)Virtual pre departure briefingPrivate transfer from your hotel in Cusco or any hotel in the sacred valley to the train station in OllantaytamboTrain from Ollantaytambo to km. 104Entrance to Machu Picchu on day 2 -circuit 5Private bilingual professional guide on day 1First Aid Kit1 Eco-friendly box lunchBus down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 1
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Not IncludedMeals in Aguas CalientesTrain service from Aguas Calientes to CuscoTipsBuses to Machu Picchu on day 2Tour Guide on Day 2 in case you stay in Aguas CalientesGuided tour in Machu Picchu on day 1Guided tour in Machu Picchu on day 2
It was the most memorable family advevture. Definitely once in a lifetime experience… we are very pleased with Pie Experience. Very attentive, communicative responsive. Rodrigo, our guide was a really good as he kept us peaceful, he went along with our pace and really made it all about us. We appreciate that. The terrain is challenging, but not impossible so if you’re going to attempt even the one day little bit of training, especially step climbing, inclines are my recommendation. Thank you for an unforgettable day! It’s definitely the highlight of our holidays and 2023!
3 Reviews
My girlfriend and I did the one day Inca trail with Pie Experiences and we couldn’t be happier with our experience. Our guide Rodrigo picked us up at our hotel and from there everything was taken care of. The hike is pretty strenuous, but the stunning views were more than worth it. Rodrigo always made sure to keep just the right pace with plenty of rest stops. He also seemed very knowledgeable of the impressive ruins along the trail. Thanks so much to Rodrigo for making our trip unforgettable.
We worked with Pie Experiences to book our day hike to Machu Picchu . Katherine was extremely responsive in helping us get everything squared away for our tour. Our tour guide, Rodrigo, was a dream to work with. My parents and sister along with my husband and myself did the hike. Rodrigo was patient and took an easy pace to make sure we were all comfortable. He was very informative about all the archeological sites on the trail as well as Machu Picchu itself. He even gave us a lot of info about the plants and animals along the way, which was really special to our group, especially to my mom and me. The lunch provided during the hike was great, and the hotel and restaurant reserved for the evening in Agues Calientes was perfect.
This was our first time in Peru, but we will definitely be back. And we will certainly use Pie Experiences to help us when we make the trip!