Enjoy Machu Picchu in one day trek on the Inca Trail

1-Day Inca Trail Hike
to Machu Picchu

Day Tour
Vidal Expeditions Video
Accommodation Icon
No Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 10 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
2,720 m / 8,924 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty

One Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

KM 104 - Chachabamba - WiñayWayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu
Accommodation Icon
No Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 10 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
2,720 m / 8,924 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty

No time for hiking the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail? We have designed an accelerated program for you that allows you to enjoy the most incredible section of this famous trail to Machu Picchu. The One Day Inca Trail is perfect for those who have very limited time or those looking to experience a taste of trekking in the Peruvian Andes without camping overnight or embarking on a multi-day trek. It is also a great travel option for those who love the idea of walking like the Incas, admiring the magnificent scenery that only exists on the Inca Trail, and discovering the mystery of the Incas arriving at the New 7 Wonders of the World via the iconic Sun Gate.

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Packing List
  • Faqs
  • Pricing
  • Enquire Now
  Overview

When you embark on our Inca Trail One Day Trek, you will experience a stunning train ride through the Andean foothills, which follows the Urubamba River to reach the trailhead known as Kilometer 104. Then, hike on the best section of the Inca Path and visit several Inca sites, including Chachabamba and Winay Wayna. Learn about the history of the Incas, discover the biodiversity of the area, and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. Visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon and avoid the crowds.

Highlight of this Tour: Winaywayna, Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, Vistadome returning train
Hiking distance: 9km / 5.59 miles
Considerations: Permit Required
Season: March through January

Itinerary at a Glance

  • Day01

    Cusco - Ollantaytambo - KM 104 - Wiñaywayna - Sun Gate - Machu Picchu - Cusco.

  • Explore the fantastic landscape and the incredible Inca history; have the first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.

  Itinerary
Day 01

Hiking to Machu Picchu

Walking Distance: 12km / 7.4 miles
Starting Elevation: 2,100 meters ASL / 6,889 feet ASL
Aguas Calientes Elevation: 2,000 meters ASL / 6561 feet ASL
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: No
Adventure: Absolutely, completely satisfactory
Highlights of today: Hiking on the ancient Inca trail, Machu Picchu Inca Site.

Our representative will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00a.m. Following, we will head to the train station in Ollataytambo, which leaves at 6:10 a.m. The train ride will be for about 1:40 hours following the Urubamba valley until we reach km 104, At this point we will begin our adventure on the Inca Trail. Once we pass the check point with our original passport and Inca Trail ticket which allow us to hike on this trail. On the way you will see spectacular views of the valley, snow-capped mountains, and the mighty Urubamba River, one of the sources of the Amazon River, and stunning Inca sites.

After hiking for several hours, we'll arrive at the Wiñaywayna Inca complex, at 2,600 m (8,500 ft). This is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites along the Inca Trail route. It has different areas where you can see the most important, such as a water fountain, an urban sector, houses, and some agricultural terraces connected by a staircase. It is a great spot to learn the history of the Incas. The backdrop of this site drops off a cliff, with beautiful mountains surrounding the area. After a few minutes of hiking, we'll get to the official camping area, where we will get our box lunch. In the afternoon, we continue our hike towards Sun Gate; this is a famous spot where do you get the first view of Machu Picchu. After we have enjoyed the magycal moment, we will start hiking down to Machu Picchu, getting directly to the classic platform to get the post card photos.

A big advantage of this hike is that by the time we arrive Machu Picchu, most of the day travelers will have returned home, so you will have the area to yourself. After taking photos, we will leave Machu Picchu after a break we will re-enter to explore Machu Picchu and its most iconic temples for about 2 hours, finally we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to board the Train which take us back to Ollantaytambo and following with bus drive to Cusco, it will drop off you at your hotel.

Meals Icon
Lunch Meals
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty
Walking Distance Icon
12km /7.4 miles Walking Distance
Walking Time Icon
6-7 hours Walking Time
Starting Elevation Icon
2,100 / 6,889 ft Starting Elevation
Highest Elevation Icon
2,700 m / 8,858 ft Highest Elevation
  Inclusions

At Vidal Expeditions, we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in the Inca Trail one day to Machu Picchu. We know this is very important so that you know exactly what to bring and don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your trek.

WE INCLUDE

Vidal Expeditions Team Provide

  • Pre-departure briefing

    Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your trekking guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Machu Picchu hike. During this briefing, you will receive important details about the Inca Trail trek.

  • Professional Trekking Guide

    All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service and have been leading tours to Machu Picchu for many years. Our tour guides have graduated with a tourism career from the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. They have also studied English at a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking, and pride in having been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our tour guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the magical Machu Picchu.

  • Permits Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

    Once we receive your details and the deposit for the tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for your trek (subject to availability). These permits will be for a specific date and will be in your name. Unfortunately, this information can’t be modified under any circumstance once confirmed. Only your passport number can be updated; however, for this change, you must bring both your old and new passports.

Transportations

  • Private Transport

    We include all the transportation during your trek. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to Ollantaytambo, near the train station. At the end of the trek, the bus returning from Ollantaytambo to Cusco will drop you off at your hotel.

  • Train Ticket

    For the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, we include the return train ticket after you have explored Machu Picchu on the last day. The train ticket will be for one of the available trains scheduled for 14:20 hrs., 14:55 hrs., or 16:20 hrs.

  • Bus Ticket

    The bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes once you are done exploring Machu Picchu is also included.

Equipment

  • Medical First Aid Kit

    All tour guides at Vidal Expeditions are very well trained in first aid. They received training courses every six months on how to assist someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained on how to supply balloon oxygen if someone requires it.

Meals

  • Meals

    At Vidal Expeditions, we know food is such an important part of any vacation, and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial. For your trek, we include 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. We cater to all dietary restrictions. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others—just let us know your dietary restrictions at the time of your booking. Our team is well-trained to prepare the best food you've ever had with local and organic ingredients.

  • Snacks

    Our team will provide a snack every morning before leaving each campsite, so you can enjoy it during your hike throughout the day. There will be many breaks where you can enjoy the delicious local fruits, biscuits, and caramels.

WE NOT INCLUDED

  • Sleeping bag
  • Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles

    Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits—protect your knees while you are hiking downhill. Especially on the ancient Inca Trail, where there are many stairs up and down, trekking poles help you during the ascent and increase stability. If you don’t have a pair of trekking poles, you can rent them from our office.

  • Breakfast on the First day

    We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotels offer breakfast during your stay. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near Ollantaytambo where you will be able to purchase breakfast.

  • Travel Insurance

    We recommend buying travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens during your visit to Peru.

  • Tips for our team

    Tips are not included. Tipping the team is typical on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work.

  • Huayna Picchu

    Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a really famous hike that normally takes 45 minutes to hike up the narrow, steep steps to the top with a great view of Machu Picchu citadel. If you would like to hike Huayna Picchu after your tour to Machu Picchu, there is an extra cost of USD 75.00. Also, this booking must be done at least 3 months in advance due to its popularity.

  Recommendations
INFO

At Vidal Expeditions, we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details you need to know before leaving your country and starting your life experience in Peru..

What you need to pack? Important
  • Passport
  • Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
  • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

A daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25 liters will not be allowed. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside the citadel gates. But don´t worry; they have a secure storage facility.

  • Sun hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Camera
  • Music (iPhone)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
  • Earplugs
  • Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)

TOILETRIES:

  • Sunscreen
  • Face moisturizer
  • Bug spray
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Small towel
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
  Faqs

Here some frequently asked question about the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

At Vidal Expeditions, we try to make the booking system as easy as possible for you. Once you decide to do the Inca Trail, we will send you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details, which can’t be changed once confirmed. We also need a previous deposit of $200 USD per person. As soon as you pay it, we immediately book a spot for the Inca Trail. Once we are done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that all the booking processes have been set up satisfactorily.

To book the Inca Trail permit, you should do it in advance because there are limitations on how many people can hike this trail every day; the capacity is 230 tourists per day. Once your permit is confirmed, the start dates and your name cannot be changed under any circumstance. According to government rules, the only information we can change is the passport numbers, which you should take care of before confirming the booking form.

The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of the new and old passports. If you no longer have your old passport, any government-issued ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Also, make sure your passport does not expire six months or less after your trip.

This one-day Inca Trail trek is an easy-moderate hike through the ancient path, with some narrow-step sections that end in Machu Picchu. It is well recommended for people in good physical condition because the trail goes up and down several times. However, this is located at a lower altitude than Cusco, so you need at least two days to acclimate to the elevation before heading to the trek.

Definitely! It is well recommended for those who are limited on time and still want to experience hiking in a section of the classic 4-day Inca Trail. On this day trek, you will explore the most incredible section of the classic trail, where you will get to visit some mystical Inca sites on the way, get Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, and have the first view of this iconic Inca complex. Visit Machu Picchu late in the afternoon, once the crowds have already left it.

The hike on this day tour is about 7 hours and covers a distance of 12 km (7,4 miles). It starts at 2,000m (6,560 ft) and goes up to 2,720m (8,924 ft), with some incredible spots along the way.

Yes, there are several toilet spots during the hike, and they are maintained by the personnel who work along the trail. We highly recommend bringing a roll of toilet paper because you'll find them at these toilet spots.

Definitely, it is always recommended to wear light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. Because you will be climbing and going down so many steps created by the Incas, some of them become slippery as time goes on. Now that they are uneven and at varying heights, the extra support helps prevent twisting your ankles.

Walking sticks are always helpful to trekkers, but particularly on this trek. There are so many stairs that you will walk down, all made by the Incas 600 years ago. They vary in height and are not all straight. Using walking sticks can help take the pressure off your knees while doing this portion of the trail. Plus, they will help you get up the mountain as well. For those who are bringing their own, make sure you have rubber tips, or the rangers will not allow you to use them. Rubber tips can be purchased in Cusco if you forget before you leave, as well as at the beginning of the trail.

Yes, you need a permit to hike on the Inca Trail full-day tour. It should be booked in advance due to the limited spots; only authorized travel companies with certificate guides can reserve tickets for it.

We recommend hiking to Machu Picchu between May and October; this is the dry season in Cusco, with rare rainy days. The most popular months are June and July, which are therefore the most crowded times. Many people visit Machu Picchu during these months because there are more chances to see the entire landscape clearly.

Machu Picchu is located at 2430 metres (7970 feet) above sea level

Well, there is no official minimum age to hike on the Inca Trail. At Vidal Expeditions, we have experience taking children as young as 10 years old; however, it will depend on many factors, including physical conditions, route, how active they are, and preparation. We also had some kids under 5 years old with us, but they definitely had some previous similar hiking experience.

Cusco has two clear well maked season, dry season (May to October) and rainy season (Novemeber to April) However Cusco weather is unpredictable, even if the weather forecast says it’s sunny. We can’t trust it. Prepare for sun and rain, no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up, you should be comfortable hiking and touring Machu Picchu in short sleeves.

  Pricing

From: USD 440.00 per person

Additional Items
* Upgrade a overnigh in Aguas Calientes $100USD
* Upgrade the returning train to Vistadome service (With larger windows and more comfortable seats) $60US per person

  Enquire Now

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Vidal Expeditions. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

Our Pledge |  Your privacy is respected and protected. Vidal Expeditions will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.

Personal Details

Trip Details

One Day Inca Trail
14 years and above
Below 14 years
7 + 3 =
Contact Vidal Expeditions

Feel free to reach us via email at vidalexpeditions@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694

Choice your Travel Dates with Vidal Expeditions

Monday - Friday: 09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday: 09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.

Vidal Expeditions location

Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco

Best Seller
Tour Price
One Day
Inca Trail

Price from $ 440 USD Per Person

Group Size Up to 8 People

What's it like

One Day Inca Trail Map



WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?


At Vidal Expeditions we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.

  • Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion

  • Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a 3 stars hotel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.

  • Bus to Machu Picchu: To enjoy Machu Picchu, we provide a round trip ticket on the bus from Aguas Calientes to the main entrance of the archaeological site.

  • Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.

  • Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.

  • Best Trekking team: At Vidal Expeditions we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.

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