Inca Trail 1 Day details
Overview
We will start early in Cusco to delve into the heart of the Inca empire. During this one-day hike, steeped in history, you will visit impressive ruins such as Chachabamba and Wiñay Wayna, silent witnesses for years to the splendor of a civilization that knew how to tame the mountains. The climax comes when you cross the Sun Gate (Intipunku) on foot, as the ancient Incas did, where you will have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, “one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.”
Once in Machu Picchu, you will enjoy a private guided tour of the Inca Citadel, where every stone tells a story. In the afternoon, we descend by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes, where a delicious dinner awaits you to recharge your batteries. Afterwards, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo and, from there, a comfortable car will take you back to Cusco, your soul filled with landscapes, history, and the magic of the Inca Trail in its super short version.
Inca Trail One day highlights
- You will experience the excitement of the journey on this tour, you will arrive at Machu Picchu on foot passing through the mythical Intipunku (Gate of the Sun), from there the Inca Citadel will reveal itself before your eyes just as it did to ancient travelers.
- You will discover the archaeological gems of Wiñay Wayna and Chachabamba, surrounded by flora and fauna such as orchids, hummingbirds, and the song of the mountains. These are places that few see and that hold millenary secrets.
- Enjoy a unique and enriching experience with an expert guide who will reveal the mysteries, astronomical alignments, and legends of this wonder of the world, at your own pace and without rushing.
- After an intense day, you will relax with dinner in Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco by train and private van, leaving behind only footprints… and taking with you memories that will last a lifetime.
Inca Trail 1 day Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Departure from Cusco will be at 4:00 a.m. You will have a private car transfer to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). From there, we will take the train to Kilometer 104, the starting point of our hike.
The hike covers 15 km along the most notable section of the classic Inca Trail 4 days. The journey begins in the Sacred Valley and ascends along a cobblestone Inca trail to the archaeological site of WiñayWayna. Along the way, you will appreciate Andean landscapes, a diverse flora and fauna, and Inca ruins.
After visiting WiñayWayna, you will stop for a box lunch. Afterward, you will continue the hike through the foggy forest, filled with plants, flowers, orchids, and birds. It is possible to spot mammals such as the viscacha and, in rare cases, spectacled bears.
In the afternoon, you’ll reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), at 2,720 meters above sea level, where you’ll get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. From there, you’ll walk for approximately 45 minutes to enter the archaeological site.
Once at Machu Picchu, you’ll explore the upper part of the complex (Circuit 1), stopping at three viewpoints to capture dreamy postcards. These spots are usually less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Afterwards, you’ll leave the site temporarily to complete administrative procedures and use the restrooms, before re-entering at 3:00 PM. At that time, you’ll begin a 1 hour and 30 minutes guided tour (Circuit 3), which includes the most important sections of Machu Picchu, including several temples.
- At 4:30 PM, you’ll board the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll have dinner.
- At 6:20 p.m., the train will depart for Ollantaytambo.
From Ollantaytambo, a private shuttle will take the group back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of 10:00 p.m.
Included
- Roundtrip transfers from and to your hotel in Cusco.
- Previous to the trek, an informative session will be held by the guide at 6:00 p.m. at our office (one day before departure).
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish-English) throughout the tour.
- Tourist train ticket for the guide to Kilometer 104 (starting point of the hike).
- Official tickets: Inca Trail 1 day permit + entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (includes Circuits 01 and 03).
- One-way train ticket: Ollantaytambo → Kilometer 104.
- Return train ticket: Expeditions train, departing at 6:20 p.m. from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo station back to your hotel in Cusco.
- 1 breakfast (before the start of the hike)
- 1 box lunch
- 1 snack during the hike
- (Options available for vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, and food allergy diets—subject to prior notice).
- Bus transfer from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Support equipment: emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit.
- Protective accessories: rain cape (poncho) and waterproof backpack cover.
Not Included
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes.
- Tips for guides, drivers, or porters (optional).
- Trekking poles (can be rented or brought by the traveler).
MPORTANT INFORMATION about one day Inca Trail
Daily access to the Inca Trail 1 day (Km 104) is strictly limited to 250 people, including travelers, guides, porters, and support staff. This quota is controlled by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. Once the limit is reached, access is completely closed for that day.
No provisional quotas are reserved: permits must be purchased in advance, ideally up to a year in advance, as they sell out quickly.
Traveler conditions
- This hike is not recommended for people with back problems.
- There is no wheelchair accessibility.
- The maximum group size per departure is 8 travelers.
- Daily departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 participants.
- There are no departures in February, when the Inca Trail is closed for official maintenance.
Required documentation
Please bring the following with you on the day of the hike:
- Original passport (the same one used to reserve the permit)
- Travel insurance card
- Personal medications (if applicable)
Mandatory information briefing
One day before departure, at 6:00 p.m., you must attend the pre-trip meeting at our office in Cusco:
- Calle Márquez 250, Second Floor, Office 03.
There you will meet your guide, receive detailed instructions, check your equipment, and ask any questions you may have. Attendance is mandatory.
1 day Inca Trail hike - Recomendations
Original passport
You must present your passport at the checkpoint at Km 104 and when entering Machu Picchu. It must be the same passport used to reserve the permit to avoid any issues.
Book well in advance
Permits tend to sell out 6 to 12 months in advance, especially during high season (May–September).
Attend the briefing
This is mandatory: it takes place at 6:00 p.m. at the agency’s office in Cusco (one day before the trek). There you will receive the final itinerary, check your luggage, and meet your guide.
Dress in layers
The weather in Cusco is very changeable: cold at dawn, hot and humid at midday, and rain possible at any time.
We recommend you bring:
- Technical T-shirt (quick-drying)
- Fleece or light jacket
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Trekking pants (avoid jeans)
- Lightweight hat and gloves (for early morning)
Wear comfortable, broken-in shoes
Trekking shoes or lightweight boots with good traction.
No new hiking boots: avoid blisters by wearing boots you have already worn on previous hikes.
Bring a small backpack (20–30 L).
You only need the essentials for the day: water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, documents, camera, and extra light clothing. AB Expeditions will provide you with a waterproof cover.
Hydrate and eat lightly before leaving.
Eat a light breakfast before leaving (4:00 a.m.). Bring at least 2 liters of water and energy snacks (dried fruit, bars).
Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent.
Even when it’s cloudy, UV radiation is intense at high altitudes. Use sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and insect repellent (the foggy valley has mosquitoes).
Be punctual and flexible
Logistics (trains, buses, checkpoints) depend on strict schedules. In addition, strikes or unexpected delays can occur in Peru: maintain a positive and adaptable attitude.
FAQs
How long does the Inca Trail 1 day take?
The hike takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, including stops at Wiñay Wayna and time at Machu Picchu. The return to Cusco is completed around 10:00 p.m.
Where does the 1-day Inca Trail start?
The trek begins at Kilometer 104 (Chachabamba), which is reached by train from Ollantaytambo. You do not walk from Cusco.
Do you enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku)?
Yes. This is one of the biggest attractions: you access Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate, as the Incas did, with panoramic views of the site.
How many kilometers do you walk on the Inca Trail in one day?
Approximately 15 km (9.3 miles), with a maximum elevation of 2,720 meters above sea level at the Sun Gate.
Does it include a guide at Machu Picchu?
Yes. It includes a 2 hours guided tour of Machu Picchu (Circuit 03), as well as a guide throughout the hike.
What does the meal include?
It includes a light breakfast (box breakfast) before leaving at Km 104, a box lunch during the hike, and a snack. Vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, and allergy-friendly options are available (advance notice required).
How many people are there per group on the Inca Trail One Day?
A maximum of 8 travelers per guide, which guarantees a more personalized and safer experience.
Are there tours every month of the year?
No. The Inca Trail is closed throughout February for maintenance and adverse weather conditions.
Can I do the Inca Trail One Day if I have health problems?
It is not recommended for people with heart problems, severe respiratory problems, or back injuries. There is no wheelchair access.
What happens if there is a strike or blockade in Peru?
In the event of strikes affecting the train or roads, a contingency plan is implemented: early transfer to Aguas Calientes and hike from there (with additional accommodation costs).
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it is strongly recommended. It covers cancellations (permits are non-refundable) and medical emergencies in remote areas.
Price for group service: $450 per person.
Special Offers for the five day Inca Trail:
- All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $30 USD.
- Students from 18 to 25 years old can avail themselves of a US$40.00 discount by presenting a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD during the hike.
