The 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a unique opportunity to trek through breathtaking landscapes and ancient Incan sites. Starting early with a hotel pickup in Cusco, enjoy a scenic train ride to Km 104, where the adventure begins. Ascend the original Inca stone steps through lush cloud forests to Wiñayhuayna, explore its archaeological wonders, and savor a box lunch amidst nature. Witness your first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate and delve into the citadel's history during a guided tour. Conclude your day with a scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo and a return to Cusco.
Highlights
13 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
13 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Secure luggage storage in Cusco office (you only carry a small daypack on the trek).
First aid kit and oxygen supply carried by guide.
Hotel pickup in Cusco and private transfer to Ollantaytambo train station.
Pre-departure briefing (the evening before the trek in Cusco).
Box lunch during the trek (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options available).
04:00 – 04:30 AM | Hotel Pickup in Cusco – Transfer to Ollantaytambo
Your adventure begins early in the morning with a hotel pickup in Cusco. We’ll drive through the Sacred Valley in a private tourist transport to the Ollantaytambo train station (approx. 2 hours).
2
Ollantaytambo
06:10 AM | Scenic Train to Km 104 (Chachabamba)
Board the tourist train (Expedition, Vistadome, or 360° depending on service booked) for a panoramic 1.5-hour journey along the Urubamba River. We’ll arrive at Km 104, the official starting point of the Inca Trail.
3
short Inca Trail
07:30 AM | Starting Point – Chachabamba Archaeological Site (2,100 m / 6,927 ft)
After passing the checkpoint, we’ll begin the trek with a guided visit to Chachabamba, an Incan ceremonial and agricultural site that once supplied food to Machu Picchu. Your guide will explain its importance before we continue.
4
Winay Wayna
08:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Ascent to Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m / 8,747 ft)
We’ll climb the original Inca stone steps for about 3 hours, surrounded by lush cloud forest full of orchids, bromeliads, exotic birds, and perhaps even the rare spectacled bear.
Our destination is the stunning Wiñayhuayna, “Forever Young,” one of the most beautiful and well-preserved archaeological sites on the Inca Trail. Explore its terraces, temples, and ceremonial areas with your guide.
30 minutes
5
Winay Wayna
12:00 PM | Box Lunch in Nature
Enjoy a nutritious box lunch in the middle of this unique environment while resting and taking in the surrounding scenery.
1 hour
6
Intipuncu
01:00 PM – 02:00 PM | Trek to Inti Punku (Sun Gate – 2,730 m / 8,956 ft)
We continue walking on the ancient stone path for about 1.5 hours until we reach the legendary Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the original entrance to Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll witness your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu—a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
7
Machu Picchu
02:00 PM – 04:00 PM | Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft)
Descending from the Sun Gate, we’ll officially enter Machu Picchu through the upper trail (circuit 1B). Here you can take your first photos of the citadel.
If you booked a guided tour inside Machu Picchu, we’ll continue with one of the available circuits (2A, 2B, or 3B depending on availability). During this 2-hour guided tour, your guide will explain the history, architecture, and mysteries of the Inca civilization.
3 hours
8
Aguas Calientes
04:00 PM – 05:00 PM | Descent to Aguas Calientes
Take the shuttle bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Depending on your service, you may enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant before boarding your train.
1 hour
9
Ollantaytambo
06:00 PM – 08:00 PM | Train Back to Ollantaytambo
Board your return train to Ollantaytambo. Relax and enjoy the scenic ride after an unforgettable day.
10
Cusco
08:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Return to Cusco
At Ollantaytambo, private tourist transport will be waiting to drive you back to Cusco. You’ll arrive at your hotel between 9:30 and 10:00 PM, completing your 1-day Inca Trail experience.
The 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a unique opportunity to trek through breathtaking landscapes and ancient Incan sites. Starting early with a hotel pickup in Cusco, enjoy a scenic train ride to Km 104, where the adventure begins. Ascend the original Inca stone steps through lush cloud forests to Wiñayhuayna, explore its archaeological wonders, and savor a box lunch amidst nature. Witness your first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate and delve into the citadel's history during a guided tour. Conclude your day with a scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo and a return to Cusco.
Highlights
13 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
13 hours
Offered in English & Spanish
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Secure luggage storage in Cusco office (you only carry a small daypack on the trek).
First aid kit and oxygen supply carried by guide.
Hotel pickup in Cusco and private transfer to Ollantaytambo train station.
Pre-departure briefing (the evening before the trek in Cusco).
Box lunch during the trek (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options available).
