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One Day Inca Trail Trek To Machu Picchu
The One Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu is ideal for travelers who want to walk part of the original Inca Trail in just one day. The route covers about 12 km / 7.5 m, starting at Km 104 (2,100 m / 6,890 ft) and ending at Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft).
This moderate hike combines Inca history, Andean scenery, and the beauty of Peru’s cloud forest, making it one of the most rewarding short treks in Cusco.
Along the way, you’ll visit Wiñay Wayna, an archaeological site built on terraces overlooking the Urubamba River, before reaching the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the original entrance to Machu Picchu used by the Incas.
From here, you’ll enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, a unique perspective that most travelers miss. Your guided visit includes Circuit 1, covering the upper viewpoints and main sectors of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco by train.
This route is perfect for visitors with limited time who still want to experience part of the authentic Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu on foot, just as the ancient Incas once did.
One Day Inca Trail Trek is highly recommended for adventure lovers who want to travel in couples and families traveling with their children. Also, for those who do not have enough time to stay in Cusco and no age limit, you just need to have an adventurous spirit. Visit two emblematic tourist attractions in one day, part of the ancestral Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. In a spectacular 12km /7.4 miles hike discover the rich history, culture, biodiversity and the Inca empire wonders that will transport you through time. By booking with Cusco Journeys & Adventure, you’ll travel with experts passionate about creating authentic experiences. Don’t just take our word for it — check out our reviews on TripAdvisor! This One Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu requires permits, which are limited and should be booked in advance. The trek operates from March to January and includes transportation, entrance tickets, permits, and professional guides. It’s a great way to visit Machu Picchu in one day while walking part of the Inca Trail.
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel at 4am in Cusco for the journey with our private transport to the train station of Ollantaytambo. (If you prefer to begin in Ollentaytambo, we will pick you up at your hotel at 6:00am). Before boarding the train at 6:40 am in Ollantaytambo, we will provide your box lunch, which you carry in your daypack. Then, you and your tour guide will take the train for 1 hour 30 minutes to the beginning of the Inca Trail, called km 104 (2,000 m / 6560 ft.). After passing the checkpoint, your tour guide will take you to visit the archaeological site Chachabamba. This inca site was one of the last shelters used by the Incas pilgrims before they reached Machu Picchu. The Chachabamba Inca site features several fascinating buildings, and your guide will be delighted to share the history with you. After that, our inca trail starts with steady ascent for around 3 hours, climbing the original Inca stone step, with several outlook points where you will stop to have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. Along the way we will see some inca site such as Choquesuysuy and other. We will also find a beautiful waterfall before reaching WiñayWayna (2,650 m / 8,694 feet). These incredible Incan ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by dense jungle. After exploring the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, you will walk for 5 minutes to the lunch spot and have time to eat your delicious box lunch provided by our company, admiring the surrounding tropical flowers, then relax and recharge your energies. You will also see the campsites where people doing the classic Inca Trail spend the night before reaching Machu Picchu. After taking some time to enjoy the views and take many photos, we continued walking downhill following the classic Inca trail for approximately half an hour towards the ruins of Machu Picchu. Once there, take some time to enjoy the views, take memorable photos, and fill your spirit with the energy of this place. You will then have a 2-hour guided tour of this incredible ancient city and visit temples, terraces, palaces, priests’ houses, the intihuatana, the industrial sector and the crop fields. After having visited Machu Picchu, we will continue to the main entrance where we will take our bus to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, we will take our return train to Ollantaytambo station and private transportation back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel around 10:00 pm.
**We require a minimum of 2 hikers in order to start the One Day Inca trail Trek. If you are a solo traveler- please inquire on the dates you are looking to trek so you can join an existing group. Private tours are available and priced by party size.
At Cusco Journeys, we’re committed to making your adventure in Peru memorable, safe, and easy to enjoy. This brief guide includes the most important details to review before starting your trek or tour — from altitude preparation and luggage management to Machu Picchu entry and health tips. Take a moment to read it carefully; it will help you get ready and experience the magic of the Andes with comfort and confidence. All pre-trek briefings are personally conducted at your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 pm, one or two day before your trek or tour begins. The meeting lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes and is an essential part of your preparation. During this session, our guide will go over the itinerary in detail, provide your duffel bag, and answer any final questions to ensure you’re fully prepared for your adventure. It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before starting any trek. Cusco lies at 3,400 meters (11,150 ft) above sea level, and your body needs time to adjust to the thinner air. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before your trek begins to prevent altitude sickness and to enjoy your trip without discomfort. During your acclimatization days, take it easy and explore some nearby attractions: These short tours are perfect for getting used to the altitude while discovering the region’s rich history. If you have an outstanding balance, please make the payment at least two days before your trek or tour. Otherwise, your reservation cannot be confirmed. Whenever possible, we kindly ask you to settle the remaining balance in cash (USD or Peruvian Soles) during your briefing session. There are several ATMs along Avenida Sol where you can withdraw both currencies. You may also pay by credit/debit card or PayPal, either online or in person; however, please note that a 5% service fee will be applied by our payment gateways (Niubiz and PayPal). You’ll receive a duffel bag or canvas case during the briefing. Size: 60 × 24 × 22 cm (23.6 × 9.45 × 8.66 in), Maximum weight: 6 kg / 13 lb, including clothes and personal items. Our team of porters will carry your bag throughout the trek and hand it back to you at each camp. Remember that this limit includes your sleeping bag and any personal belongings you wish to take. Absolutely! During your trip, you may store your main luggage safely at our office (arrange it with us during your briefing or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge. Any items you won’t need during the trek can remain at your hotel — most hotels offer secure luggage storage. Please avoid leaving valuables in your bags; instead, place them in the hotel safe and request an itemized receipt, as many insurance companies require this in case of loss. For added security, you can also store important items such as credit cards in a sealed and signed envelope. Machu Picchu now operates with specific timed entries and fixed circuits to preserve the site and ensure an enjoyable experience for all visitors. Main Circuits For our Inca Trail groups, the standard visit is usually Circuit 3, around 8:00 or 9:00 a.m., depending on ticket availability and government regulations. After completing your route, park rangers will guide you toward the exit — re-entry is not allowed. If you wish to explore another route or stay longer, you can request an additional entrance ticket (subject to availability and extra cost). All pick-ups are made from your hotel within Cusco City. We recommend staying in the historic center for easier access. Our guide will confirm your pick-up time one day before the tour, but please note that it may vary by 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and hotel locations. Cusco is an ancient city with narrow, cobbled streets, and some hotels or Airbnbs may not have direct vehicle access. If your accommodation is in such an area, we’ll coordinate the closest possible meeting point for your convenience. Returning from Machu Picchu involves several steps, but don’t worry — everything is included in your tour. After visiting Machu Picchu, you’ll take a 25-minute bus down to Aguas Calientes (buses operate on a first-come, first-served basis). From there, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo; your guide will provide the tickets and indicate your departure time. Please arrive at the platform 30 minutes before departure. The train ride takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, followed by a 2-hour bus journey back to Cusco City. Our group tours bring together travelers of different ages and fitness levels. Everyone can walk at their own pace, and our guide will manage the group so that all participants enjoy the experience comfortably. If changes to the itinerary are needed, the guide will decide after consulting with the group. Occasionally, strikes or protests may occur in Peru, which can affect roads or train schedules. In these cases, Cusco Journeys will make every effort to maintain your itinerary or adjust departure times if needed. Your safety always comes first, and all decisions will be made to protect it. You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. Please be mindful of where you leave your items and make sure to remove everything from our vans, tents, and restaurants after each stop. Avoid leaving anything unattended during the hike, as other trekkers or staff might mistake it for lost property.
Overview
Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Cusco – KM 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Inclusions
Included:
Does Not Included.
What You Need to Take:
Prices
Group Price:
Private Tours are based on Group Size (2025):
Discounts:
Upgrades:
Train Upgrades:
Rentals:
Map
Inca Trail Availability
Terms & Conditions
Briefing Before the Trek
Acclimatization in Cusco
What to Do Before Your Trek
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler’s checks for balance payments.Duffel Bag or Canvas Case
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Machu Picchu Entrance Circuits and Schedule
Pick-Up of Guests
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
Group Tours
Strikes and Demonstrations
Lost Objects
Contact Us
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