1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Transportation from hotel + Inca Trail trekking to Machu Picchu with Guide + Return to hotel

Price
$486.00

per traveler

1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Rating: 5 | 18365 Reviews
Transportation from hotel + Inca Trail trekking to Machu Picchu with Guide + Return to hotel

Experience the magic of the 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu—perfect for travelers short on time who still want to hike a portion of the legendary trail. Trek through lush cloud forests, stunning Andean scenery, and Inca sites like Wiñay Wayna, a breathtaking complex of terraces built into the mountainside.

The trail brings you to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you'll enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu—a truly unforgettable moment. From there, the journey continues along Circuit 1C to the upper terraces of Circuit 1B, the classic postcard viewpoint. Afterward, take a bus to Aguas Calientes for free time before returning to Cusco by train.

This is the ultimate one-day Machu Picchu hike—authentic, scenic, and rich in history.

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Tour Photos

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Price

Price of the 1-day Inca trail to Machu Picchu is $450USD per traveler (2 or more)
Solo traveler $486 USD

What Is Included?

• Briefing at your hotel in Cusco the night before at 19h00
Day 1 includes:

  • 03h40 Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
  • 04h20 Bus Cusco to Ollantaytambo
  • 06h40 Train Ollantaytambo to KM104, the start of the Inca Trail
  • Entrance permit to the Inca Trail
  • Professional Inca Trail tour guide
  • Visit to inca ruins along the Inca trail
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu Circuit 1C Sun Gate and Circuit 1B Upper Terraces
  • Meals: 1 box-lunch, Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost as long as you notify us within 24hrs of making reservation.
  • First-aid kit/Oxygen tank.
  • Bus ticket down
  • 19h00 Train Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo 20h30
  • 20h30 Bus to Cusco
  • 21h00 Transfer to hotel in Cusco

What is not included?

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner not included
  • Additional entry tickets to Circuit 2 or Circuit 3 not included. Must be booked separately.

What to Bring for the 1-Day Inca Trail Hike

To fully enjoy your 1-day Inca Trail hike from KM104 to Machu Picchu, it’s essential to pack smart. The trail is short but challenging, and weather conditions in the Andes can change quickly. Here’s a recommended packing list to help you prepare for this unforgettable trek.

Essential Items for the Day Hike

  • Original Passport – Required to enter the Inca Trail and match your official Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
  • Comfortable Hiking Shoes – Well-broken-in trail shoes or lightweight boots with good grip are ideal for uneven stone paths.
  • Lightweight Daypack – A small backpack to carry your essentials throughout the hike.
  • Water (at least 1.5 liters) – Staying hydrated is critical, especially at higher elevations.
  • Rain Jacket or Poncho – Weather in the Andes is unpredictable, and brief showers are common even during the dry season.
  • Sunscreen, Sunglasses & Hat – UV exposure is high at altitude, so protect your skin and eyes.
  • Snacks and Energy Bars – Although lunch is usually included, having extra energy on the trail is always a good idea.
  • Camera or Smartphone – Capture stunning photos of Wiñay Wayna, the Sun Gate, and the panoramic views of Machu Picchu.
  • Personal Medication – Bring any essential medications, including altitude pills if prescribed by your doctor.

Optional but Recommended

  • Trekking Poles – Helpful for stability, especially on steep or slippery sections (must have rubber tips).
  • Insect Repellent – Useful in humid or forested sections near the ruins.
  • Light Gloves and Layered Clothing – Early mornings can be chilly; dress in layers for comfort.

This Inca Trail day hike packing list ensures you’ll be well-prepared to walk from KM104 through Wiñay Wayna and arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. Pack light, stay comfortable, and focus on the amazing scenery and Inca history along the way.

Fitness Requirements for the 1-Day Inca Trail Hike

The 1-day Inca Trail hike from KM104 to Machu Picchu is a moderate trek suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness. Although it is shorter than the classic 4-day trek, it still requires physical preparation due to altitude and uphill sections.

What to Expect Physically

  • Hike covers approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and takes 5 to 7 hours.
  • Initial ascent from KM104 to Wiñay Wayna is steep and can be challenging.
  • Trail includes stone steps, uneven terrain, and elevation gain up to 2,700 meters (8,860 feet).
  • Entry through the Sun Gate (Intipunku) involves one last short uphill section before the rewarding panoramic view of Machu Picchu.

Recommended Fitness Level

This trek is best for those who engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, hiking, or cardio exercises. If you're generally healthy and can walk uphill for extended periods, you should be able to complete the trail comfortably.

How to Prepare

  • Train with hikes or stair climbing 2–3 times a week prior to travel.
  • Acclimate in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for at least 1–2 days before your hike to adjust to the altitude.
  • Stay hydrated, eat well, and avoid alcohol before the hike.

While no special training is required, good preparation will ensure you enjoy the stunning views, ruins like Wiñay Wayna, and the unforgettable moment of arriving at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.

1-Day Inca Trail Availability and Best Time to Hike

The 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an excellent option for travelers who want to experience the magic of the ancient Inca path in a shorter timeframe. This unforgettable trek combines breathtaking mountain views, Inca ruins, and a dramatic entrance to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate — all in just one day.

Year-Round Availability

The Inca Trail is open throughout the year with one exception — February. The trail is closed during this month for annual maintenance and conservation efforts.

Best Time to Hike the Inca Trail

The most comfortable months to hike the 1-day Inca Trail are from April to October, when the weather is drier and skies are clearer. During this period, hikers enjoy better trail conditions and spectacular views of the Andes.

High Season Considerations

June, July, and August are the peak tourist months in Peru. The Inca Trail, including the 1-day option, can become fully booked weeks or even months in advance. If you plan to hike during high season, it's essential to make your Inca Trail reservations early.

Rainy Season Challenges

January and March fall in the rainy season. While the 1-day Inca Trail remains open (except in February), hiking during these months require you to come prepared with:

  • A reliable rain jacket
  • Waterproof hiking shoes
  • Dry bags or covers to waterproof personal belongings

Planning Your 1-Day Hike

Whether you're visiting during the dry season or braving the rain for a quieter experience, the 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a rewarding adventure for all kinds of travelers. Just be sure to plan ahead and pack appropriately for the season.

• The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour is non-transferable, and the participant cannot change the date of departure without incurring cancellation fees
• All reservations must be canceled in writing and are subject to a cancellation fee.
• If you cancel or change the date of your tour with 10+ days of advanced notice, you will incur a $400 dollar cancelation fee per person.
• If you cancel with less than 10 days of advanced notice, you will incur a cancelation fee of 100% of the total tour cost
• If during the length of the program, a traveler abandons the excursion due to altitude, health, or for any other reason, no reimbursement will be made and no claim accepted.
• You agree to cover all expenses made by you due to abandonment of the tour such as meals, hotel, return transportation, medical expenses, etc.
• It is compulsory that all clients have personal travel insurance. This insurance must cover personal accidents, medical expenses, loss of property and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage or injury occurring to the client.
• Certain Services might be interrupted or even canceled due to weather conditions, natural disasters or other disturbances such as civil unrest, worker strikes, etc. In the case the tour is canceled for your safety, we will work with the appropriate suppliers to obtain a refund only when those suppliers agree to do so.