1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup is available from centrally located hotels in Cusco. Please wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Our team will confirm the exact pickup time one day before the tour during your briefing. If your hotel is located outside the historic center or in areas with limited vehicle access, we will provide a nearby meeting point.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Reviews(3)
Unprofessional and they don't deliver the service they guarantee. Worst travel agency
We bought tickets for circuit 2 (4 people) which included bus transfer from Aguas Calientes and a guide, however the tickets we received were for circuit 1. There was no explanation or refund of the amounts paid (916 USD, well above the base value)
Great Experience. I can’t say enough. First compliments our guide. Benny “The Blade.” We gave him that nickname. He was the best. Passionate about the history/culture. Lots of good information. But not overwhelming. Great leader on the hike. I’ll go into the name later. My friends and I wanted a unique experience and had only limited time. The Agency worked with us when others wouldn’t. They accommodated all our requests. And we were able to do Inca Trail from the 104km train stop. Machu Picchu AND Huyana Picchu in one day. (We were dead by the end). I can’t compliment the agency enough. This is more for others and I feel no site explained this: For Cusco start: 0400 wake up: Private car to Ollantayamno Train Station. Takes a few hours. This is a dirt road half the way. Don’t expect to sleep much. 0600 ish (it’s a blur) drop off right in front of train. Asked attendant Which train and showed ticket. Only one real platform. Hard to miss. Don’t have anxiety about. The train they set you up with is good. We did Vistadome on way back. Recommend. 0730 ish: Ask attendant on train to make sure to drop you off at Inca Trail. You do this cause they drop you off at what seems the middle of nowhere. No platform lol. Just hop off onto some grass along the river. Benny enthusiastically met us there. And we were off. Benny had all travel docs to give to the Park People. And the hike begins. First leg is easy and flat. Then the grueling part. Lots and lots of elevation. It rained on us a little. But it felt good. If you go during rainy season. Bring good water proof gear. See amazing sights and views. Then flat for a little. Then a checkpoint where multi day travelers have access to bathrooms. Then Sungate. What a site. Walking down to Picchu. Again. Amazing. And best part. No Line (for us from this entrance). Hike down to “post card view of Picchu” This is where Benny the Blade got his name. We needed to get to Hayuna by 11. Benny was able to traverse/cut through the crowd with epic precision. We made it. Huyana is worth it. Period. It’s a better and more unique view than traditional circuit view. After. Take the bus down to the city w the bus. I think Machu City / Aguas Calietes. Benny took us to a really cool restaurant and took us to the train station. Vistadome was great. Do it. Pickup same spot. Same driver. Home 10. Just amazing. Request Benny the Blade if possible. Written from iPhone. Please excuse typos.
Dear Paula, Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed and wonderful review. We are truly delighted to hear that you had such an unforgettable experience on the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and that our guide “Benny The Blade” made your journey so special. It is great to know that his passion for history and culture, as well as his leadership during the hike, helped create a smooth, informative, and memorable adventure for you and your friends. We are also very pleased to hear that our team was able to accommodate your requests and help you enjoy such an incredible combination of experiences, including the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and Huayna Picchu in one day. Your detailed feedback is extremely valuable, not only for us but also for future travelers, and we will be sure to share your kind words with Benny and the rest of our team, as comments like yours are a great motivation for all of us at Haku Travel. We hope to welcome you again in Peru for another unforgettable adventure.
