1 Day Inca Trail Tour to Machu Picchu
Description
This experience offers one of the most authentic ways to reach Machu Picchu by hiking a section of the legendary Camino Inca in just one day. Travelers walk along original Inca stone paths, visit impressive archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna, and pass through beautiful cloud forest landscapes rich in biodiversity. The highlight of the journey is arriving at Intipunku, where travelers enjoy their first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu—just as the Incas once did centuries ago. This tour combines adventure, history, and spectacular scenery in a single unforgettable day, making it the perfect option for travelers who want the Inca Trail experience without doing the multi-day trek.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Travelers will start their adventure with an early pickup at 3:45 a.m. from their hotel in Cusco and transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo. From there, they will take the train to Km 104, the starting point of the Short Camino Inca. The hike begins with a visit to the archaeological site of Chachabamba, followed by a scenic walk through cloud forest to Wiñay Wayna, where travelers will enjoy a box lunch. Continuing the trek, hikers will reach Intipunku, the famous Sun Gate, for the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Entry to Machu Picchu for hikers arriving via the Inca Trail is exclusively through Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route), where travelers can capture the classic postcard photo from the Guardian viewpoint. Afterward, travelers descend by bus to Aguas Calientes and later return by train to Ollantaytambo, followed by transportation back to Cusco.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup time is approximately between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. in Cusco. Our team will contact you via WhatsApp one day before the tour to confirm the exact pickup time and final details. Please make sure to provide a valid WhatsApp number at the time of booking so we can coordinate your pickup efficiently.
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 at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(1)
Entering Machu Picchu in the late afternoon when all the daytime crowds have cleared out is a high-level experience you’ll never forget. Standing above the citadel as the golden sun dips behind the Andes peaks made all the sweat and steep steps instantly disappear. It’s an emotional, high-energy trek that will easily be the top highlight of your lifetime!
The tour company handles all the complex permits and train tickets perfectly. The hike itself gives you that raw, adventurous feeling of the Andes, but you still get to sleep in a warm bed at night. Seeing the lost city open up before your eyes at the end of the trek is worth every single step!
