Overview
Duration
Type tour
Difficulty
Altitude
Acomodation
Group size
Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, experiencing the magic of the ancient Inca Empire in just one day. This tour is the perfect alternative for travelers who want to hike the famous Inca Trail but have limited time, while still enjoying stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Hike through the Machu Picchu National Archaeological Park, passing Andean mountains, lush cloud forests, and vibrant vegetation. You’ll enter the sacred city through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll be rewarded with one of the most iconic sunset views of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, enjoy a private guided tour of the most important temples, terraces, and hidden corners of the ancient Inca citadel with a professional guide.
IMPORTANT:
The 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will include Circuit #1
This applies to reservations made after July 1, 2025 – 2026
Optional additional entrance tickets for or #3 are available for US $55 per person
Itinerary 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Your journey begins early with hotel pick-up in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. in our private transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo. If you’re staying in Ollantaytambo, pickup is between 5:30 and 5:40 a.m.
You’ll board the Expedition train for a scenic 1 hour and 10-minute ride to Km 104 (2,100 m / 6,927 ft), the official start of the Short Inca Trail. After clearing the first checkpoint, you’ll begin a moderate uphill hike of approximately 3 hours to reach the impressive Wiñay Wayna archaeological site (2,650 m / 8,747 ft).
This spectacular Inca site offers sweeping views of the Urubamba Valley and links with the Classic 4-day Inca Trail. After a short break to explore and rest, continue toward the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku – 2,730 m / 9,007 ft), where you’ll get your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Descend for about 1 hour to reach the citadel itself, one of the most spiritual and visited places on Earth. Enjoy a comprehensive guided tour with our professional guide through its temples, plazas, terraces, and sacred areas, learning about Inca history and architecture.
After the tour, you’ll have some free time to take photos and soak in the energy of this mystical site. Then, walk down to Aguas Calientes where you’ll have a well-deserved dinner.
In the evening, board the Expedition train at 6:20 p.m. back to Ollantaytambo, where private transport will return you to your hotel in Cusco. Optionally, you can upgrade to the Vistadome train at 6:10 p.m. for panoramic windows and onboard service.
- Meals Included: Box lunch
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Maximum Altitude: 2,730 m / 9,007 ft
- Total Tour Duration: Full day (approx. 16 hours)
- Experience Type: Cultural trek + Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Includes
- Private transport from your hotel to the train station
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Experienced licensed tour guide
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transport back to Cusco
- Entry fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu archaeological site
- 1 Box lunch
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
No Incluye
- Breakfast and dinner
- Circuit #2: US $55
- Circuit #3: US $55
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US $65
- Tips for staff and guide (optional)
Packing list 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
WHAT TO BRING FOR THE 1-DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Please note: This hike does not include an extra porter, so you’ll need to carry your own belongings. Pack light — it’s key to enjoying this amazing experience.
- Original passport (must match the one used to book)
- Small daypack (the smaller, the better)
- 2L water bottle
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Toilet paper
- Warm jacket
- Layered clothing for variable weather
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Personal medication
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Warm hat (especially in cold season)
- Rain gear (during rainy season)
- Snacks (chocolate, granola bars, dried fruit)
- Plastic rain poncho
- Camera
- Extra cash (for souvenirs, drinks, tips)
Prices 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
PRICES – 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Group Service:
- $425 USD per person (2–3 people)
- $420 USD per person (4+ people)
- $420 USD per person – Group of 4 or more
PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES:
- $450 USD per person – 2 to 3 people
• $430 USD per person – 4 or more people
A minimum of 2 hikers is required to start the trek. If you’re traveling solo, please contact us with your preferred dates to join a group.
DISCOUNTS
- Ages 18 to 25: $20 USD discount. Student card must include: university name, student’s full name, photo, and expiration date. A copy must be provided at booking and be approved by the government to apply the discount.
• Minors aged 11 to 17: $30 USD discount. Please send us a copy of the minor’s passport at the time of booking.
Overview
Duration
Type tour
Difficulty
Altitude
Acomodation
Group size
Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, experiencing the magic of the ancient Inca Empire in just one day. This tour is the perfect alternative for travelers who want to hike the famous Inca Trail but have limited time, while still enjoying stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Hike through the Machu Picchu National Archaeological Park, passing Andean mountains, lush cloud forests, and vibrant vegetation. You’ll enter the sacred city through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll be rewarded with one of the most iconic sunset views of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival, enjoy a private guided tour of the most important temples, terraces, and hidden corners of the ancient Inca citadel with a professional guide.
IMPORTANT:
The 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu will include Circuit #1
This applies to reservations made after July 1, 2025 – 2026
Optional additional entrance tickets for or #3 are available for US $55 per person
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Your journey begins early with hotel pick-up in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. in our private transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo. If you’re staying in Ollantaytambo, pickup is between 5:30 and 5:40 a.m.
You’ll board the Expedition train for a scenic 1 hour and 10-minute ride to Km 104 (2,100 m / 6,927 ft), the official start of the Short Inca Trail. After clearing the first checkpoint, you’ll begin a moderate uphill hike of approximately 3 hours to reach the impressive Wiñay Wayna archaeological site (2,650 m / 8,747 ft).
This spectacular Inca site offers sweeping views of the Urubamba Valley and links with the Classic 4-day Inca Trail. After a short break to explore and rest, continue toward the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku – 2,730 m / 9,007 ft), where you’ll get your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
Descend for about 1 hour to reach the citadel itself, one of the most spiritual and visited places on Earth. Enjoy a comprehensive guided tour with our professional guide through its temples, plazas, terraces, and sacred areas, learning about Inca history and architecture.
After the tour, you’ll have some free time to take photos and soak in the energy of this mystical site. Then, walk down to Aguas Calientes where you’ll have a well-deserved dinner.
In the evening, board the Expedition train at 6:20 p.m. back to Ollantaytambo, where private transport will return you to your hotel in Cusco. Optionally, you can upgrade to the Vistadome train at 6:10 p.m. for panoramic windows and onboard service.
- Meals Included: Box lunch
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Maximum Altitude: 2,730 m / 9,007 ft
- Total Tour Duration: Full day (approx. 16 hours)
- Experience Type: Cultural trek + Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Includes
- Private transport from your hotel to the train station
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Experienced licensed tour guide
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Private transport back to Cusco
- Entry fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu archaeological site
- 1 Box lunch
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
- Breakfast and dinner
- Circuit #2: US $55
- Circuit #3: US $55
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US $65
- Tips for staff and guide (optional)
Availability
The 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available almost year-round, except during February, when it is closed for maintenance.
This hike brings you to Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), just like the ancient Incas once did. Along the way, you’ll explore incredible archaeological sites such as Wiñay Wayna.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the following details carefully — it will answer most of your questions about our services and the 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
BRIEFING
A mandatory pre-departure briefing will take place the evening before your trek at 6:00 p.m. at our office, located at:
Calle Garcilaso N°210, Office 204, 2nd Floor (Galería Casa del Abuelo), across from the Ministry of Culture.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Absolutely! During the 1-day Inca Trail hike, your main luggage can be safely stored in our office or at your hotel — both options are free of charge. Please pack only what you need for the hike.
HOW TO BOOK
Step 1: To book your 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, fill out our booking form by clicking BOOK NOW on our homepage or directly via the BOOK NOW link.
Be prepared with the following details (for EACH participant in your group):
- Full name (exactly as shown on passport)
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
Step 2: A deposit of $211.00 USD per person is required to secure your Inca Trail permit. You can pay this by clicking the VISA or PayPal icons on our homepage or booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?
We kindly ask that you pay the remaining balance in cash (USD or Peruvian soles) at our office in Cusco. There are many ATMs available in the historic center.
Alternatively, you may pay online with VISA or PayPal, but a 5.5% service fee applies (charged by VISA and PayPal).
If paying via PayPal, log into your account and send the balance to: [email protected]
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR THE 1-DAY INCA TRAIL?
Yes, absolutely! You must bring your original passport, and it must match the passport number used to reserve your permit.
If you are renewing your passport, you may initially book with your old number — just make sure to send us your new one as soon as it’s issued.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather on the Inca Trail is highly unpredictable, so we recommend dressing in layers. Be prepared for sun, rain, and cold all in the same day.
WILL I BE DROPPED OFF AT MY HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?
Yes! Hotel drop-off is included in all of our tour packages. If you’re staying in the Sacred Valley, we’ll drop you off there as well.
IS TERRA QUECHUA TRAVEL A SUSTAINABLE COMPANY?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable, and responsible tour operator that upholds the core principles of eco-tourism — protecting the environment and supporting local communities while respecting their culture and beliefs.
We proudly train all of our staff to follow sustainable practices and to respect the people and places we visit.
WHAT TO BRING FOR THE 1-DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Please note: This hike does not include an extra porter, so you’ll need to carry your own belongings. Pack light — it’s key to enjoying this amazing experience.
- Original passport (must match the one used to book)
- Small daypack (the smaller, the better)
- 2L water bottle
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Toilet paper
- Warm jacket
- Layered clothing for variable weather
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Personal medication
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Warm hat (especially in cold season)
- Rain gear (during rainy season)
- Snacks (chocolate, granola bars, dried fruit)
- Plastic rain poncho
- Camera
- Extra cash (for souvenirs, drinks, tips)
