$427
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1 day
2730 M.S.N.M
7 person(s)
Group
The 1 Day Inca trail is the fastest trek to Machupicchu and Yes! it is possible to hike part of the Inca trail and visit the archaeological site of Machupicchu in one day. It starts from the train route of KM 104. This route has more spaces available than the Classic Inca Trail with a moderate level climb. This trail features one of the most important archaeological sites, Wiñay Wayna ´Forever Young´. Stunning Inca ruins and beautiful mountainous landscape that enters through Sun Gate, where most classic photos of Machupicchu were taken. A 02 hour private guided tour takes you into the fascinating history of these spectacular ruins.
By 04:00H: Pick up at your hotel at 4am in Cusco for a 2-hour scenic drive with our transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo. If you are already in Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, then your pick up will be at 5:30am. If you are in another town in the Sacred Valley, please contact our office to organize a suitable pick-up time.
Recommended hotel at Ollantaytambo: Andenes del Inca Hotel
At 06:10H, We will take the Expedition Train from Ollantyatambo to the KM 104, Once here we will crossing the Urubamba River through the suspension bridge to the first chekc point.
The Start
By 08:00H, After passing the chekc point, we will walk for 10m and then we will visit the the archeological site is called Chachabamba (2100m). Stop to admire this archeological site. Firstly, known as a guardhouse because of its location at the foot of one of the entrances to Machu Picchu. The site also has many water fountains that were used for irrigation. This site is surrounded by fertile land and was used by the Incas to grow things such as corn, quinoa and potatoes. Like many Inca sites it was also a very important religious monument, a testament to the value the Incas placed on Mother Earth (Pachamama).
Begin our gentle upward 3 hours hike to the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site (2,650/8,747ft) also known as ´Forever Young´ in Quechua. Enjoy stunning views of snowcapped mountain peaks like Mount Veronica and watch the calming Urubamba River as it gushes downstream to the gigantic Ucayali River. Enjoy the expansive view of the valley, stop at several lookouts and take Instagram worthy pictures. A short, but slightly steep climb leads us to a pristine waterfall only a few steps from the famous Wiñay Wayna.
By 12:00H; Visit the Winay Wayna Inca ruins
Next take a steep hill to Wiñay Wayna. The site was built on the mountain side and when you view it from afar, it gives a magical illusion that its floating in the clouds. A stunning archeologic site that is ageless in its beauty, remains one of the most well-preserved archeological sites in South America. Wiñay Wayna is named after a beautiful orange orchid that grows abundantly all year round along the trail. The breath-taking cloud forests and surrounds are a reminder of how far you are from modern civilization. The Inca Trail offers you a variety of flora and fauna unique only to this region.
Wiñay Wayna has a fascinating history and was only recently discovered. Some parts of the site are hidden by the dense jungle. At the top of Winay Wayna, arrive at a campsite.. This is where the Short Inca Trail and the Classic Inca Trial meet. Stop to rest and enjoy our gourmet box lunch. Ask your guide as many questions as you want about the Inca Trail, the Incas or any of the sites you have come across along the way.
The Gringo Killers
Later we embark on our last hour of hiking. Majority of the way is an easy enjoyable hike , where the Andes mountains meet the Amazonian Rainforest. The last hurdle is the gringo killer steps or monkey steps. These steps are named as such because they have provide a challenge and the best way to get past them is to get on all fours and climb like a proper monkey. They are carved directly into the bedrock by the Incas and are the last short challenge before reaching the Sun Gate.
By 13:00h, Arrive to the Sun Gate and enjoy the amazing views.
The Sun Gate (2,730m/9,00ft) is one of the main reasons for doing this hike. Upon passing through the Sun Gate, you get your first expansive, jaw dropping view of the Ancient Citadel of Machu Picchu. The Sun Gate gives you the first opportunity to take panoramic pictures of the citadel. The sheer size of this monument is guaranteed to take your break away. The rest of the way is a downhill hike on bedrock towards Machu Picchu. Upon arrival to the “House of the Guardians” you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu with the imposing Huayna Picchu Mountain behind it.
By 14:00h, Arrive to Machu Picchu then enjoy the guidig tour.
Your guide will give you a private tour of the citadel (Circuit #2 or #3), about 2 hours, depending on your hiking speed. You will see some of the most important parts of Machu Picchu. Hear the stories and legends of this fascinating site. Marvel at the brillance of the Inca engineers.
Take your time to enjoy in this magical Inca ruins, before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. In the evening at 6:20PM you will take the return Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo and catch our private van back to Cusco and your hotel. Estimated arrival time in Cusco is 10:00PM.
*** Times are aproximately and depends on your fisical fitmess!
***It is not possible to do the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb due to time restraints
***You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $57. This train will depart from Aguas Calientes at 6:10pm.
***The 1 day hike to Machu Picchu may included circuit 2 or 3, it will be confirmed at booking time!
The 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date as long as we have a minimum of 2 people except in February when it is closed for maintenance.
| No. OF PEOPLE | PRICE |
| 2 to 3 people | US$ 427 per person |
| +4 | US$ 417 per person |
Please read the following information! It will help answer any questions you may have about the 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
The Briefing will be the night before the trek at 6pm in our office which is located at Garcilaso Street 210 , Office Nº:213 (2and Floor) in the la CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
ABSOLUTELY! If so, email us indicating you want to comeback on the next day of the trek, then we will organize it for you.
FIRST, to book your Machu Picchu Tour, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here – BOOK NOW.
We will need the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). This information is necessary to purchase the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu the train tickets:
SECOND, we require a deposit of USD 211.00 per person to purchase your entrance to Machu Picchu and train ticket. You can make you deposit by clicking on the PAYPAL symbol on the top of our home page, or you can click on the PAYPAL symbol on our booking page.
Unfortunately No. Once the tickets have been bought, the government does not allow any changes. We cannot change any departure date after the tickets have been purchased. Tickets are also non-transferable nor refundable.
*** If you cancel your 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, your deposit is lost! ***
DEFINITELY! You MUST bring your original passport with the SAME passport number you sent to us to book your entrance to Machu Picchu, train ticket, other entrances, and reservations. They will check when you enter Machu Picchu and to board the train.
In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, please send us a COPY of your old passport to secure your permit, and we can change it when we receive a COPY of your new passport for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport, keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee, you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport, but you will need to show both passports, old and new to enter Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both, the guards will not allow you to enter into Machu Picchu or get on the train.
Remember to check your current passport to make sure it doesn’t expire within 6 months of your arrival to Peru!!! The Government of Peru is enforcing the existing law that requires all foreign travelers to have a passport valid for a minimum of six months past the time of entry into Peru. Peruvian authorities will deny entry into Peru for travelers not meeting this requirement.
OF COURSE! We will drop you off at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley (Depending on you hotel) when we return from the tour. We will also pick you up from the Sacred Valley if you are staying there.
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip is appropriate. It means a lot to the staff and their families who will take care of you during the tour. It inspires better service and is a major part of the tourism industry across many ORANGE Nation destinations. Of course, you are free to tip more or less what you want, depending on how you feel about the quality of service and the length of your tour.
We are a local, sustainable & responsible tour operator which functions according to the ethical principles of tourism. Protect the environment and help the indigenous communities by respecting their culture and religion. We have trained all of our staff to know, understand, and respect the local communities and the people living there.
The 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE an extra porter! You need to carry all your things, please try to pack as light.
$427
Price
per person
Max. Altitude:
2730
Duration:
1 day
Group Size:
7
Transportation:
Hike, Bus, Train
Please fill in our BOOKING FORM carefully with your correct personal details.
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Couples
Trip to Rainbow mountain. First to the mountain thanks to Yair’s expert driving and special thanks to Cristian for being my guide. Highly recommend!
Written July 2, 2025
Family
We had an incredible experience hiking the Inca Trail with Ray as our guide. Ray was amazing. He was super knowledgeable about the history of the Incas, and he brought that history to life. We visited three larger sites, and several smaller ones that we arrived at by foot deep in the Peruvian jungle. Ray's was an incredible, passionate, and experienced guide, and also just a great person we are lucky to have met. I also have to mention Moses, our porter who made an amazing lunch and hiked it up to our resting spot 2000 ft above the Urambamba River to Wiñaywayna.
Written July 4, 2025
Family
Did the short inca trail through sam travel and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiking from the train to the Sun Gate with its beutiful views of macchu piccu was incredible. Our guide, Ray, was extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and always positive. At every location and along the way he had fascinating information to share and no question went unanswered.
Written July 4, 2025
Family
We had a great experience with our guide Cristian during our visit to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He shared clear and detailed explanations, with a fascinating historical narrative that helped us truly connect with the places we explored. I learned so much thanks to him. The atmosphere was also really positive and friendly throughout the tour. Highly recommended!
Written June 26, 2025
