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Inca Trail To Machu Picchu 1 Day: The shortest version of the Inca Trail

CUSCO - KM 104 - CHACHABAMBA - WIÑAYHUAYNA - SUNGATE - MACHU PICCHU - AGUAS CALIENTES - CUSCO
Group size

MIN 2 PERSONS

Difficulty level

Intense

Trip styles

Hiking

Accommodation

HOTEL

Inca Trail 1 Day to Machu Picchu

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 day. This is the safest and fastest way to reach Machu Picchu. It also requires much less physical effort and takes half the time of the classic 4-day Inca Trail. The 1-day Inca Trail is ideal for those with limited time, offering a condensed version that allows you to experience and learn a great deal about Inca culture and history.

On the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you will have the opportunity to visit different archaeological sites such as Chachabamba (2000 m / 62,718 ft), Choquesuysuy (2000 m / 62,718 ft), which can be seen from the lower part of the Inca Trail, Wiñayhuayna (eternal youth) at 2650 meters (8694 ft), and the Sun Gate, where you will have your first view of Machu Picchu. Finally, in the afternoon, you will arrive at Machu Picchu for a 2-hour tour (depending on how far in advance you booked the tour, the best option is circuit 2). Afterward, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes and return to Cusco.

Short Inca Trail 1 Days Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco - km 104 - Chachabamba - Wiñayhuayna - Sungate - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco

We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. If you are staying in the Sacred Valley, we also offer pick-up. If you are in Cusco, we will drive for approximately one hour and thirty minutes to Ollantaytambo, where we will board the train to kilometer 104 (the trailhead). Here, you will need to show your passport, and the guide will show the necessary permits. Once we enter the Inca Trail, you will have time to use the restrooms and pack your backpacks. We will provide you with boxed lunches.

This trail will take us to the most beautiful section of the classic 4-day Inca Trail. We will pass through Inca sites, lush flora and fauna typical of this area, and enjoy incredible views of mountains and snow-capped peaks. Our trek begins at the archaeological site of Chachabamba and then continues to the impressive terraces of Wiñay Huayna before proceeding to the mystical site of the Sun Gate.

At Wiñay Huayna, we will enjoy a boxed lunch and then continue the trek through a lush green forest where you may see orchids and, if you are very lucky, some animals such as spectacled bears. After a couple of hours of hiking, we’ll reach the famous Sun Gate in the afternoon, where we’ll get our first magical view of Machu Picchu—a very special spot to take some memorable photos, definitely with fewer tourists. Then, after passing through the Sun Gate, we’ll continue our journey for 45 minutes until we reach Machu Picchu. Once there, we’ll have a 2-hour tour and then board the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll catch the train to Ollantaytambo and then on to Cusco.

  • Hiking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Highest Altitude: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
  • Lowest Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,691 ft
  • Meals: Lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel

What’s included in the 1 Day Inca Trail Tour

Briefing & Preparation

  • Detailed explanation by your guide 1-2 days prior to your tour, including maps related to the trek
  • Hiking poles

Transport

  • Pick-up from your hotel to the train station in private transport.
  • Bus tickets down to Aguas Calientes town and back to Machu Picchu
  • Return tourist-class train tickets from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
  • Transport from the train station back to your hotel

Tickets

  • Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

Guides & Assistance

  • Professional English / Spanish guide for the entire tour
    Second guide for groups of over 8

Meals

  • Meals according to the program + snack at the beginning of the trek
  • Water bottle and box lunch in Wiñayhuayna
  • Vegetarian and allergy-related menus are available at no extra charge

Short Inca Trail Sites

  • Chachabamba
  • Wiñay Wayna
  • Sungate
  • Machu Picchu

Extras

  • 2-hour private guided tour by your English-speaking guide with plenty of free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own.
  • First aid kit, including an emergency oxygen bottle.
  • All local taxes

 

  • First breakfast
  • Gratuities
  • Hiking sticks

Inca Trail 1 Day – Price & Booking

We offer fair and transparent pricing for the 1-day Inca Trail Trek. We ensure each service is priced accurately without unnecessary markups. Our goal is to provide great value while ensuring that most of what you pay goes directly to the local people who make your experience unforgettable.

Pricing details

  • Adult: $450 USD per person
  • Student: $420 USD per person (valid student ID required)
    (Requires $200 USD to secure your spot. You can pay the rest of the balance in Cusco.

Discounts

  • Students: $20 USD off
  • Children under 15: $20 USD off (pay student rate)
  • Children under 7: $35 USD off

How to book your spot

  1. Go to the tour page and click Book Now.
  2. Fill in your details in the booking form and submit.
  3. We’ll contact you shortly to confirm availability and finalize your reservation.

For the Short Inca Trail, you’ll only need to bring the essentials for two days. Your main luggage can be safely stored at your hotel free of charge. Here’s what we recommend packing:

Essentials

  • Passport
  • Valid student ID (if booked as a student)
  • Small, comfortable daypack
  • At least 1.5 liters of water (no refill options until Machu Picchu)

Clothing & Footwear

  • Lightweight hiking boots with good grip
  • 1 moisture-wicking hiking shirt
  • Hiking pants
  • Nice outfit for Machu Picchu photos
  • 2 sets of undergarments
  • Walking socks
  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho

Weather & Health Protection

  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal medication
  • Small first aid kit

Extras

  • Camera or phone for photos
  • Power bank (at least 10,000 mAh)
  • Snacks (energy bars or nuts)
  • Extra cash for souvenirs, drinks, or tips
  • Bathing suit (optional – for Aguas Calientes hot springs)

Why Choose Go Treks Peru

100% Locally Owned by a Tour Guide
Go Treks Peru was founded by Elisban Condori, a local tour guide with years of experience leading treks to Machu Picchu. His goal is simple: to offer top-quality, authentic experiences led by passionate professionals who truly know the Andes.

Fair Work Conditions
We believe in ethical tourism. That means no exploitative working hours and fair pay for all our staff. We work with trained, freelance professionals who have the flexibility and respect they deserve.

Personalized Service
At Go Treks Peru, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We tailor each tour to your preferences, always focusing on small groups to ensure a flexible, high-quality experience. For us, personal means unforgettable.

Sustainable Travel
All of our treks are 100% eco-friendly. We follow a strict “leave no trace” policy and encourage our travelers to protect nature and respect local communities at every step of the journey.

Excellent Customer Satisfaction
We’re proud to have consistent 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor and other platforms. Our travelers love the personal attention, seamless logistics, and genuine local connections we provide.

What Our Adventurers Say: Real Reviews

Discover why adventurers love traveling with Go Treks Peru. Read client reviews and explore top adventure destinations in Peru. Check our reviews on Tripadvisor or Google.

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