Full Itinerary: One Day Inca Trail

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 am (time may vary by hotel location). If your hotel is in the Sacred Valley near Ollantaytambo, pick‑up is around 5:30 am. We’ll travel about 1.5 hours to the train station in Ollantaytambo, where you’ll board the Expedition train to the Inca Trail (KM 104). Upon arrival, you’ll show your passport and Inca Trail entrances/permits to enter. A freshly prepared picnic breakfast will be waiting for you with coffee and coca tea.

After breakfast, you’ll begin the iconic Inca Trail. First, explore Chachabamba, a beautiful Inca site near the Urubamba River. From there, we start a gentle climb, following the Ancient Inca Trail with amazing views of the Andes. Along the way, enjoy distant views of the archaeological sites of Choquesuysuy and Intipata. We’ll hike approximately 3 to 4 hours until we reach the spectacular Inca site of Wiñay Wayna. On this stretch you’ll see orchids, small waterfalls, and lush cloud forest, with an elevation gain of around 600 meters (≈1,970 feet).

You will explore Wiñay Wayna with our expert tour guides—its terraces, water fountains, ceremonial buildings, and the ingenious engineering the Incas used to build such an amazing site on an incredible mountainside. Wiñay Wayna is considered one of the most impressive and largest sites inside the Inca Trail network. Lunch will be served at a nearby campsite where our chef will be waiting with a fresh meal made from local products. We provide buffet‑style meals with plenty of options and we also cater to special requests.

After lunch, you’ll embark on the final part of the Inca Trail. It’s about 1 hour from Wiñay Wayna to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for a unique, first view of Machu Picchu from the distance. You’ll have time to rest, enjoy the scenery, and take plenty of photos. Then we continue down the stone‑paved Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu. After approximately one more hour, we arrive at the upper part of the citadel—the Circuit 1 area—which grants access to the most amazing viewpoints.

You will explore Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu, including the Guard House, the Sacred Rock, and viewpoints on the right and left side of Machu Picchu, surrounded by the Urubamba River far below. There’s time to explore, listen to our tour guides, and capture that classic photo with fewer people, as we arrive in the late afternoon when most of the crowds have left.

After Machu Picchu, you’ll exit the site, board the bus, and travel down to Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes). You’ll have free time for dinner and to explore the local market before boarding the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo, where our staff will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco. The expected arrival time in Cusco is around 9:30 pm, when the service ends.

• Hiking Distance: 13 km / 8 mi
• Hiking Duration: approx. 6 hours
• Highest Altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch
• Difficulty: Moderate

Important: This tour includes access to Machu Picchu through Circuit 1, which gives you access to the main viewpoints in the upper area of Machu Picchu. However, you will not be able to enter the center of the citadel, the Temple of the Sun, or the urban sector of Machu Picchu on this circuit. Your guide’s explanation is complete at the viewpoints, and many travelers visit Machu Picchu only through Circuit one.

If you would like to explore more of the citadel, you can book extra tickets. Add a hotel night and visit Machu Picchu the next day with a tour guide or on your own. You might even add Huayna Picchu or Gran Caverna, depending on availability and season.

Please contact us if you would like extra tickets or services. We also offer a 2 day version of the Inca Trail.

One Day Inca Trail - Packing List

During the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you will leave very early your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and return by the evening of same day. If you return to the same hotel, you don’t need to check out. If you are staying in a different place or hotel, you can request to store your bags with us. 

Please contact us to get more information about hotel pick‑up locations and luggage storage options. For the Inca Trail, you will travel light, as we will be hiking around 6 to 7 hours to Machu Picchu with no road access, and you’ll carry everything you need in a small backpack.

We recommend bringing a comfortable 30 to 45‑liter hiking backpack with side pockets or compatible with water bladders. This backpack should be light and comfortable for hiking, with enough space for clothes, water, snacks, and everything you need for a full‑day adventure on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

What to bring to the Inca Trail

• Light, durable, comfortable hiking backpack (30 to 45 liters)
• Valid passport (required to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu)
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Lightweight jacket or poncho (weather can change quickly)
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
• Refillable water bottle or bladder
• Drinkable water at least 2 liters
• Personal snacks (fruit, energy bars)
• Basic toiletries and hand sanitizer
• Cash for tips and souvenirs.
• Warm clothes for early morning (the weather can be chilly)
• Light clothes for the hiking part as we will be in the cloud forest

Inca Trail 1 Day Price

Price per person:

• From US$ 360 - Adults
• From US$ 330 - Children and students

To book the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you need to make an initial payment of US$ 200 per person. The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco.

Student Discount:

• US$ 30 off per person

Applies to all travelers under 17 and to students under 25 with a valid university ID. The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, please submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, the adult rate will apply.

Valid Student ID for the Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu:

To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:

• 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
• The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
• The ID must have a valid expiration date

Invalid Student IDs:

Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:

• Traveler is older than 25
• Expired ID
• Student ID without expiration date
• ISIC cards are not valid. 

Similar tours you might be interested in:

• Classic Inca Trail 4 days
• Short Inca Trail 2 Days
• Rainbow Mountain 1 day
• Humantay Lake 1 day

Inca Trail Travel Information

The 1 day Inca Trail is part of the original network of roads built by the Incas. Permits are limited to help preserve its cultural and natural value, so early booking is important.

This route covers a shorter section of the trail, allowing you to experience part of the Classic Inca Trail without committing to a multi-day trek.

About Circuit 1 at Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu now uses fixed visitor circuits. This tour includes Circuit 1, which covers the upper terraces and the most important viewpoints. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the citadel and the surrounding mountains.

Keep in mind that this circuit does not include the main archaeological core. If you’d like to explore more areas of the site, you’ll need to purchase an additional ticket for Circuit 2 or 3, depending on availability.

Check our Machu Picchu Circuits Guide for more information.

Requirements and tips

• Passport Requirements: Make sure your passport is valid and bring it on the trail.
• Health and Safety: Listen to your guide, follow trail rules, and respect local communities.
• Booking in Advance: This tour has limited permits. Early booking (3–6 months ahead) is strongly recommended.
• Weather: Expect a mix of sun, wind, and possibly rain. Conditions can change quickly in the Andes.
• Extra Nights in Aguas Calientes: If you have time, staying longer lets you revisit Machu Picchu or explore the hot springs.

Aguas Calientes Recommendations

Aguas Calientes is a small town at the base of Machu Picchu. If you choose to stay overnight, here’s what you can do:

• Relax in the local hot springs
• Shop at the local craft markets
• Try local dishes like ceviche or lomo saltado at a restaurant

Ready for a thrilling day that blends history, nature, and adventure? This Inca Trail One Day Adventure to Machu Picchu will make every moment count. Book now and experience the magic of Peru’s most famous hike!

Inca Trail 1 day Frequently Asked Questions