About this experience

This is a unique opportunity for those who may not have as much time to hike the full Inca Trail. This trek combines highlights from the original Inca Trail with some of the most beautiful Inca ruins nestled in the dense vegetation of the cloud forest. This is the only tour that allows you to arrive hiking to Machu Picchu to experience the sunset.

Why book with us?
• Travel with an authentic Local Tour Operator
• Hike the last part of the Classic Inca Trail
• Arrive to Machu Picchu through the Sun gate
• Explora Machu Picchu Circuit 1
• Visit Inca Sites at exclusive hours

At a glance

Duration: 16 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 Day

Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour16 hr

Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details

Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)

Set aside 16 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

Local guides to help you plan

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Guide

Plan the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with practical guidance on permits, the Km 82 route, timing, published access rates, and booking decisions.

Choosing the Right Train to Machu Picchu

PeruRail or IncaRail, Vistadome or Expedition, Ollantaytambo or Poroy. The trade-offs nobody explains until you're already at the station.

Machu Picchu Day Trip From Cusco

A Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco is possible, but it requires advance entry tickets, carefully matched transport, and a very early start. Use this practical guide to choose a circuit, build a realistic schedule, compar

What is included

All transportation during the duration of the trek
Professional tour guides
Bus down from Machu Picchu
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Expedition train round trip
Safety briefing the day before the tour at 6:00 pm in our Office
Pick up from your hotel in the morning of the tour
Entrance ticket to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

Not included

(Optional) Entrance tickets for Machu Picchu Montaña or Waynapicchu, they require advance booking due to limited availability. If you have them, please let us know.

Itinerary and highlights

Our Short Inca Trail tour starts with an early departure from your hotel in Cusco (around 4:00 AM) and drive for 1.5 hours to the Ollantaytambo Train station. If you stay in a hotel in the Sacred Valley, like Ollantaytambo, we can start around 5:30 am.

Once we arrive at Ollantaytambo, we will board the Expedition Train onto the Inca Trail. It’s a 1-hour 30-minute train ride along the Urubamba river from Ollantaytambo (in the highlands) to km 104 at Chachabamba (in the cloud forest), where we start our hike to Machu Picchu.

The arrival to the Inca Trail at Chachabamba around 8:00 AM. You will show your original passport at the checkpoint, prepare for the hike, visit the first inca Site of Chachabamba archaeological site, and start the Short Inca Trail hike to Wiñaywayna and Sungate.

After 4 hours of hiking the Short Inca Trail, we will arrive at the great archaeological site of Wiñaywayna. You will have time to explore and have a guided tour of the amazing Inca Site of Wiñay Wayna, appreciating its beauty and its significance.

After lunch in Wiñaywayna, we will continue to the Sungate (Inti Punku), arriving around 2:00 PM. Take a moment to enjoy your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu from a unique place.

Then, you will hike down to Machu Picchu for 1 hour, arrive at View Point, and have a guided tour in the afternoon with fewer people through Circuit 1.

By 5:00 PM, start heading down to Aguas Calientes, have some free time, and board the 6.20 pm Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo and a Private van back to Cusco. The Expected arrival time is around 9.30 pm back in Cusco

Meeting and pickup information

We also pick up from AirBnB's and any other locations inside Cusco city and Sacred Valley. Wait at the lobby of your hotel at 4.00 am in Cusco

Languages and tickets

English — Guide
Spanish — Guide
Mobile Only

Tour operator

TreXperience

Accessibility and practical details

Specialized infant seats are available
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
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?

The supplier lists a duration of 16 hr.

What are the pickup arrangements?

We also pick up from AirBnB's and any other locations inside Cusco city and Sacred Valley.

Wait at the lobby of your hotel at 4.00 am in Cusco

Which guide languages are listed?

English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).

What ticket format is listed?

Mobile ticket.

What ticket age bands are listed?

Child tickets: age 3–17; Adult tickets: age 18+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.

What is the cancellation policy?