About this experience
Making this 1 day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu will be a unique experience because of its exquisite beauty, abundance of biodiversity and amazing Inca constructions. It is highly recommended for families and beginners. It is the shortest version of all the trails that reach Machu Picchu. The tour follows the same route of the 2 Day Inca Trail trek and the last part of the Famous 4 Day Inca Trail Hike.
The full day Inca trail hike starts at kilometer 104 of the Cusco - Machu Picchu railway at an altitude of 2150 m/ 7,053ft and reaches a maximum of 2,720 m/ 8923ft at the Sun gate, a total of 10.5 km/6.5miles away and takes 6 hours at a moderate pace.
At a glance
- Duration: 18 hr 30 min
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 18 hr 30 min 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
- Send us the copy of your passport at the time of booking
- You must bring your original, up-to-date personal document (passport/ID card) to board the train and pass through the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu checkpoints.
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
- 1 lunch (Lunch box) and snack
- A bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
- Private transfer to and from the hotel in Cusco - Ollantaytambo train station.
- Entrance fees to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu (circuit 1-1b, viewpoint - upper terrace)
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle.
- Expedition train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km-104 and Machu Picchu town to Ollantaytambo.
- Private English or Spanish-speaking tour guide.
Not included
- Breakfast and dinner.
- Travel insurance and Tips (optional)
Itinerary and highlights
One Day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
Our staff will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 a.m. and transfer you by private vehicle to the Ollantaytambo train station. Take the expedition train that leaves at 6:10 a.m. You will then travel 1 hour and 15 minutes to the 104th kilometer of the railway, from where you will begin the 7-hour trek to Machu Picchu, with brief stops at the Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna, and Sun Gate archaeological sites.
Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, explore the Machu Picchu lookout point which has a wonderful panoramic view. Enjoy the view and take some excellent postcard photos to immortalize your experience. At the end, take the bus to the Aguas Calientes town and board the Expedition train that leaves at 18:10 / 20:50h to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our staff will be waiting to escort you to Cusco.
Note: in the 1 day Inca Trail tour, from March 2025 it will not be possible to visit the urban area, only the upper part will be visited.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Machupicchu andes tours
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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
- Ask us about availability before booking
- The tour starts on the date you decide (except February)
- If you have a dietary preference, such as vegetarian food, inform us
- Send us the copy of your passport at the time of booking
- You must bring your original, up-to-date personal document (passport/ID card) to board the train and pass through the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu checkpoints.
- Wear appropriate clothes for the trek
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
Traveller reviews and photos
Traveller experiences load when you reach this section.
