Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 Day
About this activity
Highlights
- Trek the ancient Inca Trail
- Witness breathtaking Andean landscapes
- Explore the iconic Machu Picchu citadel
- Learn about Incan history and culture
- Enjoy a personalized hiking experience
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Cusco to the trailhead
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Lunch and snacks during the hike
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
- Accommodation in Cusco or Aguas Calientes
Itinerary
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
Important information
Know before you book
- This is a private tour; only your group will participate.
- The tour operates in English; please ensure all participants understand the language.
- The tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable hiking boots and appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions.
- Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the hike.
- Ensure you have a valid passport for entry to Machu Picchu.
Cancellation policy
0All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Accessibility
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- 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
Traveler reviews
Amazing 1 day experience
Frank, Alejandro and entire team were great. The 1 day trip with short inca trail and getting to and from Cusco was a long day but worth it! Trekperience guides were fun and personable, and all of the food was made fresh on the trail and amazing! Highly recommend for those that like a challenge with an awesome reward at the end!
Great experience with Gary and David
We had a great experience during our 1-day Inca Trail tour. Our tour guides were David and Gary, and they were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Very good experience - Machupichu tour
Thank you very much Filio for the tour! The experience was great and Filio accompanied us throughout the tour and gave us a lot of information
Amazing day trip with Fillio
Amazing time. Went with Fillio as our guide and it was an incredible time. Great history lesson at a modest pace as we saw the beautiful views of the trail. We will be back!
10 out of 10 stars
The trek experience was awesome Jason our guide was very knowledgeable and answered every question that I had. Alejandro, was our second guide saved my life. I got elevation sickness really bad could not carry my pack and had not been for Alejandro. I would not have finished. The guy carried my pack. The whole trip. Great job. Overall, I would 100% recommend trek experience to everyone Jason and Alejandro were great guides very knowledgeable and spoke everything clearly and the instructions were very clear. Food was outstanding overall I would give this company and the guides a 10 out of 10.