The Inca Trail Trek 1 Day is the best way to get to Machu Picchu and is perfect for those people who have very little time in Cusco, we begin by traveling by train through the Andean foothills following the Urubamba River to the starting point of the hike called km 104.
To then continue on a steep climb to the Inca site of Wiñaywayna, follow the last stretch of the Classic Inca Trail to the Puerta del Sol to the ancient civilization of Machu Picchu. Finally, in the afternoon we return to the city of Cusco, concluding a day full of adventures and impressive discoveries.
Finally, we return to Cusco in the afternoon, culminating a fantastic day of adventure and extraordinary discoveries. This return trip gives us a moment to reflect on the profound spiritual and cultural significance of Machu Picchu, while also allowing us to treasure the unforgettable experiences we had during this whirlwind trip.
Whether it’s your first time or a dream come true, this day hike will leave an indelible mark on you.
This Inca Trail Trek 1 Day has a great biodiversity of flora and fauna. We will visit beautiful archaeological centers built by the ancient Incas such as Chachabamba, Choquesuysuy and Wiñaywayna Inca sites, surrounded by the Andes beauty.
The 1-day hike is 12 km / 7.45 miles, starts at 2000 m / 6560 ft and climbs to 2720 m / 8924 ft and is classified as a moderate hike with a slightly high elevation gain.
This day hike is the perfect combination of challenge, culture, and breathtaking views, all rolled into one incredible experience. The sights, sounds, and essence of the Andes will stay with you long after the hike is over, making this day more than just a trip; it’s an enriching journey you’ll treasure forever.
Prepare to feel inspired, awestruck, and deeply connected to one of the world’s most enchanting and historic landscapes.
You will have a detailed briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your 1-Day Inca Trail Trek. The guide will meet you at your hotel, giving you the chance to ask any questions and finalize preparations before the trek.
We will pick at 04:00 am from your hotel to start the Inca Trail Trek 1 Day, We take our car for about an hour and a half to Ollantaytambo where we will take our train until kilometer 104, where our trek starts.
Our trek today takes us along the most wonderful stretch of the famous 4 day Inca Trail. We’ll visit beautiful Inca sites, see a variety of flora and fauna, and get to take in the stunning panoramas of the Andes. Walking 12km of the trail our hike begins in the Sacred Valley and works its way up along a paved Inca trail to the archeological site of Winay Wayna before continuing on to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). After visiting Wiñay Wayna, we will have our box lunch.
After enjoying our meal, we’ll hike through the lush and green cloud forest that covers the mountain and get to see a wide variety of plants, flowers, orchids, and birds along the way. We might see some larger mammals such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and Spectacled Bears.
After 5 hours of hiking, we’ll get to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the afternoon and get our first views of Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain ridge below. The light in the afternoon is great for photos and with fewer tourists on the site, it’s a perfect time to take beautiful pictures of the site. After passing through the Sun Gate we’ll keep hiking for about 30 minutes to get to Machu Picchu
Once you get Machu Picchu, you will go first to the Guard hourse where you will take a postcard picture of Machu Picchu. Once there, take some time to enjoy the views, take memorable photos, and fill your spirit with the energy of this place. You will then have a 2-hour guided tour of this incredible ancient city and visit temples, terraces, palaces, priests’ houses, the intihuatana, the industrial sector and the crop fields.
Finally, After having visited Machu Picchu, we will continue to the main entrance where we will take our bus to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, we will take our return train to Ollantaytambo station and private transportation back to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel around 10:00 pm.
The Inca Trail Trek 1 Day Does Not Include, the extra porter, so, you will need to carry all your things, please try to pack as light as possible which is the key to enjoy this amazing trek
A minimum of 2 hikers is required to start the 1-Day Inca Trail Trek to ensure the tour can operate as planned.
3 Days 2 Nights
Rainforest trekking and wildlife watching in Manu Cultural Zone
Visit a canopy walkway & observation tower for birdwatching
Boat rides along Manu or Madre de Dios Rivers, oxbow lake exploration
Lodging in rustic jungle lodge with wildlife night observations
Full Day Tour
Turquoise lagoons & glacier views
Wild alpacas & vizcachas
Sacred Andean landscapes
Optional hot springs soak
4 Days 3 Nights
Yanacocha Lake & snow peaks
Andean communities visit
Lares Hot Springs
Machu Picchu guided tour