1 Day Inca Trail Hike

1 Day Inca Trail Hike

Price from: $ 349.00 USD (See: Pricing)
1 Day Inca Trail Hike
Tour Type
Mountain Hike
1 Day Inca Trail Hike
Maximun Altitude
2,715m/8,907 ft.
1 Day Inca Trail Hike
Physical Level
Moderately Strenuous
1 Day Inca Trail Hike
Recommended Season
March to December

1 Day Inca Trail Hike

Price from: $ 349.00 USD (See: Pricing)

1 Day Inca Trail Hike from Overview Venture into the mysticism of the Inca Trail in just one day from Ollantaytambo! This hike takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, past ancient Inca ruins, and breathtaking views, all leading up to the grand finale of Machu Picchu. You’ll follow in the footsteps of the Incas, learning […]

Tour Plan: Ollantaytambo | Km 104 | Wiñaywayna | Inti Punku | Machu Picchu Ruins

Awe-inspiring the 1 Day Inca Trail Hike

1 Day Inca Trail Hike from Ollantaytambo: Enjoy a magnificent whirlwind adventure through the network of Inca trails to Machu Picchu via the ruins of Inti Punku. The most incredible trips take place on day hikes through the Peruvian Andes. The adventure starts in Cusco, Machu Picchu Pueblo, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo, then travels by train to km 104 of the railway to start the 1-day Short Inca Trail hiking adventure.

The Short Inca Trail 1 Day from Ollantaytambo has incredible panoramic views of the Inca ruins of Chachabamba, Choquesuysuy, Wiñaywayna, Inti Punku, and the spectacular Machu Picchu. The 1-day Inca trail is built with stones of different sizes, making the adventure of walking to Machu Picchu a pleasant one. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you won’t want to miss. Experience the beauty and history of the one-day Inca Trail in a shorter timeframe.

If you’re short on time but still want to experience the beauty and history of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, a one-day hike may be the perfect solution.

Overview

1 Day Inca Trail Hike from Overview

Venture into the mysticism of the Inca Trail in just one day from Ollantaytambo! This hike takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, past ancient Inca ruins, and breathtaking views, all leading up to the grand finale of Machu Picchu. You’ll follow in the footsteps of the Incas, learning about their culture and history along the way.

1 Day Inca Trail from Ollantaytambo Highlights

Why You’ll Love the Short Inca Trail 1 Day

  • Experience the thrill of the Short Inca Trail in just one day! This adventure-packed trip is perfect for those seeking a quick and exciting escape.
  • Don’t have time for the complete Inca Trail in Peru? No problem! Explore the 1-day Inca Trail hike, a perfect way to experience the beauty and history of this iconic trail.
  • Travel at the best time to hike the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu ruins. Our expert guides will lead you through stunning landscapes and ancient ruins.

Itinerary

1 Day Inca Trail Hike Itinerary

DAY 1

Hike from KM 104 to Inti Punku and Machu Picchu

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Ollantaytambo at 5:20 to start the trip by train to kilometer 104

NOTE: Spend the night in Ollantaytambo one day before.

We will travel by train for 1 hour and 25 minutes until we reach km 104 of the railway, the starting point of the hiking adventure. We ascend the Inca trail for approximately 3 hours until we reach the ruins of Wiñaywayna. During the walk, we will find several viewpoints to observe the landscapes of the cloud forest and the Inca ruins before arriving at Machu Picchu.

From Wiñaywayna, there is a 1-hour walk, mostly semi-undulating with some Inca steps, to Puerta del Sol. At Inti Punku, you will have your first view of Machu Picchu. In the last 35 minutes from the Puerta del Sol to the Machu Picchu viewpoint, take your time walking to fully enjoy the incredible views of the Machu Picchu environment.

After the incredible Inca Trail Day hike, enjoy the Machu Picchu guided tour for 2 hours exploring the Inca citadel, then, we go by bus service to Machu Picchu town, “30 minutes of travel.” At 18:20, board the return service to Ollantaytambo.

Food

Box Lunch

Physical Level

2, Moderate

Walking Distance

11km (6.14 miles)

Hiking Time

5 Hrs.

Starting Altitude

KM 104: 2,000m (6,560 ft)

Minimun Altitude

Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)

Highest Altitude

Inti Pinku: 2,720m (8,920 ft)

Inclusions

1 Day Inca Trail Hike INCLUSIONS

  • Active itinerary with unique landscape and cultural experiences
  • Local guide (s) with command of the English language
  • Outbound Journey: Train Ticket: By Peru Rail: Ollantaytambo, KM 104: Class: Expedition 81, departure at 06:10
    • Train guide: “One way—the guide travels on the same train as the clients.”
  • Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Tickets 
    • Entrance ticket to the One-Day Short Inca Trail
    • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu through Circuit 4 or 3 at 14:00.
  • Admission fee to the Inka Trail by SERNANP, “National Service of Natural Protected Areas”
  • One oxygen bottle plus one first-aid kit
  • Box lunch per client: “Clients load their box lunch.”
  • Bus ticket from the Machu Picchu site to Aguas Calientes (one-way)
  • Inbound Journey Train Ticket: By Peru Rail: Machu Picchu-Ollantaytambo: Class: Expedition 84, departure at 18:20
  • All local taxes.

Train Advice

Luggage Policies and Identity Requirements by Peru Rail changed its policies regarding luggage: 1 bag or backpack must not exceed 5 kg/11 pounds or 62 inches/157 cm (length + height + width). This information means you should bring along a small backpack to Machu Picchu. You can leave your main luggage at your hotel (Cuzco or Ollantaytambo). The train service will require each passenger boarding a train to submit their train ticket and original passport. Without this, the passenger cannot board the train for their safety.

EXCLUSIONS

  • Transfer service from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, etc
  • Overnight in Ollantaytambo or Machu Picchu Pueblo
  • Due to time restraints, climbing the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is impossible.
  • Drinking water
  • Snacks
  • Dinner on day 1.
  • Tip for your guide(s) and driver

Short Inca Trail 1 Day Days Upgrade

Enhance Your Trip

TRAIN SERVICES

PeruRail (Train upgrades)

Enhance your travel experience with three distinct Vistadome services on Peru Rail, each with its own extra cost: per person

  • $85.
    • Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu: VISTADOME
    • Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo: VISTADOME
  • $95.
    • Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu: VISTADOME
    • Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo: VISTADOME Observatory
  • $125.
    • Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu: VISTADOME Observatory
    • Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo: VISTADOME Observatory

+ $445.00 Hiram Bingham train (Train MACHUPICCHU-POROY) Inbound Journey

DISCOUNTS
  • This applies to the following services:
  • Machu Picchu Fee: Short Inca Trail 1 Day College Students: $20 off

What to Bring for the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

  • Original passport
  • Hiking backpack, 21-liter capacity
  • Hiking poles with rubber covers
  • Trekking clothing: hiking shoes, pants, shorts, two shirts, and a rain jacket.
  • Anti-blister gel to prevent blisters on the feet.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Sun block cream SPF 60 (UVA-UVB)
  • Waterproof insect repellent cream, not a spray!
  • Reusable canteen for your water.

Notes on the 1 Day Inca Trail Hike:

Machu Picchu Tickets are valid for a single entry, and re-entry is impossible! To re-enter, you have to buy a new entrance ticket in advance.

* Kondor Path Tours: A Travel Tour Operator 100% for the 1 Day Inca Trail Hike

Travel Guide

The 1-day Inca Trail is a shorter version of the classic multi-day Inca Trail trek. It offers a condensed experience of hiking along a portion of the Inca Trail and reaching the famous archaeological site of Machu Picchu in a single day.

The 1-day Inca Trail covers approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of hiking. It typically takes around 6–8 hours to complete, depending on the pace of the group and the stops along the way.

Yes, a permit is required to hike the 1-day Inca Trail. Since the 1-day trek includes a portion of the Inca Trail, it falls under the regulations and permit system of the Ministry of Culture of Peru. The number of permits available is limited, so booking in advance is essential.

The 1-day Inca Trail is considered moderately challenging. It involves uphill and downhill sections, uneven terrain, and some steep stone steps. However, it is less demanding than the multi-day Inca Trail trek, making it accessible to a broader range of fitness levels.

Yes, the 1-day Inca Trail ends at Machu Picchu, allowing you to explore and experience the ancient ruins. After completing the trek, you will have a tour of Machu Picchu to learn about its history and significance.

There are no specific age restrictions for the 1-day Inca Trail. However, it’s essential to consider participants’ physical abilities and endurance, mainly due to the challenging terrain. It’s advisable to consult with tour operators to determine if it suits children or older adults.

Some essential items for the 1-day Inca Trail include a valid passport, comfortable hiking shoes, lightweight clothing layers, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a rain jacket, a day pack, a refillable water bottle, snacks, and insect repellent. It’s also recommended to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Yes, a licensed guide is required for the 1-day Inca Trail. As per the regulations, all visitors must be accompanied by an authorized guide who provides information, ensures safety, and helps to preserve the site’s cultural and natural heritage.

The 1-day Inca Trail requires the services of a licensed tour operator. They handle the permits, provide transportation guides, and assist with logistics, ensuring a well-organized and coordinated experience. It’s not possible to hike the 1-day Inca Trail independently.

Yes, the 1-day Inca Trail is available year-round, except for specific maintenance periods in February when the Inca Trail is closed. However, it’s worth noting that the rainy season (December to March) may result in more challenging trail conditions.

Pricing & Book Now

1 Day Inca Trail Hike COST

Season 2025

Number of persons Price per person
1 $ 599.00 USD
2 $ 469.00 USD
3 $ 422.00 USD
4 $ 396.00 USD
5 $ 380.00 USD
6 $ 370.00 USD
7 $ 363.00 USD
8 $ 357.00 USD
9 $ 374.00 USD
10 $ 368.00 USD
11 $ 364.00 USD
12 $ 360.00 USD
13 $ 357.00 USD
14 $ 354.00 USD
15 $ 351.00 USD
16 $ 349.00 USD

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INQUIRE ABOUT THE 1 DAY INCA TRAIL HIKE

Short Inca Trail 1 Day: Don’t miss the opportunity to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This one-day trek offers an unforgettable experience with stunning views and hidden gems of Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.

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