1 Day Inca Trail Hike Overview Venture to the mysticism of the Inca Trail in just one day! 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 […]
1 Day Inca Trail Hike – 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 from Cusco, Machu Picchu Pueblo, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo, then travel by train to km 104 of the railway to start the 1-day Short Inca Trail hiking adventure.
The Short Inca Trail 1 Day 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.
Booking the Hike: BOOK YOUR TREK WITH KONDOR PATH TOURS WELL IN ADVANCE. Permits for the 1-day Inca Trail are limited and tend to sell out quickly, so secure your spot early.
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. This trek offers a condensed version of the traditional four-day hike, allowing you to explore the stunning landscapes and ancient ruins in just one day.
Venture to the mysticism of the Inca Trail in just one day! 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. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you won’t want to miss. Experience the beauty and history of the 1 Day Inca Trail in a shorter timeframe – Get a taste of the Andean landscape and culture – Learn from knowledgeable local guides – Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch along the way – Make memories that will last a lifetime.
Why You’ll Love the Short Inca Trail 1 Day
Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 5:15 a.m. to start the trip to the Ollantaytambo train station.
NOTE: If you prefer to start in Ollantaytambo, we recommend you spend the night in Ollantaytambo one day before. 06:00, we will pick you up at your hotel in Ollantaytambo to start the train trip.
We travel by train for 1 hour and 15 minutes until we reach km 104 of the railway, the starting point of the hiking adventure ascending 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. 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 bus service to Machu Picchu town, “30 minutes of travel.” At 6:20 p.m., board the return service to Ollantaytambo; our private vehicle will then transport you to Cusco from Ollantaytambo.
Box Lunch
2, Moderate
11km (6.14 miles)
5 Hrs.
KM 104: 2,000m (6,560 ft)
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Inti Pinku: 2,720m (8,920 ft)
Luggage Policies and Identity Requirements by Peru Rail changed its policies regarding luggage: 01 bags or backpacks 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 in your Hotel (Cuzco or Ollantaytambo). The Train service will require each passenger boarding a train service to submit their train ticket + original passport. Without this, the passenger will not be able to board the train for the safety of the passengers.
Notes of 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
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.
Season 2023 – 2024
Number of persons | Price per person | |
1 | $ 523.00 USD | |
2 | $ 425.00 USD | |
3 | $ 395.00 USD | |
4 | $ 385.00 USD | |
5 | $ 369.00 USD |
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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 to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.