1 Day Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu

From US$440 per person

Full Day

Moderate

Chachabamba km 104 | Wiñay Wayna | Sun Gate | Machu Picchu | Aguas Calientes

Trip Summary

Total time

12 hours

Meals included

1 Box Lunch

Group size

Up to 10 people

Transportation

Bus and Train

Why Pick This Tour

If your time in Peru is tight but you’re dreaming of walking the legendary Qhapaq Ñan (the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu), this is the real deal — authentic and hassle-free. This Machu Picchu tour is designed to give you the heart of the Short Inca Trail in a complete route that ends at the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

Day 1: Cusco – KM 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

The best part of the tour: Guided tour of 1 Day Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu

Over View — Inca Trail 1 Day To Machu Picchu

The 1-Day Inca Trail is the go-to option for travelers short on time who still don’t want to miss the Inca Trail trekking experience. This route packs history, nature, and adrenaline into a 7.5-mile journey that takes you straight from KM 104 (Chachabamba) — the starting point of this Short Inca Trail — all the way to the citadel.

Joined by our licensed professional guide, you’ll climb along ancient stone paths (Qhapaq Ñan) to the Wiñay Wayna complex, an archaeological gem tucked into the cloud forest. Your reward comes when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll get the most breathtaking and memorable view of Machu Picchu at sunset. This is a moderate hike (Max Elevation: 8,924 ft / 2,720 m) with a total duration of 12 hours — perfect for anyone looking for a full, life-changing adventure through the Inca legacy in a single day.

📍 Day 1 : Cusco – KM 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo – Cusco ▼

We’ll start with pickup from your hotel in Cusco and head to the Ollantaytambo train station, passing through the Sacred Valley.

Once there, we’ll board the Expedition tourist train and travel through the Urubamba River canyon, surrounded by mountains and highland jungle. We’ll get off at Kilometer 104, the official starting point of the 1-Day Inca Trail.

After checking in at the control point, we’ll begin our hike with a visit to Chachabamba, an Inca archaeological complex used for water rituals. From there, we’ll climb gently along stone-paved paths of the ancient Qhapaq Ñan, surrounded by cloud forest.

Halfway through, we’ll reach Wiñay Wayna — one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the route, featuring stunning terraces, ceremonial buildings, and ritual fountains. We’ll take a break here to enjoy our box lunch in a rest area.

Then we’ll continue the final stretch to the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu. From this sacred spot, you’ll get an unforgettable view of the citadel bathed in afternoon light.

After descending to the upper section of Machu Picchu, we’ll arrive at the iconic Guardian’s House — the perfect spot for that classic postcard photo. Here, our professional guide will share insights about Inca history, engineering, and architecture while walking through the allowed areas.

After this visit, we’ll head to the exit to catch the Concetur bus down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have free time to explore the town or shop. Then we’ll head to the train station.

We’ll board the return train to Ollantaytambo. When we arrive, a tourist shuttle will be waiting to bring us back to Cusco. We’ll wrap up the Inca Trail tour near Cusco’s main square.

What’s Included

Pre-Trip Info Session: Briefing before the trip with full details on the 1-Day Inca Trail itinerary, schedules, tips, safety measures, and Q&A before starting the hike to Machu Picchu.

Transport Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Cusco: Tourist shuttle service from Cusco to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley and back, ensuring comfort and punctuality.

Tourist Trains (to KM 104 and return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo — Expedition service): Expedition-class tourist train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 (official starting point of the Short Inca Trail) and return from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.

Licensed Professional Guide: Certified and authorized guide with you the entire time, providing historical and cultural info and ongoing support throughout the Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail Entrance Included: Official permits needed for the 1-Day Inca Trail, issued by the relevant authorities and subject to availability for Machu Picchu entry.

Meals: 1 box lunch and snacks during the day. Vegetarian options available at no extra cost: Food provided during the Short Inca Trail hike, including a box lunch and energy snacks. Vegetarian options at no extra cost — just let us know ahead of time.

First Aid Kit: Basic first aid kit available during the hike for minor emergencies or common trail issues.

Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu (ride down to Aguas Calientes): Tourist bus from the Machu Picchu citadel down to Aguas Calientes after the visit.

What’s Not Included

Wayna Picchu Mountain Ticket: This is separate from the general entry. Subject to availability and extra cost.

Machu Picchu Circuit Entrance Tickets: Does not include additional Machu Picchu circuit entries beyond what’s specified in the program.

Travel Insurance: Not included. While it’s an important safeguard (medical assistance, cancellations, luggage), it needs to be purchased personally before traveling.

Packing List & Tips

I. Before the Trip

Must-Have Documents: Bring your original passport or national ID. It’s the only valid document for entry to archaeological sites.

Insurance & Tickets: Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and cancellations. If you want to visit Huayna Picchu Mountain, book your ticket as far ahead as possible — spots are very limited.

II. What to Bring

Backpack: 25 liters max. Avoid large backpacks — not allowed inside Machu Picchu.

Layered Clothing: Comfortable, lightweight clothes in layers for temperature changes (cold mornings, warm middays).

Protection: Waterproof jacket or rain poncho (in rainy season), hat/cap, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Water & Snacks: Reusable water bottle and light snacks.

Cash: Bring some cash in soles for small expenses.

II. During the Tour & Machu Picchu Rules

Be On Time & Respectful: Be punctual at all times, follow your guide’s instructions, and never leave the marked trail. Don’t touch the structures or stones.

Key Restrictions:
- No drones, large tripods, or extendable selfie sticks.
- You can’t stop the circuit flow or go backwards. The route is one-way only.
- No eating inside the citadel. Only water is allowed.

Pay Attention: Stay focused during your guide’s explanations to get the most out of the historical and cultural context.

Important:

The company is not responsible for denied entry to Machu Picchu due to invalid documentation, such as expired student IDs or expired identity documents.

Please read these policies carefully before confirming your booking. By making your payment, you agree to all terms and conditions.

Extra Tickets (Wayna Picchu, etc.)

If you booked add-on tickets like Wayna Picchu access, these are also non-refundable and non-transferable. If you change your date or cancel, they’ll be lost and you’ll need to buy new ones.

Read the Cancellation & Refund Policies — Very Important:

Before booking, make sure you’re clear on your travel plans and reservation dates. All Machu Picchu tickets are personal, non-refundable, and non-changeable — any modifications mean new costs.

We’re here to help you plan an unforgettable experience!

2026 Rates — Inca Trail 1 Day

This 2026, experience the one-of-a-kind 1-Day Inca Trail — a short but history-packed route full of nature and adventure, ending with a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu. Our Premium package is designed for today’s demanding traveler, combining comfort, safety, and top-notch service.

Dive into the Inca legacy with a guided hike from KM 104 to the majestic citadel — all in a single day.

I. Single Rate:

Adults & Students: $440.00 USD per person

Cancellation & Refund Policy — Inca Trail 1 Day

These Cancellation Policies apply to all bookings made with Viajes Perú, in accordance with Peru’s Ministry of Culture regulations and involved tourism providers.

Cancellations by the Traveler

If you cancel after full payment, you’ll be refunded minus the $200 USD per person deposit, which is non-refundable.
If you’ve only paid the $200 USD deposit, no refund will be issued, as it covers the official Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu entrance, and train tickets — all non-refundable per Ministry of Culture policies.

Cancellations Due to Force Majeure

In case of cancellations caused by strikes, road blockages, natural disasters, or train service suspensions:
⚠️ No refund for the Inca Trail permit or Machu Picchu entrance — these are part of the non-refundable $200 USD deposit. Permits are personal, named, and non-transferable.

Cancellation Requests

Send all cancellation requests to: 📧 viajesperureservas@gmail.com — at least 2 weeks before the tour date.
Include:
- Full name
- Scheduled tour date
- Proof of payment
Handled during business hours only.

Deposit — Non-Refundable

The $200 USD per person deposit is non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-reusable under any circumstances. Covers advance purchase of official permits and Machu Picchu entrance.

Date Changes

Possible, but:
- You lose your Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance (personal, named, non-transferable).
- The $200 USD deposit is non-refundable.
- New date requires new permits and a new $200 USD deposit, subject to availability.
We can help you find a new date but can’t guarantee confirmation.