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How to Hike Peru’s Machu Picchu in One Day

How to Hike Peru's Machu Picchu in One Day

How to Hike Peru’s Machu Picchu in One Day

One of the major goals for those visiting Peru for work or leisure is to see Machu Picchu. Besides the typical train travel alternatives, there are additional hiking alternatives to reach Machu Picchu or to add extra excursions to your itinerary. We’ll tell you the three best routes to hike to Machu Picchu in just one day.

Machu Picchu Hike 1 day

Hiking the Short Inca Trail

You will practically hike to the Inca city if you take this path. You will travel to Ollantaytambo in private transport at around 0400 AM. Then take the train to Km.104 from Ollantaytambo. A stop at the entry to the Short Inca Trail can be found here.

From here, it requires 5 to 6 hours to climb the 12 kilometers to the lost city of the Inca.  The hiking may be performed at your own pace and depending on your physical state.

You may witness Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Sun Gate, as well as a beautiful and diverse plant and wildlife tracking. You will also have around 3-hours to view the Inca city and take a private guided tour when you arrive in Machu Picchu.

Here you can get the most breathtaking view from the sun gate. This will be the best postcard image of Machu Picchu snuggled amidst the Vilcabamba mountain peaks.

Machu Picchu, Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu VS Machu Picchu Mountain

Day tour of Machu Picchu including a walk to Huayna Picchu:

Machu Picchu Full Day Tour can be combined with one of the most spectacular treks up Huayna Picchu Mountain. On top of your Machu Picchu trip, you’ll need extra tickets and a 2-hour walk.

This excursion begins early morning, at 4 a.m., from Cusco.  We will drive you to Ollantaytambo in our private transport. Here, you will take a train to Aguas Calientes town from Ollantaytambo.

Following that, you will take the 25 minutes bus to the Inca citadel. After the guided tour, if you have booked in advance, our guide will direct you towards the trailhead to climb one of the mountains. Both are located within the citadel. 

According to your physical state, the trek up Huayna Picchu hill takes 45 minutes to 1 hour one trip, making a round trip at least 2 hrs. You can remain at the summit for a few moments, soaking in the gorgeous scenery and snapping some fantastic photographs, before descending back to the citadel.

Here you will be able to continue touring the area or simply chill out and appreciate the Incas masterpiece.

Inca Quarry Trail vs Inca Trail - Inca Trail vs Quarry Trail

Machu Picchu mountain hiking option with citadel included:

Machu Picchu Mountain is on the contrary direction to Huayna Picchu Mountain. The vistas and environment are spectacular, thus this alternative is lengthier than Huayna Picchu. It is less well-known than Huayna Picchu, yet it is as worthwhile.

The itinerary follows the same pattern as the prior choice. It begins at 4 a.m. in Cusco and proceeds to Ollantaytambo. Then by train to the town of Aguas Calientes.  Finally by vehicle for around 30 min to the Inca citadel.

About the author

Happy Gringo Tours

About Author

Marko Andinauta

Article Written by

Marko Andinauta

My name is Marko Andinauta, (I'm Machu Picchu & Inca Trail Guide), I have hiked more than 500 times the famous INCA TRAIL in more than ten years (2007 – 2019); and I have survived the highest point of the Inka Trail “dead woman’s pass at 4215 M - 13780 Ft”; also more than 500 times. Unfortunately, my knee cartilages could not support more to keep hiking The Legendary Inca trail to Machu Picchu. Therefore; I created Happy Gringo Tours Channel to keep working in the same industry; giving information on YOUTUBE about the Inca Trail hike and inviting you to travel to Machu Picchu with us. I got enough knowledge to give you concrete information for unforgettable tours in Peru. We are Official Inca Trail, Machu Picchu tours, and alternative treks Operator.

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