Inca Trail Trek 1 Day
Our Inca Trail One Day is the ideal option for travelers who want to experience the best of the legendary Inca Trail in a shorter, more accessible format. In just 10 km / 6.3 miles, this route combines stunning Andean landscapes, lush cloud forests, diverse flora and fauna, and a guided visit to Wiñay Wayna, the most impressive archaeological site on the trail. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the highlights of the classic Inca Trail 4-day trek in a single unforgettable day, finishing with a spectacular entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)—just like the original Inca pilgrims.
Access to the Short Inca Trail (Km 104) is strictly controlled.
Only 250 people per day are allowed on the route, and this total includes travelers, licensed guides, authorized porters, and support staff.
Once the daily limit is reached, no additional bookings can be made, and permits cannot be reserved or held without payment.
Because availability is limited, purchasing your permit months in advance or even a year ahead is strongly recommended.
Strikes and road blockades can occur unexpectedly in Peru and may affect transportation or train operations.
If a strike interferes with your scheduled start date, we will reorganize your logistics to ensure your trip continues with as few changes as possible.
To guarantee your hike:
You will be transported to Aguas Calientes the night before your hike.
Accommodation for that night will be at your own expense.
The following morning, you will walk approximately 1.5 extra hours to reach Km 104, where your Short Inca Trail hike officially begins.
If the strike continues:
You will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and spend the night there (hotel at your expense).
The next morning, you will hike 3 hours to Hidroeléctrica.
From Hidroeléctrica, our private transportation will drive you back to Cusco (approx. 7-hour drive).
We will always prioritize your safety and do everything possible to carry out the experience.
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
It can reimburse:
The cost of your non-refundable Short Inca Trail permit in case of last-minute cancellations.
Medical expenses for unexpected illnesses or injuries during your trip.
Travel insurance is a small investment for peace of mind in a remote, high-altitude destination.
The weather in the Andes can change quickly and unexpectedly.
Sunny days, cooler mornings, and ideal hiking conditions.
More frequent rain, mist, and slippery stone paths.
However, rain can fall during the dry season and sunshine can appear during the rainy months—prepare for both.
What you should bring for any season:
Rain jacket and waterproof layers
Poncho
Waterproof gloves
Down or warm jacket for early mornings and evenings
Clothing you can layer easily
Expect to experience all four seasons in a single day.
Your return journey is carefully planned by our team:
A 30-minute downhill ride. Buses operate every 15 minutes.
Your guide will provide your train tickets and explain your schedule.
Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo: aprox. 1 hour 30 min
Aguas Calientes → Poroy: aprox. 3 hours 30 min
Arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure.
Our driver will meet you at the station holding the Happy Gringo Tours sign and take you directly to your hotel.
Ollantaytambo → Cusco: approx. 1 hour 30 min
Poroy → Cusco: approx. 40 minutes
Everything is organized for a smooth and comfortable return.
There is a mandatory briefing one day before your hike at 6:00 PM in our Cusco office.
During this meeting, you will:
Meet your tour guide
Receive detailed information about the hike
Review your packing list
Organize rental equipment (if needed)
Ask any final questions
Office Address:
210 – Casa De Abuelo, Calle Garcilaso, Near Plaza Regocijo. Cusco – 08000 – Cusco, Peru
Booking your One Day Inca Trail hike with Happy Gringo Tours is simple and secure. Just follow these steps:
Click the “Book Now” button on our tour page.
Select your preferred departure date.
Complete the personal details for every traveler in your group.
Pay the $200 USD deposit per person to secure your permits.
Once your deposit is received, our team will send you a formal confirmation and a passenger form to finalize your reservation.
To purchase your official Inca Trail permits, we need the following:
Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
Nationality
Gender
Passport number
Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
A clear copy of your passport for each participant
These documents are mandatory and required by the Peruvian government before issuing hiking permits.
When your Inca Trail permits are successfully secured, we will notify you immediately—your start date becomes 100% guaranteed.
You can pay the remaining balance in the following ways:
Cash in USD or Peruvian soles — must be paid one day before your tour
PayPal — at least one week before your hike (7% PayPal fee applies)
Visa credit card — available in our office (5% bank fee applies)
Please let us know your preferred payment method in advance.
Peruvian regulations allow discounts for travelers who meet the following conditions:
Students aged 11 to 17: $30 USD discount
Children aged 2 to 11: $40 USD discount
Travelers 18 years or older must present a valid student card issued by a recognized educational institution.
To apply for the discount:
Send a copy of your passport
Send a copy of your valid student ID
Email both documents to info@happygringotours.com at the time of booking.
Yes. During your Short Inca Trail adventure, you can leave your luggage safely at:
Our office in Cusco, or
Your hotel, if they offer storage
We recommend bringing only what you need for your one-day hike and Machu Picchu visit.
Unfortunately, no.
Once the government issues your Short Inca Trail permit, the date cannot be changed, and the permit cannot be transferred or refunded.
The only modification allowed is an update of your passport number.
This route is considered moderately challenging to difficult due to its steep stone steps and continuous ascent.
We recommend being in good physical condition and having experience walking on uneven terrain.
Yes — this is very important.
Your original passport is required at:
The Short Inca Trail checkpoint (Km 104)
The entrance to Machu Picchu
The train station (before boarding)
It must match the passport used to reserve your permit.
If you are renewing your passport:
Send us a copy of your old passport to purchase your permit.
If you no longer have it, send any government-issued ID with the same name.
Once you receive your new passport, email us a copy immediately so we can update your permit.
Train schedules depend on availability.
We generally book:
Outbound train: 06:10 a.m. from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
Return train: 02:55 p.m. from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
This timing allows you to return to Cusco around 6:30 p.m., giving you plenty of rest for activities the next day (like Rainbow Mountain).
Absolutely.
Staying in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo is a great option, and it offers an extra benefit:
Your pick-up time will be 1.5 hours later than Cusco pick-up.
More rest → Better energy for the hike.
Happy Gringo Tours will coordinate your exact pick-up location once your hotel information is confirmed.
Explore the Inca Trail 4-Day Trek with two helpful maps. These maps will help you see the whole journey.
The first map shows the full route from KM 82 to Machu Picchu. It marks the main archaeological sites, campsites, and the train and bus connections to Cusco.
The second map shows the elevation profile. It details how the trek unfolds each day. You will see the distances, hiking times, and altitude changes. This includes crossing mountain passes and cloud forests.
These maps offer a clear, exciting look at the adventure ahead along the famous path to the Lost City of the Incas.
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Our main goal is for you to enjoy your trip. Our professional team will work hard to make it happen.
