+51 918 885 164 info@happygringotours.com
+51 918 885 164 info@happygringotours.com

1 day Inca trail Machu Picchu – 1 day Inca trail hike to Machu Picchu

(39 Reviews)
From$450 USD
From$450 USD
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Tour Details

1 Day Inca Trail Machu Picchu is the best alternative to the classic Inca Trail. It takes you through the prime sites on the last segment of this legendary hike. 

The four-day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most preferred hike for most people who visit Machu Picchu. However, the hike involves many challenges, most of which involve obtaining the Inca Trail permit. 

To protect the trail’s authenticity, local authorities restrict access to just 500 trekkers a day, including porters, chefs, and guides. The permit tends to sell out six months in advance. 

However, the one-day Inca Trail is the most preferred alternative as it does not require advance bookings and offers the best of the hike. 

You will start to hike the Inca Trail at Km.104. It is named after its distance from Cusco en route to Machu Picchu. You will hike through the cloud forest and reach the iconic ruins of Winay Wayna. The trail then takes you to the Sun Gate (Intipunku). From here, you will visit the iconic Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu

If you want to learn more about this beautiful trek, check out our article, which contains everything you need to know about the Inca Trail.

Why Happy Gringo Tours?

Happy Gringo Tours is a local tour operating company founded by a local guide who has hiked the Inca Trail over 500 times. All our guides are locals and passionate hikers. We have years of experience in tourism. Our guides have extensive training in providing aid to altitude sickness. 

We operate the one-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu as a private guided tour in small groups.

Do take a moment to check our reviews on Trip Advisor

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

4:00 am

Price Includes

  • Inca Trail ticket
  • Machu Piccu entrance fee
  • English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Train tickets
  • Box lunch
  • Bus tickets

Price Excludes

  • Breakfast
  • Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain fees
  • Tips for your guide
  • Dinner

Recommended To Carry

  • Hiking Boots
  • Passports
  • Walking sticks
  • Rain gear
  • NOTE: hiking boots and walking sticks highly recommeded to hike the Inca Trail.
Itinerary

Day 1Cusco - KM 104 - Machu Picchu

Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. Then, in our private transport, we will drive you through the Sacred Valley of Incas to Ollantaytambo train station. 

Here we will be boarding an Aguas Calientes bound tourist train at 0610 AM. We will be getting down at Km.104. The trail begins amidst the cloud forest where you will get to see different flora and fauna. 

On this 10-kilometre stretch, we will visit many Inca ruins. Then, we will reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the prominent Inca sites here. After a guided tour of the complex, we will visit Sungate (Intipunku). From here, you will get the first sight of Machu Picchu citadel. 

Once inside Machu Picchu citadel, we will give you a two-hour guided tour. After the tour, you will have some free time to explore the citadel on your own. If you have booked to hike Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu mountains, our guide will direct you to the trail head. 

Alternatively, you can hike to Sun Gate or Intipunku. This is the entrance to the citadel for those on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. 

After exploring Machu Picchu, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes. Here, we will have lunch at a local restaurant. At around 04:00 PM, we will take a train back to Ollantaytambo. 

Our representative will meet you on arrival and transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco. We will return to Cusco by 09:30 PM.

Photos

What Our Customers Say About Us

Each review from our users is important to continue growing and offering the best service to each of our clients. Our priority will always be that you enjoy your trip to the fullest while our professional team works to fulfill it.

  • star rating  The 1-day trip to Machu Picchu was very well organized!
    Our vacation was great to the land of the Incas in Perú with Gringo Tours.

    We strongly recommend traveling... read more

    avatar thumb 986nayelliv
    February 5, 2023

    star rating  We had a dream of hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and were unable to get permit so ended up doing thjis. This is genuinely the best alternative as... read more

    avatar thumb nelsonj820
    February 3, 2023

    star rating  We booked Machu Picchu tour 1 day from Cusco with Happy Gringo. The tour was very well organized, our pick up was on time, the train had good panoramic views,... read more

    avatar thumb Benitha10
    January 23, 2023

    star rating  The views and history were amazing and the guide (Rubens) was incredibly passionate and knowledgeable. It was great to learn about the culture and history from his eyes.... read more

    avatar thumb 396matthewe
    January 11, 2023
  • star rating  Great Experience with Happy Gringos!

    My family had difficulty to find a travel agent to book the Machu Picchu tour, however the workers of Gringo Tours were very helpful... read more

    avatar thumb Atomk2044
    January 11, 2023

    star rating  I bought the service at the very last minute, when other big tours could not provide the service due to insufficient participants (most people canceled for the political unrest that... read more

    avatar thumb Gofar T
    December 31, 2022

    star rating  We booked the tour at the last minute. But we are still able to make it to Machu Picchu. Our guide Eder is interesting and knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour!... read more

    avatar thumb Nora a
    December 22, 2022

    star rating  An unforgettable, majestic experience to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Despite the distances involved, from beginning to end, the trip was very well-organized and everything happened according to plan. The tour guide at the destination was very insightful and answered... read more

    avatar thumb Derick L
    December 22, 2022
  • star rating  An unforgettable, majestic experience to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Despite the distances involved, from beginning to end, the trip was very well-organized and everything happened according to plan. The tour guide at the destination was very insightful and answered... read more

    123derickl
    December 22, 2022

    star rating  Highly recommended - We booked the tour at the last minute. But we are still able to make it to Machu Picchu. Our guide Eder is interesting and knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour!... read more

    noraaM4722CJ
    December 22, 2022

    star rating  Even though we had news that the train may not be in operation to Picchu, we would have expected the local operator to contact us and give us updates. We... read more

    avatar thumb Mike D
    December 19, 2022

    star rating  An Impressive 2-day trail to Machu Picchu :)(: - We booked the Inca trail to Machu Picchu 2 days with Gringo Tours!

    The communication was great, the pick up was on time, the box lunch was very delicious,... read more

    Olgha098
    December 19, 2022
  • star rating  We highly recommend traveling to Machupichu with Gringo tours in Peru!
    We booked the 2 days tour to Machu Picchu. The service was very well organised from Cusco, the Communication... read more

    avatar thumb humberth01
    December 15, 2022

    star rating  The trip was amazing. The views were out of this world. I want to give a specially shoutout and thanks to Mauro. He did an amazing job. Explained the history... read more

    avatar thumb Lxrsd
    December 10, 2022

    star rating  Was really worried about this tour because the night before I found out I’d be the only one going BUR the tour company made me feel super safe and my... read more

    avatar thumb Billie N
    December 2, 2022

    star rating  Lifetime Experience with Gringo Tours - We book the Machu Picchu tour with gringo tours. We strongly recommend how they work and did their best to find our Machu Picchu ticket when all the travel agencies... read more

    Wilbert0122
    November 26, 2022
39 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Amazing Day Hike to Machu Picchu with Happy Gringo

Group Traveller

The 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was everything I hoped for and more. Starting the hike at KM 104, we were greeted by lush green landscapes and historical Inca ruins like Wiñay Wayna. The trek was challenging in parts, but the excitement of reaching the Sun Gate made it all worth it.

Seeing Machu Picchu from this iconic vantage point was an unforgettable moment. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made the history of the Inca Empire come alive.

If you’re short on time but still want to experience the magic of hiking the Inca Trail, this is the perfect choice. Highly recommend booking permits in advance as they sell out quickly!

January 15, 2025

A Perfect Blend of Culture and Nature

Solo Traveller

The 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was one of the highlights of my trip to Peru! I loved how it combined physical activity, stunning scenery, and cultural exploration all in one day. Starting at KM 104, the hike immediately immersed us in lush vegetation and ancient Inca ruins. Wiñay Wayna was a particularly magical spot—it’s hard to believe how advanced the Inca civilization was to build such structures in remote locations.

The best part was reaching Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, where we got our first view of Machu Picchu. Seeing the iconic citadel from above was an emotional moment for me. It’s incredible how the trail gives you the chance to approach this wonder the same way the Incas did centuries ago.

Our guide was excellent and provided in-depth explanations of the history and significance of each site we passed. He also ensured that everyone in the group felt comfortable, offering tips for navigating the trail’s steeper sections.

This hike is perfect for anyone who loves nature and history but doesn’t have the time for the full Inca Trail. Just be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and carry water and snacks. I can’t recommend this experience enough—it’s a must for anyone visiting Peru with Happy Gringo Tours!

January 14, 2025

Incredible Views in Just One Day to Machu Picchu

Couple Traveller

As someone who loves hiking but has a busy schedule, the 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was a dream come true. The journey was well-paced, and the variety of landscapes we encountered was stunning. Starting at KM 104, the trail winds through lush cloud forests and past awe-inspiring archaeological sites like Wiñay Wayna.

The moment we reached the Sun Gate and saw Machu Picchu for the first time is one I’ll never forget. The view is absolutely breathtaking, and knowing that you’ve earned it after the hike makes it even more special. What’s great about this trek is that it combines the best parts of the longer Inca Trail with the convenience of a one-day itinerary.

Our guide was amazing—friendly, professional, and full of fascinating stories about the Incas. He also made sure we were safe and comfortable throughout the hike. The provided lunch was delicious and much needed after several hours of hiking.

If you’re planning this trip, I recommend booking your Inca Trail permit early, as availability is limited. Also, be prepared for changing weather—pack a light rain jacket and sunscreen. This hike is a fantastic option for anyone who wants a taste of adventure without the commitment of a multi-day trek.

January 13, 2025

Unforgettable Views at Inti Punku

Family Traveller

I’ve always wanted to visit Machu Picchu, and this hike was the perfect way to make it special. The moment we reached Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) and saw Machu Picchu from above was absolutely breathtaking. The trail is well-maintained, and the mix of history and nature made it such a rewarding experience.

It’s a moderately challenging hike, so I’d recommend being prepared for a bit of exertion. Our guide’s storytelling about the Inca civilization added a lot of depth to the journey.

Happy Gringo is the best!

January 12, 2025

A Taste of the Inca Trail: Perfect for Time-Crunched Travelers

Group Traveller

As someone with limited time in Peru, the 1-day Inca Trail was the perfect solution. It offered a taste of the classic trek, with stunning scenery, fascinating Inca ruins, and the magical arrival at Machu Picchu, all within a single day. Our guide, Raul, was fantastic, sharing his knowledge of Inca history and pointing out hidden details along the trail. Hiking through lush cloud forests and reaching the Sun Gate at sunrise was an unforgettable experience.

January 12, 2025
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