Name: Iconic 1-Day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu From Cusco
Brand: Happy Gringo Tours
SKU: 1
Price: 450 USD
Availability: InStock

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1 Day Inca Trail Tour Details

Overview

A 1-day Inca Trail to 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 popular hike for most people visiting Machu Picchu. However, the hike presents numerous challenges, most notably obtaining the Inca Trail permit.

To maintain the trail’s authenticity, local authorities limit the number of trekkers to 500 per day. This number includes porters, chefs, and guides. The permit tends to sell out six months in advance.

The one-day Inca Trail is the most popular choice. It doesn’t require bookings and offers the best parts of the legendary hike.

You will begin hiking the Inca Trail at Km 104. They named it 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 leads you to the Sun Gate, also known as Intipunku. From here, you will visit the iconic Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu.

If you want to learn more about this amazing trek, read our article. It contains all the necessary information about the Inca Trail.

Ten Highlights of the One-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

If you have little time but want to walk like the Incas, the One-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a great choice.

This incredible experience offers a rich blend of history, nature, and adventure, all in a single, unforgettable day. Here are the top 10 highlights that make this trek so special:

A Short, Scenic Hike Packed with Wonders

Unlike the classic four-day Inca Trail, this one-day hike offers the best of the trail in a compact format. The trail is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) long. It is an excellent choice for travelers looking for an adventure. This option is ideal for those with limited time.

Entry Through the Historic Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

One of the most memorable moments of the hike is arriving at Inti Punku, the famous Sun Gate. From here, you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu, just like the ancient Incas once did.

Visit the Chachabamba Archaeological Site.

Early in the hike, you will stop at Chachabamba. This is an interesting Inca site for ceremonies. It was a checkpoint and a place to worship. It’s a lesser-known but beautiful ruin worth seeing.

Explore Wiñay Wayna – A Hidden Gem 🙂

The highlight of the trail is Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the Inca Trail. With its agricultural terraces, fountains, and temples clinging to the mountainside, it rivals Machu Picchu in beauty and tranquility.

Ideal for Travelers with Limited Time.

This hike is perfect for those who cannot finish the whole trail. It still offers a real Inca Trail experience. You can hike during the day and still enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu in the afternoon.

Arrive at Machu Picchu in a Unique Way.

Most visitors arrive at Machu Picchu by train or bus. As a hiker on the One-Day Inca Trail, you will enter through the Sun Gate. This gives you a special chance to experience the site.

It’s an entrance that very few travelers get to enjoy, making you feel exceptional.

Professional Guided Tour of Machu Picchu.

After you complete the hike, a comprehensive guided tour of Machu Picchu will reward you.

Your expert guide will explain the mysteries and architecture of this World Wonder. You will learn about its rituals and feel well-informed.

Great for Moderate Fitness Levels.

The One-Day Inca Trail is a moderately challenging hike that requires a basic level of fitness. There’s no camping involved, and you’ll return to your hotel the same night, which is ideal for comfort-seeking adventurers.

A UNESCO Cultural and Natural Experience.

Hiking this trail presents a unique opportunity to experience the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Andes. You’ll pass through cloud forests, Inca ruins, and lush valleys, all in one day.

Perfect Add-On to Any Peru Itinerary.

If you are visiting the Sacred Valley, Cusco, or Lake Titicaca, this hike is an excellent part of your trip to Peru. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.

Summary of the One-Day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.

The One-Day Inca Trail is an excellent choice for travelers. It allows you to enjoy a portion of the famous Inca Trail without a lengthy commitment.

This hike is ideal for those with limited time. It shows a bit of Inca history.

Pick-up and Drop-off: Available in the Sacred Valley, near the town of Ollantaytambo.

Starting Point: Cusco, hotel pick-up at 4:30 am

Ending Point: Cusco, hotel drop-off around 09:30 pm

Duration: One full day

Type of Service: Guided tour

Departure: Daily departures; bookings available for any date from January to March.

Group Size: Up to 12 participants

Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Tickets: Included in the package

Meals Included: 1 box lunch

Free Storage: Available

High Season: April to October

Vegetarian/Vegan: Meals available upon request at no extra cost

Why Happy Gringo for Inca Trail Tours?

Happy Gringo Tours is a local tour company. A guide who has hiked the Inca Trail more than 500 times started it. All our guides are locals and passionate hikers.

We have years of experience in the tourism industry. Our guides have extensive training in providing aid for altitude sickness.

Our team consists of skilled and experienced professionals. They ensure you receive accurate information, clear itineraries, and excellent guidance throughout your trip.

Personalized Service: We customize our tours to meet each traveler’s needs and preferences. This ensures a memorable experience for everyone.

Quality and Safety: Our commitment to quality and safety guarantees an enjoyable and worry-free adventure. We collaborate with professional guides, reliable transportation services, and carefully selected accommodations to deliver the best possible experience.

Sustainable and Responsible Travel: Happy Gringo Tours actively minimizes our environmental impact and supports local communities.

We promote eco-friendly practices and contribute to the well-being of the regions we explore.

Competitive Pricing: We offer a range of affordable packages. This lets you enjoy the magic of Machu Picchu without spending too much.

Excellent Customer Support: Our friendly customer support team is here to help you at every step. We assist you from planning your trip to answering questions after your trip.

Choose Happy Gringo Tours for a great and easy adventure. We work hard to make your dream trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable experience.

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 TripAdvisor.

Departure & Return Location

Cusco Hotel Transfer

Departure Time

4:30 am

Price Includes

Transfer from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station
Hotel pick-up in Cusco
Transfer from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station
Professional tour guide trained in first aid, experienced in the route, and history
Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (trailhead).
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Entrance ticket for the ancient Inca Trail
First aid kit and oxygen bottle for emergencies
Return train ticket from Machu Picchu town to Ollantaytambo (train at 18:20 or 19:00).
One box lunch
Transfer from Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco city

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 the Incas to the Ollantaytambo train station.

Here, we will board a tourist train bound for Aguas Calientes at 6:10 AM. We will be getting off at Km 104. The trail begins amidst the cloud forest, where you can see a diverse array of flora and fauna.

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

Once inside the Machu Picchu citadel, you will receive 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 trailhead.

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 around 09:30 PM.

Trekking the Inca Trail is a highlight of the trip.
You can enjoy the views from the Sun Gate, similar to those from the Great Wall of China.
Watching the sunset at Machu Picchu is a must.
The journey ends at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Walking Distance: 10 km / 6 miles

Meals: A Box lunch is carried by the travelers

Elevations of the Trekking: Trek starting point 2,000 m, the highest point is Sun Gate 2,720 m, the trek ends at 1,900 m

Weather: Hot and humid

Train time for the way there: Vogayer train at 6:40 / Expedition train at 6:10 (depending on availability).

Photos

What Our Customers Say About Us

Every review from our users is essential. It helps us grow and provide the best service to our clients.

Our primary goal is for you to have a completely enjoyable trip. Our professional team will work hard to make it happen.

  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

986nayelliv
February 5, 2023

  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

nelsonj820
February 3, 2023

  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

Benitha10
January 23, 2023

  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

396matthewe
January 11, 2023
  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

Atomk2044
January 11, 2023

  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

Gofar T
December 31, 2022

  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 You won’t want to miss it.

Nora a
December 22, 2022

  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

Derick L
December 22, 2022
  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

  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 You won’t want to miss it.

noraaM4722CJ
December 22, 2022

  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

Mike D
December 19, 2022

  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
  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

humberth01
December 15, 2022

  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

Lxrsd
December 10, 2022

  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

Billie N
December 2, 2022

  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