Experience the Magic of the Inca Trail in Just 1 Day
If you dream of walking in the sacred footsteps of the ancient Incas but are short on time, this adventure is for you. In a single day, you’ll explore archaeological gems like Chachabamba and Wiñaywayna, and hike to Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate—an entrance that offers a spectacular view you’ll never forget.
After an unforgettable day, you’ll relax in Machu Picchu, where your private guide will reveal the secrets of this wonder of the world. Later, you’ll enjoy dinner in Aguas Calientes, followed by a comfortable return train and private transportation to your hotel in Cusco.
Why Choose Sacred Expeditions Peru?
At Sacred Expeditions Peru, we don’t just organize trips: we design authentic experiences. We are a local agency, passionate about sharing the living history of the Inca Trail with those looking for more than just a simple excursion.
Small groups: between 2 and 8 people, for a personalized experience.
Exclusive attention: we do not share services with other agencies.
Expert and passionate guides with ongoing training and in-depth cultural knowledge.
100% local and authorized agency, with years of experience operating the Inca Trail.
Direct connection: you travel on the same train as your guide, without intermediaries.
Detailed Itinerary
(Times may vary depending on the pace of the group and the day’s conditions)
4:00 am – We pick you up at your accommodation in Cusco, or later if you are in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo.
5:50 am – Light breakfast while you wait for the train.
6:10 am – Departure by train to km 104, the starting point of the trek.
7:30 am – Entry to the trail and beginning of the adventure to Wiñaywayna.
12:00 pm – Break and boxed lunch with unparalleled views.
12:30 pm – Hike to the Sun Gate.
2:00 pm – Arrival at the Sun Gate and first view of Machu Picchu.
3:00 pm – Guided tour of the Inca citadel.
4:30 pm – Bus descent to Aguas Calientes.
6:20 pm – Train back to Ollantaytambo.
8:00 pm – Meet our driver and return by private van to Cusco.
10:00 pm – Arrival at your hotel. End of an epic experience.
Inca Trail in 1 Day: A Gateway to the Past
In the tranquil twilight of the Cusco dawn, an experience begins that will transform your connection with history. At 4:00 a.m., Sacred Expeditions Peru picks you up to take you beyond tourism, on a journey that traverses centuries of Andean heritage.
As the Sacred Valley awakens between shadows and light, we move toward Ollantaytambo, where a train awaits us. The railway is just the beginning. At kilometer 104, we leave modernity behind. The hike begins: an ancient Inca stone path that still vibrates with the energy of those who walked it more than 500 years ago.
Between Ruins and Clouds
The ascent is subtle but steady. Along the way, Chachabamba greets you like a silent guardian of the past. Then, the cloud forest opens to reveal Wiñay Wayna, an archaeological complex that defies gravity, clinging to the mountain like a stone flower. There, we have lunch surrounded by history and living vegetation: orchids, birds, and, if fate wills, the odd curious vizcacha or the elusive Andean bear.
The Threshold of the Sun
The hike takes us through paths shrouded in emerald mist. And suddenly, like a portal between worlds, Inti Punku—the Gate of the Sun—appears. As you cross it, Machu Picchu reveals itself before your eyes, not like a postcard, but as a presence. Suspended between mountains, the citadel emerges shrouded in silence and mystery.
Machu Picchu, Intimacy at the Top
Before delving into its secrets, you stop at the top: three strategic viewpoints offer a unique view, far from the crowds. Then, a short break, a respite, and we enter again. At 3:00 pm, with fewer visitors and more peace, your guide leads you through the temples, stairways, and plazas of Machu Picchu. It’s not just a visit, it’s a conversation with history.
Return with a Full Heart
At dusk, the journey doesn’t end, it just changes shape. We descend to Aguas Calientes, where a warm dinner comforts body and soul. At 6:20 pm, the train returns us along the same route that brought us dreams, and in Cusco, at 10:00 pm, you close a circle: the day you crossed the threshold of the Incas.
Technical Data (In Case You Love the Details)
Total Distance: 15 km / 9.32 mi
Starting Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
Maximum Altitude: 2,720 m / 8,923 ft
Climate: Humid Tropical
Elevation Gain: +695 m
Elevation Descending: -391 m
The Essentials:
Exclusive entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate
Visit to Wiñay Wayna
Hiking the original Inca trail
Small group, personalized experience
Expert local guide from Sacred Expeditions Peru
What’s Included in This Unforgettable Adventure?
With Sacred Expeditions Peru, every detail is thought out so you only have to worry about enjoying yourself. From the very beginning until your return to your hotel, we provide a complete, safe, and well-organized service.
✅ Includes:
Complete transfers: We pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, stress-free.
Pre-briefing: We meet with you the day before (6:00 pm at our office) to answer any questions and go over the itinerary with your guide.
Professional and certified guide: Passionate, experienced, and with deep cultural knowledge.
Tourist train for your guide: Traveling with you to km 104 to begin the hike together.
Exclusive guided tour of Machu Picchu: Enjoy a 2-hour in-depth visit to the citadel.
Entrance fees and permits included:
Entrance to the Inca Trail
Entrance to Machu Picchu
Train tickets included:
One way: From Ollantaytambo to km 104
Return: «Expeditions» train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (6:20 pm)
Private return transportation: From the station to your hotel in Cusco.
Roadside assistance: First aid kit and emergency oxygen.
Bus ticket: From Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
Meals tailored to your needs:
Boxed breakfast
Picnic lunch
Snacks en route
Options available for special diets: vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, or those with allergies.
Comfort on the trail:
Waterproof backpack cover
Rain poncho (because the weather is part of the trip)
❌ What’s Not Included
We leave some things up to you:
Tips for your guide or staff (optional, but always welcome if you enjoyed the experience).
Dinner in Aguas Calientes, so you can choose what you’d like most after the hike.
Trekking poles, although you can bring your own or rent them for a small additional fee.
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What’s included with your 1-day Inca Trail experience?
Are you ready for a hike that blends history, nature, and mysticism? We’ll take care of all the essentials, so you only need to bring your energy (and maybe a charged camera).
✔️ All this is included:
We’ll pick you up, take you there, and bring you back.
From the door of your hotel in Cusco to the start of the adventure and the final return, don’t worry about a thing.
A short briefing before the adventure.
The afternoon before, we’ll meet you at our office for a relaxed chat with your guide, where we’ll fine-tune all the details.
A local guide with a heart (and official certification).
Your guide doesn’t just know the trail, they live it. They travel with you on the train, walk at your pace, and share every story.
Train tickets (yes, all of them).
Key Information: Short 1-Day Inca Trail
Limited Space – Book Early!
Access to the 1-day Inca Trail (km 104) is regulated by the Peruvian government, and only 250 people are allowed per day, including guides, porters, and other staff.
Once permits are exhausted, no more reservations can be made.
Tip: If you already have a date in mind, try to book at least several months (ideally up to a year) in advance.
Important Things to Know
This hike is not recommended if you have back or mobility problems.
Departures are daily with a minimum of 2 people per group.
There are no departures in February, as the Trail is closed for maintenance.
It is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Always bring your original passport, insurance card, and any personal medications.
Small groups: maximum 8 travelers, for a more personalized experience.
You will have a licensed guide throughout the tour.
What if there is a strike?
Strikes or blockades in Peru are not uncommon and may affect access to Machu Picchu. If this happens:
We will take you to Aguas Calientes the night before the tour starts. The hotel that night will be at your own expense.
You will hike an additional 1.5 hours to km 104 the next day.
After visiting Machu Picchu, you will spend another night in Aguas Calientes (also at your own expense).
The next day, you will hike to Hidroeléctrica (about 3 hours) and from there, you will return to Cusco in our van (approximately 7 hours).
Is travel insurance mandatory?
No, but highly recommended! Good insurance can:
Reimburse you if you cancel your hike (permits are non-refundable).
Cover medical emergencies, illnesses, or accidents.
Help if you miss a flight or luggage.
What Weather to Expect?
The weather in the Andes is like a treasure trove of surprises.
Dry season: April to October.
Rainy season: November to March.
But be careful, it can also rain during the dry season, and the sun can shine during the rainy season.
Always wear layered clothing and waterproof gear.
Be prepared to go from hot to cold in just a few hours.
What is the return to Cusco like?
We’ve already arranged everything for you. Here’s the breakdown:
Bus Machu Picchu ➝ Aguas Calientes:
Duration: ~30 minutes
Departures every 15 minutes
🚆 Train Aguas Calientes ➝ Ollantaytambo or Poroy:
To Ollantaytambo: ~1 hour 30 minutes
To Poroy: ~3 hours 30 minutes
🚐 Private Van to Cusco:
From Ollantaytambo: ~1 hour 30 minutes
From Poroy: ~40 minutes
Our driver will be waiting for you with the Sacred Expeditions Peru logo and will drop you off directly at your hotel.
Pre-Tour Meeting
The day before your adventure, we will have a mandatory briefing at 6:00 p.m. at you hotel in Cusco.
Here you will meet your guide, answer any questions, review what to bring, and coordinate final details.
What to Bring on the Short 1-Day Inca Trail?
Prepare for an epic day hike with this essential checklist. Everything you need to be comfortable, safe, and ready to enjoy every step toward Machu Picchu.
Important Documents
Valid passport – Required at entry and when boarding the train.
Student ID (if applicable) – Only if you booked with a discount.
Ideal Backpack
Recommended size: 20–25 liters.
Tip: If you bring a larger backpack, you’ll need to leave it in a locker upon arrival at Machu Picchu (cost approximately S/. 5).
Hydration & Energy
Reusable bottle (minimum 2L per person) – Disposable plastic bottles are not allowed.
Personal Snacks – Energy bars, dried fruit, or candy.
Electrolytes (optional) – To regain energy if the sun is hot.
Basic Equipment
Mini personal first-aid kit – Just in case (our guide carries one too).
Portable battery – Your phone will thank you for it.
Toilet paper & disinfectant gel – In case the bathroom is a bit “rustic.”
Cash – For small expenses (remember that cards are not accepted in some areas).
Recommended Clothing
Long-sleeved shirt – Light and cool, it protects you from the sun and insects.
Waterproof jacket – The Andean climate is unpredictable.
Fleece jacket – Ideal for cool mornings and returning at night.
Trekking pants – Comfortable, lightweight, and quick-drying.
2 breathable t-shirts – One for hiking, one for changing into at Machu Picchu.
Trekking boots – Non-slip soles, ideal for wet stone paths.
Comfortable sneakers – For after the hike.
Sun hat – Good protection during the first sunny stretches.
Sunglasses + sunscreen – Essential.
Insect repellent – Mosquitoes are present year-round, especially in August and September.
Rubber-tipped walking sticks (optional) – Very useful if you need extra support.
Extras to Enjoy More
Camera or smartphone – The views are worth it!
Binoculars (optional) – For birdwatching or observing the vastness of the landscape.
