Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 day

Discover the Inca Trail quickly

Full day
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Altitude

2724 m / 8928 feet

Departure

Daily Departures

Physical Level

Moderate

Accomodation

3 to 5 star hotel

Group Size

Small Group

Trip Style

Hike and adventure

TRAVEL DESCRIPTION

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience at Machu Picchu without hiking the full Inca Trail, the Camino Inca Express is the perfect option for you. This tour, also known as the Camino Inca 1 Day, lets you experience the essence of this historic journey in just one day. You’ll hike a portion of this legendary route, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, while immersing yourself in Inca history and culture.

Along the way, you’ll explore fascinating archaeological sites, accompanied by a guided tour that reveals the secrets of this ancient civilization. Plus, you’ll feel the thrill of entering Machu Picchu in a truly unique way, enjoying a different perspective of this Wonder of the World. This experience is part of our Camino Inca Full Day options—perfect for travelers short on time but eager for adventure.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic experience that combines adventure, history, and nature all in a single day. Get ready to discover the Inca legacy along one of the most amazing routes in the world!

Itinerary Summary

Day 01

Cusco | Ollantaytambo | Km 104 Chachabamba | Machu Picchu | Cusco

We begin the day early by picking you up from your hotel and heading to the train station in Ollantaytambo. From there, we travel to Kilometer 104, the starting point of our hike to Machu Picchu. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable walk along trails rich in history and stunning landscapes. After visiting the Inca citadel, we begin our return journey, bringing this incredible adventure to a close.

TRAVEL ITINERARY

Early Departure from Cusco
We will pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 3:30 a.m. to head in private transportation to the Ollantaytambo train station. At 5:00 a.m., we will board the tourist train and enjoy a journey of approximately 90 minutes, where you can admire the impressive Andean landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the winding beauty of the Vilcanota River.
Start of Trekking at KM 104
Our hike begins at kilometer 104, at the archaeological site of Chachabamba, where we will complete entry registration and cross the bridge that will connect us to the ancestral network of Inca Trails. Here we will begin a gradual ascent surrounded by lush nature and archaeological remains.
Exploration of the First Archaeological Sites
During the tour, we will visit Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy, ancient Inca settlements hidden in the subtropical jungle. Along the way, we will traverse paths surrounded by orchids, fungi, and a fascinating diversity of epiphytic or lithophytic plants, adapted to the humidity of the cloud forest.
Wiñay Wayna – The Gateway to Machu Picchu
After about 3 hours of hiking, we will reach Wiñay Wayna, an Inca archaeological center at 2,650 meters above sea level, famous for its ceremonial architecture and impressive terracing system. From here, we will enjoy unforgettable panoramic views before continuing to the mythical Sun Gate (Intipunku).
Intipunku – The First View of Machu Picchu
Upon reaching the Sun Gate, we experience the excitement of our first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, the jewel of the Andes. This moment is perfect for a pause, where you can take spectacular photos and absorb the energy of the place.
Tour of the Inca Citadel
We will descend to the citadel of Machu Picchu, where we will explore its impressive temples, plazas, and terraces. You will receive a general orientation about the history and mysteries of this amazing archaeological site.
Return to Cusco
After the visit, we will board the bus to Aguas Calientes and, subsequently, take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will take you back to Cusco, concluding an unforgettable day full of history, culture, and adventure.
Ready for this Unique Adventure?
Book your spot with Illa Kuntur Travel and experience the Inca Trail Express, a journey that will connect you with the history and majesty of the Incas.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TRAVEL?

Recommendations

The short Inca Trail is a safe route, but it is advisable to take these recommendations to have a better experience without any setbacks:

  • To be better acclimatized to the symptoms of altitude sickness, it is advisable to spend at least two days in the city of Cusco before doing the short Inca Trail. This way you can better acclimatize to the mountainous geography of the Andes Mountains.
  • It is important to bring only what is necessary for the walk (a backpack with a maximum of 15 kilos). The heavier your backpack, the greater the physical wear on the route.
  • Do not do the walk with headphones. It is always advisable to have all the senses on the road.
  • Following the directions and advice of the tour guide is really key to a safe trip. The Inca Trail follows the trails built by the Incas to reach Machu Picchu. Taking an unmarked trail can be risky.
  • Pick up the pace in the sections close to the rocks. Rockfall can be dangerous, especially in the rainy season like January or March (in February, the Inca Trail is closed to the public).
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages and much less take drugs on camping nights. A hangover could cause you a lot of physical problems on the demanding hike.
    Don’t risk your life taking pictures in dangerous places like cliffs.
  • The Inca Trail is a walk with many stairs, long steps, streams, paths through the vegetation where there are loose branches, stones, etc. And even though the road is well maintained, you can always have a mishap. Although all agencies include a first aid kit, it is good to bring disinfectants, bandages, cotton, gauze, etc.

TRAVEL PRICES

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 day is available any day of the year. We didn’t do this hike at all in February due to maintenance season and heavy rain.

EXPRESS INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU IN ONE DAY
Price Per Person - From 2 people
GROUP SERVICE
FROM 2 PEOPLE
US$ 400.00
PRIVATE SERVICE
FROM 2 PEOPLE
REQUEST QUOTE

Important: According to availability, a hotel of similar category will be assigned.

Price from:
$ 400.00

Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 day

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