Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 day
Discover the Inca Trail quickly
2724 m / 8928 feet
Daily Departures
Moderate
3 to 5 star hotel
Small Group
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
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
DAY 1: CUSCO /OLLANTAYTAMBO /KM 104 CHACHABAMBA / MACHU PICCHU/ CUSCO
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?
- Pre-departure orientation meeting.
- Transfer from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
- Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Km 104.
- Entrance to the Inca Trail.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English).
- Box lunch.
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.
- Return train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco.
- Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
- Hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
- Services not mentioned.
🟢 Essential:
- Passport or identity document (mandatory for entry).
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance ticket (provided by the agency).
- Train and bus tickets (provided by the agency).
- Cash (in soles for additional expenses, bathrooms, tips, etc.).
🟢 Clothing and footwear:
- Sneakers or trekking boots with good grip.
- Light and comfortable clothing for walking (quick-drying).
- Windbreaker or waterproof jacket (possible rain).
- Cap or hat for sun protection.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Extra change of clothes (optional in case of rain or sweat).
🟢 Accessories and others:
- Small backpack (20-30L) to carry essentials.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Canteen or reusable water bottle.
- Energy snacks (fruits, nuts, cereal bars).
- Trekking poles (optional, must have rubber tips).
- Camera or cell phone with extra battery.
- Rain poncho or waterproof cover for backpack.
🔴 Do not bring:
- Plastic bags (prohibited in Machu Picchu).
- Drones (prohibited in Machu Picchu without authorization).
- Speakers or loud music (respect for the natural and archaeological environment).
1. Physical Preparation
- Prior Exercise: If you are not accustomed to walking long distances, take 1-2 hour walks at least 2-3 times a week before the tour.
- Breathing and Endurance: Practice breathing exercises and walks on inclined terrain to improve your endurance.
- Acclimatization: If you’re coming from a low-altitude area, spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the tour to adapt to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness (soroche).
2. Luggage Check
- Prepare your backpack in advance. Use the recommended packing list to avoid forgetting anything important.
- Bring enough water and energy snacks.
Make sure your footwear is comfortable and has good grip.
3. Food and Rest
- One day before: Eat light and avoid heavy or greasy meals.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco to not affect your physical performance.
- Sleep well the night before to be rested and energized.
4. Documentation and Tickets
- Verify that you have your passport or identity document (it is mandatory for entry).
- Confirm with the agency that you have all your train, entrance, and bus tickets ready.
5. Weather and Conditions
- Check the weather forecast for Machu Picchu and bring appropriate clothing.
- If traveling during the rainy season (November – March), be sure to bring a waterproof poncho.
Safety and Health Requirements for Our Tours
For us, the safety and well-being of every traveler are our top priorities. To participate in our tours and travel packages, we ask that you comply with the following requirements:
General Requirements
Physical Condition and Health:
- Be in good health to take part in hikes and outdoor activities.
- Inform us in advance if you have any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions.
- Not recommended for people with serious heart problems, uncontrolled blood pressure, or severe respiratory difficulties.
Suggested Minimum and Maximum Age:
- Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Senior adults (65+) should have medical clearance for high-altitude hiking activities.
Travel Insurance:
- We recommend having travel insurance that covers medical assistance and emergency evacuation.
Health Measures
- It is recommended to stay well hydrated and carry a personal water bottle.
- Use sunscreen and a hat or cap for protection against sun exposure.
- Carry hand sanitizer and personal hygiene items.
- If you have a fever or respiratory symptoms, it is recommended not to join the tour to protect the group.
Safety Requirements During the Tour
- Always follow the guide’s instructions.
- Respect safety rules in transportation, trains, buses, and trails.
- Wearing proper footwear (trekking shoes or similar) is mandatory.
- Do not leave the group without notifying the guide first.
- Respect sacred, archaeological, and natural sites responsibly (do not litter or remove flora or fauna).
In Case of Emergency
- We have a basic first-aid kit and provide first-aid assistance.
- During hiking tours, emergency oxygen will be available in case of altitude sickness.
- Our team will coordinate a quick evacuation to the nearest health center if necessary.
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.
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EXPRESS INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU IN ONE DAY Price Per Person - From 2 people |
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GROUP SERVICE
FROM 2 PEOPLE
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US$ 400.00 |
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PRIVATE SERVICE
FROM 2 PEOPLE
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REQUEST QUOTE |
Important: According to availability, a hotel of similar category will be assigned.
Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 day
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