Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the Inca trail express full day
day 1
1-DAY INCA TRAIL TOUR ITINERARY
- Food: Box Lunch
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Total Distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Estimated walking time: 6 to 7 hours
- Maximum altitude: 2,720 m. / 8,924 ft.
The tour begins with pick-up at your hotel in Cusco between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. to transfer to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will take the tourist train to Chachabamba – km 104, the starting point of the famous Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. At Chachabamba we pass through the checkpoint to begin the 1-day Inca Trail hike, a short yet authentic experience for travelers seeking to experience the essence of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in a single day.
The journey begins with an approximately three-hour uphill hike to reach the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna, one of the most impressive and beautiful attractions on the Classic 4-day Inca Trail. At this point, we enjoy a box lunch and take a brief rest surrounded by nature, then continue towards Intipunku, the famous Sun Gate, from where we will have a privileged view of Machu Picchu. We then descend on foot to the upper part of the citadel, visiting the Guardian’s House and the agricultural terraces to obtain the classic photos of the wonder of the world. Subsequently, we will descend to the exit and take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will first have dinner and then take the tourist train to Ollantaytambo. Finally, we boarded the transport to Cusco, arriving approximately between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
This Short Inca Trail is a good option if there is no availability for the 2-day Inca Trail or for the Classic Inca Trail, which must be booked at least 3 months in advance.
What is this day like? check our photos
Includes
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- Pre-departure Briefing
- Transportation Cusco – Ollantaytambo / Ollantaytambo – Cusco
- Tourist train Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba (km 104) / Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Bus ticket Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Professional bilingual guide authorized for the Inca Trail
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Entrance to the Inca Trail
- 1 box lunch
- First AID kit
- Oxygen tank
Not include
- Trekking poles
- Hiking backpack
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned
- Tips
Additional Services
- Trekking poles ($15.00 USD)
- Budget lunch in Aguas Calientes ($15.00 USD)
- Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge ($45.00 USD)
- Extra porter for 14kg ($80.00 USD)
- Upgrade your train service to “Vistadome” for the return trip ($50.00 USD)
- Upgrade your train service to “Vistadome Observatory” for the return trip ($75.00 USD)
- Camping upon request ($50.00 USD)
- Assistance with hotel reservations (standard and luxury) throughout Peru
- *Note: “Machu Picchu mountain” refers to the peak/mountain opposite the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
Recommendations:
- Travel insurance: A highly important requirement to cover any unexpected events during travel, such as medical assistance, extended stay due to illness or accident, baggage loss, or forced trip cancellation due to protests or natural disasters.
Prices Inca trail express full day
Regular Group Rate – Adults: (minimum 2 people)
Adults (group of 2 to 3 people): US$ 380 per person
Adults (group of 4 or more people): US$ 370 per person
Private Service Prices
2 to 3 people: US$ 440 per person
4 or more people: US$ 405 per person
Individual service (1 person): US$ 520 per person
Note: The tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to be confirmed. If you are traveling alone, please contact us to check availability for your desired date.
Payment Conditions
Deposit: US$ 200
Remaining Balance: US$ 220 (to be paid 24 hours before the tour or on the day of the briefing)
Special Discounts 2025
University Students (18 to 25 years old)
Discount: US$ 25
Requirement: Present a physical university ID (PVC card) valid for 1 year only.
The card must include:
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Full name of the student
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Photograph
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University information
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Expiration date (must be valid during the year of travel)
Not accepted: ISIC cards, digital certificates, or screenshots.
Important: Send a copy at the time of booking.
Students Under 17 Years Old
Discount: US$ 25
Condition: Must be 17 years old or younger on the tour date.
Requirement: Send a copy of the passport at the time of booking.
Children (under 11 years old)
Discount: US$ 35
Requirement: Send a copy of the passport at the time of booking.
Extras:
Looking for accommodation in Cusco?
Our team of specialists is ready to help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Original passport, immigration card
- Valid current student ID (if booked as a student)
- Immigration card (given on the plane when entering Peru)
- Small backpack
- Trekking shoes with good soles
- Waterproof jacket, rain poncho (rainy season)
- Sun hat
- Swimsuit for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (optional)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Extra money in soles
Recomendations
- Book your Inca Trail Expedition as soon as possible since permits sell out quickly.
- Arrive at least 1 day before your Expedition as it will serve as a prior acclimatization to your hike.
- Remember that the city of Cusco is at an altitude of 3400 meters above sea level.
- Check your personal items that you will be taking on the trip.
- Visit us at our main office located in the Historic Center of the city of Cusco, 1 day before your hike at 7:00 pm, to receive an informative talk about the journey led by the Tour Guide.
- This will help you be much more informed, secure, and ready for your tour.
- Leave the luggage you won’t take on the Expedition for free at our main office storage.
- Don’t forget to carry your updated Personal Documents as they will be required by Peruvian authorities at the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu checkpoints.
WILL THE INCA TRAIL BE FOR ME?
- Definitely YES! The Inca Trail is one of those things that nobody should miss the opportunity to do, at least once in a lifetime; whether you’re a woman or a man, young or old, in good or bad physical condition… the Inca Trail is simply for EVERY
F.A.Qs
- Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)How do I know if the Inca Trail is for me?The Inca Trail tour to Machu Picchu is designed for passengers who can walk without needing extensive training, just a strong desire to walk, and who can move independently. However, we always recommend taking time to acclimatize to Cusco’s altitude before beginning the Inca Trail.What is the best time to do the Inca Trail tour?
The climate in the Andean region is marked by two seasons: the dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March). So the best time to travel is the dry season.
When does the Inca Trail open?
The Inca Trail opens on March 1 each year and remains open until the end of January.
What is the climate like in Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is situated in the cloud forest, resulting in a warm and humid climate. Temperatures
vary between 8º and 20º C.
What clothing is recommended for the Inca Trail?
For the Inca Trail, bring clothing for both cold and hot weather, as temperatures drop in the morning and night, while during the day the sun is intense (dry season).
Is the Inca Trail closed in February?
Yes, due to the rainy season, the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.
How many days before arrival in Cusco do I need to be there to acclimatize?
The recommended duration is 2 to 3 days, as it is crucial to acclimate to the altitude before embarking on a hike like the Inca Trail, thereby minimizing the risk of altitude sickness during the hike.
The most recommended tours for acclimatization are the Cusco City Tour and the Sacred Valley Tour.
What is the booking process for the Inca Trail?
First: To make a reservation, please send an email to [email protected] to verify availability. Customized booking forms will be sent to you; please complete them with the required information to ensure a successful reservation.
Remember that the completed data must be for all members of your group if the reservation is for more than one person.
Second: You will be sent a booking form to complete, which includes all necessary details, and then a deposit of $200 per person to secure your Inca Trail permits, as these tend to sell out quickly due to high demand.
Third: Once we have the permits, we will send you your confirmation invoice indicating that everything is 100% confirmed.
Will I receive travel information before traveling?
Yes, one day before starting the Inca Trail, you will receive detailed information from your guide, which can be either a group or a personal briefing at your hotel.
Can I update passport numbers?
The government will only allow us to change our passport numbers if we have a copy of both the new and old passports. If you no longer have your old passport, any government-issued identification document will be accepted, provided the name on the document matches. Also, make sure your passport doesn’t expire within six months or less during your trip.
How to get to Cusco?
Generally, Cusco is reached by air. Please note that Cusco airport is only for domestic travel. If you are coming directly from abroad through Lima, you will need to collect your bags in Lima and recheck them for your flight to Cusco.
How many airlines travel from Lima to Cusco?
Four airlines fly round-trip between Lima and Cusco. That includes LATAM Airlines, Jet Smart, and Sky Airlines. All offer similar schedules, but we generally recommend LATAM or AVIANCA airlines, which tend to be the most reliable when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur.
Can I spend an additional night in Aguas Calientes?
Of course, if you agree to take the same train from Aguas Calientes that is part of your original itinerary, then there is no additional charge to return on the train one day later. If you choose to spend one more night in Aguas Calientes, be sure to inform the Sakura Expeditions office at least one month in advance, so your train ticket can be purchased for the correct day.
Can I book more visits to Machu Picchu?
Of course, if you need us to secure another visit to Machu Picchu, we will gladly do so, but this will have an additional cost.
Do you need hiking boots?
We always recommend hiking boots. Those with ankle support are particularly helpful, especially for inexperienced hikers. Since you will be descending so many steps, the additional support helps protect the ankle.
Should I use trekking poles for the Inca Trail?
Poles are helpful and recommended for this hike, as the trails are not uniform and there is considerable elevation gain. Additionally, using poles can help relieve pressure on the knees and aid in climbing the mountain.
If you bring your trekking poles, ensure they have rubber tips, as the rangers will not allow you to use them without them. Rubber tips can be purchased in Cusco before departing.
When can I pay the outstanding balance?
Please pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. We have numerous ATMs in the historic center for withdrawing money.
How many liters is recommended for the hiking backpack?
Generally, a backpack with a capacity of 10 to 30 liters is recommended.
Can I leave my luggage at your office?
Yes, during your trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both at no additional charge.
Are tips given?
Tipping is a tradition that accompanies any trek to Machu Picchu. While we do pay competitive wages to all our team members, any additional support is always appreciated. Please note that this is not mandatory, and you should never feel pressured into doing so.
