Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the Inca Trail Express – 1 Day
day 1
1-DAY INCA TRAIL TOUR ITINERARY
- Meals: Andean box lunch (lunch)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Total distance: 12 km / 7.5 mi
- Estimated hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
- Maximum altitude: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
One day. One ancient trail. An unforgettable arrival at Machu Picchu.
Get ready to walk one of the most iconic routes to Machu Picchu, combining nature, history, and archaeology in a single-day experience.
The tour begins with pickup at your hotel in Cusco, together with your guide, for the transfer to the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will board the tourist train to Chachabamba, km 104, the start of the great adventure: the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. At Chachabamba we pass the checkpoint to begin the hike of the 1-Day Inca Trail, a short but authentic experience for travelers who want to live the essence of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in just one day.
The route begins with an uphill hike of about three hours through the high jungle, with the Vilcanota River visible in the distance guiding the great trail, until we reach the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna, known as “Forever Young,” one of the most impressive and beautiful sites on the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail. Amid this beautiful landscape, in the shade of the forest, we enjoy a box lunch to recharge and, after a short rest surrounded by nature, we continue toward Intipunku, the famous Sun Gate, from where we will have a privileged view of the Citadel of Machu Picchu. Then we will walk down to the upper part of the citadel, visiting the Guardhouse and the agricultural terraces to take the classic photos of this wonder of the world. Afterward, we will head down to the exit and take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where we will have time for dinner (not included), and then board the tourist train to Ollantaytambo. Finally, we will take our transport back to Cusco, arriving in the evening. This Short Inca Trail is a great option if there is no availability for the 2-Day Inca Trail or the Classic Inca Trail, which must be booked at least 3 months in advance.
What is this day like? check our photos
Includes
- Small group of 2 to 6 passengers: Enjoy a more personalized experience throughout the entire tour.
- Professional English- and Spanish-speaking guide, licensed for the Inca Trail: Your guide will travel with you from Cusco to Machu Picchu, accompanying you throughout the tour, providing assistance and answering your questions at every stage of the experience.
- Personalized assistance the day before: A member of our team will contact you to provide all the information you need and help you prepare for your experience.
- Water for the start of the tour: Refill your bottle to begin the hike well hydrated.
- Private tourist transportation: Pickup at your hotel in Cusco and transfer to Ollantaytambo.
- Tourist train: Ollantaytambo – Chachabamba (Km 104), the starting point of the Inca Trail.
- Inca Trail Km 104 entry permit: Authorized access to do the hike.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket – Circuit 1: Access to the panoramic route with views of Machu Picchu.
- Bus down: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
- Tourist train: Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Private return transportation: Transfer from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
- Andean box lunch: A meal during the hike to recharge your energy.
Not include
- Day 1: Breakfast.
- Day 1: Dinner.
- Trekking poles: USD 15.00
- Tips: Optional.
- Travel insurance (recommended): For greater peace of mind during your trip, we recommend purchasing insurance that covers unforeseen events such as flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions, and loss of tour services due to delays, as well as medical assistance and personal protection throughout your adventure.
- Additional expenses due to causes beyond the agency’s control: adverse weather conditions, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, changes in government policy, political instability, strikes, or other similar circumstances.
- Entrance fees not mentioned, such as: Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain. These options require staying an extra night and visiting on the second day.
Prices Inca Trail Express – 1 Day
Rates per person
- Adult (minimum 2 people): US$ 445
- University student (18 to 25 years old): US$ 420 (US$ 25 discount)
Traveling solo? The tour is confirmed with a minimum of 2 people. Contact us to check availability for your date.
Student discount requirement
Physical university ID (PVC card), valid during the year of travel and showing full name, photo, university and expiration date. ISIC cards, digital certificates and screenshots are not accepted. Send a copy at the time of booking.
Payment
You can pay in full when booking or, if you prefer, secure your spot with a US$ 200 deposit per person. In that case, the balance must be paid no later than the day before the tour.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Original passport
- Student ID card if you booked as a student
- Waterproof hiking boots with non-slip soles
- Lightweight, breathable trekking clothes
- Thermal, warm clothing
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Energy snacks
- Personal medication
- Basic personal first aid kit
- Wet wipes or toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Cash in soles, in small bills
- Camera or cell phone
- Portable charger / power bank
- A special outfit for your photos at Machu Picchu
- Trekking poles with rubber tips
- Small daypack for the hike
Recomendations
- Book in advance: Inca Trail permits are limited and subject to availability. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible.
- Acclimatization in Cusco: We recommend arriving at least 1–2 days before the hike to acclimatize. Cusco is located at approximately 3,400 m (11,150 ft) above sea level.
- Check your luggage: Review in advance all the personal items you will need during the hike and make sure to pack only what is necessary.
- Briefing: The day before the hike, you will receive detailed information about the route, recommendations, and important aspects of your experience.
- Luggage storage: You can leave any luggage you won’t need during the excursion at our office free of charge.
- Personal documents: Bring your original, valid passport, as it will be required at the Inca Trail checkpoints and at Machu Picchu.
- Pack light: Bring only what you need. A light backpack will help you enjoy the hike much more.
- Weather: Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes have a warm, humid climate typical of the high jungle.
- Valuables: Always keep your passport, money, electronic devices, and other personal valuables with you.
F.A.Qs
How do I know if the Inca Trail tour is right for me?
The 1-Day Inca Trail Express tour to Machu Picchu follows one of the original trails preserved from Inca times, and not everyone manages to get a permit. It is designed for any traveler who can walk independently; no intense training is needed, just a strong desire to hike. However, we always recommend spending some time in Cusco to acclimatize to the city’s altitude before starting the Inca Trail.
What is the best time of year for the Inca Trail tour?
The weather in the Andean region has two seasons: the dry season (April to October), which is the best time, and the rainy season (November to March). Keep in mind that even during the rainy season, a single day can bring rain, sunshine, cloudy skies, and even plenty of sun. The Inca Trail opens on March 1 each year and remains open until the end of January. Today, tourists from all over the world visit Machu Picchu 365 days a year. The busiest months are April to September. Machu Picchu is located in the high jungle, so its climate is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 8 °C to 20 °C (46 °F to 68 °F). We recommend bringing clothing for both cold and warm weather.
IS THE INCA TRAIL TOUR CLOSED IN FEBRUARY?
Yes. Because it is the rainy season, the trail is closed for maintenance.
HOW MANY DAYS BEFORE DO I NEED TO BE IN CUSCO TO ACCLIMATIZE?
It is very important to be well adjusted to the altitude before exerting yourself on a hike.
ACCLIMATIZATION We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before your Inca Trail tour begins, so you can acclimatize and avoid possible altitude sickness during the hike.
We can help you arrange day hikes and other tours in Cusco for your acclimatization:
Cusco City Tour – Half-day tour / Morning City Tour; Sacred Valley Tour – Full-day tour
If you have already been in another high-altitude area of Peru before arriving in Cusco, we recommend spending a full day in Cusco to rest, recover from your journey, and enjoy the city before setting off on the hike.
What is the booking process?
FIRST: To make a booking, send us an email at reservas@sakuraexpedition.com to check availability and receive personalized booking forms. All clients must complete a Passenger Details form when making a booking.
This form requests the following information (FOR EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase any permit or entrance ticket without it:
- Personal information (full name, exactly as it appears on your passport)
- Gender
- Passport number
- Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
Once you make your booking, we will reserve your spaces as quickly as possible, since many operators are trying to secure spaces throughout the year.
SECOND: Sakura Expedition will ask you to complete a booking form with all the details, followed by a deposit of USD 200 per person. Once we have all deposits and details, we will book your permits.
When we have the permits, we will send you your confirmation invoice stating that everything is 100% confirmed, so your spaces will be guaranteed.
WILL I RECEIVE TRAVEL INFORMATION BEFORE MY TRIP?
The day before your departure, you will receive a detailed briefing from your guide. This may be in a group or individually at your hotel.
UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS The government will only allow us to change passport numbers if we have a copy of both the new and the old passport. If you no longer have your old passport, any government-issued ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Also, make sure your passport does not expire within six months of your trip.
HOW DO I GET TO CUSCO?
Most people arrive in Cusco by air. Remember that Cusco airport only handles domestic flights. If you are flying in from abroad via Lima, you must collect your bags in Lima and check them in again for your flight to Cusco. Four airlines fly between Lima and Cusco: LATAM Airlines, JetSMART, Sky Airline, and Avianca. They all offer similar schedules, but we generally recommend LATAM or Avianca, as they tend to be the most reliable when unexpected flight cancellations or delays occur.
CAN I SPEND AN EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES?
Of course. If you are fine with taking the Aguas Calientes train the next day at the same time as in your original itinerary (usually 6:20 p.m.), there is no additional charge to change the train date. If you need us to book a hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, there will be an additional cost. If you choose to spend a night in Aguas Calientes, please inform the Sakura Expeditions office at least one month in advance so your train ticket can be purchased for the correct day.
DO I NEED HIKING BOOTS?
We always recommend hiking boots. Those with ankle support are very helpful, especially for inexperienced hikers. Because you will be going down many steps built by the Incas, which are now uneven and of different heights, the extra support helps protect your ankles.
SHOULD I USE TREKKING POLES?
Poles are always useful for hikers and are recommended for this trek. There are many stairs to go down, all built by the Incas; they vary in height and are not all straight. Using poles can help relieve pressure on your knees on this part of the trail, and they will also help you on the way up. If you bring your own, make sure they have rubber tips, or the park rangers will not allow you to use them. You can buy rubber tips in Cusco if you forget them.
HOW DO I PAY THE REMAINING BALANCE?
We would greatly appreciate it if you pay in cash (US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office here in Cusco. There are many ATMs in the historic center where you can withdraw money.
WHAT SIZE HIKING BACKPACK IS RECOMMENDED?
Generally, a 30- to 60-liter backpack is enough.
CAN I LEAVE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, both free of charge.
ARE TIPS EXPECTED?
Tipping is part of the tradition of any hike to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please note that tipping is not mandatory, and you should never feel pressured to do so.
