SHORT INCA TRAIL — 1 DAY
Get to know the Short Inca Trail 1 day and explore the citadel of Machu Picchu in a single day. This Inca attraction is an impressive cultural spectacle where you can observe Inca ruins, exotic mountains, lush vegetation and extraordinary ecological ... read complete
Itinerary
Day 1 — Cusco / Ollantaytambo / KM 104 / Wiñay Wayna / Sun Gate / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes / Cusco
- 4:00 am: Time to hike the Short Inca Trail! Early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco for the drive to the train station in Ollantaytambo. If you’re already staying in Ollantaytambo, pick-up is between 5:30 and 5:40 am.
- 6:15 am (approx.): Board the train for the ride along the Sacred Valley, roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes, arriving at Kilometer 104 (2,100 m / 6,927 ft).
- 7:30 am: Cross the checkpoint at Km 104 and begin the hike, following the Urubamba River through changing microclimates, including a stretch of cloud forest.
- 10:30 am: After a steady 3-hour climb, arrive at the archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna (2,650 m / 8,747 ft) — one of the best-preserved Inca sites on the trail, with sweeping views over the Urubamba canyon.
- 11:30 am: Time to rest, take photos and enjoy lunch near Wiñay Wayna before continuing.
- 1:00 pm: Final stretch of the hike, climbing toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku, 2,730 m / 9,007 ft) — the original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu, and your first full view of the citadel.
- 2:00 pm: Descend for about an hour into Machu Picchu itself.
- 3:00 pm: Guided tour of the citadel with your official guide, covering the site’s history and its agricultural, residential and religious sectors — arriving in the afternoon means noticeably thinner crowds.
- 5:00 pm: Free time to explore on your own and take photos before heading down to Aguas Calientes for dinner.
- 6:20 pm: Board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo (6:10 pm if upgraded to Vistadome).
- 10:00 pm (approx.): Private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
Distance: approx. 13 km / 8 mi | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging | Highest point: Sun Gate, 2,730 m / 9,007 ft | Meals: Box lunch
Inclusions
What’s Included
Transportation
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco (or Ollantaytambo) and private transfer to the train station.
- Round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Km 104, the trailhead.
- Bus transportation between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
- Private transfer from Ollantaytambo back to your hotel in Cusco.
Permits
- Inca Trail hiking permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
Meals
- Box lunch for the hike.
Guiding
- Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) for the hike and the guided tour inside Machu Picchu.
Equipment
- Basic first aid kit, carried by the guide.
What’s Not Included
- Breakfast and dinner in Aguas Calientes — only the trail lunch is covered.
- Energy snacks — bring your own (bars, dried fruit, etc.) to keep you going between the box lunch and dinner.
- Huayna Picchu / Machu Picchu Mountain tickets — the one-day itinerary doesn’t leave time for these climbs, so they can’t be added to this tour.
- Vistadome train upgrade — available at an extra cost for the return journey, if you’d rather skip the standard Expedition train.
- Tips for guide and staff — always appreciated, entirely at your discretion.
- Travel insurance — recommended, but arranged independently.
- Personal expenses — bottled water, souvenirs, extra snacks, etc.
FAQS
How difficult is the Inca Trail 1 Day hike?
It’s a moderate to challenging hike — several hours of walking with some steep sections, so it’s best for travelers in reasonably good physical condition.
Do I need a permit for the 1-day hike?
Yes. Even though it’s a single day, it still runs along the Inca Trail, so a permit is required — we take care of the arrangements for you.
What’s the highest point on the trek?
The Sun Gate (Inti Punku), at approximately 2,730 m (9,007 ft), where you’ll get your first full view of Machu Picchu.
What should I bring on the hike?
- Original passport (it has to be the same one you used to book your trip)
- A good backpack — the smaller, the better
- Personal medication
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
Can I hike the Inca Trail without a guide?
No — a registered guide is required on the Inca Trail, including this 1-day route; independent hiking isn’t permitted.
Is there an age limit for this hike?
Group departures are best suited to travelers roughly 18–45 in good health. Families with children or older travelers can book a private departure with a more flexible pace.
Why Choose Us Velflor Travel
All of our English speaking local guides are passionate about their country and will accompany you from the moment you arrive in your destination, throughout your escorted tour and right until your departing flight home.
Go off the beaten track. Our award-winning, licensed local guides provide incredible insights and insider tips, passionately bringing alive unique and exclusive experiences for you.
Discover our enchanting world your way. Our experts completely customize your private tour to match your interests and preferences through their comprehensive knowledge of each destination.
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Your dedicated and personal trip coordinator is available around-the-clock throughout your trip to accommodate requests, take care of the details, and handle any unforeseen situations.
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