During the 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you hike the short Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu Citadel all in one day! Some of the highlights of this section of the Inca Trail are the ancient archeological Inca ruins, stunning mountain views, lush vegetation and the extraordinary ecological varieties of the several microclimates through which you hike. The trail goes through the Machu Picchu National Sanctuary and takes you through the Sun Gate with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu.
***It is very important for potential trekkers of the 1 Day Inca Trail to understand that you are doing the same trail as the 2 Day Inca Trail, just quicker. Trekkers need to be in moderate to excellent physical condition to be able to do this trek and arrive at Machu Picchu Citadel in time. If you think the trek may be too strenuous, check out the 2 day Inca Trail which arrives at Machu Picchu in one day but at a slower pace and later in the day.
Hike the 1 day Inca Trail Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate & explore Machu Picchu the same day!
***Please note: It is not possible to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain due to time restraints. Please book the 2 day Inca Trail to add one of these extra hikes.
***We do highly recommend starting and finishing this day in Ollantaytambo.
***If you choose, you can stay the night in Aguas Calientes, and we will book your return train for the next day.
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
Your guide will pick you up at Veronica View Hotel or any hotel at Ollantaytambo at 5:30 (or at 4am in Cusco) for a drive in our private transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo.
The Expedition Train takes you to KM104 (elevation 2,100m/6,927ft), the checkpoint and starting point of your trek. Once at the checkpoint take the opportunity to use the restrooms, apply insect repellent and sunscreen, pack your box lunch, purchase extra snacks (only if needed) and fill up on water.
The first Archeological site you get to see is just a minute outside the checkpoint. Learn the history and thriving culture of the Incas from a 100% authentic and knowledgeable Peruvian guide. The trek passes by flora and fauna unique to the Inca trail. The Urubamba River guides your path to your left. Pass a small waterfall with its waters cascading into the rocks.
Now take the moderate climb up to the chiseled remnants and remote archaeological site of Wiñayhuana, (2,650m/8747 ft). The views from this point are absolutely spectacular. You should be thrilled with your achievement so far.
Once you reach the campsite of Wiñayhuana, stop and take a breather. Your scrumptious box lunch is a quinoa salad complete with beef, chicken or vegetarian options.
The rest of the trek is pretty gradual. However, there is a short climb up the monkey steps. Once you reach the top of Sun Gate Elevation (2,730mts/9,007ft), the size and majesty of Machu Picchu at the bottom will simply take your breath away. Take loads of pictures, there is no better view in the world. As you make your way down to Machu Picchu be sure to ask your guide as many questions as possible.
You will explore of Machu Picchu in the afternoon with minimum tourists around. If you arrive timeously, you will get a full 2hour guided tour of circuit #3.
After that, you will have plenty of time to take photos before we head down to Aguas Calientes for the 16:43 or 17:23 Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo. (If you prefer the Expedition train, you will depart Aguas Calientes at 18:20). We will pick you up at the Ollantaytambo train station to come back to the Veronica View Hotel for dinner. If you are going back to Cusco, add another 2 hours for the drive back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Box lunch
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
ADDED VALUES for FREE:
- TRANSFER: from the Veronica View Hotel to any trek or tour starting point
PACKING CHECKLIST FOR THE 1 DAY INCA TRAIL
The 1 Inca Trail Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE a porter. You will need to carry all your things, please try to pack as light as possible which will make this amazing trek even more enjoyable.
- Original passport (it has to be the same as the one used when booking your trek)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Reusable water bottles: 2-3 liters
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Dress in layers and be prepared for both sun and rain, anytime of the year
- Toilet paper (not provided at campground bathrooms)
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal medication
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Wool hat (only in the cold season)
- Snacks (chocolate bars, cereal bars or dry fruit)
- Rain poncho
- Camera
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
The 1 day Inca Trail Machu Picchu is available on any date that suits you! We just require a minimum of 2 participants to book. Please email us to enquire about dates with group tours if you are traveling solo.
GROUP PRICES:
$387 USD per person
PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES:
$457 USD per person – 2 to 3 persons
$437 USD per person – 4 or more persons
PRIVATE PRICE 1 person only:
$577 USD per person – 1 person only private trek
CHECK YOUR SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU TREK AVAILABILITY 2022 and 2023 BY CLICKING ON MONTH OF YOUR CHOICE!
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for a discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
EXTRAS
- Upgrade to Vistadome: $67 USD per person (Return Only)
- Stay the night in Aguas Calientes 3*or 4* hotel. (We will arrange your return train back to Cusco for the next day)
**** The 1 Day Inca trail to Machu Picchu is available year-round except when it is closed in February for maintenance. This trek takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the Sun Gate, just like in ancient times. You will explore some amazing Inca ruins along the way like the Wiñay Wayna Inca City.
Please read the following information carefully. It will help with your questions about our services and the 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
THE BRIEFING
The evening before the tour, you will receive a briefing at your hotel in Ollantaytambo.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT THE HOTEL?
Of course! During the 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu your main luggage can be stored at our secure storage facilities at Veronica View.
HOW TO BOOK THE 1 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
FIRST, to book your 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu , you need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click this link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu permit without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as it appears on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.O.B. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You can make a deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbol on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbol on our booking page.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is generally No. Once the Machu Picchu tickets have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
*** If you cancel your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, the deposit is non-refundable!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or any other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check your passport when you start the Inca Trail and when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee, you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both, you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this here!
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you always dress in layers as that makes it easier to adjust to the quickly changing weather patterns.
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, but it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during the hike. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Tourist destinations and the VV Hotel. Of course you are free to tip as much as you want, depending on your perception on the quality of service and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes! Veronica View Hotel & Tours is a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator. We incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know, understand, and respect the places and its local people.
*** This adventure hike will be operated by our Orange Nation Parthner!
