Photo gallery
One Day Inca Trail photos
Tour overview
One Day Inca Trail at a glance
For fit travelers with one day to spare. You hike the final section of the Inca Trail, arrive at the Sun Gate and return to Cusco the same night. Your same-day visit is Circuit 1 (route 1C): from the Sun Gate down to the classic viewpoint over the citadel. The Circuit 3 entry that comes with the permit is valid the following day, so it is lost on a same-day return.
Our Cusco team checks the services, timings and availability for your dates and sends the options in a written quote.
Journey highlights
Highlights of the One Day Inca Trail
- The final stretch of the Inca Trail in a single day
- Wiñay Wayna terraces and the Sun Gate arrival
- Guided visit of Machu Picchu
- Back in Cusco the same night
Detailed itinerary
One Day Inca Trail itinerary
Times and services are indicative. Your final schedule is confirmed in your written quote.
Early morning — Cusco to Km 104
We pick you up at your Cusco hotel and drive through the dark to Ollantaytambo station in the Sacred Valley. The early train follows the Urubamba River into the canyon and stops at Km 104, a small platform used only by Inca Trail hikers. You cross the river on a footbridge to the checkpoint, where the rangers check your permit and original passport.
Morning — Chachabamba and the climb to Wiñay Wayna
Your guide starts with Chachabamba (2,170 m), an Inca site of fountains and ritual baths at the foot of the trail. From here the path climbs steadily along the mountainside through cloud forest, with orchids, bromeliads and waterfalls, and wide views of the Urubamba canyon and the railway far below. The last section is a long staircase that ends at Wiñay Wayna, "forever young", a beautiful complex of curved terraces, fountains and houses. You visit it with your guide and stop for your box lunch.
Afternoon — The Sun Gate and Machu Picchu
The trail now joins the Classic Inca Trail for its final stretch, through the forest and up the steep Monkey Steps to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. Machu Picchu appears below you, usually in the soft afternoon light. You walk down the Inca path to the classic viewpoint above the citadel (route 1C) for photos and your guide's explanation of the site. With the optional second ticket (+US$ 55), you can also take a full guided tour of the citadel the same afternoon or, better, the next morning with a hotel night.
Evening — Back to Cusco
You take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, with time for a quick dinner (not included) before the evening train to Ollantaytambo. Our driver meets you at the station and takes you back to your Cusco hotel.
What's included
What's included in the One Day Inca Trail
Included
- permit and Machu Picchu entry
- transfers
- trains
- bus
- box lunch
- guide
Not included
- Dinner and meals not listed
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Optional extras
Ways to tailor this trip
- a second Machu Picchu ticket for a full guided visit of the citadel the same day, +US$ 55
- or a hotel night in Aguas Calientes to use your Circuit 3 entry the next morning (quote)
Optional services are subject to availability. Mention your preferences in the booking form notes; your quote will list the selected extras and final total.
Plan with confidence
Duration, difficulty and price
Good to know
Good to know before you go
Entrance route
This tour uses Circuit 1, route 1C and Circuit 1 (route 1C), confirmed in your quote. See Machu Picchu circuits explained.
Planning guides
Planning guides
What to bring
What to pack
- Original passport (and student ID if applicable)
- Daypack of 20–25 liters and a refillable 2-liter water bottle
- Hiking shoes with good grip, rain jacket, light fleece, sun hat and sunscreen
- Insect repellent, snacks and cash in soles
Carry the original passport used to book. Check your confirmed ticket and operator instructions for current baggage and site rules.
Frequently asked questions
One Day Inca Trail FAQs
Is this the same as the Short Inca Trail?
It is the same trail, done in one day without the hotel night, so the guided citadel tour is only possible with an extra ticket.
Can I turn it into 2 days?
Yes. That is our Short Inca Trail, which includes the hotel and the full guided visit.
Is it suitable for beginners?
It suits active people used to walking. If you are unsure, the 2-day version is more relaxed.
How long is the day?
About 18 hours: pickup at 3:30–4:00 am, an early train to Km 104, 6–7 hours of hiking and the evening train back. You reach Cusco around 9–10 pm.
Do I get a guided tour of Machu Picchu?
On the same day you visit Circuit 1 (route 1C), from the Sun Gate down to the classic viewpoint. For a full guided tour of the citadel, add a second ticket (+US$ 55) or a hotel night.
What is the minimum age?
10 years. You need good fitness for the steep stone staircase up to Wiñay Wayna and at least 2 days in Cusco beforehand.
Is breakfast included?
No. Bring breakfast or buy it at the station; a box lunch on the trail is included.
Tripadvisor reviews
What travelers say about our team
Reviews of Traveleez Peru SAC, the operator of Machu-Picchu.tours, on our Tripadvisor profile Machu Picchu by Traveleez.
★★★★★
Professional attention and impeccable support
“Always responding quickly, clearly, and professionally.”
Translated from Spanish
★★★★★
Highschool’s travel buddies to Machu Picchu
“Traveleez team are so helpful in assisting our needs with their prompt response.”
★★★★★
Incredible experience
“An unforgettable experience. Super punctual, good transportation, and very good treatment.”
Translated from Spanish
