Short Inca Trail with Machu Picchu 1 Day
Experience this Inca Trail adventure and discover the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu in a single day it is a true wonder and a highlight of any trip to Peru. Along the route, you will see the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna and traverse lush vegetation to reach Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where you will enjoy an incredible panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Afterward, you will descend for an afternoon tour of the Inca citadel lasting nearly two hours, visiting all the most important sites within this marvel.
Include
What is included?
- Pre-departure briefing with your guide at your accommodation in Cusco
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco starting at 05:30 AM
- Tourist transportation from Cusco to Km 82 (starting point of the Inca Trail trek)
- Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Group porters who will carry the equipment: tents, food, tables, chairs, and cooking gear
- Porter service for 7 kg / 15 pounds per person (we will provide you with a duffel bag the day before)
- A professional cook, an expert in gourmet mountain menus, plus assistant staff
- Enjoy hot drinks every afternoon at the campsite
- We will provide boiled water every morning (from the second day) so you can refill your bottle
- High-quality, spacious, and clean tent, shared by two people
- Thick sleeping mats for your comfort
- Warm water daily in your tent for washing up
- Fully equipped kitchen tent where our team will prepare your meals
- We carry a complete first-aid kit and emergency oxygen if needed
- Bus ticket down from the citadel to Aguas Calientes
- Expedition or Voyager tourist train to Ollantaytambo, with connection to private transport to Cusco
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
Not Included
- Meals: Breakfast on the first day. Lunch and dinner on the fourth day
- Comfortable backpack, appropriate clothing for different weather conditions, and sturdy hiking shoes
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu (optional, $85 per person)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for the guide, cook, and porters (optional.)
What to Expect
- Experience breathtaking landscapes of the Andean mountains and Amazon rainforest.
- Enjoy delicious and healthy Peruvian cuisine during the trek.
- Explore ancient Inca paths, temples, and archaeological sites, such as Wiñay Wayna.
- Witness the unforgettable sunrise entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
Itinerary
Day 1: From Cusco to km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu return to Cusco
We will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco at 3:50 a.m. and travel by private transport to the town of Ollantaytambo, following the Sacred Valley route. Along the way, we will enjoy breathtaking landscapes, including mountains and parts of the Urubamba mountain range. After the approximately two-hour drive to the Ollantaytambo train station, we will board the train to Kilometer 104 (a 1-hour and 20-minute journey), where the Short Inca Trail begins. After passing through the checkpoint, our guide will provide an introduction to the tour before we set off on the adventure, enjoying unique views of the tropical rainforest’s flora and fauna. We will visit the archaeological complexes of Chachabamba (2,250 m / 7,382 ft) and Wiñayhuayna (2,600 m / 8,530 ft), where our guide will explain the significance of these Inca structures.
ONCE ARRIVE TO WIÑAYWAYNA TAKE BREAK TO ENJOY THE LUNCH
We will have lunch at Wiñayhuayna, then continue along a gentle path for approximately two hours to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From there, you can admire the Inca city of Machu Picchu and take beautiful photos before descending for about 45 minutes to the Machu Picchu archaeological complex. Once there, we will explore the upper section of Machu Picchu via Circuit 01, stopping at three scenic viewpoints to capture iconic photos. These spots have the advantage of being less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
Afterward, we will briefly exit Machu Picchu to check in and use the restrooms, then re-enter around 3:00 p.m. for a one-and-a-half-hour guided tour along Circuit 03. This tour covers the most important areas of Machu Picchu, including several key temples. At 4:30 p.m., we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes for dinner. Afterwards, we will board the 6:20 PM train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in Cusco. We will arrive around 10:00 PM.
.
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Minimum altitude: 2,680 masl / 8,792 ft.
- Maximum altitude: 3,000 masl / 9,842 ft.
- Hiking hours: 7 hours.
- Accommodation: Camping in high-quality tents.
Price
GROUP TOUR:
$ 820 USD per person.
Group tour is done with different Trekkers. This means that it is open for others to join you.
PRIVATE TOUR:
They are available and have a price per group size.
2 – 3 Trekkers: $ 1,230 USD per person.
4 – 6 Trekkers: $ 1,150 USD per person.
7 – 8 Trekkers: $ 800 USD per person.
Note * All prices are expressed in USD.
STUDENT DISCOUNT:
$ 30 USD discount per person.
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a current UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD or children 17 years old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at the time of booking. Please send to info@wakankiexplorer.com
Additional information
What to Bring?
- Original passport
- Backpack
- Sleeping bag
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Warm clothing and hiking pants
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses
- Thermal clothing: wool socks, gloves/scarf, and a wool hat for cold nights
- Insect repellent
- Rain poncho or rain jacket
- Toiletries/toilet paper / small towel
- Swimsuit for hot springs
- Water bottle: optional water purification tablets
- Personal first-aid kit
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and snacks
- Trekking poles.
IMPORTANT NOTE: For the Classic Inca Trail 4 days / 3 nights the reservations must be made four months before arriving in Cusco.
Price
820
Private group departure option, depending on the number of passengers in your reservation. Please check the Price section.
Book here
Tour: Short Inca Trail with Machu Picchu 1 Day
Group service
Tour guide
Bus & Train
Camp
Entrance Ticket
Meals mentioned
First-aid kit
Group & Private service : Available upon request (limited to 500 per day), with a maximum of 8 passengers per group.
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