Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu. This is the most iconic trail in Peru, leading to the Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu. The most important and visited site in South America, located in Peru, was discovered in 1911 after centuries of abandonment. An enigmatic city, built on top of a mountain. Here you can enjoy the many buildings this city has to offer. We begin this tour very early in the morning, leaving the city of Cusco.
We will travel by bus to the city of Ollantaytambo, passing through small local communities. The scenery is spectacular, with views of the Andes mountains and glaciers. From here, we will board the train to km 104, the starting point of the hike. Throughout the journey, you will notice that the vegetation becomes tropical. The Inca Trail and the city of Machu Picchu are located within a tropical area, here you can observe a great variety of vegetation, animals, and insects native to the area.
Overview
Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu (1 Day) – Overview
The 1-day Short Inca Trail, also called the Inca Trail Express, is the shortest version of the famous trek. It follows part of the Classic Inca Trail, leading through breathtaking landscapes and archaeological sites before reaching Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). This is perfect for those with limited time who still want to experience the Inca Trail.
Why Choose the 1-Day Inca Trail?
- Perfect for travelers short on time
- No camping required
- Still includes the iconic Sun Gate entrance to Machu Picchu
- Less physically demanding than the 4-day trek
Would you like help choosing a tour operator or packing recommendations?
Key Details Inca Trail Express
- Total Distance: ~10 km (6.2 miles)
- Maximum Altitude: 2,720 m (8,923 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Go: May – September (dry season)
- Permit Required? Yes (book in advance)
- Guide Required? Yes (must go with an official tour operator)
Tourism
- Accessibility: Machu Picchu can be reached by train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus ride up to the site. Alternatively, visitors can hike the Inca Trail, a multi-day trek that culminates at Machu Picchu.
- Visitor Experience: Guided tours are available to help visitors understand the historical and cultural context of the ruins. There are also opportunities for hiking within the site, such as climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season from May to September is the most popular time to visit, with fewer rain showers and clear skies. However, this is also the busiest time.
- Weather: The weather can vary greatly, with warm days and cool nights. Rain is common, especially during the wet season from November to March.
- Preparation: Visitors should prepare for the high altitude and physical activity by acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and bringing appropriate clothing and supplies.
Machu Picchu remains a symbol of the ingenuity and cultural richness of the Inca civilization, drawing millions of visitors each year to marvel at its architectural beauty and stunning mountain setting.
Itinerary
01 DAY: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – KM 104 – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
- Early Morning: Take the train from Cusco (or Ollantaytambo) to Km 104, the trailhead.
- Start the Trek: Hike uphill to the Wiñay Wayna ruins (~3 hours).
- Continue to Inti Punku (Sun Gate): After another 2-hour hike, reach Inti Punku, where you’ll get your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.
- Descend into Machu Picchu: Walk down to the site for a short visit (guided tour).
- Return to Cusco: Take the bus to Aguas Calientes, then the train back to Cusco in the evening.
Detailed Itinerary Inca Trail Express:
4:00 – 4:30 am | Departure from Cusco. We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car). Here, you will have a short time for a light breakfast (optional, not included).
6:10 – 6:40 am | Train to Chachabamba (km 104). The train ride to the starting point of the hike at km 104 takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Here, you will meet your guide. To continue to the entrance control in Chachabamba, you must show your passport or the document with which you made your reservation. 8:00 am: Start of the hike. We will have a gradual ascent for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, toward the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna (2,620 m).
At this point, you’ll have a guided tour of this site, considered the most beautiful archaeological complex along the entire Inca Trail. Then, you’ll continue to the control of the same site where you’ll have a cold lunch. Then, you’ll continue along a fairly easy trail for 2 hours to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll have your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
After a short rest, we’ll begin the descent to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Here, we’ll have a guided tour (approximately 2 hours) of the main sites. From 4:00 to 5:00 pm, descent by bus to the town of Aguas Calientes. Return trip by train to Ollantaytambo (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). From here, you’ll take a bus to Cusco (approximately 2 hours).
Inclusions
What’s Included?
- Inca Trail & Machu Picchu permit
- Professional guide
- Train tickets (to and from Cusco)
- Bus ticket (Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes)
- Box lunch & snacks
Not Included ?
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (extra cost U$:60)
- Tips for guides
- Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes (optional)
Should Bring
YOU HAVE TO BRING
- Bring essentials such as a passport (required for entry),
- comfortable walking shoes,
- sun protection (hat, sunscreen),
- insect repellent,
- water,
- snacks,
- and a rain jacket (weather can be unpredictable).
- small backpack
- documents
- light clothing
- tools grooming
- extra money.
Acomodation
Price
Price: Season 2025
Shared Service:
- Price per person: U$. 400
- Approximate group: is 10 people
Private & Personalized Service:
- Price per person U$ .450.00
- Minimum people 02 pax
Student Discounts Availability:
Student Discount: To qualify for the discount, you must have a valid student ID and be 25 years old or younger at travel time. You can obtain the discount with your student ID. Please indicate that you are a student on the form when booking.
Student ID valid for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu:
To qualify for the student discount, travelers must have a valid ID with the following:
University ID, with a current date, Full name, photo, and university name. This is the only valid document required to qualify for the discount. According to Peruvian government regulations and Ministry of Culture offices, other documents are not valid.
- Student Discount (only with active card): US$.20
- Under 18 years Discount: US$.20
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