1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

Your adventure begins early as your guide picks you up at 4:00 am from your hotel in Cusco for the private transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station.
(If you prefer to start in Ollantaytambo, pickup will be at 5:30 am.)

Before boarding the train, your guide will give you a box lunch to carry in your daypack. After a scenic 1 hour and 15 minutes train ride, you’ll disembark at the legendary KM 104, the official starting point of the trek (2,000 m / 6,560 ft). You’ll cross a suspension bridge over the Urubamba River, register with your passport at the checkpoint, and explore your first archaeological site of the day.

The hike starts with a gentle 1.5-hour ascent, offering several viewpoints overlooking the Urubamba River. As you enter diverse microclimates—including lush cloud forests—be prepared for mist or rain at any time of year. The next section becomes slightly steeper for another 1.5 hours, ending at a beautiful waterfall—perfect for photos.

Crossing the bridge below the falls, you’ll soon come face-to-face with the spectacular ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2,600 m / 8,500 ft). This impressive Inca site, partially reclaimed by the jungle, features terraces, temples, and dramatic views. Your guide will explain its fascinating history along with the rich flora and fauna of the region before a short 5-minute walk to your lunch spot.

Enjoy your fresh, gourmet picnic lunch surrounded by tropical flowers in the campsite area. Please inform us of any dietary needs or allergies at the time of booking.

After lunch, the trail continues with a mostly gradual path toward the Sun Gate. This one-hour section includes gentle ups and downs, finishing with the famous steep stone steps known as the “Gringo Killers.” Climbing these last steps brings you to the moment you’ve been waiting for—the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. Take your time to savor the view and capture unforgettable photos.

From the Sun Gate to the citadel, you’ll pass several lesser-known archaeological sites. Enjoy the final approach as your guide shares insights about these remarkable structures.

Upon reaching Machu Picchu, you’ll enjoy additional photo opportunities from the upper terraces near the House of the Guardians, where the iconic postcard-view is taken. Because you arrive in the afternoon, the crowds have thinned, allowing for more relaxed exploration and better photography conditions.

Your guide will lead a 2-hour private tour, covering the most important temples, plazas, terraces, and the three distinct sectors of Machu Picchu: agricultural, urban, and religious.

After exploring, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. At 6:20 pm, board the Expedition Train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport will return you to Cusco, arriving around 10:00 pm.
(Travelers upgrading to the Vistadome Train depart at 6:10 pm.)

• Meals: Picnic lunch
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Important: Due to time constraints, it is not possible to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain on this itinerary.

WHAT IS INCLUDED FOR 1 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

• Airport pickup and private transfer to your hotel
• Hotel pickup by your professional guide
• Private transportation from your hotel to the train station
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
• English-speaking, professional trekking guide
• Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 and from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo, with private van transfer to Cusco
• Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket
• Machu Picchu entrance (Circuit 2)
• Gourmet box lunch
• Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
• First-aid kit and emergency oxygen tank
• All taxes included

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE 1-DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hikes (not possible due to time limitations)
• Additional energy snacks such as chocolate bars or dried fruits
• First breakfast and dinner in Aguas Calientes
• Tips for the guide, driver, and support staff (optional but greatly appreciated)
• Optional upgrade to the Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person (return journey only)

Added Value — Free of Charge

Arrival Transfer: Private pickup from Cusco Airport to your hotel

BEST PRICE FOR THIS UNIQUE TREK!

The 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date that suits you! We just require a minimum of 2 participants!

• GROUP PRICES:
  $447 USD per person
• PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES:
  $547 USD per person – 2 to 3 persons
  $527 USD per person – 4 or more persons
• PRIVATE PRICE 1 person only:
  $647 USD per person – 1 persons only private trek

We require a minimum of 2 hikers in order to start the trek. If you are a solo traveler- please inquire on the dates you are looking to trek so you can join an existing group.

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 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  2*3*or 4* hotel.  (We will arrange your return train back to Cusco for the next day, however you need to book your own hotel)

**** The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days & 1 night is almost always 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 like in the ancient times, you will explore some amazing Inca ruins along the way like Wiñay Wayna Inca City.

Why Choose Qatawi Tours?

Qatawi Tours is a family-owned, locally operated travel company based in Cusco, built upon years of firsthand trekking experience. As a 100% Cusqueñian operator with no external shareholders, our mission is simple: deliver exceptional, boutique-style tours crafted and led exclusively by local experts.

Our philosophy centers on offering highly personalized, high-quality service, ensuring every traveler receives the attention, comfort, and cultural connection they deserve.

We are deeply committed to being a responsible and sustainable operator. Our team is our extended family, and we proudly provide fair wages, professional development, and long-term support. Their passion and dedication allow us to offer extraordinary journeys and unforgettable memories.

Small Groups — A More Exclusive Experience

At Qatawi Tours, we guarantee small group sizes, never exceeding 8 travelers. This ensures a more intimate, flexible, and personalized adventure—something larger operators simply cannot match.

Our Expert Guides

We take great pride in our exceptional team of guides. Each one is:

• Highly trained and fully bilingual
• Passionate about Inca history, Andean culture, and environmental preservation
• Fun, engaging, and dedicated to lifelong learning
• Professionally educated with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology

Their expertise elevates every trek into a cultural, historical, and personal journey.

Community & Sustainability Projects

As a company rooted in the Andes, Qatawi Tours is committed to giving back to the remote communities that sustain our heritage. Through ongoing social programs, local employment, and community-driven initiatives, we help improve quality of life and preserve ancestral traditions.

Supporting our team means supporting entire families and communities—this holistic approach is an essential part of who we are.

Alternative Luxury Trek Options

• Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley Tour
• Machu Picchu Tour
• Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Packing List for the 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The One Day Inca Trail Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE the extra porter, so, you will need to carry all your things, please try to pack as light as possible which is the key to enjoy this amazing trek

• Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
• Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
• Water: 2L in reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable bottles)
• Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
• Toilet paper
• Jacket
• Dress in layers
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Personal medications
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Wool hat (only in the cold season)
• Rain gear if rainy season
• Snacks (chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits)
• Rain plastic poncho
• Camera
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

Frequently Asked Questions

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