Overview
This short version covers the final section of the ancient Inca Trail. Walk through the cloudforest, and the most impressive sites such as Wiñay Wayna and Chachabamba. The journey takes us to the Sun Gate and the first view of Machu Picchu is just a blessing from there. Explore the ancient Inca Trail without worying about a multi-day hike. nature, history and spectacular landscapes merched in 1 day.
The Short Inca Trail 1 day at a Glance
The 1 day Short Inca Trail is the best option for those travelers who are limited of time. This trail takes you through the legendary Inca Trail and you will get to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate. If you have no these 4 days that the Classic Inca Trail requires this is for you, start the hike at the km 104 and end at Machu picchu as our ancestors did.
Day 1: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
Our tam will show up at your Cusco hotel at 4:00 am and we will head to Ollantaytambo. Our train departs to km 104, boots on and start your 6 hour hike to Machu Picchu, enjoy views of incredible landscapes, inca sites and get to see Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. In the afternoon arrive in Machu Picchu when the crowds are already leaving, have a complete tour of the park and take the bus to Aguas Calientes followed by a ride to Cusco by train and Car.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
You will be picked up at your Cusco hotel at 4:00 am. We drive for around an hour and a half to the town of Ollantaytambo from where you take a train towards km 104, here we begin our hike. Today you will be hiking by the last portion of the Classic Inca trail 4 Days, along the way you will explore beautiful Inca sites and amaze astonishing landscapes. We hike through the paved Inca Trail and explore the site of Wiñay Wayna “Forever young” followed by our lunch, then we continue to Machu Picchu via the Sungate.
After our lunch, we keep hiking through the lush green of the cloud forest, we will see a lot of flora and fauna and keep an eye out for spotting the beautiful birds and some mammals such as the spectacle bear or Vizcachas (Rabbit like).
After a full hiking day, we will arrive at the Sun Gate or Intipunku in the afternoon, the first awe-inspiring viws of Machu Picchu unfolds below. After this undescribable experience walk down to Machu Picchu for another 45 mins. As soon as you get there, you will have the first and the iconic view, then we exit the park to later re-enter to Machu Picchu.
Our entrance will be booked at 3 pm, so you have time to use the bathrooms before re-entering. You will be walked through the ancient site for around an hour and a half. Learn all this sacred place has hidden in its walls. Finally, you bus down to Aguas Calientes, you will have some time to pick a sandwich before boarding the train towards Ollantaytambo for 1 Hour 45mins. Our drive will pick you up and drive you to Cusco for 2 hours more. Expected arrival time to Cusco 10 pm.
- Walking Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
- Trailhead Elevation: 2,000 mt / 6561 ft.
- Highest Elevation: 2,720 mt /8923 ft.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 1 DAY?
IT INCLUDES
- Briefing at Wayna Trekkers office or at your hotel the previous night.
- Hotel Pick-up and drop-off.
- Private shuttle From Cusco to Ollantaytambo
- Train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104 “Trail Head”
- English-speaking guide
- Box Lunch (Day 1)
- 1 bottle water 625 ml
- Return Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Inca trail permits and Machupicchu entrance ticket.
- Machu Picchu Guided Tour
- Bus ticket from Machu icchu to Aguas Calientes.
- 18% tax.
NOT INCLUDED
- Vistadome Train – 60 usd (return train only)
- Breakfast and dinner.
- Tips for Wayna Trekkers’ crew
- Travel insurance.
EXTRAS
- Walking sticks – $15 USD
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes at 3* hotel $100 USD (Book in advance)
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes at 4* hotel $215 USD (Book in advance)
Price for the 1 day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Group service:
$450 USD Per person.
Student Discount
- $30 USD off per person Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD (with a barcode, name of university, student name, photo of student and expiration date) at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a University Student Card our under 17-years-old, we need to see a copy of their card or passport at the time of booking to receive the discount.
- $40 USD off per person
For kids under 11 years old, this discount will be applied by default. Send passport copy at the booking time.
Please send all information to info@waynatrekkers.com
Add on’s:
- Walking sticks – $15 USD
- Extra night in Aguas Calientes at 3* hotel $100 USD
- Private Service $100 USD
PACKING LIST FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 1 DAY TO MACHU PICCHU
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE an extra porter, we recommend packing light with just essentials.
In your daypack you will need:
- Original Passport (the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (25 to 30L)
- Water 1 to 2 liters of water
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Rain jacket
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
- Camera
- Valuables
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
READ THE FOLLOWING LINES. HAVING THIS INFORMATION IN MIND WILL HELP YOU HAVING A COOLER EXPERIENCE
HOW TO BOOK THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 1 DAY WITH WAYNA TREKKERS?
In order to book your Inca Trail 2 day with us, click on the BOOK NOW button, then select the day of your departure, fill out the personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment. You can pay us with your credit card or debit. Send us only the deposit of $200USD.
On the booking platform, you will also find the extras. The Huayna Picchu Mountain, the Vistadome train, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Walking Sticks. You have to book the Huayna Picchu, Vistadome and Machu Picchu together with your 2 day Inca Trail, permits sell out quickly so it is advisable to include these services at the time of booking. However, you can rent walking sticks in Cusco 1 day before your trip.
When we have purchased your Inca trail permits, we will send you a confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Yes! During the 1 days Inca trail hike, you can store your luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please bring what you will only need during your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
WHAT ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?
The outstanding balance must be finalized in cash one day before your trip in USD or soles, if you prefer PayPal or Card at least 48 Hours prior to your trip (a 5.5% service fee applies). Also, you can pay us with a Credit card (a 5.5% service fee applies). Please let us know what you prefer. Cash payment MUST be paid 1 day prior to your trip.
HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?
According to Peruvian law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your hike to the Inca trail 2 days (if you are 18 or over, you need valid student cards). Below is a sample of a valid student card
All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $30 USD.
All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@waynatrekkers.com
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. The Peruvian government doesn’t allow us to change once the two-day Inca trail permits have been bought. Short Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers.
HOW DOES IT WORK IF I BOOK HUAYNA PICCHU?
For our customers who hike the Inca trail 1-day trek, unfortunately, Huayna Picchu is not an option as it is available only in morning schedules and we arrive in Machu Picchu in the afternoon.
IS THE MACHU PICCHU TICKET INCLUDED IN INCA TRAIL 2 TREK?
Yes, it is Included Machu Picchu ticket for circuit 2.
IS THERE ANY SPECIFIC SCHEDULE TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU WHEN I HIKE INCA TRAIL 1 DAY?
Yes, we have specific schedules to visit Machu Picchu, and it will be confirmed at the time of your booking, we preffer to visit Machu Picchu as soon as we arrive at 2 or 3:00 pm.
HOW HARD IS THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?
This hike is classified as moderate, however, it’s recommended to be in good physical condition.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE SHORT INCA TRAIL 1 DAY TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your Short Inca Trail 1 day permit. Your passport will be checked at the Short Inca trail checkpoint, Machu Picchu, and when you board the train.
UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS
If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Machu Picchu 2 day hike permits. If you no longer have your old passport, any government-issued ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your permit.
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF MY TRAIN TICKET?
We usually book the 06:10 am schedule from Ollantaytambo to Kilometer 104 on day 1 and the return train ticket is at 06:20 pm, so you arrive in Cusco at around 10:00 pm.
CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY FOR MY INCA TRAIL 1 DAY?
Yes, you can stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo. by staying in the Sacred Valley, your pickup will be 1 hour and a half after the Cusco pick up so you will sleep more.
CAN I BOOK AN EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES?
You can book any hotel in Aguas Calientes for an extra night, and let us know in advance, so we can arrange your train tickdt for the follwing day.
IS INCA TRAIL 1-DAY PET FRIENDLY?
Unfortunately, you can’t visit Short Inca Trail and Machu Picchu with a dog. Only Guide Dogs are allowed. But you need permits to bring them, ask your travel expert at info@waynatrekkers.com
WHAT KINDS OF REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES SHOULD WE BRING TO THE INCA TRAIL 1 DAY HIKE?
Starting on March 01st, 2022, single-use plastic water bottles and other plastic waste are prohibited in Inca Trail 1 day. You must bring your own personal reusable water bottles to fill out the wáter. You can buy a bladder hard shell bottle, or pouch whichever is convenient for you.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?
There is not any age limit for the Inca Trail 1-day hike. We recommend that the minimum age should be 7 because there is some steep sections that would be difficult for little legs.
HOW MANY KILOS IS IT ALLOWED TO CARRY ON THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?
There is no weight limit for you, you can carry heavy or lightweight. However, we recommend packing light as we have no porters on the hike.
WHAT TIME WILL WE GET TO MACHU PICCHU AND DO WE VISIT THE PARK ON DAY 1?
On our day hike, our groups reach the Sun Gate at approximately 12 – 1:00 pm roughly, and from Sun Gate to Machu Picchu takes 45 minutes so you will get to Machu Picchu at approximately 2 pm. You will take a postcard shot then exit, we will re-enter with our new ticket at 2 or 3 pm.
HOW MANY DAYS IN ADVANCE SHOULD I ARRIVE TO HIKE THE SHORT INCA TRAIL?
It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days prior to your departure, especially if you are coming from sea level. However, if you live in places over 2000 m( 6,561 ft), you can arrive 1 day before your departure.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ALTITUDE OF THE INCA TRAIL 1 DAY?
Cusco, where we pick you up. It is located 3,400 m (11,151 ft)
KM 104(Chachabamba), where we start hiking at 2,170 m (7,120 ft).
The highest point of 2 day Inca Trail tour is at 2,708 m (8,884 ft).
Machu Picchu, where the 2 day Inca trail Trek ends, is 2,431m (7,973 ft).
Aguas Calientes village, where we board the train back to Cusco, is 2,042 m (6,693 ft).
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE THE 1 DAY INCA TRAIL EXPRESS?
The Best time to hike the Short Inca Trail is April to October which is the dry season in the Peruvian Andes. The driest months in Short Inca Trail are May, June, July, and August. But, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu will be very busy in these months.
The wet season begins in November and finishes in March. It is possible to hike the Machu Picchu 2 day trek in the rainy season but you need to bring good rain gear.
WHEN IS THE SHORT INCA TRAIL CLOSED?
The Inca Trail in all its versions are closed the whole of February due to the wet season, landslides, heavy rain, and maintenance of the trail.
WHAT ABOUT FOOD ON THE 1-DAY HIKE TO PICCHU?
Breakfast and dinner are not included.
Lunch is included on the first day. We will provide you a Box Lunch at Wiñay Wayna campsite where you will eat.
Before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo you may have time to grab a Sandwich.
DO YOU INCLUDE PORTERS IN YOUR SHORT INCA TRAIL TOUR?
Porters are not included in our Short Inca Trail 1 day.
CAN I HIKE THE SHORT INCA TREK WITHOUT A TOUR GUIDE?
You can’t hike the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu without hiring a registered travel Agency. You must be accompanied by a tour guide to hike Machu Picchu two day hike.
WHAT CIRCUIT WILL I FOLLOW IN MACHU PICCHU AFTER HIKING THE INCA TRAIL 1 DAY?
You will enter circuit 2.
