1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

1. Cusco
   Pass by
   04:00 – 04:30 AM | Hotel Pickup in Cusco – Transfer to Ollantaytambo
   Your adventure begins early in the morning with a hotel pickup in Cusco. We’ll drive through the Sacred Valley in a private tourist transport to the Ollantaytambo train station (approx. 2 hours).
2. Ollantaytambo
   Pass by
   06:10 AM | Scenic Train to Km 104 (Chachabamba)
   Board the tourist train (Expedition, Vistadome, or 360° depending on service booked) for a panoramic 1.5-hour journey along the Urubamba River. We’ll arrive at Km 104, the official starting point of the Inca Trail.
3. Pass by
   07:30 AM | Starting Point – Chachabamba Archaeological Site (2,100 m / 6,927 ft)
   After passing the checkpoint, we’ll begin the trek with a guided visit to Chachabamba, an Incan ceremonial and agricultural site that once supplied food to Machu Picchu. Your guide will explain its importance before we continue.
4. 30m
   08:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Ascent to Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m / 8,747 ft)
   We’ll climb the original Inca stone steps for about 3 hours, surrounded by lush cloud forest full of orchids, bromeliads, exotic birds, and perhaps even the rare spectacled bear.
   Our destination is the stunning Wiñayhuayna, “Forever Young,” one of the most beautiful and well-preserved archaeological sites on the Inca Trail. Explore its terraces, temples, and ceremonial areas with your guide.
5. Winay Wayna
   1h · Admission ticket included
   12:00 PM | Box Lunch in Nature
   Enjoy a nutritious box lunch in the middle of this unique environment while resting and taking in the surrounding scenery.
6. Intipuncu
   Pass by
   01:00 PM – 02:00 PM | Trek to Inti Punku (Sun Gate – 2,730 m / 8,956 ft)
   We continue walking on the ancient stone path for about 1.5 hours until we reach the legendary Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the original entrance to Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll witness your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu—a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
7. Machu Picchu
   3h
   02:00 PM – 04:00 PM | Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft)
   Descending from the Sun Gate, we’ll officially enter Machu Picchu through the upper trail (circuit 1B). Here you can take your first photos of the citadel.
   If you booked a guided tour inside Machu Picchu, we’ll continue with one of the available circuits (2A, 2B, or 3B depending on availability). During this 2-hour guided tour, your guide will explain the history, architecture, and mysteries of the Inca civilization.
8. Aguas Calientes
   1h
   04:00 PM – 05:00 PM | Descent to Aguas Calientes
   Take the shuttle bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Depending on your service, you may enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant before boarding your train.
9. Ollantaytambo
   Pass by
   06:00 PM – 08:00 PM | Train Back to Ollantaytambo
   Board your return train to Ollantaytambo. Relax and enjoy the scenic ride after an unforgettable day.
10. Cusco
    Pass by
    08:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Return to Cusco
    At Ollantaytambo, private tourist transport will be waiting to drive you back to Cusco. You’ll arrive at your hotel between 9:30 and 10:00 PM, completing your 1-day Inca Trail experience.

Pickup details

Pickup is available from centrally located hotels in Cusco. Please wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Our team will confirm the exact pickup time one day before the tour during your briefing.
If your hotel is located outside the historic center or in areas with limited vehicle access, we will provide a nearby meeting point.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness