1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu | Permits & Booking Guide
Looking for
1-Day Inca Trail permits? This exclusive 1 day Inca Trail package is the perfect adventure for travelers with limited time who don’t want to miss the magic of the Andes. In a single day, you’ll walk 12 km along the original Inca Trail, climb to the beautiful ruins of Wiñayhuayna, pass through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), and get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.
This legendary 1-day Inca Trail route packs history, nature, and breathtaking views into one unforgettable day. Permits for the
Short Inca Trail are limited and tend to sell out months in advance, so securing your 1 day Inca Trail permit as early as possible is essential — though as a licensed operator with 5 years of experience, we’re often able to help travelers secure last-minute spots too.
Inca Trail Classic makes booking your one-day Inca Trail trek simple: it includes everything — private transportation, train tickets, trail permit, professional guide, lunch, and Machu Picchu entrance — for $450 USD per person, from the moment we secure your permit until your return to Cusco.
Why Choose the 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
The
1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a great option for travelers who want to experience the legendary Inca Trail in a single day. The trek covers approximately
12 km (7.5 miles) and can be completed in around 5 hours or less by travelers with a good level of fitness. We take an early morning train at around 5:00 AM, allowing us to start the hike early and make the most of the day. Along the route, you will walk through the original Inca Trail and enjoy the archaeological sites and scenery before reaching Machu Picchu. Once at Machu Picchu, you will have enough time to explore the citadel with a guided visit that includes
Circuit 1 and Circuit 3, giving you a more complete experience of this extraordinary Inca site before returning to Cusco.
What Is the 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Route Like?
The 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins in Ollantaytambo, where we take an early morning train to KM 104, the starting point of the trek. From KM 104, the trail gradually climbs through the Andean mountains. The route takes you past the archaeological site of Chachabamba before continuing uphill toward Wiñay Wayna, also known as the «Mini Machu Picchu.» This is one of the most impressive archaeological sites along the Short Inca Trail. From Wiñay Wayna, the trail becomes easier, with a more gradual and mostly flat section leading toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). From
the Sun Gate, you will have your first views of Machu Picchu. After reaching the Sun Gate, we continue downhill for approximately 40 minutes until we reach the area of Machu Picchu. Here, you will enter the citadel and have the opportunity to take the classic panoramic photos of Machu Picchu and begin your guided exploration of this iconic Inca site.
This 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is ideal for travelers who want to experience the historic Inca Trail, visit Wiñay Wayna and walk through the Sun Gate, while completing the trek in a single day.
How Much Does the 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Cost?
The price of our 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is
$450 USD per person. This one-day adventure is the perfect option for travelers who want to experience the legendary Inca Trail, visit important archaeological sites, and arrive at Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
The tour includes everything you need for a comfortable and memorable experience, including:
- Professional English-speaking local tour guide
- Inca Trail entrance permit (KM 104)
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104
- Bus transportation from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (if required)
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu with Circuit 1 and Circuit 3
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Assistance during the trek
- Return train to Ollantaytambo
- Tourist transportation back to Cusco
Briefing To Classic One Day Inca Trail
Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel in Cusco one day before your trek begins. During this briefing, they will provide you with all the essential information, details, and tips you need for the Inca Trail and your visit to Machu Picchu.
