On some of our tours that include Machu Picchu, there is not enough time to hike the Inca Trail. In this instance, you can enjoy a one day trek following a portion of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is the perfect option for anyone who wants to sample the hiking experience, but who don’t have the time to take the full four day trek. You will arrive at Machu Picchu in the late afternoon, giving you time to enjoy the World Heritage Site with less people around, as most Inca Trekkers will arrive first thing in the morning!!
06.10am train from Ollantaytambo – 10pm arrival in Cuzco
Boxed lunch is provided in the morning – Please note: Each passenger is required to carry their own lunch.
Transfers (minibus, bus and train) are included.
The group size will vary depending on demand, however the trek group is subject to a maximum of 16 passengers (per guide).
English speaking guide
Please budget for extra drinks and tips.
You will wake early having breakfast in Ollantaytambo before getting the 06.10 train to KM104. You will disembark, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, and follow your guide to the start of the Inca Trail. You will hike down, crossing the River Vilcanota until you reach the ruins of Chachabamba. This is your first taste of Inca ruins, located on an old Inca road that ran alongside the Urubamba River. As well as being a religious site, these ruins acted as a gate house, guarding the entrance to Machu Picchu.
You continue on, following the Inca Trail south, hiking through woodlands and crossing small streams. Enjoy a 2-3 hour hike, until you arrive at the foot of the Wiñay Wayna ruins.
The trail continues up the mountainside, and you will reach a flight of 50 steps that leads up to the final pass known as the Sun Gate. Your efforts will now be rewarded, as it is here you can enjoy spectacular views of Machu Picchu. Walk slowly down, and arrive at this world wonder in the afternoon. After enjoying some time at this site, and getting lots of photos you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will get a train back to Ollantaytambo. Remember to pick up some snacks for the journey home! You will arrive back in the evening, where a transfer will take you to Cusco where you will likely want to go straight to bed!
Please note: This is a long day, with an arrival time in Cusco at 10pm.
You will depart from the charming town of Ollantaytambo where you will stay the evening before. After breakfast, you will hop on the 6am train to km104 which is where the trek begins. You will disembark the train roughly 30 minutes before it reaches Aguas Calientes, where you will have a short walk to the KM104, the starting point for the last section of the Inca Trail. The train journey provides spectacular views of the scenery as you snake through the mountains on your way to the KM 104!
You will be provided with a boxed lunch in the morning which you will carry with you. You should bring your own water and snacks to see you through the day. There are often soft drinks on sale at the checkpoints, so it’s a good idea to bring cash in case you want to purchase one. Please remember to keep all rubbish on you until you return to Ollantaytambo and can dispose of it.
The route is just over 12 km in length and can take travellers anywhere from 6 to 8 hours to complete. It depends on pace and how long you stop at each site to explore and take photos. You will reach the sungate and Machu Picchu in the afternoon, usually when it is quieter and the morning crowds have left.
As this is only a one day trek, you will just need a day pack with the essentials. A light waterproof jacket, sun cream, some toilet paper and comfortable hiking boots are important. You will also want to take a cap and sunglasses, as the sun can be very strong on the trail. It is mandatory to have your passport for checkpoints and entrance to Machu Picchu; make sure this is in a sealed plastic bag incase it rains!
You will almost certainly see llamas and alpacas at Machu Picchu, grazing amongst the ruins. Andean bears, also known as the spectacled bear have also been spotted at Machu Picchu however these are much more elusive than llamas. There is also some fantastic birdlife that you may see on a trip to Machu Picchu. Species include the Green Jay, the Overcast bird and even the Andean condor.
All groups are accompanied by an English speaking guide who will talk you through the ruins and sites you will see on the way. Each group has a maximum size of 16 people made up of various ages and nationalities.
The one day trek can still be challenging. It has some steep inclines, steps, narrow paths and high altitude, but can be accomplished by anyone with a decent level of fitness, you don’t need to be an athlete or experienced trekker! Walking poles are available for rent if you wish to use them, please speak to an Adventure Specialist.
There are squat toilets located intermittently along the trail, however toilet paper is not included and it is not allowed to be flushed, therefore bins are provided. Your guide will advise you where toilets are available before you depart. The lunch stop will usually be made within the vicinity of a toilet block.
Yes! Permits need to be booked in advance. For Tucan Travel tours that include the one day trek, we will look after all the logistics and permit for you.
Yes! Click here to view the best options for taking the train to see Machu Picchu on a Tucan Travel group tour.
We are passionate adventure travelers who want to share the world and our travel experiences with everyone…
