A one-day trek 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 to Machu Picchu. You will arrive at Machu Picchu in the late afternoon, giving you time to enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site with fewer 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.
Please budget for extra drinks and tips.
It is an early start with 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, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to catch a train back to Ollantaytambo. Remember to pick up some snacks for the journey home! You will return in late the evening, where a transfer will take you to Cusco, where you will likely want to go straight to bed!
Your tour operator will provide 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!
The one day trek can still be challenging. It has some steep inclines, steps, narrow paths, and high altitude, but it 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.
There are squat toilets located intermittently along the trail. 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.
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