Inca Trail 1 day (Express Hike)
Full day
Moderate
2430 msnm
Hike
399 USD
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 day Summary
The Inca Trail is still the ultimate mountaineering adventure in South America. Inca Trail 1 Day is an awesome option that facilitates an easy experience of the most epic trek in Peru, this trek will get you to Machu Picchu through the Sungate or Intipunku, explore Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna archeological sites and the Sacred Inca citadel Machu Picchu in 1 Day, Inca Trail 1 Day is a full day hike to Machu Picchu, that starts in Kilometer 104 and ends with a guided tour in the afternoon when Machu Picchu is almost empty.
The Inca Trail 1 Day route does not offer only stunning archeological sites, but also a hike through an amazing environment with dense cloud forests rich in Andean flora. The total distance to hike is 10km/6.3 miles.
BEFORE YOU GO
IMPORTANT TO MENTION
The Peruvian Government is in charge of issuing the Inca Trail tickets, to all the travel agencies and travelers – Resolution #002-2004-UGM-CD. An Inca Trail permit to Inca will be issued by the governmental institutions when providing full names, nationalities, and passport numbers of passengers, and when having paid the full amount of Inca Trail ticket.
The Inca Trail has a maximum allowance of 500 people per day (including passengers and agency staff), when the Inca trail reaches its limit of 500 visitors, the Trail is closed off for a determined date and no further reservations could be made; So, if you wish to travel note that reservation of the Inca Trail tickets must be done at least 4 months in advance.
The following client information is requested for any Inca Trail booking, this information is to be included in the official Inca Trail ticket
- Complete names and surnames
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Date of Birth
- Gender
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR THE INCA TRAIL
- Acclimate before starting the Inca Trail, Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before your Inca Trail
- June, July and August are the busiest season for the Inca Trail
- This 4-day trek to Machu Picchu is not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Our Inca Trail prices are based on an occupancy of 2 people
- The Inca Trail closes February
- There is no access to a wheelchair to the Inca Trail
- If you do not show your Passport at the Inca Trail check-in point you will be denied access
- The Inca Trail permit is non-refundable, or transferable
INCA TRAIL WEATHER
Cusco’s climate is divided into two differentiated seasons: the rainy season, from November to April (the heaviest rainfalls occurring usually between January – March); and the dry season, from May to October. The dry season is colder, so temperatures can drop to below 0 degrees at night. Along the Inca Trail, temperatures range from 15-20ºC during the day if it’s sunny, to 05-10ºC during the day if not sunny or 0-05ºC at night in the first 2 campsites. At Wiñaywayna and Machupicchu, at lower altitude, temperatures are usually warmer though warm clothes are still recommended at night.
PORTER
Inca Trail porters quite literally take the load off your back during the 4-day, 27-mile journey to the Sun Gate entrance of Machu Picchu Pack animals are not allowed on this iconic trail, so porters carry all the essential food and camping equipment your group needs. You can also hire a porter to help carry your personal belongings.
ACCOMMODATION DURING THE CLASSIC INCA TRAIL
Our accommodation is based on 2 people per tent, in case there is a solo traveler, we accommodate the solo traveler to share a tent with another traveler of the same sex
INCA TRAIL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Adaptation to the high altitude
- No heart or ling issues
- Be in good shape
DIETARY NEEDS
We are able to cater any food restrictions, we work with different dietary requirement; Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more Options are Available Upon Request (please let us know at the time of booking). Here is an idea of what you will be eating during your trek.
DUFFLE BAG
A duffel bag is provided a day before during your briefing session briefing. The traveler can stuff this duffel with only 7kg, this is divided in 4 Kg of your stuff and 3kg for Sleeping bag and pad. Remember porters will carry only 7kg, this is a regulation by the Government if by any chance a traveler exceeds it, the travel operator will be fined.
INCA TRAIL BRIEFING
One day before we start the Inca Trail hike, you meet your tour guide and receive a detailed briefing of the Inca Trail, briefing last 30 -45 minutes.
INCA TRAIL GROUP SERVICE
Please take into account that during this trek you will meet different individuals, people with trekking skills and ages. Once the traveler books the Inca Trail in group service, agrees that some people may be slower or faster than you. Each of you will go at your own pace for the trek, always under the supervision of you tour guide.
DEMONSTRATION
Demonstration in Peru, can interfere with our Inca Trail groups. When this happens, people block the main roads for a period of 24 hrs. or more. If this happens during your trek. We will let you know in advance and do our best to change the Itinerary. This may entail extra expenses on the Traveler’s side, and modifying the original itinerary.
If a strike is confirmed on the first day of your 4-day trek to Machu Picchu. We will overnight in night before in Ollantaytambo to be as near possible to the starting point of the Inca Trail. If the strike happens during your Inca Trail 4-day hike. We drive to Hidrolectrica, this is the nearest spot we can get to Machu Picchu by car. Implies a hike of 2 hours to reach this point from Aguas Calientes in Machu Picchu. We pick you up from Hidrolectrica and drive you back to Cusco city.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend to travel with an insurance, this can help you claim any refund from the insurance company in case you have to cancel your Inca Trail to Machu Picchu due to manifestations or any critical health issue.
INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
04:00 am, we pick you up from your hotel to start the 1 Day Inca Trail. Our transportation drives for around an hour and 30 minutes to the Ollantaytambo station where we will board train until kilometer 104, this is the starting point of our trek we should be here at 09:00 am. Our trek today is the last part of the epic Inca Trail 4 Days hike. We start visiting the Chachabamaba Inca complex, located at 2150 m/7052ft, the Archeological site is surrounded by wonderful views of the Andes. We continue the hike for around 10 km, pass by the Sacred Valley of the Incas, we ascend gradually in a hike of four hours to the archeological site of Winay Wayna, located at 2650m/8692ft. Wiñay Wayna, this Inca complex is comprised of agricultural terraces, and religious sectors. This is also the spot where you will be provided your box lunch.
Before we climb our way to Intipunku or Sungate, you will enjoy of the unmatched view of Urubamba River and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex located on the other side of the river, and waterfalls. Our hike to the sungate is around an hour, you will walk through the cloud forest of Machu Picchu along a trail of flat wide stones. From the Sungate or Intipunku we can behold the Machu Picchu Inca citadel.
From the Sungate we descend to Machu Picchu, to have a guided tour of 2 hours in Machu Picchu, we will go first to the platform where you will take a classical picture of Machu Picchu, your tour guide will walk you through all the main temples, and sectors of Machu Picchu. At the end of our visit we walk out of Machu Picchu to board our bus to Aguas Calientes where we will have dinner. We then board the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, our transportation will meet you at the Ollantaytambo station and drive you to Cusco city.
INCLUSIONS
INCLUDED
- Transportation roundtrip
- Briefing session with your tour guide
- English-speaking licensed tour guide
- Inca Trail and Machu Picchu ticket
- Roundtrip Expedition train tickets
- Train tickets for your tour guide
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu – 2 hours
- Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit.
- Bus Tickets to get to Machu Picchu
- Rain Poncho
- Meal service (1 breakfasts, 1 Box Lunch). We cater to vegetarians, gluten-free, lactose Intolerance, and any food request.
- Daypack covers to keep dry your belongings.
EXCLUDED
- Tips for the staff
PACKING LIST FOR INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY
- Original Passport
- Student cards if you are have booked with a discount
- 21 liters Backpack
- Walking stick, or rent it from our agency
- Clothing: Hiking waterproof shoes, waterproof pants, waterproof shorts, two shirts, a light sweater, a jacket for rain.
- Personal Hygiene items: toothpaste. toothbrush, and wet wipes.
- Medicine: If you are under any medication
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Sun Block
- Waterproof Insect Repellent lotion
- Bottle of water, metal one if possible
INFORMATION ABOUT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY
Why go?
For many visitors to Peru and even South America, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the long-anticipated highpoint of their trip. In a spectacular location, it’s the best-known archeological site on the continent. The Ina city remained forgotten for almost four centuries after the Spaniards arrived in Cusco in the 16th century. Machu Picchu is also a niche of astounding biodiversity with hundreds of birds, exotic flowers, and dense tropical nature.
When to go?
The best months to visit Cuzco are from March to December, although Machu Picchu is available all year long. Just make sure to reserve the Machu Picchu tickets and Train tickets in advance
Getting here.
All the international flights get to Lima Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chavez, and from Lima airport, you have to catch another plane all the way to Cusco. Get to Machu Picchu there are only three ways, by train, by bus, and by train through Santa Teresa or by the Inca Trail.
Departure Dates.
Daily departures are available through the year, although this activity is subject to the Machu Picchu tickets and Train tickets, the sooner you book the better is for your travel agency in Cusco to book all the tickets required.
Price information.
The price of this tour is based on two people, if you are a solo traveler you will need to contact our sales department so they can quote a price for a solo traveler.
Group size.
Group size is decided by the client, to reserve this tour we require at least 2 travelers. If you on a small group of 2 people, you will be able to hear the guide better, explanations can be geared toward your particular interest, you can decide which sites you want to see, and you can stay as long as it’s permitted rather than being herded back on to the bus before you are ready.
Huayna Picchu.
Limited to 400 visitors daily, to climb this mountain a permit is required and this is subject to availability, there are only 2 entrance times 7 am to 8 am, and 9 to 11 am, the hike takes around 2 to 3 hours back and forth. At the top of the Huayna Picchu,you will find the temple of the moon. The craggy 8,924-foot mountain of Huayna Picchu that looms behind the citadel is a recognizable and stunning backdrop to Machu Picchu. However, only two kilometers long, the trail to the summit is a challenging climb. The steep and exposed route ascends a stone paved trail that has stair steps and steel cables in sections.
Machu Picchu Mountain.
Hiking Machu Picchu Mountain, the hike is longer than the Huayna Picchu but less steep. The last time to enter Machu Picchu Mountain is 9 am.
INCA TRAIL 1-DAY PRICING
The Inca Trail 1 day service for groups costs 399 USD per person., you can book your spot with a pre-payment of USD $150, and pay the remaining balance one day before your hike starts
ADDITIONAL EXTRAS TO INCLUDE
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train: USD $35, per person
- Huayna Picchu: USD $70, per person
- Machu Picchu Mountain: USD $70, per person
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY
DO WE NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes, to get the Inca Trail you must show your passport at the checkpoint of the Inca trail Passport information must match your Inca Trail ticket.
CAN WE BOOK THE INCA TRAIL WITH AN EXPIRED PASSPORT
Yes, the Inca Trail can be booked with your current passport and update the information in your ticket when you get your new passport.
HOW MANY KINDS OF INCA TRAIL THERE ARE?
There are only two types of Inca Trail treks. The 2 Days Inca Trail, that includes a hotel night or camping or camping option, and the 4-Day Inca Trail or the so-called Classic Inca Trail.
CAN WE CANCEL THE INCA TRAIL TICKET?
Not, the Inca Trail permit is not subject to a cancellation of the ticket, if you decide not to show up to the Inca Trail, your spot remains valid and no one is able to claim your spot.
WHAT IS THE ALTITUDE OF THE INCA TRAIL?
Highest point of the Inca Trail is at 4,200 m, campsites are located at 3.600 m.
HOW MANY KILOS CAN A PERSON TAKE TO THE INCA TRAIL?
There is no weight limit per person; you can carry a big backpack or only a 25 liters Backpack. The weight limitation works for the staff and porters – Each porter carries 20 kilograms.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE DEPARTURE OF THE INCA TRAIL TICKTES?
No, once the Inca Trail is issued under the name of a traveler, we cannot modify the Inca Trail departure date.
WHEN AND AT WHAT TIME DO WE REACH MACHU PICCHU?
You get to Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail on Day 4th, at around 08:00 am.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR THE INCA TRAIL
No, there is not any age limit for the Inca Trail 4-day hike.
WHO WILL CARRY ALL THE LOGISTIC AND SUPLLIES DURING THE HIKE?
The traveler carries only their personal backpack; all the logistic and our team of porters will carry all supplies such as food, tents, etc.
WHERE DO WE OVERNIGHT?
During the Inca Trail hike, we will overnight at campsites in tents; the Government for the Inca Trail hikers facilitates campgrounds
IS WATER INCLUDED DURING THE INCA TRAIL HIKE?
Our staff will provide boiled water to the travelers during the 4-Day trek
IS THERE ANY DISCOUNT IF WE ARE STUDENTS?
Yes, the discount is USD $30, and you need to present a valid student card, that show the participant picture photo, full name and surname, name of university, and a date of expiration. If the date of expiration is not the same year that you are hiking the Inca Trail, the discount will not proceed.
CAN WE SHOWER DURING THE INCA TRAIL?
Yes, it’s possible to take a shower along the way, although the water is at freezing temperature, you can shower on the third day at extra cost using the facilities of the local people, coordinate this with your tour guide.
IS THERE ELECTRICITY AT THE INCA TRAIL?
No, there is no electricity along the Inca Trail.
WHERE DO WE LEAVE OUR SUITCASES
You can store your luggage in our storage and we will return it when to you when we meet you after the Inca Trail.
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 day video
Here is a complete video of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, with unpublished images!
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