Inca Trail Short to Machu Picchu-In Private Service 1 Day

GENERAL INFORMATION

Duration: 1 Full Day
Private Service: Only your group.
Starting point: Cusco
Point of Arrival: Cusco
Travel style: Hike, Ecological, archaeological and cultural.
Level of difficulty: Moderate.
Climate: Warm and/or humid.
Distance from the Walk: 12 km
Altitudes of the Walk:
• Km. 104: 2100 m.s.n.m.
• Winay Wayna: 2600 m.s.n.m.
• Puerta del Sol: 2719 m.s.n.m.
• Machu Picchu: 2400 m.s.n.m.
• Aguas Calientes: 2000 m.s.n.m.
Tour dates: All year. Except February for rain season.

Price Inca Trail Short to Machu Picchu-In Private Service 1 Day

Price 460.00 USD Per Person

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Mapas Camino Inca 1 Dia

TOUR DETAILS

Information

INTRODUCTION

This remarkable excursion begins with a pickup from your hotel, whether in the city of Cusco or in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and continues by private vehicle to Ollantaytambo train station. From there you will board a tourist train heading to kilometer 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail.

This area enjoys a pleasant climate with an average temperature of 73 °F (23 °C), and along the 12-kilometer route you will discover impressive Inca archaeological sites surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

It is a truly unique experience: a journey filled with unforgettable moments that culminates in the afternoon with the arrival at the Machu Picchu citadel, where you will be able to admire its magic, its history, and the imposing Inca architecture that earned it a place among the Wonders of the World.

Machu Picchu is Peru’s top tourist destination, welcoming nearly 2 million visitors every year, all of them captivated by its majesty. Allow us to be your host and guide you to this wonder, so that you too can become part of the select group of travelers who have had the privilege of experiencing it firsthand.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous trekking route in South America.
Explore Inca archaeological sites along the route and discover the history and secrets of one of the most fascinating civilizations in the world.
Visit the Machu Picchu citadel, recognized as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World.
Walk through spectacular scenery: valleys, waterfalls, canyons, mountains, and cloud forest.
Ideal for couples, groups of friends, nature lovers, and families.
Guided by a knowledgeable local expert with in-depth knowledge of the route and its history.
All entrance tickets and permits included.
Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
Free luggage storage service during the hike.
Return train journey through cloud forest, canyon, and valley scenery.
Real-time updates on Inca Trail permit availability.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Book your Inca Trail excursion as far in advance as possible, as permits sell out quickly and availability is strictly limited.
Arrive in Cusco at least 1 day before your excursion to acclimatize to the altitude. Keep in mind that the city sits at 11,155 ft (3,400 m.a.s.l.).
Check all your personal items and gear in advance to make sure you have everything you need for the hike.
Leave any luggage you will not need during the excursion free of charge at the storage service in our main office.
Carry your valid personal identification documents throughout the entire route, as they will be required by Peruvian authorities at the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu checkpoints.
Visit our main office, located in the Historic Center of Cusco, the evening before your hike at 7:00 p.m. to attend an informational briefing led by your tour guide. This meeting will give you a full overview of the route and ensure you arrive prepared, informed, and ready for your excursion.
If you have any questions or want more information about this Tour, feel free to contact us: Cell: +51 984 525 006/WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com

IS THIS ROUTE FOR ME?

If you want to walk the Inca Trail and enjoy a full day filled with history, scenery, and unforgettable moments, and you have a reasonable level of physical fitness, the answer is definitely yes.

The Inca Trail is an experience no one should miss. It does not matter whether you are a man or a woman, young or older, a seasoned hiker or a first-time trekker: this route is designed for all types of travelers who want to connect with nature and discover the greatness of the Inca civilization up close.

If you have more time for a trip, you could do a trek with more days such as the Inca Trail 4 Days /3 Nights or the Inca Trail 2 Days/1 Night. There will always be a route that suits your time and what you are looking for.

TOUR SCHEDULE

4:00 a.m. Hotel pickup in Cusco and departure toward Ollantaytambo.
4:10 a.m. Private transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station, approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
6:10 a.m. Board the tourist train to km. 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail.
7:20 a.m. Arrival at km. 104 and Inca Trail permit check.
7:30 a.m. Start of the hike from km. 104 toward the Wiñay Wayna archaeological complex, through a trail surrounded by cloud forest vegetation.
10:30 a.m. Arrival at Wiñay Wayna, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites along the Inca Trail, featuring impressive terraces and ceremonial enclosures.
11:30 a.m. Hike toward Inti Punku, the legendary Sun Gate, where you will get your first panoramic view of the Machu Picchu citadel.
1:00 p.m. Arrival at Inti Punku. Rest and lunch with privileged views over Machu Picchu and the Urubamba River valley.
2:00 p.m. Descent toward the Machu Picchu citadel.
3:00 p.m. Arrival at Machu Picchu and start of the guided tour through the main enclosures of the archaeological complex.
5:30 p.m. Bus ride down to Aguas Calientes town.
6:00 p.m. Arrival at Aguas Calientes. Free time to rest and explore the town.
7:00 p.m. Dinner at a local restaurant.
8:50 p.m. Board the return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
10:20 p.m. Arrival at Ollantaytambo station.
10:30 p.m. Private transport back to Cusco.
11:55 p.m. Arrival in Cisco and transfer to your hotel.

* The schedule above is referential since it can vary according to the physical condition of each hiker and due to availability of train departure times.

Itinerary

1 Full Day: Cusco City – Ollantaytambo – Km. 104 – Winay Wayna – Inti Punku (Sun Gate) – Machu Picchu (Guided Tour) – Aguas Calientes – Cusco City.

Tour Highlights: Explore the Inca Trail from Km 104, in a day full of emotions… Enjoy Incredible Panoramic Views from Puerta del Sol (Sungate)… Arrive in the afternoon Walking to Machu Picchu and enjoy its magic and charm…

We pick you up early from your hotel in Cusco and transfer you by private transport for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo train station. During the train journey, the route follows the Urubamba River and offers spectacular views of farmland and the snow-capped Verónica peak (19,029 ft / 5,800 m.a.s.l.). After 1 hour and 20 minutes, we arrive at km. 104, the starting point of the hike.

At km. 104 you will find the first checkpoint, where you will present your passport, permit, and entrance ticket. After the checkpoint, we begin the hike and visit the first archaeological site along the route: Chachabamba (6,890 ft / 2,100 m.a.s.l.), where your guide will explain its history and significance within the Inca world.

From Chachabamba we continue uphill for approximately 3 hours through an area of cascading waterfalls and lush vegetation, until we reach the Wiñay Wayna archaeological complex (8,530 ft / 2,600 m.a.s.l.), considered the most beautiful Inca site along this route. Here you will find ornate water fountains, ceremonial temples, and perfectly preserved agricultural terraces that reveal the sophistication of the Inca civilization.

From Wiñay Wayna we continue hiking for 1 hour and 20 minutes along a narrow trail that winds through a dense cloud forest with giant ferns, culminating in a steep climb of 50 steps before reaching Inti Punku, the Sun Gate (8,920 ft / 2,719 m.a.s.l.). From here you will get your first and most breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, with the entire archaeological complex spread out before you in full splendor. This is the perfect moment to rest, have lunch (box lunch), and capture unique panoramic photographs.

From Inti Punku we descend for approximately 40 minutes toward the citadel, and as we get closer, the views of Machu Picchu become increasingly impressive. We arrive at Machu Picchu (7,874 ft / 2,400 m.a.s.l.) at around 3:00 p.m., where you will have the opportunity to take the classic photograph of the legendary Lost City of the Incas.

Your professional guide will then lead you on an approximately 2-hour tour through the main enclosures of the complex: temples, terraces, fountains, and residential structures that earned Machu Picchu its place among the Wonders of the World.

After the visit, we board the tourist bus for the 25-minute ride down to Aguas Calientes (6,562 ft / 2,000 m.a.s.l.), where you will have time to have dinner at a restaurant of your choice, stroll through the town, and explore the main square.

At around 9:00 p.m. we board the return train to Ollantaytambo, arriving at approximately 10:30 p.m. At the station your transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time of 11:50 p.m., and a final transfer to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

PLEASE CONSIDER

Walking time: From km. 104 to Machu Picchu around 7 hours.
Distance to travel: 12 km/7.60 miles (Inca Trail). Plus the area you want to explore in Machu Picchu.
Trek Difficulty: Moderate.
Climate: Warm and/or Humid.
Altitudes of the Hike:

* Trail Head: 2,100 m.a.s.l./6,900 feet

* Sungate: 2,719 m.a.s.l./8,900 feet

* Aguas Calientes Village: 2,000 m.a.s.l/6,600 feet

* Machu Picchu: 2,400 m.a.s.l./7,900 feet

Included services

ALL INCLUSIVE SERVICE

⇒ Enjoy the Inca Trail and the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu in a single Full-Day Tour with our All Inclusive Service.

THIS TOUR INCLUDES

Informational meeting with your guide one or two days before the hike at our main office in the Historic Center of Cusco, to answer questions and prepare for the route.
Free and secure luggage storage at our main office in Cusco for the duration of your hike.
Hotel pickup in Cusco or the Sacred Valley on the day of departure.
Private transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo train station.
One-way tourist train ticket from Ollantaytambo to km. 104, the starting point of the Inca Trail.
Professional bilingual guide in Spanish and English with extensive knowledge of the route and Inca history.
Official entrance permits to the Inca Trail and the Machu Picchu citadel.
Full meals during the tour: 1 lunch on the trail and 1 dinner in Aguas Calientes.
Vegetarian menu or special diet available at no extra cost, upon request at the time of booking.
Water bottle included throughout the hike.
First aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinder carried by your guide throughout the entire hike.
Bus ticket from the Machu Picchu citadel down to Aguas Calientes town. 2-hour guided tour of the main enclosures of the Machu Picchu citadel.
Return tourist train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Transport from Ollantaytambo station back to your hotel in Cusco.

What should you bring

PERSONAL ITEMS YOU SHOULD BRING TO THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU- 1 DAY

We share with you the complete list of things to take on the 1-Day Short Inca Trail, so you can organize a backpack in advance. This way, if you do not have an item, you can buy it and if you cannot get it… don’t worry! Because in Cusco City there are many stores that have all these kinds of articles, to rent or buy what you need.

Please, carefully check the following list of items and remember that everything is very important for a successful Tour.

Documents

Original passport.
Valid student card, if you are a student.
Travel Insurance (some copies).
Travel Voucher issued by us.

Essentials

Small backpack.
Some snacks like: cookies, candies, chocolates, cereals.
Extra cash, if you want to buy some souvenirs during the hike.

Clothes and Shoes

Thermal jacket.
Waterproof clothing: rain jacket and/or poncho.
Hat to cover from sunlight.
Hiking boots or comfortable sneakers.

Pharmaceutical products

Personal medications.
Insect repellent.
Sunscreen.
Lip cream.

Personal hygiene items

Wet wipes.
Toilet paper.

Frequent questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here you will find the most Frequently Asked Questions by our Clients. Before asking anything, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you to be well informed in a simple, fast and practical way.

1. HOW LONG DOES THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU HIKE TAKE?

The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu hike takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on the traveler’s pace. Along the route, you will enjoy Andean landscapes, archaeological sites, and arrive at Machu Picchu through Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate.

2. IS THE 1-DAY SHORT INCA TRAIL DIFFICULT?

The 1-Day Short Inca Trail has a moderate difficulty level. It is not as demanding as the Classic 4-Day Inca Trail, but it requires good physical condition because you will walk for several hours along Inca paths, stone steps, and high-altitude areas. Comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection are recommended.

3. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?

It is recommended to book the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in private service in advance, as Inca Trail permits are limited and can sell out quickly, especially during high season. Booking early helps secure availability for your preferred date.

4. WHY ARE TICKETS FOR THE INCA TRAIL SOLD OUT SO QUICKLY?

According to the current Regulations of Touristic Use of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, only 250 places are offered for each day for this route; figure in which visitors are counted, as well as all the Attention Personnel of Authorized Travel Agencies such as the Guides.

These Regulations of Touristic Use of the area are supervised and controlled by the Ministry of Culture (branch of the Peruvian Government). These regulations are strict and once the 250 permits for each day are sold, there is no option to purchase additional tickets.

Now that you know the reason behind the great demand, it is likely that you need to reserve permits as soon as possible, through an Authorized Tourism Agency approved by the Peruvian Government to operate on the Inca Trail, like ours, Incredible Peru Tours – IPT.

Remember to book your Tour as soon as possible, since as you can see permits are limited and they sell out very quickly.

5. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE?

Tips are not mandatory, there is no exact amount. Only if you want, at the end of the tour you can give a tip to the Guide. As you can see, this is something extra and totally voluntary, really what you consider fair will be highly appreciated by the Service Personnel.

6. DO I NEED TO BRING ADDITIONAL MONEY TO MY TOUR?

Yes, if you want to buy snacks such as cookies, dehydrated fruit, chocolates, etc. or additional drinks such as sodas, beers or an energy beverage, because it is possible to buy these products in small stores in Aguas Calientes.

Also, if you want to buy a souvenir or memories of the tour, you can buy them at the Handicraft Market in Aguas Calientes village. You also have as an additional option to visit the Thermo-medicinal village Baths, the Entrance Price is 20 soles. For all this we recommend that you take between 150 and 300 Peruvian soles. You may not need to spend any of this money, but in case of an Emergency, make sure you have enough cash.

7. WHAT TIME WILL WE RETURN TO CUSCO CITY?

The return trip to Cusco City will be by Tourist Train which leaves Aguas Calientes village at 9:45 pm. The ride takes 1 hour and 45 minutes and destination is the Ollantaytambo Train Station. There, our transportation will be waiting for a two-hour trip back to Cusco City. So you will be arriving at around 11:50 p.m.

8. ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS?

Yes, for this Tour we offer discounts and special rates for infants, children and students.

Infants under 2 years of age in company of their parents travel free.
Children between 3 and 8 years of age have a discount of USD 100.00 only by sending a scanned copy of the Passport at the time of the Reservation.
Students also have a discount of USD 40.00 in the following cases:

→ School and College Students: For young people between 9 and 17 years of age, only by sending a scanned copy of the Passport at the time of Reservation.

→ University Students: For young people up to 25 years of age, only by sending a scanned copy of the Current University Card. We accept all University Cards from all Universities in the World (Students aged 26 and over are considered Adults).

9. HOW DO I BOOK THIS SHORT INCA TRAIL?

Booking the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Private Service 1 Day is safe, easy, and flexible. We offer convenient payment options that allow you to confirm your excursion with an initial deposit and pay the remaining balance up to 1 day before your tour date.

First payment: Make a prepayment of USD 200 per person from the comfort of your home through our secure payment system. We accept all major credit and debit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Union Pay, and more.

Second payment: Pay the remaining balance in person at our main office located in the Historic Center of Cusco, up to 1 day before your tour.

To book, follow these 3 simple steps:

Complete the booking form using the Reserve link.
Make the prepayment of USD 200 per person with your credit or debit card.
Receive your travel voucher by email immediately after your payment is confirmed.

Other payment methods: If you prefer to pay via PayPal, Western Union, bank deposit, bank transfer, or any other method, contact us and we will send you all the information needed to complete your booking.

10. IF I ALREADY PAID MY FIRST INSTALLMENT AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I BE REFUNDED?

Unfortunately No. We will not be able to make any type of refund or date changes for Tours that are paid in Installments. All Pre-Payments of USD 200.00 are non-refundable, nor transferable, since this money will be invested immediately in all the Procedures and Reservations required for the Tour, as well as in the purchase of Permits and Tickets for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. These procedures will be carried out at the Ministry of Culture of Peru (Organization of the Peruvian Government managing the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu).

We understand that unexpected things happen that are out of your control, but we cannot make exceptions. You can read more about our Change and Cancellation Policies on this link: http://incredibleperutours/es/terminos-y-condiciones/

11. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?

There are very good reasons to book your excursion with us, let’s see some:

Strategic location: Our office is located in the Historic Center of Cusco, just one block from the Main Square, allowing us to provide efficient coordination and personalized attention at any time.
Authorized and 100% local agency: We are a Peruvian tourism agency, fully authorized and with over 15 years of experience organizing tours to the region’s top destinations. All our documentation is current and up to date, and we are recognized as an Authorized Operator of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, giving you the confidence and security of working with a serious, service-committed company.
Best price with no hidden fees: We offer all-inclusive tours at accessible prices with no intermediaries. As a direct tour operator, we manage costs locally and employ local staff, allowing us to guarantee the best value for your money.
Expert guides, cooks, and porters: Our team, locally known as “The Steel Team”, is highly trained to assist all types of groups: families, couples, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts.
High-quality equipment: We provide tents, down sleeping bags, and trekking poles from the best brands on the market. We renew our equipment every two years to guarantee your comfort and safety throughout the entire route.
Full meals included: Do not worry about food. Our cook will impress you with dishes prepared using fresh ingredients sourced from the local market in Cusco, with no canned or dehydrated food. Vegetarian menus and special diets are available at no extra cost, upon prior request.
Guaranteed departures: We operate 100% of our hikes. Unlike other agencies, we do not wait for a minimum number of passengers to confirm a departure. Even with a single traveler, the tour runs on the reserved date at the price listed on this site, with no surcharges. Our groups are small, averaging 4 to 8 people.
Commitment to our staff and community: We care deeply about the well-being of our workers. We provide guides, cooks, and porters with permits, accommodation, transport, uniforms, meals, and health insurance, along with fair wages in line with their work. We also support social programs that benefit children in local communities in the areas of health and education.

Availability and prices

IMPORTANT:

The available permits shown on our website are always updated and in real time.
The permits available at any time are being purchased, so their number will decrease as the hours and days go by, until they are sold out.
Please note that the permits available are not only for our company, but for all authorized tour operators to conduct this hike.
We recommend booking your excursion as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this great experience.
If you are interested in doing this trek and want to reserve permits, or want more information, please contact us: Cell: +51 984 525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to: info@incredibleperutours.com
If there is no longer availability for the wanted Date of your Trip, you can look for other similar tours that also arrive at Machu Picchu such as: the Classic Inca Trail 2 Days/1 Night

PRICES OF THE SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY – IN PRIVATE SERVICE

We are committed to providing you with the highest quality service and the most competitive rates on the market, ensuring transparency and the best value for every traveler throughout the year.

For this incredible route, we are currently offering the private service, where you will enjoy and travel alone with your friends and/or family, according to the number of people that make up your group. Remember that it is an All Inclusive Service.

Nº OF TRAVELLERS	PRICE FOR EACH PERSON
From 2 to 3 people:	USD 450 per person
From 4 to 5 people:	USD 440 per person
From 6 to 7 people:	USD 430 per person
From 8 to 9 people:	USD 420 per person
From 10 to more:	USD 400 per person

OPTIONAL SERVICES:

If you wish, for an additional cost you have the option of adding to this tour up to one day before the trip, some extra services such as:

Rental of a Pair of hiking poles for the entire route for USD 10
Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain (request it when you book this excursion because it is subject to availability, only 400 spaces per day + USD 70)
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain (request it when you book this excursion because it is subject to availability, only 400 spaces per day + USD 70).
Pick up from Cusco City airport and transfer to your hotel for USD 5 per person.
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Cusco City Airport for USD 5 per person.

A CONSIDERATION:

Consider the following points:

Prices are shown in US dollars (USD) and are per person.
Please notice that a minimum of 2 people is required to book this trek.
Our passion is group travel, so if you are traveling with friends, family or children, get in touch to offer our promotions.
Our company also has promotions and discounts for student groups. Contact us to receive our offers.
For your peace of mind and comfort, our tours do not have any hidden charges or expenses.
If you are interested in doing this route and want to book, or want more information, please contact us:
Cell: +51 984 525 006
WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047
E-mail: info@incredibleperutours.com