Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu 1 Day
CREATING AUTHENTIC TOURS IN PERU
Discover the Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu
CREATING AUTHENTIC TOURS IN PERUDiscover the Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu
Trip OverviewTrip Overview
The Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu is for hikers with little time to walk the Inca Trail or for those who do not want to do the traditional 4-day trek, but are eager to live the unique experience of walking to Machu Picchu by accessing it at through the Inti Punku (Puerta del Sol) and admire the first glimpse of this architectural wonder from a distance.
Join us on the road that covers the final stretch of the Inca Trail, where you can try the famous longest hike of the Inca Trail and the excitement of entering Machu Picchu through Intipunku, the Puerta del Sol. Our trail begins in Chachabamba ( Km 104 of the railway), where we briefly explore the enchanting ruins in a cloud forest environment. Then we will ascend to the Ruins of Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”), and we will make our impressive descent to Machu Picchu, entering the citadel through the Puerta del Sol. In the afternoon when the sacred city of the Incas is less crowded, do the tour with your guide to enjoy an unforgettable sunset.
INCLUDEDINCLUDED
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE INCA TRAIL EXPRESS TO MACHU PICCHU:
- Pick up at your hotel
- Transport from your hotel to the train station
- Transport Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- English speaking professional guide
- Train from Ollantaytambo at KM 104, and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Entrance fees to the 1-day Inca Trail and Machu Picchu circuit 1-1b (Upper Terrace).
- 1 Box lunch
- Dinner in aguas calientes
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- It is not possible to do the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb due to time restraints.
- Energy snacks will be very useful as chocolate bars, dried fruits
- Tips
Trip HighlightsTrip Highlights
- Walk in the footsteps of the Incas royal route, marvel at the architectural beauty of its agricultural terraces, temples and shrines.
- This trip gives both trekkers and non-trekkers the chance to visit Machu Picchu with Inca Trail.
- Travel through the Sacred Valley - known for its steep and soaring scenery, its mystical significance for the Inca and the indigenous cultures that still reside here.
- Explore Cusco, South America's oldest continuously inhabited city. The city has ancient foundations, an interesting blend of Incan and colonial influences, and seemingly endless things to do and see.
- Be delighted with the Inca history told by the knowledgeable guide of our cultural wealth.
- Let yourself be captivated with the beauty of the mountains, cloud forest, beautiful orchids and enjoy the fresh air.
- Experience the short Inca trail hike to the wonder of the Machu Picchu.
- Have a nice experience travelling by train and hiking to Machu Picchu.
ActivitiesActivities
Join us on the pathway that covers the final stretch of the Inka Trail, where you will have a taste of the famous longer Inka Trail hike, and the thrill of entering Machu Picchu through Intipunku, the Gate of the Sun. Our trail begins at Chachabamba (Km 104 of the railroad), where we briefly explore charming ruins in a could forest setting. Then we will ascend to the Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”) Ruins, and make our stunning descent to Machu Picchu, entering the citadel through the Sun Gate. We’ll spend a relaxing night at a hotel in the Village of Machu Picchu, and return to Cusco the following day, after a guided tour of the majestic citadel.
ItineraryItinerary
PACK LISTPACK LIST
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING TO THE INCA TRAIL EXPRESS TO MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY
warm jackets
Hydration bladder
wool socks
camera
scarf
first aid kit
hiking shoes
Dry bags
Trekking Poles
sun cream
Snack
sun hat
bathing suite
rain coat
Sandals
insect repellent
Passport
Down Jackets
toilet paper
daypack
Wool cap
head lamp
gloves
sun glasses
cap
extra cash
Trekking pantsFAQFAQ
The main starting point of the 2 Day Inca Trail Network for the conventional journey of 1 day. It is located at the Chachabamba checkpoint km 104, Machu Picchu district, Urubamba province, Cusco region.
The Inca Trail Hike, Inca Trail or Capaq Ñan, is one of the most classic treks in the world. It was built by the Inca emperor Pachacuti to connect Cusco, capital of the Inca empire or Tawantinsuyo with the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. Hiram Bingham, archaeologist and Yale professor who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, was also the one who discovered the Inca Trail, as well as all the archaeological sites along its length. This route opened for trekking in 1970, by the Peruvian archaeologist Victor Ángles.
Every year, thousands of visitors from all over the world arrive in Peru to travel this famous road.
ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATIONESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION
ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip InformationBest Season to TravelBest Season to Travel
The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, between May and November, when the weather is dry and bright, with more frequent rainfall occurring between November and April.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
DecemberPRICE & AVAILABILITYPRICE & AVAILABILITY
PRICE & AVAILABILITY
To book this tour, a minimum of $ 300 USD per person is required, the remaining balance will be paid upon arrival in Peru, at the Cusco office.
Any other additional information, please coordinate with your travel agent.
Choose your preferred departure date to proceed.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE INCA TRAIL PERMITS TO MACHU PICCHU
The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most fascinating excursions and full of much history, this is a religious type trail that at the time of the Inca empire was only used by the families closest to the Inca leader. Currently it is still possible to see their temples, aqueducts, houses and cultivation terraces that are preserved just as they left it more than 500 years ago.
Due to all the aforementioned connotations, many travelers want to visit this route to Machu Picchu every year, so the reservation for this attraction must be made at least 6 months in advance.
When Andean Great Treks receives your reservation request, it will immediately try to coordinate the reservation of your tickets for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, for this our work team must evaluate that the necessary spaces are available for you and your crew of cooks, porters and guides. Since according to the Inca Trail regulations, our company takes care of the health and protection of the worker, so each of our porters will only carry the allowed weights. We usually work with small groups (2 to 8 travelers) in private service for which we assign a sufficient number of porters who carry all the equipment such as tents, chairs, tables and food.
What to expect from our
Treks in Peru
Nothing gets you closer to a country than walking through it, and we’ve got trips to suit walkers of all levels and interests.
How fit do I need to be?
All our Walking trips are graded from ‘Easy’ through to ‘Challenging to Tough’. On our online trip itineraries you’ll find a chart showing the daily walk distances, timings and information on the route including the terrain, altitude. Generally, no specific training is needed but you might feel more comfortable if you’ve got out walking a few times in the lead-up to your trip.
What will the group be like?
As with all our trips, every group is different but the ‘average’ group consists of roughly half couples and half solo travellers - all sharing a passion for exploring the world on foot. You’ll always have someone to keep you company along the route, but you don’t always have to walk together. Wherever possible your Andean Great Treks leader will allow everyone to walk at their own pace, regrouping regularly along the route.
Will I need to walk every day?
Mostly of our hikes in the mountains in Peru and Cusco like the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Ausangate Trek, Lares Trek, Ancascocha Trek, Salkantay Trek , involves an average of walking hours of 7-8 hours per day, this timing includes stops for taking photos, lunch, breaks for recovery the energy, and the most important we adapt to your walking pace. This relaxed style of trip involves to know all the attractions in greater depth.
What about the logistics?
On nearly all our Walking trips, porters or mules will carry all the camping equimpent, so your main luggage will be transported for you. We recommend walk with a light rucksack, you will carry water, snacks, a camera, a small first aid kit and any extra clothing or sun protection. On more remote or challenging treks, additional guides are there to assist the leader tour guide and provide support to the group.
INCA TRAIL FAQs
WHAT IS THE ALTITUDE OF THE INCA TRAIL HIKE ?
Along the trek, you will walk through different terrains, and experience diverse microclimates and altitudes. All of these factors contribute to the great biodiversity that is unique to this area.
- Lowest altitude is 2050 m / 6561 ft – Aguas Calientes town (last day)
- Highest altitude is 4200 m / 13779 ft – Warmiwañusca Pass or Dead Woman’s Pass (second day)
DOES THE 4 DAY / 3 NIGHT INCA TRAIL HIKE INLCUDE THE ENTRANCE TICKET TO MACHU PICCHU?
The permits or entrance ticket for the Inca Trail Hike includes the entrance to Machu Picchu citadel, but it does not include the entrance to the extra hikes to the mountains from where you can see the citadel from above.
For example, Huayna Picchu mountain costs $80 USD per person. In case, you want to hike it you have to buy the entrance ticket to the mountain in advance.
RESTRICTION ON THE AGE LIMIT FOR THE INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS
Actually, there is no government restriction on the age limit for the inca trail to machu picchu. However, because of the challenging trek, we consider it to be best for visitors above 15 years old to 55-year-old adults. Of course, they must be in good physical condition. Certainly, In case a child travels with you, you may need to hire the service of a personal porter who will assist your child along the hike and carry his backpack.
Above all, Adults over 55 years old, should have hiking experience and be in good health condition. This way, they will be able to arrive in Machu Picchu safely.
HOW HARD IS TO COMPLETE THE INCA TRAIL?
From 1 to 5 it’s 3, moderately difficult. The Inca stairways to walk up and down in different temperatures and high altitude all that makes this level of difficulty. You can rent walking poles before you start your hike. Those will help you in many ways, we would recommend you get ones if you have some issues with knees or ankles, poles would absorb some pressure from those parts and also help to keep your balance! We recommend you to have a look how to prepare yourself for the Inca Trail.
ANDEAN GREAT TREKS TOURS DIFFERENCE
UNRIVALLED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Every Andean Great Treks holiday has been thoughtfully planned and crafted by our specialists. They draw on their own extensive travel experience and the guidance and expertise of our local partners to create superb holidays. Our specialists are committed to making every aspect smooth and enjoyable; they genuinely want to ensure that the holidays they create leave you with wonderful lasting memories.
AMAZING TOURS & AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
Every Andean Great Treks traveller is accompanied by an experienced tour guide, you will be immersed in Historic cities, ancient ruins and unfamiliar landscapes are all brought to life by our carefully selected local guides. They want to share their expertise and help you make your own discoveries too; their sole mission is to ensure you enjoy every moment.
FLEXIBILITY & CHOICE
Giving you the freedom to make your holiday even more memorable. We know how much our customers look forward to their holiday and we pride ourselves on the choice and flexibility that we offer to enhance every aspect of your experience. Whether it’s getting to the airport, upgrading your room or booking an additional excursion, we can help.
GUIDED BY THE LOCAL GUIDES, TRUE EXPERTS!
Our guides are the stars of the show; it is their unrivalled knowledge, passion and expertise that will transform your tour experience from good to truly extraordinary!
Because the have grown up in the area and know it like the back of their hand, so they can help you experience whichever aspects most interest you. They’re passionate about sharing their corner of the world with you, and as you explore together, they’ll open your eyes to the intricate details, provide background to enhance your understanding of what you’re seeing, and share stories that will bring everything to life.
ALL OF OUR NATIONAL TOUR GUIDES...
- Have at least five years guiding experience
- Are fluent in English
- Are born and raised in Cusco, Lima, Manu Jungle, Puno
- Go through rigorous and ongoing training programmes
- Are at your service 24 hours a day
OUR TRAVELS SHAPE YOURS
“Your inspiration for a trip can be a single word or a highly evolved outline, but it's the conversations we have that help us understand the experience you're looking for. Meanwhile, I'm looking back on the time I spent at the destination.
‘The great thing about working with a specialist at Andean Great Treks is how they take your complete jumble of ideas and turn them into something absolutely spectacular.’
As you begin to share your ideas with your specialist, it will connect them immediately back to a time in their own travels. Conjuring a picture of the rest time they made that same discovery, reminding them how it felt.
Your specialist understands that, when the journey is right, it has the power to excite your emotions in the most profound ways after all, that was the effect on them.
They carry a treasure box of moments, captured over many journeys, into every suggestion they’ll share with you, as they ask you how you want to feel on your trip.
MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES, REAL CONNECTIONS
EXPERIENCES THAT CALL TO YOU
It’s what you do in a destination that helps bring it to life. It’s why we strive to choose experiences that help you connect to a place, absorbing a little of its complex character. Wherever your passions lie, we’ll recommend experiences that speak to you, and we’ll recommend the guide or local expert who’s most qualified to help you explore. Packing your holiday full of special experiences means some early starts and long days, but you can be sure that you’ll return home with many incredible memories! Read our Tours and check the Physical Ratings to see if the pace and activity levels are right for you.
STAYS WITH DIFFERENCE
We know that where you stay is a cherished part of your travels. So, we go to great lengths to find places to stay that exceed expectations, or go above and beyond the ordinary, whether in their character, hospitality, or location. Over the years, we’ve discovered the very best properties, trying and testing them, so we can choose the right one for you. We’ve nourished long-standing relationships with these establishments and the people who founded them, and we’ve stayed there many times often, we’ll even know which rooms have the best views (and reserve them for you).
TRAVELLING THE RIGHT WAY
Our style of travel — authentic, thoughtful, and focused on building meaningful connections to the people and places you visit — is inherently respectful and considerate of the destinations we love. We design each aspect of your trip exactly as you want it, which includes its sustainability. That might mean choosing a train journey instead of a flight, staying at eco-friendly wildlife lodges, or opting for experiences that give back to the communities you’re visiting. The choice is yours.
Responsible travel has always been at the heart of what we do. First and foremost, because it gives you the best experience, but, also because it helps to preserve the communities and landscapes you visit. This isn’t new for us we collaborated with local communities and outside experts so we can grow to be better ambassadors.
The most authentic and interesting experiences often directly benefit the local people. We prefer to buy local products that are produced in the organic farms of the Sacred Valley, we also have alliances with local artisan organizations who provide us with souvenir items for our clients, your money directly benefits the local economy.
Our style of travel — authentic, thoughtful, and focused on building meaningful connections to the people and places you visit — is inherently respectful and considerate of the destinations we love. We design each aspect of your trip exactly as you want it, which includes its sustainability. That might mean choosing a train journey instead of a flight, staying at eco-friendly wildlife lodges, or opting for experiences that give back to the communities you’re visiting. The choice is yours.
Responsible travel has always been at the heart of what we do. First and foremost, because it gives you the best experience, but, also because it helps to preserve the communities and landscapes you visit. This isn’t new for us we collaborated with local communities and outside experts so we can grow to be better ambassadors.
The most authentic and interesting experiences often directly benefit the local people. We prefer to buy local products that are produced in the organic farms of the Sacred Valley, we also have alliances with local artisan organizations who provide us with souvenir items for our clients, your money directly benefits the local economy.
WE EXPLORE WITHOUT AFFECTING THE ECOSYSTEM
We want travel to change us, and not the World
‘There’s a saying: we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. When we show you our country, this philosophy guides everything we do. It’s our responsibility to preserve the environment and wildlife, and support communities. That means using slower modes of transport, like cycling, employing local people, and working with communities who’ll benefit directly from your visit. This also gives you the best, most authentic impression of the places we want to share with you.
We prefer to buy local products in ecological bags, to avoid the use of plastic bags, likewise we teach the use of soaps and ecological products in each tour that we organize. We also work on reforestation projects with local communities who take care of landscape resources such as communal reserves, national parks.
We want travel to change us, and not the World
‘There’s a saying: we don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. When we show you our country, this philosophy guides everything we do. It’s our responsibility to preserve the environment and wildlife, and support communities. That means using slower modes of transport, like cycling, employing local people, and working with communities who’ll benefit directly from your visit. This also gives you the best, most authentic impression of the places we want to share with you.
We prefer to buy local products in ecological bags, to avoid the use of plastic bags, likewise we teach the use of soaps and ecological products in each tour that we organize. We also work on reforestation projects with local communities who take care of landscape resources such as communal reserves, national parks.
DISCOVER MORE SIMILAR TOURS: INCA TRAIL EXPRESS TO MACHU PICCHU 1 DAY
LUXURY INCA TRAIL HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU 5 DAYS
You’ll spend the next five days trekking the iconic Inca Trail, crossing epic mountain passes and discovering ancient Inca ruins en route on a privately guided trek to the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu.
CLASSIC INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 4 DAYS
The classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu is one of the world's greatest hikes. Along the 45 km you will explore unique andean valleys, lush mountain forest.An exquisite architecture of the Inca sanctuaries, which will dazzle you for its fineness and location within the Andes.
INCA TRAIL EXPRESS TO MACHU PICCHU 3 DAYS
This trekking is designed for those who want to do the traditional Inca trail trek in a short time, without losing any attraction. We work only with two to four people per guide. It is a private tour for the quality of service that will be offered.
What our clients say about us
