OVERVIEW
Why Choose the One Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu which is the best short hiking to Machu Picchu?
If you are short on time and still want to be able to check off items from your bucket list, then look no further than the One Day Inca Trail! On this trek, you hike the Short Inca Trail and visit the Citadel of Machu Picchu in one day. You will walk in the footsteps of the Inca, visit marvelous Inca ruins along the trail like the Wiñaywayna and the Sun Gate. The trek explores the last third of the famous Classic Inca Trail and passes by the amazing ancient Inca archeological sites.
The appeal of the Inca Trail is the stunning cultural show of Inca ruins, exotic mountain views, lush vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. Only the Inca Trail allows hikers to enter the incredible Citadel of Machu Picchu through the famous Sun Gate, where you can take those postcard photos. The 2 hour guided tour of this mysterious Inca monument will educate you on its history as you explore many of its hidden corners and surprises. Discover the magnificent new 7th Wonder of the World: the Citadel of Machu Picchu!
IMPORTANT:
It is very important to note that the route for the 1 Day Inca Trail is the same as the 2 Day Inca Trail, but you are just doing it quicker – less breaks and no overnight stay. You therefore need to be in moderate to excellent physical condition to be able to do this trek and arrive at Machu Picchu Citadel in time. If you think the trek may be too strenuous, consider the 2 day Inca Trail.
THE 1 DAY INCA TRAIL ITINERARY
Times are approximate and depend on your fitness levels.
Your adventure begins when our driver picks you up at the early in the morning (around 4am). We will travel through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing its valleys and mountain peaks on the way to Ollantaytambo where we will catch the Expedition Train at 6:10am. If you are staying in Ollantaytambo, our driver will pick you up at around 5:20am. Be sure to let our office know.
You arrive at the train station as the sky begins to brighten which sooths our souls for the adventure ahead. The train ride in itself is magical. On your left, the Urubamba River curves gently, acting as a road to the mountains and forest on your right. You are flanked on your right by rugged mountains. You can´t help but gaze up at the rugged snow capped mountains with a sense of awe. The ruggedness of the mountains transforms to lush trees, with dazzling splashes of color and an aroma of the fresh morning forest dew.
The Expedition Train takes you to KM104 (elevation 2,100m/6,927ft) which is the checkpoint and starting point of your trek. Be ready to meet likeminded trekkers when you cross the bridge over the Urubamba River. Once at the checkpoint take this opportunity to use the restrooms, apply insect repellent and sunscreen, make sure you pack your gourmet box lunch, purchase extra snacks if needed and fill up on water.
The first Archeological site you will see is just a minute outside the checkpoint. Learn the history and about thriving culture of the Incas from a 100% authentic and knowledgeable Peruvian guide. The trek passes by flora and fauna unique to the Inca trail, with its vivid and radiant colors. The Urubamba River guides your path to your left and spectacular snow draped, heaven-kissing mountains to your right. You pass a small waterfall cascading onto the rocks. Splash your face with the glistening, clear waters of the small serenity pool at the bottom of the waterfall and don’t forget to take some pictures of the gently nodding vegetation.
Now take the moderate climb up to the remote archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, (2,650m/8747 ft). Be proud with your achievement so far and enjoy the surroundings of nature as the views from this point as absolutely spectacular. Once you reach the campsite of Wiñayhuana, stop and take a breather. Enjoy the some time getting to know your fellow trekkers. Your scrumptious box lunch consists of a quinoa salad complete with beef, chicken or vegetarian options.
The rest of the trek is pretty gradual, apart from the Monkey Steps which are so names as you will need to climb like a monkey to reach the top. Further along you reach the top of Sun Gate at an Elevation of (2,730mts/9,007ft) so be prepared to be blown away with awe. The size and majesty of Machu Picchu at the bottom will simply take your breath away. Take loads of pictures, as in our opinion there is no better view in the world. As you make your way down to Machu Picchu be sure to ask your guide as many questions as possible. At the “Guardian Gate”, you will be able to take the famous picture perfect postcard photos that will rival any screensaver on your computer.
Your exploration of Machu Picchu will be in the afternoon with a minimum of tourists and less probability of getting photo bombed. On arrival, you will get a full 2-hour guided tour of the incredible Citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Be mesmerized by the sheer magnitude, genius and precision of Incan Engineers, with the brilliance to have constructed a site with such great structural integrity, with very little tools and in such unforgiving terrain. Their mastering of the Ashlar technique is to be marveled. Take time to Immerse yourself in its rich historical legacy and their long and layered history.
At around 4pm, you make your way down the winding roads of Machu Picchu by bus to the quaint town of Aguas Calientes. Browse the many local markets in town, enjoy the walkability of the coble stone streets and have a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
At 6:20pm you will then return on the Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo and catch our private transportation back to Cusco. Estimated arrival time in Cusco is 10pm.
- Meals: Box Lunch & Dinner (Included)
***Please note: It is not possible to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain due to time restraints.
***If you choose, you can stay the night in Aguas Calientes, and we will book your return train for the next day.
Hotel Andenes del Inca
Comfortable lodging near the ruins of Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
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One day Inca Trail Map – Best Hiking to Machu Picchu
Times are approximate and depend on your fitness levels.
Packing Checklist for the 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Original passport (this has to match the passport used for the booking)
- Good daypack (20-30 liters is recommended). You’ll need to make sure you can carry this yourself as no porters are available for the day hike.
- Reusable water bottle (in an effort to reduce plastic waste, disposable bottles are not allowed)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Toilet paper
- Windbreaker or warm jacket
- Layers – so you are able to remove a layer or two if you become too hot during the hike.
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Personal medication
- Sun hat or woolen hat (depending on the season) and sunscreen
- Rain gear (if it´s rainy season)
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Insect repellent
- Rain plastic poncho
- Camera
- Extra money for souvenirs and tips
Preparing for the weather on the 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Dry Season
May through September is dry season. That does not mean that it never rains in the dry season but it is mostly dry with an occasional light shower.
Rainy Season
The rainy season begins usually in November and last until April. In the rainy season, there can be frequent heavy tropical showers.
The Cusco region has a high altitude mountaineous climate, which means the weather can change very quickly – it can go from sunshine to rain showers within minutes. During the dry season, if it does rain, the rain rarely lasts long. In the rainy season however the rain can get pretty intense and landslides can happen, thats why the Inca Trail is closed in February. However, just because it´s raining in one part of Cusco, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s raining in other parts of Cusco.
On the Inca Trail, weather conditions vary depending on whether its dry season or wet season . The route for the 1 day Inca Trail, the altitude is 1000 meters or 3000 feet lower than Cusco. Therefore, it tends to be a bit warmer during the day and at night.
It is more tropical and more humid than Cusco. There is always a chance of rain showers, especially in the cloud forest areas. In the rainy season, these showers will last longer and may become intense tropical rain showers. The Inca Trail is made of flat stones laid on the ground, so it can be more slippery to walk on in the rainy season. It is important to have shoes with good traction.
ONE DAY INCA TRAIL SAFETY TIPS
Frequently Asked Questions
It is very important for potential trekkers of the 1 Day Inca Trail to understand that you are doing the same trail as the 2 Day Inca Trail, just quicker. Trekkers need to be in moderate to excellent physical condition to be able to do this trek and arrive at Machu Picchu Citadel on time. If you think the trek may be too strenuous, you may book the 2 day Inca Trai to Machu Picchu. It gives the hiker more time to complete the Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu on the 1st day and a tour of it on the second day.
The actual hike starts at KM 104, from this point to Machu Picchu is 12km.
Yes – government issued permits are required and can only be bought by licensed tour operators.
There are only 250 permits per day including for the Short Inca Trail. All visitors and professional crew need a permit so we recommend booking as soon as there’s availability for your preferred dates.
It takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on your fitness, it covers 12km in total.
Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level, which is much lower than the city of Cusco — 3,400 meters or 11,152 feet — so it’s likely you won’t suffer from altitude sickness if you’ve already spent time acclimatizing in Cusco first. If you’re concerned about the altitude, take it slow and drink plenty of water. Sipping coca tea, chewing coca leaves or taking a soroche pill are other effective ways to deal with the altitude.
Consider visiting Machu Picchu from April through May or from September through October. The high-tourist season months are June, July and August when it doesn’t tend to rain.
The only difference between the 1 Day and 2 Day Inca Trail to MachuPicchu hike is that on the two day Inca Trail tour, hikers return to Machu Picchu on the second day for a guided tour of the Citadel, after spending a night in an Aguas Calientes hotel.
The actual hiking itinerary is the same – starting at KM 104, climbing up past Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate, arriving at Machu Picchu in the afternoon. This is one day hiking the Inca Trail; it is not possible to break this hike up into two days of hiking.
The 1 day Inca Trail difficulty is Challenging and is recommended for travellers who are in good physical shape. If you consider yourself fairly fit, you exercise regularly, and do not have any issues with your weight, knees, or ankles, then this version of the ancient Inca trail is perfect for you!
The best time to visit Machu Picchu and hike the Inca Trail is from late March to May and from September to mid-December. These months fall before and after the rainy season, providing excellent weather conditions and fewer crowds.
However, the dry season from May to September is also great but may be crowded. During the buffer months, the hiking trails and Machu Picchu are less crowded, and the weather remains good for the most part, with occasional rains providing great photo opportunities.
