The 1 Day Inca Trail Trek

The adventure of a lifetime begins as our driver picks you up at the crack of dawn (around 4am). You´ll have a short drive through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, with its valleys and mountain peaks on the way to Ollantaytambo to catch the Expedition Train at 6:10am. If you desire, take this opportunity to catch a short nap. If you are staying in Ollantaytambo, your driver will pick you up at around 5:20am. Be sure to let our the office know. From there it is only a short drive to the train station.

You arrive at the train station as the sky begins to brighten and the peace of the morning breaks open and 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 and rough-hewn mountains with a sense of awe. Passing snow-hooded mountains, encased in a necklace of white snow. The ruggedness of the mountains transforms to lush trees, with dazzling splashes of color. The aroma of the forest fresh and organic.

The Expedition Train takes you to KM104 (elevation 2,100m/6,927ft) the checkpoint and starting point of your trek. Be ready to meet likeminded people once you cross the bridge over the Urubamba River. Once at the checkpoint take the opportunity to use the restrooms, apply insect repellent and sunscreen, pack your gourmet box lunch, purchase extra snacks if needed and fill up on water.

The first Archeological site you get to see is just a minute outside the checkpoint. Learn the history and 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 a brooch of snow draped, heaven-kissing mountains to your right.You pass a small waterfall with its waters cascading into the rocks. Splash your face with the glistening, clear waters of the small serenity pool below. Take pictures of the vegetation nodding gently.

Now take the moderate climb up to the chiseled remnants and remote archaeological site of Wiñay Wayna, (2,650m/8747 ft). The views from this point are absolutely spectacular. You should be thrilled with your achievement so far. Lunch is only a few minutes away.  Once you reach the campsite of Wiñayhuana, stop and take a breather. Enjoy the camaraderie with the other trekkers. Your scrumptious box lunch is a quinoa salad complete with beef, chicken or vegetarian options. 

The rest of the trek is pretty gradual. Climb up the monkey steps, like a real monkey. Once you reach the top of Sun Gate Elevation (2,730mts/9,007ft) trust you me, the feeling you get is just indescribable. The size and majesty of Machu Picchu at the bottom will simply take your breath away. Take loads of pictures, 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 guards gate, you will be able to take the famous picture perfect card photos that we all see.

Your exploration of Machu Picchu is in the afternoon with minimum tourists around. Very low probability of getting photo bombed. If you arrive in time, you will get a full 2-hour guided tour of the incredible Machu Picchu Citadel, one of the new 7^th wonders of the world. Be mesmerized by the sheer brilliance, genius and precision of Incan Engineering, 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. Immerse yourself in its rich historical-cultural 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 Caliente. Browse the many local flea 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. 

*** You can start the trek from Ollantaytambo, if you do we recommend  that you stay in our own lodge; Veronica View Hotel.