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The 1 Day Inca Trail Trek
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If you are strapped for time, and still want to be able to check off your bucket list the famous Inca Trail, “the One Day Inca Trail is a must!” On this trek, you hike the Short Inca Trail and visit Machu Picchu Citadel all in one day. The trek explores the last one third of the famous Classic Inca Trail and passes by the amazing Winay Wayna ancient Inca archeological site. The appeal of the Inca Trail is the stunning cultural show of Inca ruins, exotic mountain views, primitive lush vegetation and extraordinary ecological varieties. “Only” the Inca Trail allows a hiker to enter to the incredible Machu Picchu Citadel through the famous Sun Gate and take those picture-perfect postcard photos of Machu Picchu. The guided tour of this mysterious Inca monument will educate you on it history as you explore many of its hidden corners and surprises.
Times are approximate and depend on your fitness levels.
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 7th 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.
***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.
Times are approximate and depend on your fitness levels.
May through November 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.
The rainy season begins usually in December 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 it can rain all day or there are cloud bursts that create torrentual rain and the streets turn into rivers at times. These do not last long, but you better be ready with an umbrella. 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 is the altitude of 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.
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 Trail. It give 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 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.
A scenic 10 m drive from Ollantaytambo, follow the river and the train tracks to the Veronica View Hotel. Along the way, watch across the river for the original terraces from Incan times! Arriving at the hotel, you will be greeted amid gardens of native flowers and orchids. Take in the stunning sight of the Veronica Mountain, covered with glaciers year-round. After you settle into your room, walk through the gardens to the pool and restaurant area. There is a steam sauna, dry sauna, spa, heated swimming pool and restaurant at your feet.
Three comfortable single beds, ideal for groups of friends or family, enjoy the same spectacular view of the Veronica Mountain as the other rooms in the main building. Each room has a private bathroom with beautiful marbled counter tops.
Enjoy the luxury of a King size bed, along with all of the other indulgent services offered by the Veronica View Hotel. Each room is carefully situated to give you the best view of the Veronica Mountain. King rooms are in the main building on either the first or second floor. All King Rooms include jacuzzi
Double rooms are located in the main building, a beautiful room with an expansive view of the snow covered Veronica Mountain and the Urubamba Valley. Double rooms have one double bed, one twin bed and a private bathroom. These rooms are located on the first and second floor
