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Activity Sacred Valley, Peru

One-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu from Cusco

5.0 (14 reviews) 17 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

One-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu from Cusco

About this activity

Experience the best of the legendary Short Inca Trail in just one day from Cusco. Begin your hike at Km 104 and follow the most scenic final stretch of the trail to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu.

Accompanied by an expert local guide, discover hidden Inca ruins along the route before arriving at the magical, UNESCO-listed citadel, where you’ll explore its most important temples and viewpoints. After your visit, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes and unwind on a scenic train ride back to Cusco—a perfect blend of adventure, history, and comfort for travelers short on time.

Important Note:

We highly recommend booking your tour at least 5 months in advance, as Inca Trail permits are limited and tend to sell out very quickly, especially during high season. Early booking ensures availability for your preferred departure date.

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At a glance

Duration
17 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 10 people
People per booking
1–10
Guide
English, Spanish
Operated by
Peru Hikers

Ages: Adults (7–85 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Bus ticket between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
  • Included: Early morning hotel pickup with shared transport to Ollantaytambo, then train to Km 104
  • Included: Lunch
  • Included: First-aid kit and oxygen tank
  • Included: Professional English-speaking trekking guide
  • Included: Trekking poles (1 pair per person)
  • Included: Short Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit 3, postcard photo viewpoint)

Not included

  • Not included: Breakfast
  • Not included: Tips(optional)

Itinerary

  1. Cusco

    3 min

    Early Morning Departure

    Begin your adventure with an early hotel pickup in Cusco, followed by a comfortable bus journey through the Sacred Valley to the Ollantaytambo train station. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of traditional Andean villages, farmland, and snow-capped mountains. From Ollantaytambo, board a scenic train that follows the Urubamba River, offering stunning views of lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, and the surrounding Andes Mountains as you travel toward the start of the Inca Trail.

  2. Stop 2

    4 hours Admission included

    Km 104 (Chachabamba) – Inca Trail Entrance

    Start the Short Inca Trail at Km 104, passing the official checkpoint and visiting the Chachabamba archaeological site. From here, begin a scenic uphill hike of approximately 3.5 hours toward Wiñay Wayna.

  3. Winay Wayna

    45 min Admission included

    Wiñay Wayna Archaeological Site

    Explore the impressive Inca complex of Wiñay Wayna, famous for its stunning terraces, fountains, and ceremonial structures. Learn about Inca history and engineering before enjoying a boxed lunch surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

  4. Intipuncu

    20 min Admission included

    Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

    Continue hiking to the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the original entrance to Machu Picchu, where you’ll enjoy your first breathtaking panoramic views of the ancient citadel.

    Duration: Approx. 20 minutes

  5. Machu Picchu

    2 hours

    Machu Picchu Citadel (Guided Tour)

    Arrive at the magical Machu Picchu Citadel and enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting its most important temples, plazas, terraces, and viewpoints.

  6. Aguas Calientes

    3 hours

    Aguas Calientes – Return to Cusco

    After your guided visit to Machu Picchu, descend by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Board a scenic train through the Sacred Valley, following the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo Station. Upon arrival, continue by comfortable bus transportation back to your hotel in Cusco, with an evening arrival at approximately 10:00 pm.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Please note: Pickup and drop-off are only available for hotels in Cusco’s historic center (downtown).

Kindly send us your hotel name and address

If you're staying outside the center, we’ll coordinate the nearest meeting point for you.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · 14 reviews
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Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

One-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu from Cusco

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