One-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Overview
Available languages
17 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Cusco
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.
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.
What‘s Included
Bus ticket between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes
Early morning hotel pickup with shared transport to Ollantaytambo, then train to Km 104
Lunch
First-aid kit and oxygen tank
Professional English-speaking trekking guide
Trekking poles (1 pair per person)
Short Inca Trail permit and Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit 3, postcard photo viewpoint)
Breakfast
Tips(optional)
Options
One-Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Pickup included
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
One Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu
kellyfE6791UO,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the one day hike from km104 to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate with Elvis. Coming from San Diego, California (sea level) and being 63 with a knee replacement I was a bit nervous. Elvis met with us in our hotel on our first day in Cusco. He carefully explained all the plans and answered all our questions. When we had more questions the day before the hike he responded even though he was on the trail. The day of the hike he kept a slow and steady pace and gave us frequent breaks to catch our breath. He also stopped frequently to point out plants and birds and explained the significance to the Quechua people. At the ruins sites along the trail he gave us explanations of the sites and answered all of our questions in detail. When we achieved the highest elevation point of the hike we were treated to a lovely lunch prepared and served in a tent with camp chairs and a table. It sure beat the box lunches I saw the other groups eating on the benches. The afternoon brought steady rain but Elvis had prepared us for this possibility and we were prepared with layers and ponchos. I will never forget my first site of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate with the mountains shrouded in mist. It was magical. We toured the upper circuit (1) before we headed down the hill via bus to Aguas Calliente where we were treated to a delicious dinner and toasted with Pisco Sours. The next day brought better weather and we returned to Machu Picchu to see it in all its glory. Elvis took us slowly through circuit 3 explaining every aspect and again answering questions in detail. It was the trip of a lifetime and 10/10 I highly recommend Kenko Adventures. Ask for Elvis!
Highly Recommended
indophileNewCastle,Dec 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time looking around Peru with Peru Hikers. Everything was so well organised for us and Eithout our guide Isao I don't think I would have been able to complete my 8 hour zinka trail hike . ISAO was simply superb and looked after our every single need. Apart from everything else he is an excellent photographer as well. We are going away with beautiful memories of this amazing paradise that Machu Pichu is ❤️
Memorable experience
Mohannad S,Oct 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Is was an incredible tour guide! He made my experience unique, and I would love to do it all again. He is knowledgeable, punctual, and adaptable. He constantly adapting the tour to your requests. It felt really easy to do such a cross-country tour. In addition to being a great photographer, I had some fantastic pictures. Overall, I'm very happy; you can not go wrong with choosing his company.
100% recommended
tovidelaesquinam,Aug 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible hospitality, the 3 days we were here were very attentive with us. Excellent photographers!! I recommend this experience Our Guide Daniel explained everything in detail and understanding. as in macchupicchu our Guide Isao very attentive and the best photos!!
Highly recommend and the best personalised experience
archimyst,Aug 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Machu Picchu and sacred valley private guided tours with Peru Hikers and it was nothing short of amazing. The Machu Picchu trip was well planned right from the train to the bus where we always had a guide to help us with the arrangements. Noe who was guide at Machu Picchu was very knowledgeable and helpful. The Sacred valley tour was very well organised by Danny right from our hotel pick up to taking us to all the right places and took the time in each place to provide history and take some wonderful photos. He was very humble and provided the personalised experience which we will carry in our memories. Highly recommend especially if you don’t want a rushed tour with too many people in a packed bus. Peru hikers will tailor according to your needs and our tours with them was the best in our Cusco trip.
Will be booking with this tour agency again upon our return
sambramann,Mar 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I miss Peru already! My sister and I are already planning a trip back and will be choosing Peru Hikers again, but a different tour this time; there's so much to see! It was hands down the best tour we've been on. The history and beauty of the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu especially left me stunned. Our guide really tied the experience together for our group. He was knowledgeable, respectful, fun yet professional. There are more than a few travel agencies/guides to choose from and I am so happy we went with Peru Hikers. We made lifelong friends and witnessed some of the most beautiful places on earth. Thanks, brother!
It was an amazing experience with a very nice, funny and knowledgeable man.
George A,Feb 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was lots of fun, beautiful setting and good vibes. We woke up early which I wasn’t happy about but it was definitely the right call as you can miss the peek heat of the day. Breakfast and lunch was included, they were both all you can eat buffets of delicious food. Tour guide spoke perfect English and was very kind.
Peru Hikers give the BEST tours
666tarao,Feb 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow. My boyfriend and I just finished our time in Cuzco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. I’m not much of a review person, but the guided tour really made the experience authentic, holistic and fun. Peru Hikers and our guide Juancho added so many layers of insight, depth and personal experience, sharing his generations of knowledge and love for culture, science and history. His whole vibe just took things to a new level. His passion for Peru and nature was contagious. His stories about growing up in the middle of Incan history made everything come alive. It wasn't like your usual tour guide spiel; it was like hanging out with a friend who's super stoked about their hometown. Walking through ancient ruins or checking out bustling markets felt like a behind-the-scenes tour, complete with all the cool insider info. It wasn't just about the history; it was about connecting with the culture in a way that felt down-to-earth. If you're up for an adventure that's part history, part cultural immersion, and a whole lot of fun, this tour with Peru Hikers is the way to go. It's like getting a VIP pass to the heart and soul of Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. They adjust the timeline if you want to stay at places longer, know all the best food spots along the way, are your cheerleader when the stair climbing gets arduous, answers every question you could possibly have with a smile. 10 on 10 highly recommend.
Great tour through Peru
stanb875,Feb 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My girlfriend, and I just finished up our three day tour of Cusco, the sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. What a fantastic experience! I’m so glad that I checked this off my bucket list finally. It was more than I had hoped for. Cusco is such a Fascinating city with a mix of old world, European charm, modern amenities, and a glimpse into old South American colonial/Inca culture. The sacred valley tucked into the Andes mountains and visiting Inca sites was amazing to see. Then when we got to Machu Picchu it was much more than I expected. The archaeological site is so much bigger than I thought and the information taught to us about it by our amazing Guide, who I would highly recommend named Juancho was fantastic. I can’t say enough good things about this tour. It was recommended to us by friends who had used it several months ago and they were right. The guide spoke several languages and made us feel very comfortable. Not only did we learn a lot, but he also guided us through our shopping experience because we were looking to buy gifts for family members back home. This is one of those trips that I will remember forever . Thank you for Peru Hikers.
From US$559.00
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