Inca Trail to Machupicchu Full Day

Overview

Hike the 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate & explore Machu Picchu with the Circuit # 1 or 2!

***All time references are approximate based on hiking speed of group and availability of tickets.

At 4:00am your guide will pick you up with our van at your hotel in Cusco (4am) or Ollantaytambo (5:30am)
You will travel through Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo Train Station. (Train leaves at 6:10 am)
The Expedition train ride consists of spectacular views in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It takes a little over an hour to get to KM 104.
At 7:30 – 8:00 am, you and your guide will start hiking through the original Inca till the Sun gate, from where you will have the first amazing view of Machu Picchu. The exact time depends on the group.
You will explore amazing Inca cities along the Inca Trail, especially the Wiñay Wayna Inca ruins.
You will have Box lunch after exploring the Wiñay Wayna archaeological site, usually around noon.
An hour or so after lunch you will arrive at the Sun Gate where you will get your first view of Machu Picchu!
By 2:00pm you will start exploring Machu Picchu Citadel. Your guide will explain all the history of this amazing and mysterious Incan city.
In the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset and take the iconic photo of Machu Picchu when it is empty of tourists.
By 5:00pm take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, with time for a quick dinner in a restaurant, or to buy a take out dinner to eat on the train. (Dinner is not included).
The Expedition Train departs at 6:20pm take the train back to Cusco then we will drive you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. If you choose the Vistadome, your train will depart at 6:10pm.

***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 but you need to make your own hotel reservation; we will book your return train for the next day.

*** You can start the trek from Ollantaytambo.

Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

The guide will pick you up at the hotel at 4am in Cusco for the journey with our private transport to the train station in Ollantaytambo. (If you prefer to begin in Ollantaytambo, we will pick you up at the hotel at 5:30am).

Before boarding the train in Ollantaytambo, the guide will provide you a box lunch, which you carry in your daypack. After an hour and 15 minutes train ride, get off the train at the famous Km104, where your hike begins! (2,000m/6,560 ft. above sea level) After crossing the Urubamba river on a picturesque foot bridge, you will show your passport at the checkpoint and visit the first Inca site nearby. The first hour and a half is a gentle hike upward. Along the way, you will stop at several outlooks where you have an expansive view of the Urubamba River. You also pass through several microclimates, including cloud forests, so be ready for damp or even rain at any time of the year. The next hour and a half are a slightly steeper, with a beautiful waterfall as your reward at the end!

When you cross the bridge below the waterfall, be sure to take some time for photos, you will find yourself gazing up at the spectacular Wiñay Wayna! (2,600m/8,500ft above sea level) These amazing Inca ruins have a fascinating history and some parts are still hidden by the dense jungle. This close to Machu Picchu, you are hiking through lush sub-tropical jungle. The guide will tell you all about the ruins, plus the incredible flora and fauna of this area and answer any questions you have before the short 5 minute walk to your lunch spot.

Take your time enjoying your hearty, gourmet lunch and admiring the tropical flowers around the campground. Be sure to notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you book!

After lunch, have a mostly flat walk to the Sun Gate, though the hour long walk is a gentle up and down path, it does end with a set of steep stairs carved directly into the bedrock by the Inca, know as the Gringo Killers. Once you reach the stairs you will know that you’re almost at the Sun Gate! the first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu, so take some time to savor the moment and take photos. There are also a couple more important Inca sites between the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, so make sure to go slowly, enjoy your time and ask your guide questions about these historical places on the last stretch to Machu Picchu.

Once you reach Machu Picchu, you will have time to take more photos from the viewing platforms above the site, the “House of the Guardians”where you can take the famous postcard pictures of Machu Picchu. You will arrive in the afternoon, as the archeological area starts to empty of tourists, which gives the opportunity to take beautiful photos in the afternoon light with fewer people in your shots. The guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see some of the most important parts of Machu Picchu. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.

Take your time to enjoy this magical experience before you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. In the evening at 6:20pm you will take the return Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo and catch our private van to Cusco and your hotel. You will arrive around 10:00 pm. If you upgrade to the Vistadome Train, you will depart Aguas Calientes at 6:10pm.

Meals: Picnic lunch
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

****It is not possible to do the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb due to time restraints

What is included

Transfer from the airport to your hotel
Pick up at your hotel by your guide
Private transport from your hotel to the train station
Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
English speaking professional guide experienced in trekking
Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo at 104 kilometers and from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with private van connection to Cusco
Admission Ticket to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu Archeological site
Machu Picchu entrance (Circuit #1 or 2)
Box lunch
Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
First-aid kit including emergency oxygen tank
Taxes

What is not included

It is not possible to do the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb due to time restraints
Energy snacks such as chocolate bars, dried fruits
First breakfast & Dinner at Aguas Calientes
Tips for the staff (staff receives a fair payment immediately after they end their trip; tips are optional but greatly appreciated by them)
Upgrade to Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person – (Return only)

Packing List

The One Inca Trail Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE the extra porter, so, you will need to carry all your things, please try to pack as light as possible which is the key to enjoy this amazing trek

Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
Water: 2L in reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable bottles)
Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
Toilet paper
Jacket
Dress in layers
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes
Personal medications
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Wool hat (only in the cold season)
Rain gear if rainy season
Snacks (chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits)
Rain plastic poncho
Camera
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips

Pricing

The 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date that suits you! We just require a minimum of 2 participants!

GROUP PRICES:

$447 USD per person

PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES:

$547 USD per person – 2 to 3 persons
$527 USD per person – 4 or more persons

PRIVATE PRICE 1 person only:

$647 USD per person – 1 persons only private trek

We require a minimum of 2 hikers in order to start the trek. If you are a solo traveler- please inquire on the dates you are looking to trek so you can join an existing group.

DISCOUNTS

18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

EXTRAS

Upgrade to Vistadome: $67 USD per person (Return only)
Stay the night in Aguas Calientes 2*3*or 4* hotel. (We will arrange your return train back to Cusco for the next day, however you need to book your own hotel)

**** The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 2 days & 1 night is almost always available year round except when it is closed in February for maintenance — This trek takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the SUN GATE like in the ancient times, you will explore some amazing Inca ruins along the way like Wiñay Wayna Inca City.

Duration	1 Day
Tour type	Moderate
Difficulty	Adventure
Guide	English, Spanish
Group size	Up to 8 People
Maximum altitude	2730 m.s.n.m

Tour details:

Overview

Hike the 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate & explore Machu Picchu with the Circuit # 1 or 2!

What is included

What is not included

Packing List

Pricing

GROUP PRICES:

PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES:

PRIVATE PRICE 1 person only:

DISCOUNTS

EXTRAS

FAQs

Reviews

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