Private 1-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the best option if you want to hike along the original Inca trail without committing to a four-day trek. In a single day, you hike 12 kilometers along stone-paved trails, visit archaeological sites that can only be seen from this route, and arrive at Machu Picchu through Intipunku, the Sun Gate, the same entrance used by the Incas.
The day begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, followed by a private transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, you take the train to kilometer 104, where the hike begins. This section of the route is at a lower altitude than Cusco, with an average temperature of 23°C, making the hike more comfortable and less demanding due to altitude.
Along the route, you pass Chachabamba, a ceremonial center beside the river, and continue to Wiñay Wayna, one of the best-preserved terrace complexes along the entire route and a site that can only be seen by those hiking the Inca Trail. The hike ends at Intipunku, where you get your first view of Machu Picchu from above, a moment that no photograph can fully prepare you for.
Machu Picchu receives around 1.6 million visitors each year, but only a small fraction arrive by hiking the original trail. This tour, offered as a private service, gives you a dedicated guide for your group, your own hiking pace, and the flexibility to stop wherever you like, without having to follow a group of strangers.
Tour Itinerary: Private 1-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Cusco – Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Inti Punku (Sun Gate) – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
We pick you up early in the morning from your hotel in Cusco and travel by private transportation for approximately one and a half hours to the Ollantaytambo train station. The train ride follows the Urubamba River and offers views of farmland and the snow-capped Veronica Mountain, which rises to 5,800 m above sea level. After approximately one hour and twenty minutes, you arrive at Km 104, where the hike begins.
Entrance Control and Chachabamba
At Km 104, you reach the first checkpoint, where you present your passport, permit, and entrance ticket. Once the registration process is complete, the trek begins and you arrive at the first archaeological site along the route: Chachabamba, located at 2,100 m above sea level. Here, your guide explains the purpose of this site and the role it played within the Inca territory.
Ascent to Wiñay Wayna
From Chachabamba, we hike uphill for approximately three hours through a section surrounded by waterfalls and dense vegetation until reaching Wiñay Wayna, at 2,600 m above sea level (8,500 ft), one of the most beautiful archaeological complexes along the entire route. Here you will find water fountains, temples, and agricultural terraces in excellent condition, reflecting the remarkable level of Inca construction and engineering.
Hike to the Sun Gate
From Wiñay Wayna, we continue for approximately one hour and twenty minutes along a narrow trail surrounded by giant ferns. The final section includes a climb of 50 steps that requires one last effort before reaching Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, at 2,719 m above sea level (8,920 ft). From here, you get your first view of Machu Picchu, with the entire citadel spread out before you. This is the perfect moment to rest, enjoy your box lunch, and take panoramic photos.
Arrival at Machu Picchu
From Inti Punku, we hike downhill for approximately 40 minutes toward the citadel. As you get closer, Machu Picchu gradually comes into full view. You arrive at around 3:00 p.m., at 2,400 m above sea level, with time to take the classic photo of the Lost City of the Incas.
Guided Tour of the Citadel
Your professional guide then takes you on an approximately two-hour tour through the main sectors of the archaeological complex, including temples, terraces, fountains, and residential areas, allowing you to discover the features that made Machu Picchu one of the Wonders of the World.
Aguas Calientes and Return
After the visit, we take the tourist bus for the approximately 25-minute ride down to Aguas Calientes, located at 2,000 m above sea level. There, you have time to have dinner at the restaurant of your choice, walk around the town, and visit the main square.
At around 9:00 p.m., we board the return train to Ollantaytambo, arriving at approximately 10:30 p.m. Our transportation will be waiting for you at the station for the return trip to Cusco, with an estimated arrival at 11:50 p.m. and final transfer to your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
View Route Map
What's Included?
- Pre-tour briefing with your guide at our Cusco office one or two days before the tour.
- Free luggage storage at our Cusco office.
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.
- Private transportation to Ollantaytambo train station.
- One-way train to Km 104.
- Professional guide in English and Spanish.
- Entrance tickets to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
- Lunch along the route and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
- Vegetarian meals or special dietary options at no extra cost when requested at the time of booking.
- Bottled water during the tour.
- First-aid kit and oxygen cylinder carried by the guide.
- Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.
- 2-hour guided tour of the citadel.
- Return train to Ollantaytambo.
- Transportation back to your hotel in Cusco.
Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Meals
- Services not specified in the program
More Trek Information
Review this list before packing your backpack. If you are missing something, there are stores in Cusco where you can buy or rent equipment without any problem.
Documents
- Original passport, the same one used for your reservation.
- Valid student ID, if applicable.
- Copy of your travel insurance.
- Tour voucher sent by our team.
Essentials
- Small backpack.
- Snacks: cookies, chocolates, cereal bars, and candies.
- Extra money for souvenirs or personal expenses.
Clothing and Footwear
- Thermal jacket.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Hat or cap for sun protection.
- Comfortable hiking shoes that have already been worn.
Personal First Aid Kit
- Your usual medications.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Lip balm.
Hygiene
- Wet wipes.
- Toilet paper.
Other Items
- Sunglasses.
- Camera.
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (optional).
Final Recommendation
Arrive in Cusco at least one day before the trek to acclimatize. Good overall physical condition and a positive attitude complete your preparation.
Is the Short Inca Trail very difficult?
It has a moderate difficulty level. The most demanding part is the three-hour uphill section from Chachabamba to Wiñay Wayna, but the altitude is lower compared to other routes in the region.
How far in advance should I book?
Permits are limited and issued under the traveler’s name. During high season, it is recommended to book several months in advance, as spaces can sell out.
Can I do the Short Inca Trail without trekking experience?
Yes. You only need basic physical fitness and some previous experience walking on trails with uphill sections. No specialized training is required.
What is the difference between the Short Inca Trail and the classic 4-day Inca Trail?
The Short Inca Trail is completed in one day, does not include camping, and reaches 2,719 m (8,921 ft). The classic route lasts four days, includes three nights of camping, and crosses mountain passes above 4,200 m (13,780 ft). Both routes enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.
Does the Short Inca Trail close in February?
Yes. The Inca Trail network closes every February for maintenance, so this route does not operate during that month.
Can I climb Huayna Picchu on the same day?
No. The Huayna Picchu entrance schedule is not compatible with the arrival time of the Short Inca Trail, as you reach the citadel around 3:00 p.m.
Private 1-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Prices
We offer competitive rates throughout the year, with no hidden fees and everything included from the start.
This route operates as a private service: you travel only with your friends or family, and the price per person decreases depending on the size of your group.
| No. of Travelers | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 to 3 people | USD 450 |
| 4 to 5 people | USD 440 |
| 6 to 7 people | USD 430 |
| 8 to 9 people | USD 420 |
| 10 or more people | USD 400 |
Optional Services
You can add these services for an additional cost up to one day before your trip at our office in Cusco’s Historic Center.
- Trekking pole rental for the entire route: USD 10 per pair.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance ticket: USD 70. Only 400 spaces are available per day. Request it when booking; subject to availability.
- Machu Picchu Mountain entrance ticket: USD 70. Only 400 spaces are available per day. Request it when booking; subject to availability.
- Transfer from Cusco Airport to your hotel: USD 5 per person.
- Transfer from your hotel to Cusco Airport: USD 5 per person.
Important Information
- This hike requires a minimum of 2 people to operate.
- If you are traveling with friends, family, or children, contact us to learn about our group promotions.
- We also offer discounts for student groups. Contact us to receive our offer.
- Our tours have no hidden fees or extra charges.
