TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 01:

Cusco to Ollantaytambo: Inca Trail Adventure to Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4 am and drive for 1.45 hours to the Ollantaytambo train station. Here, you will catch the train at either 6:10 am or 6:40 am, which will take you to Km 104 where the Inca Trail begins. At Km 104, you will meet your tour guide, pass the check point for the 2-day Inca Trail, and start your adventure by exploring the Inca site of Chachabamba.

Afterward, you will begin a guided uphill hike for 3 to 3.5 hours to Winaywayna, where you will stop to explore this beautifully preserved Inca site. You will then enjoy the packed lunch we provide, followed by a short rest before continuing your hike to the Sun Gate. Here, you will have an amazing view of Machu Picchu.

As you continue hiking into Machu Picchu, you will have time to take pictures and enjoy a short guided tour of the site. Around 5 pm, you will take a 30-minute bus ride from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes. Once in town, you will have dinner before boarding the train around 6:30 pm for a 1.5-hour journey back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, our transfer will be waiting to drive you back to Cusco for another 1.5 hours, dropping you off at your hotel around 10 pm. This marks the end of your full-day Machu Picchu adventure.

  • Highlight: Trekking the Inca Trail, enjoying the views from the Sun Gate, sunset views from Machu Picchu, camping at the foot of Machu Picchu
  • Walking Distance: 15 km / 8 miles
  • Meals: L + D
  • Elevations: Trek starting point 2,000 m, the highest point is Sun Gate 2,720 m, the camp is at 1,900 m
  • Weather: Hot and humid
  • Train tome for the way there: Vogayer train at 6:40 / Expedition train at 6:10

Inclusions

Included

Inclusions for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in One Day:
  • Hotel pick-up in Cusco
  • Transfer from Cusco to the Ollantaytambo train station
  • Professional tour guide trained in first aid, experienced in the route and history
  • Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (trailhead)
  • Entrance ticket for the Inca Trail
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
  • Bus tickets from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
  • First aid kit and oxygen bottle for emergencies
  • One lunch and one dinner
  • Return train ticket from Machu Picchu town to Ollantaytambo (train at 6:20 pm or 7:00 pm)
  • Transfer from Ollantaytambo station to your hotel in Cusco

What to Pack

Here’s a packing list for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in one day:

  • Backypack: A small backpack to carry your personal belongings such as water, snacks, sunscreen, camera, and other essentials.
  • Hiking shoes: Good hiking shoes with a sturdy sole that provides good traction on uneven terrain.
  • Hiking socks: Wearing good quality socks can help prevent blisters and keep your feet dry and comfortable.
  • Lightweight clothes: Quick-dry and moisture-wicking clothes are recommended for hiking.
  • Warm layers: It can get cold at night, so it’s essential to pack warm layers such as a fleece jacket or down jacket.
  • Rain gear: It’s always a good idea to carry a rain jacket or poncho as it can rain anytime in the Andean region.
  • Hat and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun and UV rays by wearing a hat and sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen: Use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
  • Insect repellent: The trail is in the forest, and there are insects around, so it’s essential to carry insect repellent.
  • Water bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated, so bring a refillable water bottle.
  • Snacks: Bring some energy bars, nuts, or fruits to keep your energy levels up.
  • Personal medication: If you have any medical conditions or take regular medication, bring it with you.
  • Camera: Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery along the trail.

It’s important to pack light and carry only what you need as you’ll be hiking with your backpack. Additionally, porters will carry most of the equipment, so it’s recommended to limit your luggage to a maximum of 7 kg (15 lb).

Documents to carry with you on tour:

  • Original Passports
  • Original Studend ID: If you booked the Inca Trail 2 days as a student, you must present your original student ID card and passport at the checkpoint located at km 104 beginning of the Inca Trail.

Pricing

INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU IN ONE DAY

Government regulations: The Peruvian government regulates the number of visitors and the prices for permits charged for the Inca Trail also, the Government regulates the salary of the porters and guides. Tour operators should comply with these regulations to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of permits and fees. That is why the prices we charge for the Inca Trail one day are fair and reasonable to cover all the needs to operate the Inca Trail in one day.

  • PRICES: INCA TRAIL MACHU PICCHU ON ONE DAY
Group service – Season 2024
  • ADULT: 400 US Dollars per person
  • STUDENT: 370 US Dollars per person

ADDITIONAL OPTION THAT YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR INCA TRAIL TOUR

  • A PAIR OF TREKKING POLES : 10 US Dollars 
  • UPGRADE TO VISTADOME TRAIN – PANORAMIC TRAIN – ONE WAY: 35 US Dollars

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STUDENT PRICE:

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE STUDENT PRICE:

The student price is available for all students around the world, provided that they meet the requirements set by the Peruvian government. This discount is applicable when purchasing Machu Picchu tickets from the Peruvian government.

TO QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT PRICE, YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
Your student ID must be an original ID issued by your university, made of PVC material.
The student ID must have the following information printed on it.
  • University information.
  • Student name.
  • Student picture.
  1. The student ID must have a valid expiration date printed on it, which is only valid for one year. For instance, if you visit Machu Picchu in 2023, the expiration date on your ID must be 2023 or 2024. If you visit Machu Picchu in 2023, the maximum expiration date allowed is 2024.
  2. The student discount is available only for students who are not more than 25 years old.
  3. The International Student Identification Card (ISIC) is Not valid for the discount, even if it meets the requirements mentioned above.
  4. The only valid document for the student price is the original student ID that meets the requirements set by the Peruvian government. No other documents such as certifications or virtual cards are accepted as proof of student status.
  5. To apply for the student price, send us a photo of both sides of your student ID to machupicchureservations@gmail.com when you book the tour. If you send it later, you will not be eligible for the student discount.

How to Book with Machu Picchu Reservation

To book the Inca Trail, you need to choose a reputable tour operator who is authorized by the Peruvian government to operate the trail.

  • CLICK ON THE YELLOW BUTTON – BOOK ONLINE – choose the date, and fill in our booking form to book an Inca Trail Trek Tour today. Have one person fill in the form for the group so we make sure to book you all together. Have your passport ready; we need all your details to match exactly.

PAYMENT:You can pay online for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in One Day on our website using any type of debit or credit card – Paying online has a fee of 2.9% covered by the customer which is the lowest that we got for payments online.

  • To book the Inca trail, we request a deposit of 200 us dollars per person in order to buy from the Peruvian government the permit and the tickets for the Inca trail. Your deposit is needed to secure and book an Inca Trail Trek Tour
  • You can also choose to pay 100% of the amount of the tour so that you are any longer worrying about payments and just think in getting ready for your Inca Trail experience.
  • If you choose to pay only the deposit to reserve the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in One Day, you must pay the remaining balance up to 24 hours before the start of the tour. The remaining balance can be paid in cash (in soles or dollars) upon arrival at our central office in Cusco. If you choose to pay by card, there is a fee of 3.9%. Alternatively, you can pay online with any type of card, but there is a fee of 2.9%.

PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS: Please note that if your passport is set to expire within 6 months of your planned entry date to Peru, you will be required to renew your passport before traveling to Peru. The Peruvian authorities will not grant you entry to the country otherwise.

If you are booking your trek with us and your passport is expiring within 6 months of your entry date, you can still book with us to secure your Inca Trail permits and tickets to Machu Picchu. However, you must renew your passport and update your passport details with us before your trip to Peru. Failure to do so may result in the forfeiture of your reserved permits and tickets to Machu Picchu.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Obtaining travel insurance before leaving home is strongly encouraged and very easy. In fact, we work with a reputable agency in the United States that has made it both easy and affordable. This is an excellent way to ensure your safety while visiting Peru.

NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE DEPOSIT: There is a $250 deposit per person, needed to book THE INCA TRAIL IN ONE DAY tour with Machu Picchu reservations. The deposit can be made online with any type of card, which will incur a 2.9% merchant fee paid by the traveller.
All deposits are fully non-refundable and non-transferable.

REMAINING BALANCE PAYMENT: If you choose to pay only the deposit to reserve the Inca Trail for 2 days, you must pay the remaining balance up to 24 hours before the start of the tour. The remaining balance can be paid in cash (in soles or dollars) upon arrival at our central office in Cusco. If you choose to pay by card, there is a fee of 3.9%. Alternatively, you can pay online with any type of card, but there is a fee of 2.9%.

STUDENT DISCOUNT BOOKING: If your student card meets the requirements of the Peruvian government, you can make the reservation with only a deposit and pay the remaining balance when you arrive in Cusco. We will apply the student discount at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions ONE-DAY INCA TRAIL HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU

Q: What is the Inca Trail?

  • A: The Inca Trail is a famous hiking route in Peru that leads to the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. It is a 26-mile trek that takes several days to complete.

Q: Can the Inca Trail be done in 2 days?

  • A: Yes, there is a shorter version of the Inca Trail that can be completed in 2 days. However, this route is less crowded than the traditional 4-day trek.

Q: Is a permit required for the Inca Trail?

  • A: Yes, a permit is required to hike the Inca Trail. These permits are limited and must be reserved in advance.

Q: How difficult is the Inca Trail?

  • A: The Inca Trail is a trek that involves hiking at high altitudes and navigating steep inclines and descents. However, the 2-day route is less strenuous than the 4-day trek.

Q: What should I bring on the Inca Trail?

  • A: You should bring comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothing for the evenings, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water. You may also want to bring a camera and a flashlight.

Q: Can I hike the Inca Trail on my own?

  • A: No, hiking the Inca Trail without a licensed guide is not allowed. You must book a tour with a licensed tour operator in order to hike the trail.

Q: When is the best time to hike the Inca Trail?

  • A: The best time to hike the Inca Trail is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. The trail is often closed on february.

Q: What is the altitude of the Inca Trail 2 days?

  • A: The Inca Trail reaches an altitude of 2,700 meters (9300 feet) at its highest point.

Q: What is the cost of hiking the Inca Trail?

  • A: The cost of hiking the Inca Trail varies depending on the tour operator and the length of the trek. The 2-day trek is generally less expensive than the 4-day trek.

Travel Guide

Why Choose Machupicchu Reservations

Expertise and Experience: Our team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals ensures that you receive accurate information, well-organized itineraries, and top-notch guidance throughout your trip.

Personalized Service: We tailor our tours to cater to each traveler’s unique preferences and requirements, ensuring a customized and memorable experience.

Quality and Safety: Our commitment to quality and safety guarantees an enjoyable and worry-free adventure. We collaborate with professional guides, reliable transportation services, and carefully selected accommodations to deliver the best possible experience.

Sustainable and Responsible Travel: Machu Picchu Reservations is dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact and supporting local communities. We promote eco-friendly practices and contribute to the well-being of the regions we explore.

Competitive Pricing: We offer a range of affordable packages and options, allowing you to experience the magic of Machu Picchu without breaking the bank.

Excellent Customer Support: Our friendly and responsive customer support team is available to assist you at every stage of your journey, from pre-trip planning to post-trip inquiries.

Choose Machu Picchu Reservations for a remarkable and hassle-free adventure, as we strive to make your dream trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable reality.

TripAdvisor Reviews

Machu Picchu Reservations has received excellent reviews on TripAdvisor . These reviews highlight our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Thank you for trusting us and for your valuable feedback!", we have 6,353 reviews

kellyyy125
kellyyy125
2024-11-27
5 Day Salkantay Trail - so much fun!! Had an amazing time on the 5 day Salkantay trail. Our guide Alexis (Nacho) was super knowledgeable, funny and engaging. He kept the vibe high and was always making sure everyone was doing okay. The accomodation was great and the food was delicious and plentiful. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone.
Getaway27019244566
Getaway27019244566
2024-11-27
Best tour and tour guide This trip was amazing. Our group was so friendly and our guide, Zucemo kept us safe and taught us so much local knowledge. The accommodation and food is great! The best value for money
Jason M
Jason M
2024-11-26
Salkantay Trail hike with the best guide ever - Amoroso I recently completed the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, and it was an unforgettable experience! Our guide, Amoroso, was absolutely fantastic—his knowledge, passion, and energy truly elevated the journey. He made sure everyone felt comfortable and motivated, sharing fascinating insights about the region’s history and culture along the way. The trail itself was challenging but breathtaking, with diverse landscapes that kept every day exciting. I highly recommend this tour and especially Amoroso if you're looking for an enriching and well-organized adventure.Would love to return someday!
Jessica C
Jessica C
2024-11-26
Wonderful Inka Trail Experience We did the 4 day Inka trail hike, and had the best time! Our guide Javier was very knowledgable about the Inka sites and history and supported the group throughout the hike. Javier answered all of our questions, kept us laughing and even taught us a little Quechua along the way! The Chef and team of porters, led by Antonio, were incredible and kept us very well looked after! The meals were delicious and there was plenty of food (special shoutout to Cristobal who always made sure our tea was hot and our water was cold!). We would recommend this company (and Javier!) to anyone interested in doing the Inka trail!
Agnieszka Potempa
Agnieszka Potempa
2024-11-26
Salkantay fun! Im so glad i did this trek! The views were amazing and Omar (my tour guide) made it the BEST experince ever! He was so funny, motivating and knowledgable. Our team were great and we took soo many beautiful photos. Thank you Omar for looking after us. I will recommed this trek to EVERYBODY….yeahhh yeahh. #Michipichis
kerry_hulton
kerry_hulton
2024-11-26
Great experience Did the 5 day 4 night salkantay hike and it was really good. Omar was the best guide & definitely made the whole experience
Paulina W
Paulina W
2024-11-25
Incredible experience, definitely worth every step! We had a great time doing the 5 day Salkantay Trek. The nature is truly amazing.Our guide Alexis always looked out for us and combined interesting information with a lot of fun.Machu Picchu Reservation provides good organization and infrastructure (accomodation, food, transport) - great value for money. Doing the tour with this company is a great choice for everybody who wants to meet other (young) travelers and combine hiking with fun activities and sometimes a little party.
lucien i
lucien i
2024-11-24
Lamas and colors Realy nice tour, Érick is a realy nice guide and there is lamas. The moutains are realy great. Full of colors. The guide was always happy, know a lot of things about the place so we can learn about Palcoyo and that’s so Nice
Oscar R
Oscar R
2024-11-24
Book now An incredible hike - words cannot do it justice, you will just have to do it. Our guide Alexis or Nacho - was hilarious and extremely knowledgeable, he was brilliant - book it just for him - and his mate Aurelio Escobar the zip line dude
Ella H
Ella H
2024-11-24
Amazing trip! We had such an amazing trip with Alexis, he made it so interesting and fun. The days were packed full and so worth it, would defo reccomend!

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