1-Day Short Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu

Early pickup from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco, followed by a transfer to the train station.

Board the Expedition or Vistadome train and travel along the Sacred Valley toward the Inca Trail starting point.

The 1-day Inca Trail begins at KM 104, a small checkpoint located along the railway line between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, Chachabamba Built in the late Inca period, this stone complex served both religious and administrative purposes, likely functioning as a control point for pilgrims and officials traveling to Machu Picchu. The site features ceremonial fountains, finely carved terraces, and small enclosures aligned with the surrounding mountains. Your licensed guide will explain how water played a symbolic role in Andean spirituality, and how Chachabamba is connected to a larger network of shrines dedicated to sacred elements such as the sun, mountains, and rivers. Unlike the busier sites near Cusco, Chachabamba offers a quiet space to observe Inca architecture up close, surrounded by cloud forest and native vegetation. From here, the trail begins to ascend gradually toward Wiñay Wayna, giving hikers their first true sense of what it meant to travel an Inca pilgrimage route.

After visiting Chachabamba, the trail becomes more immersive as you begin a steady ascent toward Wiñay Wayna. This section usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours of walking, following original Inca stone steps through cloud forest, small waterfalls, orchids, and viewpoints over the Urubamba River. It is considered the most physically active part of the day, but the pace is always guided and there are several places to rest. Along the way, you start to understand why the Incas chose this route, not just for transport but for spiritual connection with the landscape. Arriving at Wiñay Wayna is rewarding: the site is built into the mountain like a giant staircase of terraces, temples, and ritual fountains. Your guide will explain its meaning and allow time for photos and exploration. This is also where most travelers stop for their box lunch before continuing toward the Sun Gate.

From Wiñay Wayna, the final section of the trail takes about 1.5 to 2 hours of gradual walking along narrow stone paths and original Inca steps. This stretch feels lighter than the first part of the hike, and as you get closer, the mountains begin to open and the sound of the river fades. After a final staircase, you reach the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, the ancient ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu. From here, travelers see the citadel for the first time from above — a moment many describe as emotional and rewarding after the effort of the hike. The Sun Gate was aligned with the sunrise during the solstices and served as a controlled entry point for nobles and priests. Your guide will allow time for photos, rest, and quiet appreciation of the view before continuing the descent toward the citadel.

Last section of walking takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour from the Sun Gate down to the upper terraces of Machu Picchu. Your licensed guide will lead a visit through the upper area of the site, corresponding to Circuit 1, which is the only circuit allowed for hikers entering via the Inca Trail. This route includes the classic viewpoints and agricultural terraces where the well-known photos are taken.
Please note that this tour does not include access to lower circuits such as Circuit 2 or 3. Those circuits require a separate entrance ticket and must be arranged in advance, depending on availability and official regulations. If you wish to visit a different circuit or re-enter Machu Picchu, you must contact us before booking so we can manage it for you. After the guided visit, you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes before boarding the return train.

Bus ride down to the town where you can eat, rest, and wait for the return train.

Arrive back in the Sacred Valley and board your transport to Cusco.

Drop-off at your hotel or main square, depending on access.