1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu worth booking?
1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 13-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $499 per person. It scores 39 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 6 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 39 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (6)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $499 per person
The 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a unique opportunity to trek through breathtaking landscapes and ancient Incan sites. Starting early with a hotel pickup in Cusco, enjoy a scenic train ride to Km 104, where th
What you get
- Secure luggage storage in Cusco office (you only carry a small daypack on the trek).
- First aid kit and oxygen supply carried by guide.
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and private transfer to Ollantaytambo train station.
- Pre-departure briefing (the evening before the trek in Cusco).
- Box lunch during the trek (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options available).
- Round-trip train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Expedition)
About this experience
The 1-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers a unique opportunity to trek through breathtaking landscapes and ancient Incan sites. Starting early with a hotel pickup in Cusco, enjoy a scenic train ride to Km 104, where the adventure begins. Ascend the original Inca stone steps through lush cloud forests to Wiñayhuayna, explore its archaeological wonders, and savor a box lunch amidst nature. Witness your first view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate and delve into the citadel's history during a guided tour. Conclude your day with a scenic train ride back to Ollantaytambo and a return to Cusco.
What's included
Included
- Secure luggage storage in Cusco office (you only carry a small daypack on the trek).
- First aid kit and oxygen supply carried by guide.
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and private transfer to Ollantaytambo train station.
- Pre-departure briefing (the evening before the trek in Cusco).
- Box lunch during the trek (vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options available).
- Round-trip train tickets: Ollantaytambo – Km 104 – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (Expedition)
- Dinner in Aguas Calientes (unless specified in upgraded packages).
- Entry permits: Inca Trail (Km 104) and Machu Picchu (circuit 1).
- Professional licensed tour guide (English/Spanish).
- 24/7 assistance during the tour.
- Shuttle bus: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
Not included
- Trekking poles (available for rent).
- Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs, etc.).
- Tips for guides and drivers (optional).
What you'll see and do
Cusco
04:00 – 04:30 AM | Hotel Pickup in Cusco – Transfer to Ollantaytambo Your adventure begins early in the morning with a hotel pickup in Cusco. We’ll drive through the Sacred Valley in a private tourist transport to the Ollantaytambo train station (approx. 2 hours).
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Ollantaytambo
06:10 AM | Scenic Train to Km 104 (Chachabamba) Board the tourist train (Expedition, Vistadome, or 360° depending on service booked) for a panoramic 1.5-hour journey along the Urubamba River. We’ll arrive at Km 104, the official starting point of the Inca Trail.
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07:30 AM | Starting Point – Chachabamba Archaeological Site (2,100 m / 6,927 ft) After passing the checkpoint, we’ll begin the trek with a guided visit to Chachabamba, an Incan ceremonial and agricultural site that once supplied food to Machu Picchu. Your guide will explain its importance before we continue.
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08:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Ascent to Wiñayhuayna (2,650 m / 8,747 ft) We’ll climb the original Inca stone steps for about 3 hours, surrounded by lush cloud forest full of orchids, bromeliads, exotic birds, and perhaps even the rare spectacled bear. Our destination is the stunning Wiñayhuayna, “Forever Young,” one of the most beautiful and well-preserved archaeological sites on the Inca Trail. Explore its terraces, temples, and ceremonial areas with your guide.
30 minutes here
Winay Wayna
12:00 PM | Box Lunch in Nature Enjoy a nutritious box lunch in the middle of this unique environment while resting and taking in the surrounding scenery.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Intipuncu
01:00 PM – 02:00 PM | Trek to Inti Punku (Sun Gate – 2,730 m / 8,956 ft) We continue walking on the ancient stone path for about 1.5 hours until we reach the legendary Inti Punku (Sun Gate), the original entrance to Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll witness your first breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu—a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
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Machu Picchu
02:00 PM – 04:00 PM | Machu Picchu (2,400 m / 7,874 ft) Descending from the Sun Gate, we’ll officially enter Machu Picchu through the upper trail (circuit 1B). Here you can take your first photos of the citadel. If you booked a guided tour inside Machu Picchu, we’ll continue with one of the available circuits (2A, 2B, or 3B depending on availability). During this 2-hour guided tour, your guide will explain the history, architecture, and mysteries of the Inca civilization.
180 minutes here
Aguas Calientes
04:00 PM – 05:00 PM | Descent to Aguas Calientes Take the shuttle bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Depending on your service, you may enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant before boarding your train.
60 minutes here
Ollantaytambo
06:00 PM – 08:00 PM | Train Back to Ollantaytambo Board your return train to Ollantaytambo. Relax and enjoy the scenic ride after an unforgettable day.
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Cusco
08:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Return to Cusco At Ollantaytambo, private tourist transport will be waiting to drive you back to Cusco. You’ll arrive at your hotel between 9:30 and 10:00 PM, completing your 1-day Inca Trail experience.
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Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Inca Trail 1-Day with Vistadom
Inca Trail 1-Day with Vistadom: It’s short, clear, and still highlights the main trek (Inca Trail 1-Day) and the premium train service (Vistadome). Perfect Pickup included
From Cusco: Inca Trail Express Challenge 1 Day to Machu Picchu
Pickup included
Inca Trail 1-Day + Circuit 2/3
Inca Trail 1-Day + Circuit 2/3: 1-Day Inca Trail with entry to Machu Picchu (Circuit 1) plus an additional entry in the afternoon for Circuit 2/or 3. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Haku Travel
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
They sell something they don't have
Unprofessional and they don't deliver the service they guarantee. Worst travel agency
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Haku Travel agency scam
We bought tickets for circuit 2 (4 people) which included bus transfer from Aguas Calientes and a guide, however the tickets we received were for circuit 1. There was no explanation or refund of the amounts paid (916 USD, well above the base value)
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Great Experience: Highly Recommend
Great Experience. I can’t say enough. First compliments our guide. Benny “The Blade.” We gave him that nickname. He was the best. Passionate about the history/culture. Lots of good information. But not overwhelming. Great leader on the hike. I’ll go into the name later. My friends and I wanted a unique experience and had only limited time. The Agency worked with us when others wouldn’t. They accommodated all our requests. And we were able to do Inca Trail from the 104km train stop. Machu Picchu AND Huyana Picchu in one day. (We were dead by the end). I can’t compliment the agency enough. This is more for others and I feel no site explained this: For Cusco start: 0400 wake up: Private car to Ollantayamno Train Station. Takes a few hours. This is a dirt road half the way. Don’t expect to sleep much. 0600 ish (it’s a blur) drop off right in front of train. Asked attendant Which train and showed ticket. Only one real platform. Hard to miss. Don’t have anxiety about. The train they set you up with is good. We did Vistadome on way back. Recommend. 0730 ish: Ask attendant on train to make sure to drop you off at Inca Trail. You do this cause they drop you off at what seems the middle of nowhere. No platform lol. Just hop off onto some grass along the river. Benny enthusiastically met us there. And we were off. Benny had all travel docs to give to the Park People. And the hike begins. First leg is easy and flat. Then the grueling part. Lots and lots of elevation. It rained on us a little. But it felt good. If you go during rainy season. Bring good water proof gear. See amazing sights and views. Then flat for a little. Then a checkpoint where multi day travelers have access to bathrooms. Then Sungate. What a site. Walking down to Picchu. Again. Amazing. And best part. No Line (for us from this entrance). Hike down to “post card view of Picchu” This is where Benny the Blade got his name. We needed to get to Hayuna by 11. Benny was able to traverse/cut through the crowd with epic precision. We made it. Huyana is worth it. Period. It’s a better and more unique view than traditional circuit view. After. Take the bus down to the city w the bus. I think Machu City / Aguas Calietes. Benny took us to a really cool restaurant and took us to the train station. Vistadome was great. Do it. Pickup same spot. Same driver. Home 10. Just amazing. Request Benny the Blade if possible. Written from iPhone. Please excuse typos.
Response from the operator: Dear Paula, Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed and wonderful review. We are truly delighted to hear that you had such an unforgettable experience on the 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and that our guide “Benny The Blade” made your journey so special. It is great to know that his passion for history and culture, as well as his leadership during the hike, helped create a smooth, informative, and memorable adventure for you and your friends. We are also very pleased to hear that our team was able to accommodate your requests and help you enjoy such an incredible combination of experiences, including the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, and Huayna Picchu in one day. Your detailed feedback is extremely valuable, not only for us but also for future travelers, and we will be sure to share your kind words with Benny and the rest of our team, as comments like yours are a great motivation for all of us at Haku Travel. We hope to welcome you again in Peru for another unforgettable adventure.
via Tripadvisor
1 day Inka trail
We had a fantastic day with our guide Manuel on the 1 day Inka trail hike. Manuel was very knowledgeable about Inka history, knew the trail very well & his English was great (thank you). He encouraged us to take regular breaks, sometihg that was well needed in the heat and was all round good company! He provided a delicious box lunch for us and Haku & Manuel were both very helpful & communicative in the lead up to the hike. We booked through get Your Guide. Thank you for an incredible day Manuel! The hike & Machu Picchu we’re awesome 🤩
Response from the operator: Dear Coral, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We are truly delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic day on the 1-Day Inca Trail with our guide Manuel. We are proud to know that Manuel’s knowledge, guidance, and friendly company made your hike enjoyable and memorable. It is also great to hear that the box lunch, the organization, and our communication before the tour met your expectations. Your kind words motivate our entire team to continue providing excellent service to each of our travelers. We hope to welcome you back soon for another adventure in Cusco—perhaps a longer trek or a new destination with us!
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful trip to Machu Picchu with Elias
We had a great Short Inca Trail trip today. It started very early in the morning and we were picked up on time at our accommodation. We would describe the tour as sporty but easily done. Our guide Elias was very friendly, helpful and always available for fun. We were completely satisfied. Thank you for this unforgettable tour Eli. Greetings Anna and Felipe
Response from the operator: Dear Anna and Felipe, Thank you very much for your kind words and for sharing your experience with us! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed the Short Inca Trail with our guide Elias. It is wonderful to know that you found the hike sporty yet manageable, and that Elias’ friendliness, support, and good humor made the tour even more special. Your satisfaction is the greatest reward for our team. We are truly grateful that you chose Haku Travel for this unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu, and we hope to welcome you again in the future for more adventures in Peru!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 3+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $499 to $580
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 39
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu cost?
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Prices start at $499 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu take?
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Plan for about 13 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 39 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 3. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 13-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 1 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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