One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru

One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Outty Ranking 55 5.0 · 4 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $699
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Outty Ranking

55/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu worth booking?

One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a 8-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $699 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
55 / 100
Rating
5/5 (4)
Duration
8 hours
From
$699 per person

Discover the thrill of conquering the legendary Inca Trail and arriving at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu—all in a single, unforgettable day! This tour is crafted for adventurous travelers seeking to experience the best of Peru in a limited timeframe. Traverse ancient paths, witness breathtaking landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Incas. Unique Experiences This one-day adventure condenses the essence of the classic Inca Trail into an exhilarating journey, perfect for those short on time. You’ll hike through lush cloud forests, cross ancient stone bridges, and explore lesser-known Incan ruins along the way. As you ascend the trail, the anticipation builds until you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll be rewarded with your first magical view of Machu Picchu—an experience that will stay with you forever.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the thrill of conquering the legendary Inca Trail and arriving at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu—all in a single, unforgettable day! This tour is crafted for adventurous travelers seeking to experience the best of Peru in a limited timeframe. Traverse ancient paths, witness breathtaking landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Incas. Unique Experiences This one-day adventure condenses the essence of the classic Inca Trail into an exhilarating journey, perfect for those short on time. You’ll hike through lush cloud forests, cross ancient stone bridges, and explore lesser-known Incan ruins along the way. As you ascend the trail, the anticipation builds until you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll be rewarded with your first magical view of Machu Picchu—an experience that will stay with you forever.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private transportation
    • Professional Local Tour Guide
    • All Fees and Taxes

    Not included

    • Dinner
    • Travel Insurance

    What you'll see and do

    1. Inca Trail

      Early Morning Departure: Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from Cusco, followed by a scenic train ride to the starting point at Km 104. As the sun rises, you’ll begin your hike along the ancient Inca Trail. Chachabamba Ruins: The trek starts with a visit to the Chachabamba archaeological site, where you’ll learn about its historical significance as a ceremonial center and checkpoint for the Incas. Wiñay Wayna: Continue your journey to the impressive ruins of Wiñay Wayna, an ancient agricultural site that offers insight into Incan engineering and agricultural practices. Here, you’ll enjoy a box lunch with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Arrival at Sun Gate: After a challenging but rewarding climb, you’ll arrive at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the entrance to Machu Picchu. The sight of the ancient citadel bathed in the golden light of the afternoon sun is a moment you’ll never forget. Guided Tour of Machu Picchu.

      480 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Cusco

    as this is a personalized tour, our guides will meet you and pick up all travelers from the specified locations from the hotels in Cusco, but you have to provide it once you book the tour.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    as this is a personalized tour, our guides will meet you and pick up all travelers from the specified locations from the hotels in Cusco, but you have to provide it once you book the tour.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Incatrekkers Day Tours

    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 at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Cusco, photo 2One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Cusco, photo 3One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Cusco, photo 4One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Cusco, photo 5One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Cusco, photo 6One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Cusco, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Organization

    1 mention

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Pace and timing

    1 mention

    Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Traveler0228 · June 2025

    Hike of a Life Time!

    The hike up to Machu Picchu with Incatrekkers was definitely the highlight of my Peru travels. Booking, communications, logistics, transportation, etc. were flawlessly organized. My guide, Juvenal, was extremely knowledgable. In addition to explaining the flora, fauna, birds, etc. that we encountered, he shared much about the history and culture of the Inca and Quechua people. He also knew exactly where to take the best photos.:). While the trail was challenging in parts, the stories and the good company made the entire day fly by. If you are looking for an authentic Machu Picchu experience, I highly recommend the one day Inca Trail hike with Juvenal and his team at Inca Trekkers. It's much better than joining the larger hiking groups or taking the bus up to the site.

    Response from the operator: Dear Betty, Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your one-day hike to Machu Picchu. It’s always our goal to provide not only a seamless and enriching adventure but also memories that will last a lifetime. Your feedback motivates our team to continue delivering high-quality service and authentic experiences. We hope to welcome you back to Peru for another unforgettable journey—perhaps one of our multi-day treks or cultural tours. Warmest regards, Incatrekkers.

    via Tripadvisor

    D4060KMjoel · May 2025

    Personalized and in-depth experience

    While other large trekking companies were moving massive numbers of trekkers through the Inca Trail, I had a very personalized experience with Inca truckers. We could move at our own pace, and we were able to immerse ourselves in the Quechua culture of the porters, who were happy to speak with us while they were laboring for the Larger groups. I cannot recommend Incatrekkers highly enough for its personalized service and knowledgeable approach to birds, plants, and the history of Peru. There is so much to see in Peru and Incatrekkers can get you to the places others can’t.

    Response from the operator: We sincerely appreciate your thoughtful review. It was a pleasure to have you with us, and we’re thrilled that you had a positive experience. Thank you for choosing our services-we hope to welcome you again in the future!

    via Tripadvisor

    Dreamer643260 · May 2025

    One day of hard hiking to paradise

    Out one day trip to Machu Picchu did not disappoint it was difficult and very challenging hover out amazing tour guide Dave made it great. We had a tight time frame but he was helpful and encouraging. This day was amazing and views were incredible along the way and to reach Machu Picchu was something I can’t describe I cried. Very moving. Hard to imagine how they built these buildings walls and paths. Beyond a experience not to miss

    via Tripadvisor

    Bilzebob · July 2024

    Great Tourguide and detail

    It was a great experience with Juve as a Tourguide. Two days before the tour he came to the hostel to check if everything was alright and to explain in person the plan for the day. The pick-up on the day of the tour and the whole transport was perfectly planned and relaxed. Once in Machu Picchu Juve explained a lot about the history and everything regarding the Incas. All in all a great experience and highly recommended!!

    Response from the operator: We’re grateful for your wonderful review. It was a pleasure to be part of your journey, and we’re glad you enjoyed it. Hope to see you again on your next adventure!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 55

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)26
    Booking momentum (14% weight)14
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)53
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.

    How much does One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu cost?

    +

    Prices start at $699 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 One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu take?

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    Plan for about 8 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 One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

    +

    Around 1 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?

    +

    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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does One Day Hike 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?

    +

    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, Full-Day Humantay Lake Trek (Meals Included), 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

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    Included: Private transportation; Professional Local Tour Guide; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Dinner; and Travel Insurance. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 56 listed pickup locations in and around Cusco. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cusco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about One Day Hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

    +

    Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, photo opportunities. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

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