Short Inca Trail one day trek

HIGHLIGHTS

This short Inca Trail 1 day allows you to visit the most magnificent ruins such as Chachabamba and Winawayna, and then enter on foot through the Sun Gate as the Incas did. Once you finish trekking, you will spend in the afternoon at Machu Picchu (Seven Wonders of the Modern World) with a private guide. Then take a bus to Aguas Calientes where you will have dinner. After your meal, you will take your train back to Ollantaytambo, then our van back to Cusco.

Why should you hike the Inca trail 1-day hike with AB Expeditions?

• We are a practical, punctual, reliable Travel company, welcoming individuals or groups. Check out our reviews on trip advisor.
• You will ride the same train with your guide until the Inca trail trailhead. 
• We don’t share the service with other companies.
• Small groups of 2 to 8 people maximum. This fact sets us apart from other travel companies that take bigger groups.  
• AB Expeditions is A 100% locally owned Travel Company and fully licensed Inca Trail operator.
• Our Tour Guides pride themselves on being up-to-date and have a comprehensive program of continuing professional development. We love showing what a fascinating and unique Inca trail is.

** All time references are approximate based on your hiking speed of the group

• At 4:00 am early in the morning our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco or  Urubamba(5:00 am) or Ollantaytambo (5:30 am).
• You will travel for about 1 hour and 30 minutes through Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo town where is the Train station.
• We will provide you with a box breakfast and you will have time until 05:50 am.
• Our train will leave at 06:10 am and it takes 1 hour and 10 minutes until km 104.
• At 7:30 am, We will show our Passport at the checkpoint and then start hiking to Wiñaywayna.
• Around noon you will eat your box lunch in Wiñaywayna.
• At 12:30, you will start hiking to the sun gate. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• By 14:00, you will get to the Sun gate from where you will have your first view from a distance of Machu Pichu
• Around 15:00 you start visiting Machu Picchu with your guide.  
• By 16:30, you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes which takes 30 minutes, and you will have time until 17:50 to eat your dinner.
• Our Train departs at 18:20 back to Ollantaytambo. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Once you gef off  at 20:00, our driver will wait for you then take you to Cusco. We will drop you in your at hotel at 22:00.

SHORT INCA TRAIL 1 DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Cusco – Kilometer 104 – Aguas Calientes . Cusco.

We will leave Cusco at 04:00 am to start the one-day Inca Trail. We drive for about an hour and a half to Ollantaytambo where we will take our train until kilometer 104, where our trek starts. Our trek today takes us along the most wonderful stretch of the Classic Inca Trail 4 Days. We’ll visit beautiful Inca sites, see a variety of flora and fauna, and get to take in the stunning panoramas of the Andes. Walking 10km of the trail our hike begins in the Sacred Valley and works its way up along a paved Inca trail to the archeological site of Winay Wayna before continuing on to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). After visiting Wiñay Wayna, we will have our box lunch.

After enjoying our meal. we’ll hike through the lush and green cloud forest that covers the mountain and get to see a wide variety of plants, flowers, orchids, and birds along the way. We might see some larger mammals such as Viscachas (rabbit-like Chinchillas) and Spectacled Bears (if we are very lucky).

After a full day of hiking, we’ll get to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) in the afternoon and get our first views of Machu Picchu spread out on the mountain ridge below. The light in the afternoon is great for photos and with fewer tourists on the site, it’s a perfect time to take beautiful pictures of the site. After passing through the Sun Gate we’ll keep hiking for about 45 minutes to get to Machu Picchu

Once you get Machu Picchu, you will go first to the Guard hourse where you will take a postcard picture of Machu Picchu. The good thing is there are few people at the picture spot which helps to enjoy Machu Picchu much better. Then you will exit Machu Picchu to use the toilet then reenter at 15:00 and you will have 1 hour and half of guided tour in Machu Picchu. You will see all of the most important parts of Machu Picchu. Finally, we will catch the bus at 16:30 to Aguas Calientes where you will have your dinner after you take a train at 18:20 back to Ollantaytambo, and then our van back to Cusco. We will transfer you to your hotel at 10:00 pm.

• Elevation Gain: 695 m / 1683 ft.
• Elevation Loose: 391 m / 820 feet.
• Highlights: hike original Inca Trail, visit Wiñaywayna ruins.
• Walking Distance: 15 km / 9.32 miles
• Trailhead Elevation: 2,000 m / 6561 ft.
• Highest point: 2,720 m/8923 ft.
• Weather: Hot and humid.

INCLUSION

What s Included?

• Pick up and drop off at your hotel.
• Pre-departure Inca Trail briefing, presented by the tour guides at 6:00 pm at the office a day before.
• English-speaking tour guide.
• Tourist train ticket for your guide who will ride the train until Km104(Starting point of the hike)
• Two hours of guided tour in Machu Picchu.
• Inca Trail permits and Machupicchu tickets.
• train ticket from Ollantaytambo to kilometer 104(starting point of the hike).
• Return “Expeditions train” ticket(18:20) to Ollantaytambo.
• Private Transportation from the train station to Cusco.
• Emergency oxygen bottle and first aid kit.
• Bus Ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
• Meal service (1 breakfast, 1 box lunch, 1 snack). With options for vegetarians, gluten-free, lactose Intolerance, and any food allergy.
• Day pack cover to keep you dry your belongings.
• Rain Poncho to cover the rain.

FREQUENT ASK QUESTION 

HOW TO BOOK THE  INCA TRAIL 1 DAY WITH AB EXPEDITONS?

In order to book your 1 Day Inca Trail hike with us, click on the BOOK NOW button, then select the day of your departure, then, fill out all your personal information of each participant and the last step is the payment of your deposit of $150 per person.

Once we get your deposit, we will send you a confirmation of your trip and the booking form to fill out. Here is all the detail that you need to send us.

• Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
• Nationality
• Gender
• Passport number
• Date of Birthday (dd/mm /yyyy)

***We need copies of the Passport of each participant because they are required when buying Inca trail permits.

When your Inca trail permits are in our hands, we will send you a confirmation that everything is 100% organized. All start dates, once confirmed, are guaranteed.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?

Yes! During the 1-day Inca trail to Machu Picchu, you can store your luggage at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.  Please bring what you will only need during your Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

WHAT ABOUT THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE?

The outstanding balance can be made in cash one day earlier your trip in USD or soles or if you prefer PayPal at least one week prior to your trip(7% service fee applies). Also, you can pay us with a Credit card only Visa(5% service fee applies).  Please let us know what you prefer. Cash payment MUST be paid 1 day prior to your trip.

HOW ABOUT THE STUDENT DISCOUNT?

According to Peruvian law, you have to be under 18 years old at the time of your hike to the One Day Inca trail hike (if you are 18 or over, you need valid student cards). Below is a sample of a valid student card

• All students from 11 to 17 years old have a discount of $30 USD.
• For children from 2 to 11 years old a discount is $40 USD.

All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of their booking to get the student discount. Send us a copy at info@abexpeditions.com

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE PERMITS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED?

Unfortunately, it is not possible. The Peruvian government does t allow us to change once the one-day Inca trail permits have been bought. Inca Trail permits are not transferable nor refundable. The only information that the government allows us to change is passport numbers.

HOW HARD IS ONE DAY INCA TRAIL?

This hike is classified as difficult, it’s recommended to be in good physical condition.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON 1 DAY  INCA TRAIL HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU?

Yes! You must bring your original passport and it is very important that it should be the same passport you sent us to reserve your One Day Inca Trail permit. Your passport will be checked at the Short Inca trail checkpoint, Machu Picchu, and when you board the train.

UPDATING PASSPORT NUMBERS

If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Short  Inca trail 1-day permits. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport. Please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information on your permit.

 WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE OF MY TRAIN TICKET?

It will depend on the train availability. We usually book the 06:10 am schedule from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes on day 1 and the return train ticket is at 02:55 pm so you arrive in Cusco at 06:30 pm and you have enough time to sleep and do any tour the next day, like Rainbow Mountain.

CAN I STAY IN THE SACRED VALLEY FOR MY INCA TRAIL 1 DAY?

Yes, you can stay in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo. By staying in the Sacred Valley, your pickup will be 1 hour and half after the cusco pick up so you will sleep more.

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR INCA TRAIL 1 DAY 

IMPORTANT:

A maximum of 250 people per day are allowed to access the Inca Trail 1 Day at km 104; This number includes all support staff such as authorized porters, cooks and tour guides and is most tightly controlled; when the inca trail reaches its limit of 250 travellers, the Trail is closed off for the day and no further reservations could be made; Booking are not held on the Trail and all permits to trek must be bought a year in advance, if possible.

THINGS TO KNOW

• This Machu Picchu 1 day hike is not recommended for travelers with back problems
• You will have a tour guide during your short Inca trail and on the Machu Picchu tour.
• Daily departures with a group of 2 or more.
• No departures in February due to trail maintenance.
• There is no access for a wheelchair.
• DON’T FORGET THE ESSENTIALS: Original passport, insurance card, and personal medications.
• This short Inca trail will have a maximum of 8 travelers

STRIKES

Strikes and roadblocks are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our short Inca trail to Machu Picchu hike and rail service to and from Machu Picchu. We will do our best that your hike to Machu Picchu continues as planned with some changes.

If the strike happens on the first day of your short Inca Trail tour, we will take you to Aguas Calientes the night before your start date. You will spend the night in a hotel which will be at your expense and the next day, you will hike an extra 1 hour and a half to Km 104 where your 1 day Inca Trail tour starts.

After you finish visiting Machu Picchu, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes. You will spend another night there which will be at your expense and the next day, you will hike to Hidreoelectrica for about 3 hours and take our van back to Cusco for about 7 hours.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you get travel insurance because if you cancel your one-day Machu Picchu hike at the last minute it can reimburse you for your pre-paid, non-refundable short Inca Trail permit. Also when you get sick or hurt while you are far away from home, it can reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling.

SHORT INCA TRAIL WEATHER

The weather is unpredictable in the Andes. The dry season in 1 day Inca Trail hike is from April to October and the rainy season is from November through March, but this does not stop rain from falling in the dry season or the sun from coming out in the rainy season so just be prepared. No matter what season you are hiking the short Inca Trail trek, make sure that you get rain gear such as a rain jacket, rain pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. You might experience 4 seasons in only one day too. So you must be prepared. Layers are the key since they are easy to adapt to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a down jacket since the early morning and evening will be cold.

RETURNING FROM MACHU PICHU TO CUSCO.

Returning from Machu Picchu to Cusco needs a lot of logistics. But it is already organized by us.

Bus from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, you will take a bus down to Aguas Calientes for about 30 minutes. Buses run every 15 minutes. Then Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station. Our guide will give you your train tickets. Make sure to get to the train station 30 minutes earlier.

• The estimated time on the train is 1 hour and a half from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• The estimated time on the train is 3 hours and a half from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.

Once at the train station, our transfer will wait for you with the AB Expeditions logo. He/She will then transfer you back to Cusco and then to your hotel.

• The estimated time from Ollantaytambo to Cusco is 1 hour and a half.
• The estimated time from Poroy to Cusco is 40 minutes.

PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING

There is a mandatory pre-departure briefing at our Cusco Office one day before your departure to the Inca trail 1 day at 6 pm. You will meet your tour guide and He will give you detailed information about your hike, a list of what to bring, rental equipment, or questions in general. Our office is located at: Marquez Street 250, Second Floor. Office 03. Cuzco, Peru.

WHAT TO BRING FOR THE 1 DAY INCA TRAIL EXPRESS

• Passport: Bring your actual passport. It will be checked at the Chachabamba checkpoint and when you board the train. Make sure it’s the same one you used to book your short Inca Trail 1 day permits.
• Student Card: If you booked as a student, bring your student ID card.
• Backpack: A 25-liter backpack is recommended, but you can bring one that’s smaller or bigger. If it’s too large for Machu Picchu, you’ll need to store it in a locker for 5 soles.
• Water Bottle: Bring a reusable water bottle since single-use bottles are not allowed.
• Water: Carry at least 2 liters of water per person.
• First Aid Kit: It’s good to have your own first aid kit, even though our guides will have one. However, they cannot give out medication.
• Clothes for Machu Picchu: Bring an outfit to change into for photos at Machu Picchu.
• Sun Hat: The first part of the trail is sunny, so bring a hat to protect yourself.
• Running Shoes: After the hike, you can switch to running shoes for confort .
• Power Bank: Bring a power bank to keep your phone charged for photos and videos.
• Trekking Shoes: Trekking shoes are recommended because the trail is paved with rocks and can be slippery.
• Sunglasses: It’s often sunny on the short Inca trail, so sunglasses will help.
• Sunblock: The sun is strong in the Andes, so bring sunscreen.
• Insect Repellent: There will be mosquitoes on the Trail the whole year, especially more in August and September.
• Hiking Poles with rubber Tips: If you’re not used to hiking or have knee problems, hiking poles can be helpful. Make sure they have rubber tips.
• Snacks: Even though snacks are provided, bring extra if you get hungry often, like energy bars or candies.
• Electrolytes (Optional): If you need an energy boost, electrolytes can help.
• Hand Sanitizer: In some areas, you may need to use the bathroom outdoors, so hand sanitizer will be useful.
• Toilet Paper: Toilets on the trail might not have toilet paper, so bring your own.
• Long-Sleeve Shirt: Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirts are good for sun protection and layering.
• Fleece Jacket: A warm fleece jacket is important for cooler temperatures in the mornings or evenings.
• Trekking Pants: Trekking pants dry faster than jeans if it rains, which helps you stay warm.
• T-Shirts: Bring at least two t-shirts since the trail is hot and you’ll likely sweat.
• Rain Jacket: The weather can change suddenly, so always bring a rain jacket.
• Camera or Phone: There are lots of great photo opportunities along the trail and at Machu Picchu.
• Money: Bring some Peruvian soles in case you need to buy something since credit cards may not be accepted in Ollantaytambo.
• Moleskin: Useful for treating blisters.
• Binoculars (Optional): If you’re interested in birdwatching, bring binoculars to spot different bird species.