Hike a section of the original Inca Trail from Km 104 through Wiñay Wayna and Intipunku to Machu Picchu, then visit the citadel with your guide the next morning.
The 1-Day Inca Trail takes you from Km 104 along a section of the original Inca Trail, past the archaeological sites of Chachabamba, Choquesuysuy and Wiñay Wayna, to Intipunku and Machu Picchu. Then you ride down to Aguas Calientes and take the evening train back, so you sleep at your own hotel that night. Choose a shared or private service, and we tailor-make every detail to your travel style, needs and budget.
Cloud forest and Andean scenery
Chachabamba, Choquesuysuy and Wiñay Wayna
Led by a local expert team
Panoramic view of Machu Picchu from Intipunku
Route and Itinerary
One Day, One Trail
Interactive map of the Inca Trail route from Km 104 to Machu Picchu, with altitude changes.
The Inca Trail in a single day: the final section of the route and the classic entrance to Machu Picchu, walked between an early-morning train and an evening one back. It suits travelers who have limited time but still want to arrive on foot.
Distance
8.52 km
Km 104 to Machu Picchu
Duration
1 day
Round trip from Cusco or the Sacred Valley
Start
2,165 m a.s.l.
Km 104
Highest point
2,733 m a.s.l.
8,967 ft · along the trail
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Trek Highlights
Walk a section of the original Inca Trail from Km 104.
An early train to Km 104, a day on the Inca Trail and the evening train home.
Your day begins early. We pick you up at your hotel at 2:30 a.m. in Cusco or at 3:30 a.m. in the Sacred Valley and drive you to the Ollantaytambo station. There you board the 5:05 a.m. Expedition train, which reaches Km 104 at 6:00 a.m., and your walk begins. As you follow the trail, your guide points out the flora and fauna of the area, and from a distance you can already spot the mountain that holds Machu Picchu.
The first archaeological site is Chachabamba, followed by Choquesuysuy. About three hours later you reach Wiñay Wayna, where Inca terraces climb the mountainside. Then the path continues to Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where Machu Picchu opens up in a panoramic view. It is a special moment, because you arrive at the citadel on foot, just as generations of travelers have done before.
Finally, you take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and meet at the train station by 6:00 p.m. The 6:20 p.m. Expedition train brings you back to Ollantaytambo at 8:05 p.m., and a transfer takes you to your hotel after a long and rewarding day.
Highlights
Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104.
Chachabamba, Choquesuysuy and Wiñay Wayna.
Panoramic view of Machu Picchu from Intipunku.
Bus down to Aguas Calientes and the evening train to Ollantaytambo.
Meals: Box lunch
Altitude from the route’s GPS track. Distance measured along the trail.
Your program includes a standard panoramic train. Upgrade it for more windows, an open-air car or onboard entertainment.
Included
Expedition or Voyager Train
Comfortable seats and large windows. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board.
Upgrade
Vistadome Train
Enjoy larger panoramic windows, comfortable premium seating, and onboard entertainment.
Upgrade
Vistadome Observatory Train
Everything in the panoramic experience, plus an open-air observatory car with unobstructed views.
Upgrades apply to the return train or the round trip, depending on your program. Price per person, subject to availability. Departure times depend on the train you choose and are confirmed when you book.
Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.
First aid kit, including an oxygen bottle.
Meals
1 box lunch.
Transport
Tourist transport from your hotel to the train station.
Expedition train to Km 104.
Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.
Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Transfer from the Ollantaytambo station to your hotel.
What’s not included
Tips for the staff.
Optional extra: an upgrade to the Vistadome train. Ask us for details and pricing.
Important Notes
Shared or private service, tailored to your dates and group size.
Bring your original passport; its details must match your booking exactly.
Bring cash in soles and/or US$, also for tips.
Students under 18 may get a discount—ask us.
Times are approximate.
Check your personal details on the Santu voucher, because the entrance ticket cannot be modified once it is purchased.
FAQ
Difficulty and altitude
The 1-day Inca Trail is rated Moderate. You walk about 8.52 km in 6–7 h, from Km 104 (2,165 m a.s.l.) to Machu Picchu, and the highest point is 2,733 m a.s.l.
Good physical condition is recommended. You carry only a small daypack, and your team travels with a first aid kit that includes an oxygen bottle.
We recommend at least one full day in Cusco (3,399 m a.s.l.) or the Sacred Valley before you start, and more time if your schedule allows. As a result, your body has time to adjust before the trek. Take it easy on that first day and drink plenty of water. In fact, the trail starts at Km 104 (2,165 m a.s.l.) and climbs to 2,733 m a.s.l. at its highest point. If you have a health condition, check with your doctor before you travel.
Packing and booking
Bring your original passport, comfortable waterproof trekking shoes, a rain jacket or poncho, a hat for sun and cold, sunscreen, insect repellent (minimum 20%), a flashlight or headlamp, a non-disposable water bottle, snacks, a swimsuit if you plan to visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes, and any personal medication. A small backpack is enough for the trek, and trekking poles are optional. Bring cash in soles and/or US$, also for tips.
Book as early as possible, so we can confirm availability for your dates.
You can choose a shared or a private service, and we tailor-make every detail to your travel style and needs. The price depends on your group size and the services you choose, so request a quote.
Write to us on WhatsApp with your preferred dates and group size, and we will confirm availability and explain how to secure your booking. We will reply as soon as we can.
Before and after the trek
On the day of the trek, we pick you up at 2:30 a.m. in Cusco or 3:30 a.m. in the Sacred Valley and take you to the Ollantaytambo station for the 5:05 a.m. Expedition train to Km 104.
Carry your original passport, because its details must match your booking exactly. Also, your box lunch is the only meal included, so have breakfast before departure.
Please be at the Aguas Calientes station by 6:00 p.m. The Expedition train leaves at 6:20 p.m. and reaches Ollantaytambo at 8:05 p.m., when a transfer takes you to your hotel. Ask us about upgrading to the Vistadome train.
Vegetarian meals are available; vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free meals are available with advance notice. Times are approximate.
Pack light
What to bring
The bag you carry yourself while walking.
Sun and rain
Hat
Sunscreen
Waterproof poncho
Jacket
Insect repellent (minimum 20%)
Daypack essentials
Water (non-disposable bottle)
Snacks
Toilet paper and wet wipes
Headlamp or flashlight
Documents and health
Documents (original passport)
Personal medication
Camera and power
Camera / phone
Power bank
Bring cash in soles and/or US$, also for tips.
Tripadvisor · 2026 Reviews
What Our Travelers Say
Recent Tripadvisor reviews of Santu trips in Peru, posted in 2026.
This is Santu’s overall rating, not a rating specific to the Inca Trail.
“The experience was incredible; we were 3 families and we loved it. The level of food, the tents, the guides. A ten.”
Edgardo C · Toledo, Spain Written 4 August 2026 · Translated from Spanish by Tripadvisor
“… Giuliana exceeded our expectations. She did an amazing job listening to our wants/needs, make recommendations and take care of all the steps along the way. We felt fully informed.”
“Giuliana who is an amazing travel agent who planned everything for Us and give us lots of great ideas and she came with an amazing package that it took care of all our needs …”
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