$590
Short Inca Trail 2 Days
If you have one extra day — same-region experience including Sun Gate.
Tour Overview
About This Tour
Don't have time for a multi-day trek? Our Machu Picchu 1-Day Hike gives you the full Machu Picchu experience in a single very long day from Cusco — including a guided tour of the citadel and same-day return. Perfect for travelers passing through Cusco with limited time.
This isn't a casual visit. You'll wake well before dawn, take an early train to Aguas Calientes, hike up the original Inca stone steps (or take the bus), enjoy a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu, and return to Cusco the same evening. Long day, but unforgettable.
If you'd prefer to walk up the steep stone path instead of taking the bus, our guides can lead you up the historic 1,800 ancient stone steps from Aguas Calientes to the citadel — a 90-minute climb that adds genuine adventure to your day.
Day by Day
Detailed Itinerary
(B) = Breakfast · (L) = Lunch · (D) = Dinner
Day 1
Cusco → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco
3:30 a.m. — Pickup from your Cusco hotel.
5:30 a.m. — Tourist train Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes (1h 45m, Expedition class).
7:30 a.m. — Arrival in Aguas Calientes. Choose your option: bus up to Machu Picchu (25 min, included) OR hike the historic Inca stone steps (90 min, optional, fitter trekkers only).
9:00–11:00 a.m. — Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel under Circuit 2: Sun Temple, Sacred Plaza, Intihuatana stone, royal precincts, terraces, and the iconic upper viewpoint.
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Free time inside the citadel for photos and reflection.
2:00 p.m. — Lunch in Aguas Calientes (independent, restaurants $15–35).
3:30 p.m. — Train Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo.
7:30 p.m. — Return to your Cusco hotel. End of services.
Total day length: approx. 16 hours.
✓ The Tour Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- Private transfer Cusco → Ollantaytambo
- Round-trip tourist train (Expedition class)
- Round-trip bus Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket (Circuit 2)
- Professional English-speaking guide (2-hour citadel tour)
- Snacks and bottled water on the train
- All taxes
✗ Not Included
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes (around $15–35)
- Tips for guide and driver
- Vistadome train upgrade: +$60
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance
- Travel insurance
Packing
What to Bring
- Original passport: REQUIRED for trail entry — no exceptions. Bring the same passport you used to book.
- Daypack (25–35 L): Sturdy, waterproof, with chest and waist straps. You'll carry water, snacks, jacket, camera.
- Hiking boots: Broken-in, ankle-supporting, waterproof. Do not bring brand-new boots — blisters at 4,200 m are no joke.
- Layered technical clothing: Quick-dry t-shirts, long sleeves, fleece, light down jacket. Avoid cotton.
- Waterproof jacket + pants: Andean weather is unpredictable. A good rain shell is essential year-round.
- Sun hat + warm hat: The sun at altitude is intense; nights drop to near-freezing.
- Sunglasses + sunscreen (SPF 50+): UV at 4,000 m is brutal — protect skin and eyes.
- Insect repellent (DEET 30%+): Especially for days 3–4 in cloud forest.
⚠ Remember: Andean weather can change quickly — be prepared for both bright sun at altitude and sudden rain showers, even in the dry season.
