The 1 Day Inca Trail Hike

Itinerary

1 DAY INCA TRAIL ITINERARY

Times are approximate and depend on your fitness levels.

The adventure of a lifetime begins today. Your driver will pick you up at the crack of dawn (around 4am). We then drive to Ollantaytambo. It is still dark at this time so why not catch up on sleep with a nap before arriving to the train station in Ollantaytambo (pickups also available from Ollantaytambo).

We will arrive at the train station just as the sky begins to brighten. The train ride itself is magical, so grab a coffee while you’re waiting. The adventure is beginning.

On your left, the Urubamba River winds its way through the peaceful valley, and on your right rugged mountains guard you. Before you know it the mountains give way to thick, lush trees as the highland scenery transforms into thick jungle.

The Expedition Train takes you to KM104 (elevation 2,100m/6,927ft), the first checkpoint and starting point of your trek. Once you cross over the Urubamba River you will be surrounded by hikers all with the same goal as you.

At the checkpoint take the opportunity to use the restrooms, apply (and reapply) insect repellent and sunscreen, pack your box lunch, purchase any extra snacks you fancy, and fill up on water.

The first archeological site we will pass is just a few steps past the checkpoint. Learn the history and thriving culture of the Incas from your local guide as we pass by flora and fauna unique to the Inca trail. We continue our gentle uphill walk for three hours.

After these three hours we arrive at a waterfall, where we can stop for a break. Grab some photos or use this opportunity wash your face or to soak your feet in these calming, healing waters.

The waterfall represents the end of the easy part of the trek. From here, the path begins to steepen before our first steep climb. This climb is worth it though, as we come out at the archaeological site of Wiñayhuana, (2,650m/8747 ft).

The views from Wiñay Wayna are absolutely spectacular and the history is equally as fascinating, so take a moment to revel in your achievement and learn about the different areas from your guide. After you have learned your fill we continue to the campsite of Wiñay Wayna, where we stop to rest and enjoy our lunch.

The rest of the trip undulates with the mountain- right up until we reach the monkey stairs. These stairs demand climbers summit them while using their hands as well as their feet. This is the final challenge before we arrive to the Sun Gate and our first view of Machu Picchu.

From the Sun Gate you will have the chance to take as many photos as you like while overlooking the citadel. This is a really special place so make sure that you take a moment to soak in the atmosphere before continuing your hike down to the citadel.

As we arrive in Machu Picchu in the afternoon there will be less tourists than there is earlier in the day. If you have made good time on the hike then you will be able to enjoy your full guided tour lasting around 2 hours on circuit 3.

At around 4pm we will exit the citadel and take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. This bus journey is one of the best bus routes I have ever taken, so try to get a window seat! Once in Aguas Calientes you can explore the cobbled streets, hunting out some food and picking up some souveniers.

At 6:20pm you will return to Ollantaytambo on the Expedition Train before catching our private van back to Cusco. Estimated arrival in Cusco is 10pm.

• Meals: Box Lunch & Dinner (Included)

***Please note: It is not possible to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain due to time restraints.  

***If you would like, you can stay the night in Aguas Calientes and we will book your return train for the next day. 

*** You can start the trek from Ollantaytambo, if you do we recommend  that you stay in our own lodge; Veronica View Hotel.