Inca Trail Express 1 Day

The Inca Trail Express to the citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the most rewarding full-day experiences for travelers eager to discover and immerse themselves in the treasures, nature, and history of the Inca culture. This innovative tourism route offers the opportunity to walk a short version of the classic INCA TRAIL.

You'll enjoy breathtaking landscapes, gain insight into the region’s history and culture through a guided tour, and explore some of the most important archaeological sites—an entirely different way to experience the World Wonder of Machu Picchu.

INCLUDES:

• Pre-departure briefing with your guide
• Transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station
• Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
• Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish)
• Box lunch
• Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail
• Downhill bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station back to Cusco

NOT INCLUDED:

• Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes
• Hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes
• Services not mentioned above

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• The hike takes approximately 6 hours—trekking shoes are highly recommended
• Bring a small daypack with a camera, sunhat, sunscreen, jacket, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a bottle of water
• Keep in mind: the hike takes place at high altitude, so make sure you feel comfortable
• Bring a rain jacket or poncho
• Don’t forget your personal hygiene essentials

Our Inca Trail Express tour starts early, with a 3:30 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco to transfer you to the train station in Ollantaytambo. There, we will board the 5:40 AM train, which will take us to Km. 104. The 90-minute train ride offers the chance to admire Andean landscapes surrounding the Sacred Valley, along with views of the Vilcanota River.

The astonishing geography of this area provides a haven for ornithologists, biologists, scientists, and nature lovers to explore archaeological sites, landscapes, and diverse climates that support a rich variety of plants, animals, and insects across the mountains and jungles.

We’ll stop at Km 104 at Chachabamba, where we will cross a bridge and enter the Inca Trail network. After our tickets and passports are checked, we will begin the trek along the sacred path. As we climb uphill, we’ll reach the first site, where you will enjoy beautiful views of Chachabamba and Choquesuysuy, a small archaeological group linked to Machu Picchu, hidden in the semi-tropical forest.

After visiting the site, we will begin an ascent, encountering orchids, mushrooms, and various epiphytes and lithophytes (plants that grow on other plants or rocks). Continuing, we will reach the first panoramic view of Wiñaywayna from stunning viewpoints. Along the way, we will pass by the Phuyuwachi waterfall, a natural water formation that comes from the heights of Phuyupatamarka, where you will observe a variety of wild flora and native birds of the region.

After a 3-hour trek, we will reach the well-preserved remains of Wiñaywayna, located at 2,650 meters and 5 km southeast of Machu Picchu. It is an archaeological site with a ceremonial and productive complex, architectural distribution belonging to the Inca culture, and a control center for access to Machu Picchu. The name Wiñaywayna comes from an abundant orchid found in the area.

After recharging, we will continue to Intipunku, or 'Sun Gate,' the entrance to the citadel. With the satisfaction of completing the Inca Trail, we’ll take some time to rest, enjoy the beauty, and discover from this point the first view of Machu Picchu and its surroundings.

Finally, we will cross the ridge, descend, and explore the archaeological site, a modern-day delight for every visitor. After a general overview of the Machu Picchu citadel, we will take the tourist bus to Aguas Calientes. From there, we will board the train back to Cusco, concluding our one-day Inca Trail Express tour. 

HIKING LEVEL

The INCA TRAIL EXPRESS – 1 DAY hike is rated level 3 to 4:

• Level 1: Easy – flat terrain, no difficulty
• Level 2: Moderate – mostly flat with slight inclines
• Level 3: Demanding – uneven paths and steady climbs
• Level 4: Challenging – steep and rugged terrain

INCLUDES:

• Pre-departure briefing with your guide
• Transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station
• Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104
• Professional bilingual guide (English – Spanish)
• Box lunch
• Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail
• Downhill bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station back to Cusco

NOT INCLUDED:

• Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes
• Hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes
• Services not mentioned above

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• The hike takes approximately 6 hours—trekking shoes are highly recommended
• Bring a small daypack with a camera, sunhat, sunscreen, jacket, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a bottle of water
• Keep in mind: the hike takes place at high altitude, so make sure you feel comfortable
• Bring a rain jacket or poncho
• Don’t forget your personal hygiene essentials

IMPORTANT:

• TRAINS: Our service includes the EXPEDITION or VOYAGER Train for the round trip; you can upgrade to the VISTADOME Train category for an additional 30 USD per person, only for the return trip.
• We can also offer you the VISTADOME OBSERVATORY TRAIN, with an additional 90 USD per person round trip.
• HOTELS: You can choose packages based on the type of Hotel, you can also opt for Hotels that are not listed in our offer, before confirming you must inform us of the hotel you prefer and we will add it to the package.
• PRIVATE: Consult with one of our advisors if you want any of the services in private.

To start your reservation process please send us the following information:

• Name and surname:
• Passport No.:
• Nationality:
• Date of birth:
• Sex:
• Phone:
• It is very important your information about your hotel in the city of Cusco, so we can pick you up there at the beginning of the tour..

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