ITINERARY FOR THE 1 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
Day 1: Cusco – Ollantaytambo – KM104 – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Early Start & Scenic Train Journey
Your day begins early with a 4:00 AM hotel pickup in Cusco, traveling in private transportation to the Ollantaytambo train station.
Staying in Ollantaytambo? We’ll collect you directly from your hotel at 5:30 AM — just let us know in advance.
Before boarding the train, your guide will provide a picnic lunch for the trail. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or food allergies at the time of booking.
Enjoy a scenic 1 hour and 15 minute train ride through the Sacred Valley before arriving at Km 104 (2,000 m / 6,560 ft). From here, you disembark with your guide and begin the hike, following the Urubamba River into the heart of the Inca Trail.
Inca Trail Experience: Cloud Forests & Wiñay Wayna
After crossing the Urubamba River via a footbridge, you’ll stop at a checkpoint (passport required) and visit an initial Inca site before starting a gentle uphill hike.
The first 1.5 hours are gradual, with several rest shelters along the way and multiple viewpoints overlooking the river — ideal for photos. Parts of the trail pass through cloud forest, where light mist is common depending on the season.
The following 1.5 hours become steeper, rewarded by a beautiful waterfall crossing and the arrival at Wiñay Wayna (2,600 m / 8,500 ft) — one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the Inca Trail, partially embraced by jungle vegetation.
Jungle Trail, Lunch & Final Stretch
Continuing through sub-tropical jungle, your guide shares insights into the Inca ruins, flora, and fauna unique to this microclimate.
A short walk brings you to the Wiñay Wayna camping area, the final campsite of the classic 4-day Inca Trail. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch and a well-earned rest before the final section of the hike.
Sun Gate Arrival & First Views of Machu Picchu
After lunch, the trail becomes mostly flat for approximately 1.5 hours until reaching the stone steps leading to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
From this iconic viewpoint, you’ll enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu — a moment many travelers consider the highlight of the trek.
The final 45-minute descent offers additional viewpoints and explanations from your guide as you walk toward the citadel.
Entrance Circuit: 1B
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
You arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon, when crowds begin to thin and lighting conditions are ideal for photography. After time at the viewing platforms, your guide leads a comprehensive guided tour of the citadel, including:
- Temple of the Sun
- Temple of the Condor
- Temple of the Three Windows
- Sun Dial (Intihuatana) and the Quarry
- House of the Inca
You’ll also learn about the site’s agricultural, residential, and religious sectors.
Guided Tour Circuit: 3B or 2B (subject to availability)
Return to Cusco
In the evening, board the Expedition train at 6:20 PM back to Ollantaytambo.
Travelers upgrading to Vistadome will depart at 6:10 PM.
From Ollantaytambo, private transportation returns you to your hotel in Cusco, with an estimated arrival around 10:00 PM.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE 1 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel
- Pick up at your hotel by your guide
- Private transport from your hotel to the train station
- Bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Licensed English-speaking professional guide who is experienced in trekking
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 and then back from Machu Picchu City (Aguas Calientes) to Ollantaytambo where a private van will return you back to Cusco
- Admission Ticket to the Inca trail and Machu Picchu Archeological site
- Box lunch
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- First-aid kit including an emergency oxygen tank
- Rain poncho
- Taxes
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE 1 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
- It is not possible to do the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climb due to time restraints
- Energy snacks such as chocolate bars, dried fruits
- First breakfast & Dinner at Aguas Calientes
- Tips for the staff (Apple Travel Peru staff receives a fair payment immediately after they end their trip; tips are optional but greatly appreciated by them)
- Upgrade to Vistadome Train: $67 USD per person – (Return only)
ADDED VALUES FOR FREE
- TRANSFER IN: from the airport to hotel included (Airport to hotel in Cusco only)
BEST PRICE FOR THIS UNIQUE TREK!
The 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is available on any date that suits you! We just require a minimum of 2 participants!
GROUP PRICES
- $377 USD per person
PRIVATE SERVICE PRICES
- $447 USD per person – 2 to 3 persons
- $417 USD per person – 4 or more persons
PRIVATE PRICE 1 person only:
- $557 USD per person – 1 person only private trek
We require a minimum of 2 hikers in order to start the trek. For solo travelers- please inquire about the dates you are looking to trek.
EXTRAS
- Upgrade to Vistadome: $67 USD per person (Return only)
- Stay the night in Machu Picchu City 2, 3, or 4-star hotel. (We will arrange your return train back to Cusco for the next day)
The SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU is available year in February for maintenance — This trek takes you into Machu Picchu by walking through the SUN GATE like in ancient times, you will explore some amazing Inca ruins along the way like Wiñay Wayna Inca City.
WHY CHOOSE APPLE TRAVEL?
Apple Travel Peru is a family-owned travel agency and a local tour operator located in Cusco, Peru. With years of personal experience trekking and exploring the area, we pride ourselves on providing personalized and high-quality service to all our clients. As a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders, we are committed to supporting our local community.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in responsible and sustainable tourism practices. We treat our staff like family and ensure that they receive a fair salary. Our team is the backbone of our company, and we are proud to have a skilled and dedicated team that helps us provide unforgettable experiences to our clients.
We understand the importance of working with a reliable and honest tour operator when planning your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. That’s why we encourage you to check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on TripAdvisor to see what our clients have to say about their experience with us. With Apple Travel Peru, you can trust that we will go above and beyond to make your trip a success.
SMALL GROUPS
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in providing a more intimate and personalized experience for our guests. To achieve this, we have a policy that limits our group size to a maximum of 8 people. This sets us apart from other tour companies that often operate with much larger groups. By keeping our groups small, we are able to provide more individual attention to each of our guests, ensuring a higher quality of service and a more enjoyable experience overall.
OUR TOUR GUIDES
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe that having the right guide can make all the difference in your travel experience. That’s why we are proud to say that our guides are highly professional and fluent in English. They are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about Inca heritage and history.
Our guides are committed to ongoing personal and professional development. They conduct extensive research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands with our crew, who are not only knowledgeable but also fun-loving and great sports.
All of our guides hold degrees in one of the following fields: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology. We believe that their education and expertise provide a valuable perspective and enhance your overall experience.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
At Apple Travel Peru, we strongly believe in supporting the local communities that surround us. We are committed to responsible tourism and make it a priority to give back through various service projects and by hiring locally.
We take great pride in not only employing local people but also supporting their families and communities. The belief is in a holistic approach and we are thrilled to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. It brings us joy to be able to support our highland employees and their families in a meaningful way.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read carefully the following information; it will help you answer all of your questions about our services and the 1 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
When you arrive at the Cusco airport, we send our representative there to greet you and take you to your hotel. To help us make sure everything runs smoothly, please provide us with your flight details at least two weeks before you arrive. When you exit the arrival terminal, keep an eye out for our representative, who will be holding an Apple Travel Peru sign. Our representative won’t be able to enter the terminal, so you’ll need to step outside to find them.
THE BRIEFING
Your tour briefing will be the night before your trek at our offices at 6 or 6:30 pm, depending on your confirmation details. The office is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010 Office 2012.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Absolutely! We understand that during the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you may not want to carry all of your luggage with you. Therefore, we offer the option to store your main luggage at our office or your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. We recommend that you pack only the necessary items that you will need for your trek. If you have any questions about what to pack, feel free to consult with your guide.
HOW TO BOOK?
FIRST: When booking your 1 day Inca Trail Machu Picchu trek, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our home page or click here on the linkBOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Inca Trail permit without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND: We require a deposit of $211.00 USD per person in order to purchase a permit for the 1 day Inca Trail Machu Picchu. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you’re worried about high credit card fees while in Peru, don’t worry! You have options to pay for your tour with Apple Travel Peru. You can pay in cash (in US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office located in Cusco‘s historical center. There are also plenty of ATMs in the area where you can withdraw cash.
If you prefer to pay online, we accept payments through VISA or PayPal. However, please note that there is a 5.5% service fee charged by these payment platforms. To pay your balance through PayPal, simply log into your PayPal account and use our email address: appletravelperu@gmail.com.
We want to make sure that you have a stress-free and convenient payment experience. So, feel free to choose the option that works best for you!
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is No. We cannot change the dates for the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu once the permits have been purchased. This is due to government regulations and the permits cannot be transferred or refunded. If you decide to cancel the Inca Trail, unfortunately, the deposit will not be refunded.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE 1 DAY OF THE INCA TRAIL?
Absolutely! Bringing your original passport with you is crucial for your 1-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It’s important to make sure that the passport number matches the one you provided us when booking your permit. If you’re in the process of renewing your passport, don’t worry! Just send us your old passport number and we’ll secure your permit. You can then update us with your new passport number as soon as you receive it. It’s always better to keep us informed as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience. Please send us the new passport number as soon as possible.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather on the Inca Trail can be quite unpredictable, making it difficult to plan for in advance. That’s why we recommend dressing in layers to make it easier to adjust to any sudden changes in temperature or weather conditions.
IS THE TREK DIFFICULT, DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
The 1 day Inca Trail Machu Picchu is 12 km/7.5 mi. hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 2,700 m/8,850 ft.
In preparation: try walking 15km/9 mi. in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well-acclimatized to the altitude. We suggest trying to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350 m/11,047 ft) prior to starting the trek.
AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN’S DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability. We hope to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco while on the train. The Expedition train departs at 6:20 pm.
HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME TRAIN UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows, and a ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance. The Vistadome departs at 6:10.
ARE WE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE 1 DAY INCA TRAIL?
Absolutely!! Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included with all of our packages! If you have booked your hotel in Sacred Valley, we will drop you off there and vice versa.
TIPPING
If you’re pleased with the services you’ve received from our staff, we welcome any gratuities you may wish to offer. While tipping may not be a standard practice in your home country, it is an essential part of the tourism industry in many destinations we operate in. Tipping inspires our staff to provide exceptional service, and it is greatly appreciated. The amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you and should be based on the quality and duration of your trip. We want to emphasize that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given if you feel you’ve received excellent service.
ARE YOU SUSTAINABLE?
Absolutely! Apple Travel Peru is committed to being a responsible tourism operator that prioritizes sustainability and local engagement. We believe in following universal principles of tourism that protect the environment and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism while respecting their culture and beliefs. To ensure that we achieve this, we have extensively trained all our local staff to understand, appreciate, and respect the local communities and places we visit.
PACKING CHECKLIST FOR THE 1 DAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
The 1 Inca Trail Machu Picchu DOES NOT INCLUDE the extra porter, so, you will need to carry all your things, please try to pack as lightly as possible which is the key to enjoying this amazing trek
- Original passport (it has to be the same one you have used for booking your trek)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water: 2L in reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable bottles)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Toilet paper
- Jacket
- Dress in layers
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Personal medications
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Wool hat (only in the cold season)
- Rain gear if the rainy season
- Snacks (chocolate bars, cereal bars, or any dry fruits)
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by APPLE)
- Camera
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
