Inca Trail Express 1 Day

INCA TRAIL EXPRESS - 1 DAY

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 tour 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 Wonder of the World—Machu Picchu.

INCA TRAIL EXPRESS TOUR

The tour begins very early, around 3:30 a.m., with pickup from your hotel and transfer to the train station in Ollantaytambo.

From there, you’ll board the 5:00 a.m. train that takes you to Km 104—the starting point.

The Inca Trail Express is rated at physical level 3 out of 4, recommended for travelers aged 12 to 60 with a reasonable fitness level.

It’s ideal for adventurers who want the challenge of hiking the short Inca Trail, and for those who don’t wish to do the full 4-day trek but still want to experience the magic of arriving on foot at Machu Picchu—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

This shortened version of the Inca Trail winds through stunning landscapes, with archaeological sites, diverse scenery, and microclimates that have, over time, given rise to a rich variety of plants, animals, and insects inhabiting the Andean mountains and cloud forests.

Visiting the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu after a 7-hour hike is an adventure you won’t want to miss.

Around 2:00 p.m., you’ll reach Intipunku (Sun Gate), where a sweeping panoramic view of Machu Picchu awaits—filling your soul with pure and ancestral energy.

Entry to Machu Picchu for those arriving via the Inca Trail network is exclusively through Circuit 1 (Panoramic).

Here, you can take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.

Therefore, if you’re interested in visiting the citadel, feel free to contact our agents Inca Trail Explorer—they’ll be happy to provide you with more information.

Variety is the spice of travel: this tour includes a guided hike on the Inca Trail, a Machu Picchu tour, bus and train transportation, and round-trip transfers from your hotel to the Ollantaytambo station.

It’s a journey packed with unforgettable moments.

Enjoy all the options Inca Trail Explorer offers in this one-of-a-kind experience from Cusco to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu.

HIKING LEVEL

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

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

Pre-departure briefing with your guide

Transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station

Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104

Professional bilingual guide (English–Spanish)

Boxed lunch

Inca Trail entrance permit

Downhill bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo

Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station back to Cusco

Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes

Hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes

Services not mentioned

Prices

From $445 USD per person.

What to bring