Inca Trail Express 1 Day Private Tour to Machu Picchu

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Cusco

  04:00–04:30 – Pickup from hotel in Cusco and Transfer to Ollantaytambo station 1h30min

  1 hour 20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2
  Ollantaytambo

  05:10 – Train from Ollantaytambo to KM 104

  1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3

  After crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River, your guide checks in the group at the official Inca Trail control point. Here you’ll receive a brief orientation before starting the hike. The first section is a steady ascent surrounded by lush vegetation, orchids, hummingbirds, and views of the river below. Your guide will explain the importance of Chachabamba, an Inca religious and administrative site that once protected the entrance to Machu Picchu.

  25 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 4
  Winay Wayna

  After approximately 3 hours of trekking, you reach Wiñay Wayna, one of the most impressive Inca archaeological sites on the trail. Built on a steep mountainside, it features perfectly aligned agricultural terraces, ceremonial fountains, temples, and dwellings. Your guide will lead a detailed visit and share the story of how this site functioned before Machu Picchu. Then, you’ll enjoy your box lunch with a panoramic view, surrounded by mountains and clouds drifting through the valley.

  2 hours • Admission ticket included
• 5

  The final stretch follows a narrow original stone path built by the Incas. This section is scenic and gradual, passing through cloud forest, ancient stairs, and viewpoints. Shortly before reaching the top, you’ll climb the famous “gringo killer” – a short but steep set of steps that rewards you with the most anticipated moment of the day. You arrive at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, the traditional entrance used by Inca nobility. From here, Machu Picchu suddenly appears in the distance, framed perfectly between the mountains. This is the emotional highlight of the day – a moment earned step by step, unlike travelers who arrive by bus. You’ll have time for photos, reflection, and a well-deserved rest.

  2 hours • Admission ticket included
• 6
  Machu Picchu

  Around 2 to 3pm you will have Guided visit inside Machu Picchu You walk downhill from the Sun Gate and enter the archaeological site. Your guided tour covers the most important areas: the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Plaza, the agricultural terraces, and the iconic viewpoint. Your guide explains the engineering, astronomy, and symbolism behind the city and its mysterious abandonment. After the tour, you’ll have free time for photos.

  3 hours • Admission ticket free
• 7
  Machu Picchu

  Bus to Aguas Calientes After visiting Machu Picchu, you take the official bus down the mountain road to Aguas Calientes (approx. 25 min). Once in town, you can relax, buy snacks, or simply enjoy free time before boarding the train.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 8
  Ollantaytambo

  Train to Ollantaytambo (PeruRail Expedition) Board the PeruRail Expedition train, a comfortable tourist-class service with large windows and onboard service. Enjoy the scenic ride along the river as the sun sets behind the mountains.

  2 hours • Admission ticket free
• 9
  Cusco

  Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your private transport will take you back to Cusco, arriving around 9:30–10:00 PM.

  2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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