Salkantay Trek + Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 7 Days
From the glaciers of Salkantay to the Sun Gate, on the Inca Trail
fromUS$1,149
Demanding
Trekking & Hiking
Inca Trail Express to Machu Picchu in 1 Day
Machu Picchu
- Duration
- 1 day
- Physical level
- Challenging
- Accommodation
- No overnight
- From
- US$445
Walk the Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu on foot, in a single day
The Inca Trail in 1 day: train to Km 104, a guided hike on the original Inca path to the Sun Gate, the classic panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the train back to Cusco the same night. Permit, train, bus and boxed lunch included.
The Inca Trail Express is one of the most rewarding full-day experiences from Cusco: a short version of the classic Inca Trail that lets you walk the Inca path, discover archaeological sites and arrive at Machu Picchu on foot — a completely different way to experience one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
It is ideal if you want the challenge of hiking the Inca Trail but do not want to do the full 4-day trek. The route crosses stunning landscapes and microclimates, with a rich variety of plants, animals and insects in the Andes and the cloud forest.
Hiking level
Level 3 to 4 (demanding to challenging): uneven paths, steady climbs and some steep sections. Recommended for travellers aged 12 to 60 with a reasonable level of fitness, properly acclimatised to the altitude.
Your entrance to Machu Picchu
Those arriving on the Inca Trail enter Machu Picchu only through Circuit 1 (Panoramic), the route with the classic postcard view of the citadel. Ask us for details when you book.
Permits: book early
The Inca Trail Express also needs an Inca Trail permit, and spots are limited. Book well in advance, especially for the dry season. The trail closes every February for maintenance.
- The Inca Trail in a single day, from Km 104
- Arriving at Machu Picchu on foot through the Sun Gate
- The classic postcard view from Circuit 1 (Panoramic)
- Back in Cusco the same day
Inca Trail 1 day route map
← Swipe →© OpenStreetMap
01
Cusco – Km 104 – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Train to Km 104, about 7 hours on the Inca Trail to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu, and back to Cusco.
Boxed lunch6–7 h
Inca Trail 1 day itinerary
Machu Picchu
Boxed lunch6–7 hDay 1: Cusco – Km 104 – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The day before: briefing with your guide. Very early start: pick-up from your hotel around 03:30 and transfer to Ollantaytambo station, where you board the 05:00 train to Km 104, the starting point of the trail. A guided hike of about 6–7 hours along the Inca Trail, through stunning landscapes, archaeological sites and microclimates, with a boxed lunch on the way. Around 14:00 you reach Intipunku, the Sun Gate, with a sweeping panoramic view of Machu Picchu. Guided tour of Machu Picchu through Circuit 1 (Panoramic), the route with the classic postcard photo. Bus down to Aguas Calientes, train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco.
Customize this journey
Change the pace, upgrade hotels, add days — this itinerary is yours to shape.
What's included
Included
- Pre-departure briefing with your guide
- Hotel pick-up and transfer to Ollantaytambo station
- Train Ollantaytambo – Km 104
- Professional guide in Spanish, English or Portuguese
- Boxed lunch
- Inca Trail permit
- Bus from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes
- Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Transfer from Ollantaytambo station back to Cusco
Not included
- Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes
- Hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes
- Services not mentioned
Before you go
Altitude
The hike takes place at high altitude: spend a few days in Cusco first so you are properly acclimatised.
Footwear
You will walk for about 6 hours: trekking shoes are highly recommended.
Your daypack
A small daypack with your camera, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a jacket, insect repellent, a bottle of water and your personal hygiene essentials.
Rain
Bring a rain jacket or poncho whatever the season.
Permits
Inca Trail permits are limited. Book months ahead for the dry season. The trail closes every February.
Inca Trail 1 day FAQs
G
As early as possible. The Inca Trail Express needs an Inca Trail permit, and spots are limited and sell out months ahead in the dry season.
About 6 to 7 hours from Km 104. You reach the Sun Gate around 14:00, with the panoramic view of Machu Picchu, and return to Cusco the same day.
For travellers aged 12 to 60 with a reasonable level of fitness who want to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot without doing the 4-day trek. It is rated level 3 to 4: uneven paths and steady, sometimes steep, climbs.
Those arriving on the Inca Trail enter only through Circuit 1 (Panoramic), the route with the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.
No. The Inca Trail Express returns to Cusco the same day. An overnight stay in Aguas Calientes is not included.
We plan a gradual ascent, starting in the lower Sacred Valley. Our guides carry oxygen, monitor how you feel and adjust the pace whenever needed.
What our travelers say
- ★★★★★
“Fast, honest answers on WhatsApp before we booked and real support during the trip. When a train was delayed, everything was rearranged before we even noticed.”
Laura & James P., United KingdomPeru Essentials in Style - ★★★★★
“Walking the Inca Trail had been on my list for twenty years. The team handled the permits, the porters were incredible and arriving through the Sun Gate was pure emotion.”
Michael K., AustraliaClassic Inca TrailGoogle - ★★★★★
“Travelling with three kids could have been stressful, but the pace was just right. The llama trek and the chocolate workshop were the highlights for our children.”
The Harrison family, United StatesFamily Adventure in the AndesTripadvisor - ★★★★★
“The perfect honeymoon. The Hiram Bingham train, a private sunrise at Machu Picchu and three nights in the Amazon — Giovanni designed something that felt completely ours.”
Emma T., United KingdomRomantic Peru HoneymoonGoogle - ★★★★★
“Our guide on the Salkantay trek knew every plant, every story and exactly when we needed a break. Crossing the pass at sunrise is a memory we will keep forever.”
David & Claire R., CanadaSalkantay Trek to Machu PicchuTripadvisor - ★★★★★
“Every single detail was taken care of, from the airport pick-up in Lima to a quiet table overlooking the Sacred Valley. We never once had to think about logistics — we just enjoyed Peru.”
Sarah M., United StatesPeru Essentials in Style
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