Inca Trail Express 1 Day

The Express Inca Trail to the Machu Picchu citadel is one of the best one-day experiences for travelers seeking to discover and immerse themselves in the treasures, nature, and history of Inca culture. This innovative tourism route offers the opportunity to explore the INCA TRAIL, but in a shorter version. You will have the chance to enjoy stunning landscapes, learn about the history and culture of the region through a guided tour, visit some of the main archaeological sites in the area, and experience a unique way to encounter the World Wonder of Machu Picchu.

INCLUDES:

• Pre-departure briefing.
• Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station.
• Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104.
• Professional bilingual guide (English - Spanish).
• Box lunch.
• Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco city.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
• Hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
• Unmentioned services.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Hiking time is approximately 6 hours, we recommend you to wear trekking shoes.
• Carry a small backpack, a camera, a sun hat, sunscreen, a warm jacket, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, and a water bottle.
• The hike is at high altitude, so make sure to be comfortable.
• Wear trekking shoes.
• Bring a waterproof jacket.
• Personal hygiene items.

Our Inca Trail Express tour starts early, and we will pick you up at approximately 3:30 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco to transfer you to the train station in the Ollantaytambo district. There, we will board the 5:40 a.m. train, which will take us to Km. 104. The train journey lasts about 90 minutes, during which you'll have the opportunity to admire the Andean landscapes surrounding the Sacred Valley, as well as a view of the Vilcanota River. The geography in this area is astonishing, providing a space for ornithologists, biologists, doctors, scientists, and nature lovers to explore the various archaeological attractions, landscapes, and climates that have given rise over time to a diversity of plants, animals, and insects populating our mountains and jungles.

We will make a stop at KM. 104 at CHACHABAMBA, where we will cross the bridge and enter the Inca trail network. At this point, after reviewing our entrance tickets and passports for entry control, we will begin a trek along the sacred path. Climbing uphill, we will reach the first archaeological site, where you'll enjoy a lovely view of the Chachabamba archaeological site and Choquesuysuy, a small archaeological group belonging to Machu Picchu hidden in the surrounding semi-tropical forest.

After visiting this archaeological site, we will begin an ascent, encountering orchids, mushrooms, a variety of epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants attached to tree trunks, branches, and shrubs), and lithophytes (plants that grow on rocks) due to the type of inter-Andean climate and vaporizations of air characteristic of the tropical forest. Continuing, we will have the first panoramic view of Wiñaywayna with beautiful viewpoints. Along the way, we will pass by the Phuyuwachi waterfall, a natural water formation that comes from the heights of Phuyupatamarka, where you'll observe a variety of wild flora and native birds of the region. After a trek of approximately 3 hours, we will reach the well-preserved remains of Wiñaywayna (wiñayhuayna), which is located at an altitude of 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) 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 this visit and having recharged our energy, we will continue until we reach the Intipunko or "Sun Gate", the entrance gate to the citadel. After a hug and the joy of satisfaction of having completed the Inca trail route, we will take some time to rest, enjoy the beauty, and discover from this point the first view of Machu Picchu and its surroundings.

Finally, we cross the ridge that leads to our destination, descend, and walk through the archaeological site that in modern times is a delight for every visitor. After a general overview and orientation about the Machu Picchu citadel, we will take the tourist bus that will take us to Aguas Calientes, from where we will board our train back to Cusco, concluding our one-day Inca Trail Express tour. A tour that offers a wide variety of experiences. Enjoy all the options that CuscoPeru.com has for you on this unforgettable journey from Cusco to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

HIKING LEVEL:

The hiking level for the 1-DAY EXPRESS INCA TRAIL is categorized as level 3 to 4:

• Level 1: Easy on flat terrain, without major difficulty.
• Level 2: Combination of flat terrain and gentle slopes.
• Level 3: Uneven terrain with steeper slopes.
• Level 4: Steep and rugged terrain.

INCLUDES:

• Pre-departure briefing.
• Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station.
• Train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Km 104.
• Professional bilingual guide (English - Spanish).
• Box lunch.
• Entrance ticket to the Inca Trail.
• Bus ticket from Machu Picchu down to Aguas Calientes.
• Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Transfer from Ollantaytambo station to Cusco city.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
• Hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
• Unmentioned services.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Carry a small backpack, a camera, a sun hat, sunscreen, a warm jacket, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, and a water bottle.
• The hike is at high altitude, so make sure to be comfortable.
• Wear trekking shoes.
• Bring a waterproof jacket.
• Personal hygiene items.

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..

1. Payment by credit card VISA or MASTERCARD through our system www.cuscoperu.com/payment the system charges an additional 5% (SSL secure system and foreign bank transfer fees).
2. Sending the advance via Western Union coordinating with our sales representative and sending the request to info@cuscoperu.com, then you must send us the MTCN code of your deposit.
3. Payment via deposit to our company's account at BBVA Banco Continental Cuenta Corriente: Account Code. Interbank: (CCI) 011 201 000100028495 18 - CUSCOPERU.COM Tour Operator SRL - SWIFT CODE: BCONPEPL - you must add U$89.00 which is the charge that our bank makes to our account for international transfer and administrative expenses, you should also consult your bank about the additional amount that you will be charged.
4. Payment by credit card VISA - MASTERCARD with the PAYPAL system generating the payment order that we would send you from CuscoPeru.com e-commerce If you accept this option you will have a 7% surcharge.