Should you or shouldn't you?  The decision to hike the 1-Day Inca Trail hike is difficult to make when you're sitting in the comfort of your sea level, climate-controlled home, viewing pictures on a computer.  We provide feedback from hikers as well as things you need to know, including what to do if you must cancel your 1-Day Inca Trail hike. 

Reasons to hike the 1-Day Inca Trail:

  • Fitness. You are not in good enough shape to hike the 4-Day Inca Trail, but you enjoy hiking 
  • Time. You don't have enough time for a multi-day hike
  • Nature-Lover. When you travel, you enjoy nature activities
  • Prefer hotels. You don't like camping or sleeping in tents 
4 main factors to consider:  
1) how well you adjust to altitude
2) your overall physical condition / fitness
3) age    
4) size of your feet? (Ha Ha. Read on)  


Feedback from real hikers who hiked the 1 day Inca Trail (12 Km / 7.5 Mi):

Male - Age 68:
"I feel as though I'm in "reasonable condition" - I exercise 2-3 times a week. I SCUBA dive - carrying 35 pounds of gear, wearing a thick wet suit and swimming 100 - 150 yards from shore and back.  But the pace is usually leisurely. 
The trail involves climbing up through a canyon and up and down stairs. It's a different form of exercise.  I'm 68.  After climbing a set of 10-15 stairs, I sometimes needed a little time to catch my breath.  Climbing down was the slower process for me.  I have a size 13 shoe (!!!), probably a lot longer than the average Inca, and with the narrow, uneven steps I took one step at a time and carefully positioned the poles to ensure a secure position. I was very conscious of maintaining my balance. 
I'm delighted that I walked the trail and would walk it again if I had an opportunity.  I would recommend the 1-day hike but ensure that people are aware that physical conditioning is important. In preparation, I did  3-4 "hikes" of 3.5 - 4.5 miles.  I carried my pack, but not as full/heavy as on the hike."
 
Female - Age 47:
"If someone is in doubt as to whether to make the 1-day hike, the 2-3 hour hike to Pisac ruins is a great "test."  It has a variety of conditions, including steps, switchbacks and rocky trails."  (This means you wouldn't find out until you are in Peru.  Not the best case, but helpful if you are in doubt.) 
 
Things to know about the 1-Day Inca Trail hike:
  • the same process for obtaining permits for 4-day Inca Trail hike applies to the 1-Day Inca Trail hike
  • permits are 100% non-refundable.  They cannot be transferred, canceled or changed in any way.  
  • allow at least 2 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to adjust to altitude.  There are plenty of activities and things to see.
  • the hike is one way only.  The train service is one way only.  But we buy train tickets back to Ollantaytambo after your visit to Machu Picchu
  • once you get off the train, there is no way to go back or get off the trail.  You must hike to Machu Picchu where the trail ends.  In dire emergency the guide will initiate protocols using local resources
  • your luggage will stay at your hotel in Cusco or Sacred Valley.  Each hiker is expected to carry a personal backpack with everything you need for the trip to Machu Picchu and the overnight(s) in Aguas Calientes.
  • you are entitled to return to Machu Picchu the next day using the same permit.  (does not include the cost of the shuttle bus $24 pp roundtrip. You cannot "add" Huayna Picchu hike.  We must buy new entry tickets to Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu)
  • trekking poles with rubber tips are recommended, especially if you have big feet!  Bring your own or rent ours for $8 USD pp 
  • children can hike 1-Day Inca Trail.  It's up to parents/adults to determine if the child is ready. (see our parent checklist for hiking with children).  

What to do if you need to cancel your 1-Day Inca Trail hike:

  • if an injury or condition prevents you from hiking, but you still plan to travel to Machu Picchu, please notify us at least 2 weeks before arrival so we can change your train ticket to continue to Aguas Calientes.  
  • it is possible that other members of your group can continue with the hike.  The person who cancels may stay on the train to Aguas Calientes and go to Machu Picchu on their own.  
  • if you cancel the hike you can use your permit to enter Machu Picchu for one day.  (not two) Keep that in mind if your group is splitting up.  Hikers can go back to Machu Picchu for a second visit the next day. 
  • there are no refunds.  Please contact your travel insurance provider to see if the cost if covered, then file a claim.

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