As a travel expert, it's my job to book Inca Trail hikes to Machu Picchu for other people. This is my description of the 1 day hike based on my experience.

 

One of the most frequent questions I get from travelers when booking their Easy 1-Day Inca Trail Hike is, "So what do I do on Day 2? Do I get to go back to Machu Picchu again?"

 

There's a very common misconception that on Day 1 you get to both hike the Inca Trail, and explore the ruins at Machu Picchu. The truth is - that's only partially true. And this is why we actually call it The 2-Day Machu Picchu Adventure.

 

 

Despite the fact that it's the "Easy" 1-Day Inca Trail Hike, it's a long day with an early start! The hike is approximately 12 km, or just under 7.5 miles. But the altitude combined with a few vigorous climbs and historical stops along the trail add time to your hike. Every group is different. Factors like group size, physical fitness level of group members, ages, etc. contribute to the time it will take you to complete the trail. The average group can take between 4-6 hours, but we've seen some do it faster and some take much longer. Our guides will adjust to accommodate your needs and keep you moving at a safe pace.  The last shuttle bus down to the village departs Machu Picchu main entry around 5:30 pm.  If you don't make it, you will need to walk about hour or two to the village of Aguas Calientes.  There are no cars or taxis.

 

 

If you originate in Cusco, it makes your day even longer, starting with pickup at 5 a.m. with a 2-hour transfer via private car through the Sacred Valley. Then you board the train. Usually at 7:45 a.m. heading for the trail head. If you're coming from Ollantaytambo, you get the advantage of either a) sleeping in a little later and departing your hotel at 6:25 a.m. to board the 7:05 a.m. train, or b) getting an earlier start on your hike by departing your hotel at 5:30 a.m. to board the 6:10 a.m. train. (Or if you really want an early start, there's always the 5:07 a.m. train! Departure times subject to change)

 

You board the train then ride between forty-five minutes to an hour through the Urubamba Valley while enjoying the amazing Andean mountain scenery. The Expedition and Vistadome trains both feature ceiling windows which affords full views of the vast, picturesque mountains framing the valley. The train comes to a stop in the middle of the jungle, and an announcement is made for hikers to disembark. You exit the train with your daypack and meet up with your guide (who rides on the train with you in a separate car) and head for the hike's check-in point. 

 

 

Your guide will ask you for your passports so he or she can show them to the agent. Once you're through the check-in, complete with - one of my favorite things - your passport stamped "KM 104", your hike on the Inca Trail begins! (what happens if you forget your passport?  You will probably discover this when you go to board the train.  If that happens you will stay on the train to Aguas Calientes. You cannot enter the Inca Trail without your passport.  Don't get off the train!  Electronic copies of your passport can get you on the train, but they can't get you on the Inca Trail. Don't forget your passport!)  Our guides are very aware that the Inca Trail is not just a hike. It's a historical route rich with history and cultural value beyond the trek itself. Various points along the trail, such as Chachabamba and Wiñayhuayna, warrant stops with ample time for the guides to delve into the interesting facts of each site's origin and purpose, followed by time to explore and, of course, snap some souvenir photos. These stops are key to fully experiencing and understanding the journey our guides' ancestors made. Because it's not just their national history, but also their family history, this is part of the trip that is deeply passionate for our guides, and it is the reason they love to do it!

 

 

Another stop along the trail will be to replenish your energy with a boxed lunch, which will be provided to you by your guide. You can pack it in your daypack. There are plenty of places to stop along the trail to eat. Your guide will plan out a stop, but they are completely flexible. Winay Wayna ruins is a great place to stop for lunch. If you need to stop sooner, just let them know. They're there to make sure your needs are met, so any changes you request can usually be worked out as long as the guide is confident that your safety is not compromised. 

 

Along the trail, you'll experience a few spots that will test your endurance for sure! Wiñayhuayna will require you to ascend roughly 200 steps to get to the top and continue down the trail. But don't let that discourage you! There are plenty of terraces where you can sit and rest along the climb up, and you're likely to be kept company by a llama or two during your mini-breaks. These friendly grazers love to have their photo taken! 

 

 

The last major "test" along the way is known as "The Gringo Killer". It's a very steep series of steps that lands you at the final mini-stretch before arriving at the majestic Sun Gate, known by its Quechua name - Inti Punku. (Although the steps are intensely steep, there's not nearly as many steps as Wiñayhuayna, but it will probably require the use of your hands for support.) 

 

 

From the Sun Gate, you'll enjoy an aerial view of the ancient citadel. This is a great place to stop and sit and take in the beauty of the scene before you. It's also a great time for a snack! From here, you're almost done. You have about forty-five minutes left down to the shuttle bus station. 

 

And here is where the misconception comes in. Once you tackle the last forty-five minutes, you don't actually enter the main areas of Machu Picchu National Park. You'll see lots of visitors in the park, and you can stop for photos, but you will continue through the exit gate to the shuttle bus station. You'll take a 25-minute bus ride down to the village of Aguas Calientes then walk to your hotel for checkin. Your guide can give you suggestions for local restaurants. (Hotels can be upgraded at an additional cost. We like El Mapi, an affordable 4* hotel with dinner included at their restaurant - pending availability). You can explore the village at your leisure and turn in for the night. You still have a big day ahead of you!

 

 

 

 

Your goal will be to leave the ruins at least two hours prior to your scheduled train departure. We typically book the 2:55 p.m. train, so we suggest leaving by 12:30 p.m. / 1:00 p.m. at the latest. But it's best to monitor the waiting line for shuttle buses back to the village. These lines can involve waiting 30 minutes or longer.

 

 

You have several options for lunch. Option 1 - pack snacks in your daypack and carry with you to eat inside the ruins; or Option 2 - get freshly made sandwiches and soft drinks at the open cafe near the park entrance. Or you can take the shuttle bus early enough to allow time for Option 3 - eat in a local restaurant in the village. And the final option is to eat in the Tinkuy restaurant next to the main entry gate.  Buffet lunch is served daily.  Cost is about $45 USD pp.

 

 

After lunch, you stop by your hotel if necessary, to retrieve your daypack/overnight bag, and head to the train station on foot. Remember there are no cars or moto-taxis in the village. Board the scheduled train and enjoy the hour and a half train ride back through the Urubamba Valley. The train arrives in Ollantaytambo where our diver is waiting. Continue by car for about 2 hours through the Sacred Valley, finally arriving at your hotel in Cusco - usually between 6:00 & 7:00 p.m. Time for dinner and a leisurely evening in the city. (travel time from Aguas Calientes to Cusco is about 4-5 hours)

 

Both days are packed full of exciting activity, and both are equally important to truly experience this ancient wonder. So while Day 1 is the namesake for the adventure, both days are vital and have much to offer!

 

Have you heard about recent changes that affect all visitors to Machu Picchu? Stay up to date with our Machu Picchu News page.

 

For more information on the 2-Day Machu Picchu Adventure / Easy 1-Day Inca Trail Hike or to book a trip, contact us at info@adiosadventuretravel.com or call our US office at 757-304-8002.