Full Day Inca Trail Hike to Machu Picchu

Follow the final section of the Inca Trail from Km 104 through Wiñay Wayna and Inti Punku before visiting Machu Picchu. The day combines road transfers, train journeys, and several hours of mountain walking. All times are approximate.

Cusco to Ollantaytambo and Train to Km 104

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco around 4:00 a.m. and travel by private transport to Ollantaytambo train station. From here, the train follows the Urubamba River toward Machu Picchu, passing between steep valley slopes.

You leave the train at Km 104, before it reaches Aguas Calientes. This is the starting point of your one-day Inca Trail hike. At the Chachabamba checkpoint, present the original identification document used for your reservation and complete the entrance checks with your guide.

Climb from Km 104 to Wiñay Wayna

The trail begins near the river and climbs the mountainside through stone stairways and uneven paths. This opening section involves sustained uphill walking, with stretches of exposed hillside between areas of vegetation. As you gain height, views open across the Urubamba Valley.

Your guide leads the ascent with breaks along the way. Expect repeated steps rather than a gentle, level walk, particularly as you approach Wiñay Wayna.

At the archaeological site, your guided visit introduces its agricultural terraces, stone buildings, and water features. The terraces follow the steep hillside, showing how Inca construction adapted to the mountain landscape.

Boxed Lunch and Hike to Inti Punku

After visiting Wiñay Wayna, pause nearby for your included boxed lunch. The next section follows an Inca stone path through the cloud forest, with smaller climbs, descents, and further stairways.

The approach to Inti Punku includes a short, steep staircase before the final uphill stretch. At the Sun Gate, approximately 2,700 meters above sea level, you reach the highest point of the hiking route. When visibility allows, Machu Picchu appears below, surrounded by forested mountains.

Take time to appreciate the approach and photograph the landscape before continuing downhill.

Descent from the Sun Gate and Guided Machu Picchu Visit

From Inti Punku, follow the descending stone path toward Machu Picchu. This section generally takes around 45 minutes, depending on walking pace and stops.

Your visit then continues along the authorized route on your reserved entrance ticket. During the approximately two-hour guided tour, learn about Inca architecture, the mountain setting, and the functions of the areas accessible on your circuit.

The hiking stages and archaeological visit follow a coordinated schedule so that you can complete both activities before your return journey.

Aguas Calientes and Evening Return to Cusco

After the guided visit, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Board your reserved train back to Ollantaytambo, where our transport meets you for the final drive to your Cusco hotel.

Arrival in Cusco is expected around 9:00 p.m. Train schedules, road conditions, and the day’s progress may affect the return time.

Hiking Details

• Trail distance: Approximately 12 km / 7.5 miles.
• Estimated walking time: Approximately 5–6 hours, with additional time for breaks and guided visits.
• Starting elevation: Approximately 2,150 m / 7,054 ft at Km 104.
• Highest point on the hike: Approximately 2,700 m / 8,858 ft at Inti Punku.
• Difficulty: Moderately challenging, with sustained climbs, uneven steps, and downhill sections.
• Meal included: Boxed lunch.
• Start and finish: Cusco.