The Short Inca Trail 1 Day Hike is considered a moderate trek, suitable for travelers with a basic to average fitness level. The trail covers approximately 10–11 km (6–7 miles) with an altitude gain of about 600 meters (1,970 ft). Most participants complete the hike in 5–6 hours at a comfortable pace.

While you don’t need to be an experienced hiker, a reasonable level of endurance and stamina is important. The trail includes some steep uphill sections and long sets of stone steps, which can feel challenging at high altitude.

👉 To prepare, we recommend doing light cardio activities such as hiking, jogging, or cycling in the weeks before your trip. Acclimatizing in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft) or the Sacred Valley for at least 1–2 days before the hike also helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

⚠️ Travelers with heart, respiratory, or knee problems should consult their doctor before attempting the trek.

Yes. The Short Inca Trail 1 Day Hike requires an official government permit, and only 250 permits per day are issued for this route. These permits include travelers, guides, and staff, which means spots sell out quickly—especially during the high season (May to September).

👉 For the best chance of securing your spot, we recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance if you plan to travel in peak season. During the shoulder months (March–April and October–November), permits may last longer, but early booking is still highly advised.

Keep in mind that permits cannot be transferred or refunded, and once sold out, there are no additional spaces released.

⚠️ Important: The Inca Trail is closed in February each year for maintenance, so the trek cannot be booked during that month.

Booking early with a trusted operator like Andes Peru Expeditions ensures that we handle all logistics, confirm your permit in real time, and guarantee your place on this unforgettable hike to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.

The Short Inca Trail 1 Day Hike covers a distance of approximately 10–11 kilometers (6–7 miles). On average, it takes between 5 to 6 hours to complete the trek, depending on your pace and fitness level.

The hike begins at KM 104, near the Urubamba River, and follows original Inca stone paths through cloud forests, archaeological sites, and mountain landscapes. Along the way, you’ll visit the ruins of Wiñayhuayna before continuing toward the Sun Gate (Intipunku), where you’ll enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu.

Although the distance is relatively short compared to the classic 4-day trek, the route includes steep uphill sections and stone steps, making it a moderate challenge at high altitude.

👉 This makes the Inca Trail 1 Day an excellent option for travelers who want to experience the highlights of the legendary Inca Trail and Machu Picchu in a single day, without multi-day camping.

Yes. To enter the Short Inca Trail 1 Day Hike, every traveler must obtain an official government permit. The Peruvian authorities strictly regulate access to protect the trail and archaeological sites, and only 250 permits per day are issued. This total includes visitors, guides, and support staff.

👉 Permits often sell out months in advance, especially during the high season (May to September). For this reason, we strongly recommend booking early—ideally 3 to 6 months before your trip—to guarantee availability.

It’s also important to note that:

• Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable.
• Only licensed tour operators, such as Andes Peru Expeditions, can purchase permits on behalf of travelers.
• Without a permit, it is not possible to hike the Short Inca Trail or enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku).

By booking with us, you’ll have real-time availability checks, and we’ll handle all logistics to ensure your spot is secured for this unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu.

On the Short Inca Trail 1 Day Hike, travelers are provided with light, nutritious meals designed for trekking at high altitude. These meals are prepared to give you enough energy to enjoy the hike without carrying heavy loads or spending too much time on breaks.

Typically, the service includes:

• 🥪 Box lunch or picnic-style meal, with fresh options such as sandwiches, fruits, natural juices, and energy-packed snacks.
• 🍫 Trail snacks, like granola bars, cookies, or dried fruits, perfect to restore energy along the way.
• 🥤 Bottled water, and in some cases, hot drinks.

Travelers with special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergies) can request customized meals in advance.

Unlike the classic multi-day Inca Trail, this 1-day trek does not include camping or dinner services, since after reaching Machu Picchu you will descend to Aguas Calientes and later take the train back to Cusco.