How Long Is The 1 Day Inca Trail Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The 1 day Inca Trail Machu Picchu is a

12km (7.5 miles)

hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is 2700mt. In preparation: try walking 15kms/ 9 miles in a day or working out in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude.

Can you do the Inca Trail in one-day?


Permits are required for the one-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

and each day 250 people are granted access to the one-day trail. Like the full camping Inca Trail, permits must be purchased well in advance.

How long does the Inca Trail take to hike?

The One-Day Inca Trail

The standard Inca Trail trip takes

four days

, though it’s probably better to do it in five. Travelers who want to see two of the greatest hits of the famous hike but who are short on time can opt for this truncated version, which begins at KM 104 of the Machu Picchu train line.

Can you climb Machu Picchu in a day?


The 1-day Inca Trail, also called the Inca Trail Express, is a single day trek along the final stretch of the traditional Royal Inca Trail

. It showcases beautiful mountain scenery, orchid flora, and bird wildlife before arriving to the Intipunku Sun Gate for an unforgettable first overlook of Machu Picchu.

Can you shower on the Inca Trail?


No Showers

.

there are no warm showers, or even showers at all. Years ago Peru tried to put showers and even a restaurant at the last camp site but it was shut down due to vandalism so don’t get your hopes up. You are just going to have to look like you have survived four days of the wild trails of Machu Picchu.

How long is the shortest hike to Machu Picchu?

Difficulty First section is a steady ascent on a good path; after Wiñaywayna the trail undulates, sometimes steeply. Acclimatization 1 – 2 Days en Cusco Total Distance

13 km / 8,08 miles
Aproximate Walking Time Day 02: 6 – 7 hours Maximum Altitude 2,650 m / 8,69 ft

Is the Inca Trail hard?

The difficulty of the Classic Inca Trail is considered to be a

moderate level hike

. The classic Inca Trail Route is 43 km (26 mi) long and often steep, you will hike over four days at an elevation nearing 13,828 feet (4,215 meters).

How many hours does it take to climb Machu Picchu?

There are a number of trekking routes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, the Classic Inca Trail route is a 3 to 5 day hike, and on average, it takes

4 days and 3 nights

to reach Machu Picchu.

How long of a hike is it to Machu Picchu?

The trail itself is breathtaking, but the end of the trail is a spectacular sight as you reach the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu at sunrise. The classic Inca trail runs 26 miles (42 km) long, is usually hiked over

4 days and 3 nights

and is tucked away in the beautiful Andes mountains in Peru.

Is it worth hiking the Inca Trail?

The Classic Inca Trail Route to Machu Picchu is

definitely worth it

, it is considered one of the greatest adventure experiences on the planet. There are very few trails where you pass 500 year old archeological treasures while also hiking among some of the most beautiful mountains on earth.

How fit do you need to be to hike the Inca Trail?

General Levels of Fitness for the Inca Trail

We say “almost anyone” because we mean that there are is

no specific required level of fitness for the Inca Trail

. We’ve literally had people from 12 to 70 complete the trail, and many (most?) of our customers have never done anything like it before, let alone in Peru.

Can I hike the Inca Trail without a guide?

It’s Official:

You Can’t Hike the Classic Inca Trail Without a Guide

. The official Inca Trail regulations, as laid down by Peru’s Ministry of Tourism (MINCETUR), state that anyone walking the trail must be accompanied by an officially registered tour guide in an organized group. This has been the case since 2001.

Do you have to be fit to climb Machu Picchu?

Treks to Machu Picchu vary in difficulty and length, but

all require a basic level of fitness

. In general you will be trekking anywhere between 10-15km a day, for up to six days on the longer routes (i.e. Choquequirao or Salkantay / Inca Trail Combo).

How much does it cost to climb Machu Picchu?

General cost for Inca Trail trek: $500

On average, the classic Inca Trail hike costs around

$500/person

(this generally includes transportation to the trailhead from Cusco, a guide, porters, three meals a day, hiking permits, entry to Machu Picchu, and tents).

What is the best month to go to Machu Picchu?

Contrary to popular belief, the best time to visit Machu Picchu or hike the Inca Trail is before and after the rainy season, that is

late March, April, May, and September, October, and early November

, the dry season months, that is June July and August, are great too but beware of the crowds.

Where do you pee on the Inca Trail?

There is a bathroom at the train station in Ollantaytambo and there are toilets on the train. After you get off the train there are squat toilets at the permit checkpoint where you begin the hike, and one other squat toilet at the Winya Wayna campground. If you need to go to the bathroom otherwise, you go on the trail.

Are there toilets on the Inca Trail?

Inca Trail toilet locations


There are toilet blocks located intermittently along the Inca Trail

. The blocks are usually hidden from the trail. These toilet blocks are not frequent though and, if you can’t hold it, the only other option will be to go behind a bush. Most camp sites have some form of toilet facility.

How far in advance do you need to book the Inca Trail?

Normally we recommend booking Inca Trail in advance,

8 months before

. However, the availability is released months before, makes the people who want to reserve a space on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for any time in 2022, must reserve the permits as soon as possible.

How many steps are in the Inca Trail?

FITNESS.

The Traditional 4-Day Inca Trail involves hiking

over 10,000 steps

, for a total of 45 km or 28 miles. The second day, which is considered the most difficult, you need to hike up to Dead Woman’s Pass which is at 4,215 meters (13,828 feet).

How hard is the short Inca Trail?

The short Inca Trail difficulty is

moderate

. This hike will take you to enjoy beautiful landscapes, to know beautiful Inca constructions nestled in beautiful and spectacular natural scenes and to know the famous Sun Gate or the Inti Punku.

How many miles is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

Inca Trail Distances & Altitude

The distances involved in hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu are not that great. The entire 4-day trail hike is only

25 miles

(40 km). However, the altitude, which at it’s highest point is 13,776 ft or 4200m, can cause problems even for the strongest hikers.

What is the best time of year to do the Inca Trail?

Peru is a year-round destination for travellers, but the dry/winter season –

between May and September

– is generally the most popular time for trekking. This is when the nights are cooler and there are often wildflowers in bloom along the trail.

How much does it cost to do the Inca Trail?

The 4 day/3 night Inca Trail trek typically costs anywhere from

$500 to $1,000

. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t want a luxury trek with all the trimmings, consider $500 to $600 as a good price to aim for.

Which is better salkantay or Inca Trail?


Salkantay trek’s highest point is 4630 m (15190 ft), almost 200 meters higher than the Inca Trail’s highest point

. However, there is only one mountain above 3000 m (9842ft). The chances of having altitude problems are higher in Salkantay Trek, but you will be hiking only for two days at high altitudes.

Can you hike Machu Picchu pregnant?

So, I’m here to let you know that

it is certainly possible

, can be extremely fun, and is not that different to any other hike. There are two big concerns for the expecting (really for anyone) on the Inca Trail – altitude and hiking endurance.

How long was the Inca road system?

Traveling the Inca Empire on the Inca Road

The Inca Road (called Capaq Ñan or Qhapaq Ñan in the Inca language Quechua and Gran Ruta Inca in Spanish) was an essential part of the success of the Inca Empire. The road system included an astounding

25,000 miles

of roads, bridges, tunnels, and causeways.

Is it hard to breathe in Machu Picchu?

and Machu Picchu Mountain, 3,082 meters from the sea (10,111 ft). When ascending the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains; the tourist will feel

difficulty breathing

and greater agitation.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.