The Short Trail to Machu Picchu – 1 Day Tour is an excellent option for travelers with limited time who want to experience the iconic Incan site. This guided adventure, operated by PaRa Travels, includes a round-trip train ride, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide. With a maximum of 16 participants, the tour ensures a personalized experience. However, certain health and accessibility considerations apply. Discover the breathtaking views and rich history of Machu Picchu in just one day – but there’s more to uncover about this unique excursion.

Contents show

About Your Stay

This 1-day tour to Machu Picchu includes round-trip train transportation from Ollantaytambo and admission to the iconic Inca site.
An English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the day to provide insights and commentary.
Lunch is available for purchase in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions due to the physical demands.
Travelers should be reasonably fit and prepared for the effects of high altitude during the tour.

Tour Overview

The Short Trail to Machu Picchu is a 1-day tour offering an immersive experience in the iconic Inca citadel.

Operated by PaRa Travels in Cusco, Peru, the tour is priced from $372.93 per person.

Featuring a round-trip train ride from Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu entrance ticket, the tour also includes an English-speaking guide.

Lunch can be purchased separately in Aguas Calientes.

Additional fees apply for the bus to Machu Picchu and the hot springs.

The tour is limited to 16 participants and isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.

Travelers should be in good health to participate.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Cusco

Itinerary Details

The tour includes round-trip train transportation from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, with the train ticket and Machu Picchu entrance fee covered.

A professional, English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the day. Lunch is available in Aguas Calientes, starting at $10.

Additional fees include:

Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu ($12 USD one way)

Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, though most travelers can participate.

Meeting and Pickup Information

All passengers are picked up at their hotel before the tour starts.

The exact pickup time is provided just a few days before the tour. This tour is limited to a maximum of 16 participants.

The confirmation details, including the pickup location and time, are received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Passengers are advised to be ready and waiting at their hotel lobby at the specified pickup time to ensure a smooth start to the tour.

Accessibility and Health Considerations

Although the Short Trail to Machu Picchu tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed.

This tour may not be suitable for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions. However, most travelers can participate.

The key health considerations are:

Not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with severe medical issues.
Travelers should be reasonably fit and able to walk for extended periods.
Altitude sickness is a potential concern, so proper acclimation is advised.

Additional Information

According to the information provided, the Short Trail to Machu Picchu tour is open from October 23, 2019 to April 2, 2026, and it operates daily from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

Regarding the cancellation policy, the tour is non-refundable, and no refunds will be issued for cancellations. Travelers will receive confirmation of their booking within 48 hours, subject to availability.

It’s important to note that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed. Pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions may not be recommended to participate.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

What’s Included

The tour includes round-trip train transportation from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, along with the entrance ticket to the iconic Inca citadel.

Plus, the package provides:

A professional, English-speaking guide to accompany you throughout the journey.
Hotel pickup and drop-off service from Cusco.
Lunch options available in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

While the tour doesn’t cover the optional bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance or the entrance to the hot springs, these can be arranged separately during the tour.

Pricing and Booking

The tour to Machu Picchu is priced from $372.93 per person, making it an affordable option for travelers. Booking the tour is simple and straightforward.

| Pricing | Details |

| — | — |

| $372.93+ | Per person |

| Non-refundable | No cancellation refunds |

| Confirmation | Within 48 hours, subject to availability |

Travelers can expect a professional, English-speaking guide, round-trip train tickets, and entrance to Machu Picchu. Additional fees apply for lunch, hot springs, and the bus from Aguas Calientes. With a maximum of 16 participants, the tour offers a personalized experience.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers rave about their experience with the Short Trail to Machu Picchu tour.

The tour earns a perfect 5-star rating based on a single review, with no ratings below 5 stars.

Travelers praise:

The knowledgeable, English-speaking guide who provides an informative and engaging experience.
The seamless logistics, including round-trip train tickets and hotel pickup.
The opportunity to explore the iconic Machu Picchu site without the crowds and hassle of a larger group tour.

Questions About Your Stay

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Hiking Trail?

The hiking trail isn’t wheelchair accessible, so it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues. However, most travelers can participate, though it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on tours, unless otherwise specified by the tour provider. It’s best to check with the tour company about any restrictions or recommendations regarding bringing personal provisions.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Multiple Days?

Yes, there’s typically an option to extend a 1-day Machu Picchu tour to multiple days. Travelers can choose longer itineraries that include additional stops and activities over a 2 or 3-day period for more time to explore the site.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

This tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s open to travelers of all ages, though it’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with serious medical conditions. Most travelers can participate in this one-day excursion.

Can I Make Changes to My Booking After Confirmation?

Unfortunately, once the booking is confirmed, changes are typically not allowed. The tour operator’s policy is non-refundable, so customers should ensure they can commit to the tour dates before booking. Any modifications may result in additional fees or penalties.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Short Trail to Machu Picchu – 1 Day Tour offers an exhilarating and efficient way to explore the iconic Incan site. With a train ride, guided tour, and all-inclusive package, it’s a convenient option for travelers with limited time. Though not recommended for pregnant individuals or those with severe health issues, the tour provides a personalized experience in a small group setting, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich history and breathtaking views of Machu Picchu.