What Is Km 104?
Km 104 is a trail access point on the railway route to Machu Picchu Pueblo. The name comes from its location at kilometer 104 of the rail line. It is not a regular town or a large train station. Instead, it is a special stop where hikers with valid permits get off the train and begin the Short Inca Trail.
After arriving at Km 104, hikers cross the bridge over the Urubamba River and pass the official checkpoint. From there, the trail begins near Chachabamba, an archaeological site located close to the starting point.
For many travelers, Km 104 is the perfect balance between adventure and comfort. You hike on original Inca paths, visit important ruins, walk through cloud forest scenery, and reach Machu Picchu without needing several days of camping.
Where Is Km 104 Located?
Km 104 is located between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, near the Urubamba River, inside the route toward the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. It is reached by train, usually from Ollantaytambo, although some itineraries begin with a transfer from Cusco before boarding the train.
There is no regular road access for tourist vehicles directly to Km 104. The most common way to arrive is by taking an early train and getting off at the designated Km 104 stop.
The Inca Trail can begin at either Km 82 / Piscacucho for the Classic Inca Trail or Km 104 / Q’oriwayrachina for the shorter route to Machu Picchu.
Km 104 Altitude
Km 104 is located at approximately 2,200 meters / 7,218 feet above sea level. This is much lower than Cusco and far lower than Dead Woman’s Pass on the Classic Inca Trail.
| Place | Approximate Altitude |
|---|---|
| Cusco | 3,400 m / 11,155 ft |
| Ollantaytambo | 2,792 m / 9,160 ft |
| Km 104 / Chachabamba | 2,200 m / 7,218 ft |
| Wiñay Wayna | 2,650 m / 8,694 ft |
| Sun Gate / Inti Punku | 2,720 m / 8,923 ft |
| Machu Picchu | 2,430 m / 7,972 ft |
| Aguas Calientes | 2,040 m / 6,692 ft |
Because Km 104 starts at a lower altitude, many travelers find it more manageable than the Classic Inca Trail. However, the hike still includes uphill sections, stone steps, humidity, and several hours of walking.
Why Is Km 104 Important?
Km 104 is important because it is the official starting point for the Short Inca Trail. It allows travelers to experience the most scenic final section of the Inca Trail without committing to the longer 4-day route.
From Km 104, hikers can visit Chachabamba, climb toward Wiñay Wayna, continue through cloud forest trails, reach Inti Punku, and enjoy the first view of Machu Picchu from above.
This route is especially valuable because it still preserves the feeling of entering Machu Picchu by foot, following the ancient path used by the Incas.
Km 104 and the Short Inca Trail Route
The route from Km 104 is commonly called the Short Inca Trail, 2-Day Inca Trail, or sometimes the 1-Day Inca Trail, depending on the itinerary.
Most 2-day programs follow this structure:
| Day | Route | Main Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Train to Km 104 – Chachabamba – Wiñay Wayna – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes | Original Inca Trail, archaeological sites, first view of Machu Picchu |
| Day 2 | Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu guided tour – Return by train | Full Machu Picchu visit |
The first day usually includes around 10 to 11 km / 6 to 7 miles of hiking. Many itineraries estimate approximately 6 to 7 hours of walking on the first day, depending on group pace, weather, and stops.
Main Places You Visit from Km 104
1. Chachabamba
Chachabamba is the first archaeological site near Km 104. It is located close to the trail entrance and is often the first historical stop of the Short Inca Trail.
This site likely had ceremonial and administrative importance. Its stone buildings, terraces, and water-related features show how the Incas used this area as part of the route toward Machu Picchu.
2. Wiñay Wayna
Wiñay Wayna is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites on the Inca Trail. Its name is often translated as “Forever Young.” The site is famous for its terraces, stone buildings, water channels, and dramatic location on the mountainside.
For many hikers, Wiñay Wayna is the highlight of the Short Inca Trail. It offers a powerful combination of Inca architecture, mountain views, vegetation, and history.
3. Inti Punku / Sun Gate
Inti Punku, also known as the Sun Gate, is the famous entrance point where hikers get their first panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail.
On the Short Inca Trail, reaching the Sun Gate is one of the most emotional moments of the hike. After hours of walking, Machu Picchu appears in the distance, surrounded by mountains and cloud forest.
4. Machu Picchu
After reaching the Sun Gate, hikers continue down toward Machu Picchu. On many 2-day itineraries, travelers see Machu Picchu from the upper area on the first day and return the next morning for the full guided tour.
This makes the 2-day version more relaxed than doing everything in a single day.
How to Get to Km 104
From Cusco to Km 104
Most travelers start early in Cusco with a transfer to Ollantaytambo train station. From there, they take the train toward Machu Picchu Pueblo and get off at Km 104.
The full journey from Cusco to Km 104 can take several hours depending on pickup location, road traffic, train schedule, and season.
From Ollantaytambo to Km 104
The most common route is by train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104. The train journey usually takes around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on the service and schedule. Some operators recommend arranging the Km 104 stop in advance because it is not a regular station for all passengers.
From Aguas Calientes to Km 104
This route is not common for starting the hike, because the standard direction is from Km 104 toward Machu Picchu. Most travelers sleep in Aguas Calientes after completing the hike, not before.
Do You Need a Permit for Km 104?
Yes. You need an official Inca Trail permit to start hiking from Km 104. The Short Inca Trail is part of the regulated Inca Trail network, so travelers must enter with valid documentation and an authorized guide.
Entry to the Inca Trail from Km 104 requires a licensed Inca Trail guide, and independent entry is not allowed.
Permits should be booked in advance, especially during the high season from May to September. Even though the Short Inca Trail can sometimes have more availability than the Classic Inca Trail, spaces are still limited.
Km 104 vs Km 82
Km 104 and Km 82 are both Inca Trail access points, but they are used for different routes.
| Feature | Km 104 | Km 82 |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Short Inca Trail | Classic Inca Trail |
| Duration | 1 or 2 days | Usually 4 days |
| Camping | Usually no camping | Yes, camping route |
| Main Sites | Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, Sun Gate | Patallacta, Dead Woman’s Pass, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Wiñay Wayna |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate to challenging |
| Best For | Limited time, families, active beginners | Full trekking experience |
| Arrival to Machu Picchu | Through Sun Gate | Through Sun Gate |
Choose Km 104 if you want a shorter hike with hotel comfort. Choose Km 82 if you want the full multi-day Inca Trail adventure.
How Difficult Is the Km 104 Hike?
The Km 104 route is considered moderate. It is shorter than the Classic Inca Trail, but it still requires several hours of hiking, uphill sections, stone stairs, and good endurance.
The climb from Chachabamba to Wiñay Wayna is usually the most demanding section. After Wiñay Wayna, the trail continues toward the Sun Gate with more scenic forest paths and some uphill steps.
Most active travelers can complete the hike with proper pacing, hydration, and basic preparation.
Is Km 104 Good for Beginners?
Yes, Km 104 can be a good option for beginners who are reasonably active and prepared for a full hiking day.
It is not a technical hike, but it is not a simple walk either. Beginners should train with long walks, stairs, or uphill hikes before traveling. Comfortable hiking shoes are very important.
For travelers worried about camping, altitude, or the difficulty of the 4-day Inca Trail, Km 104 is often a better choice.
Best Time to Hike from Km 104
The best time to hike from Km 104 is during the dry season, from May to September. These months usually offer better trail conditions, clearer views, and less rain.
April and October are also good months, with greener landscapes and fewer crowds than peak season.
The rainy season, from November to March, can bring slippery paths, cloudy views, and more humidity. The Inca Trail is commonly closed in February for maintenance, so travelers should plan around that closure.
Weather on the Km 104 Route
The Km 104 route passes through warm, humid cloud forest terrain. Weather can change quickly, and rain is possible at any time of year.
You may start the day cool in the morning, feel warm during the uphill sections, and experience mist or rain near Wiñay Wayna or the Sun Gate.
Layered clothing is the best strategy. A light rain jacket, breathable shirt, sun protection, and comfortable hiking pants are recommended.
What to Pack for Km 104
Bring only what you need for the hiking day. A small daypack is enough for most travelers.
Pack:
- Original passport
- Inca Trail permit confirmation
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Train ticket
- Small backpack
- Reusable water bottle
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Insect repellent
- Snacks
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Light fleece or warm layer
- Camera or phone
- Cash in soles
- Swimwear if staying in Aguas Calientes and visiting the hot springs
Your passport is essential because it must match the information on your permit and tickets.
Travel Tips for Km 104
Book your permit and train tickets in advance. Km 104 requires coordination because you must get off the train at the trail access point.
Start early. The route is not extremely long, but timing matters because you need to reach Machu Picchu before the day ends.
Do not underestimate the hike. Even though it is called the Short Inca Trail, it includes real uphill walking and many stone steps.
Use trekking poles if you have knee problems, but confirm current trail rules about rubber tips.
Carry enough water and snacks, because there are no regular shops along the trail.
Take your time at Wiñay Wayna. It is one of the most beautiful Inca sites in the region and deserves more than a quick photo stop.
Is Km 104 Worth It?
Yes, Km 104 is absolutely worth it if you want to experience the Inca Trail but do not have time for the full 4-day trek.
The route offers many of the best parts of the Inca Trail in a shorter format: original Inca paths, archaeological sites, cloud forest, Wiñay Wayna, the Sun Gate, and a walking arrival to Machu Picchu.
It is one of the best options for travelers who want adventure, history, and comfort in the same itinerary.
FAQs About Km 104 Inca Trail
What is Km 104 on the Inca Trail?
Km 104 is the starting point of the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It is reached by train and gives access to the route through Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, the Sun Gate, and Machu Picchu.
Is Km 104 the same as the Short Inca Trail?
Km 104 is the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. The full route continues from Km 104 to Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku, Machu Picchu, and usually Aguas Calientes.
How high is Km 104?
Km 104 is located at approximately 2,200 meters / 7,218 feet above sea level. The route climbs higher toward Wiñay Wayna and the Sun Gate.
How long is the hike from Km 104 to Machu Picchu?
The hike is usually around 10 to 11 km / 6 to 7 miles, depending on the itinerary. Most travelers walk for about 6 to 7 hours on the first day.
Do you need a permit for Km 104?
Yes. You need an official Inca Trail permit and a licensed guide to enter the route from Km 104. Independent entry is not allowed.
Is Km 104 difficult?
Km 104 is considered moderate. It is shorter than the Classic Inca Trail, but it includes uphill hiking, stone steps, humid weather, and several hours of walking.
Can beginners hike from Km 104?
Yes, active beginners can hike from Km 104 with preparation. It is best to train with long walks, stairs, or uphill hikes before the trip.
Is Km 104 better than Km 82?
Km 104 is better if you want a shorter hike without camping. Km 82 is better if you want the full Classic Inca Trail experience.
