Elvis Roque

Km 104 Inca Trail: Perfect Start for Short Machu Picchu Trek

We believe the Short Inca Trail starting at Km 104 offers an extraordinary and accessible adventure to Machu Picchu. This iconic route delivers a powerful blend of ancient Inca culture, breathtaking Andean landscapes, and an unforgettable arrival at the lost city. We designed this experience for travelers eager to capture the essence of the Inca Trail magic without committing to the multi-day trek. Kenko Adventures ensures your journey is seamless, safe, and truly transformative.

Why We Love Km 104: Scenic Beauty and Historical Significance

The Km 104 Inca Trail is a truly special starting point for your Machu Picchu hike. Its historical and scenic importance makes it a key stop on the Short Inca Trail and the One Day Inca Trail. We guide you through incredible vistas and rich archaeological sites. This trek allows us to experience the heart of the Inca legacy.

Effortless Access: We start our journey by train, reaching Km 104 from either Poroy (approx. 2.5 hours) or Ollantaytambo (approx. 1.5 hours).
Iconic Landmarks: Along our path, we discover significant archaeological sites. These include Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and the magnificent Inti Punku.
Condensed Adventure: This relatively short hike perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Inca Trail. It provides a rich blend of Inca culture and stunning natural beauty. This makes it an ideal alternative to the Classic Inca Trail.
Unmatched Views: We witness breathtaking landscapes and ancient ruins, ensuring an unforgettable journey. It is a must-do for both adventure enthusiasts and history lovers.

How We Reach Km 104: Travel Options and Logistics

We meticulously plan your transport to Km 104 for your 1-day or 2-day Inca Trail. Acclimatizing in Cusco is essential before your departure. We offer flexible and comfortable transportation solutions for your convenience.

Transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo

We ensure your comfortable transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, your gateway to the Inca Trail.

Bus or Private Car: Our organized bus transfers take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, we can arrange a private transfer for enhanced comfort and scheduling flexibility.
Taxi Option: Taxis offer a faster, though slightly more expensive, route. This is a good choice for groups or travelers with extra luggage. Consider our service to Store your extra luggage at Kenko Adventures office for added convenience.

Train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104

Once in Ollantaytambo, we take a special train to Km 104. This is not a formal station, but tourist trains like PeruRail and IncaRail make stops for hikers. We always book your train tickets in advance. We also notify the train company of your Km 104 disembarkation. We recommend staying in Ollantaytambo the night before for an early departure. This avoids any potential delays on our journey.

Essential Logistical Considerations for Your Trek

We handle the crucial details for a smooth trek from Km 104.

Train Schedules: Trains stopping at Km 104 typically depart early. This ensures ample time for your hike.
Permits and Tickets: A special permit is mandatory for the 1-day or 2-day Inca Trail. These permits often sell out months in advance. We arrange your permit through our authorized channels. It is required to be accompanied by an official guide. Check Machu Picchu Availability for planning.
What to Bring: Although relatively short, this hike is still demanding. We advise bringing comfortable clothing, proper trekking footwear, and plenty of water and snacks. For a comprehensive list, see our What to pack for the Salkantay Trek, the Inca Trail or other alternative treks to Machu Picchu? guide.

Blue and yellow train en route to Machu Picchu, Peru, surrounded by dense greenery, with passengers boarding and preparing for their journey through the Andes.

Exploring Beyond Km 104: Archaeological Wonders

We lead you from Km 104 into a world of ancient Inca history.

Chachabamba Ruins: Right after Km 104, we encounter the Chachabamba ruins. These small but significant ruins provide insight into the agricultural and ceremonial life of the Incas.
Wiñay Wayna: After Chachabamba, our trail leads to Wiñay Wayna. This is one of the most impressive Inca sites on the Short Inca Trail. We admire its terraced hills and panoramic views before our final ascent.
Most Scenic Section: The stretch from Km 104 to Machu Picchu is widely considered the most scenic part of the entire Inca Trail. We soak in breathtaking views of the Andes and glimpses of ancient ruins. This section offers an unforgettable journey.

Permits and Regulations: Your Short Inca Trail Access

We ensure you understand the regulations for hiking from Km 104. A permit is required and sells out quickly. Permits can only be obtained through licensed tour operators like Kenko Adventures. Hikers must be accompanied by an official guide. These regulations help preserve the trail's beauty and ensure the safety of all hikers. This also contributes to the sustainability of the Machu Picchu experience.

Traveler holding an open passport with a Machu Picchu stamp, overlooking the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and surrounded by mountainous landscape under cloudy skies.

When to Hike: Our Seasonal Guide for Km 104

We help you choose the ideal time to start your Km 104 hike.

Dry Season: The best time to hike from Km 104 is during the dry season, from May to September. We experience mild weather and less slippery trails during these months. This makes for a safer and more enjoyable Inca Trail experience.
Rainy Season: The rainy season, from November to March, can bring more challenging conditions. We recommend proper rain gear if traveling then.

Fitness and Preparation for Your Km 104 Hike

We advise on fitness and preparation for your Km 104 adventure to Machu Picchu. While shorter, this hike still requires a good fitness level. The trail can be steep in parts. Acclimatization to the altitude is crucial for your comfort and enjoyment. We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco or Ollantaytambo before starting your hike. For more insights, refer to our blog on Altitude sickness: Tips and Prevention.

Km 104 vs. Km 82: Which Inca Trail is for You?

We help you decide between Km 104 and Km 82 for your Inca Trail experience.

Km 104: Perfect for those with limited time. It offers the best of the Inca Trail in one or two days. It focuses on stunning views and key Inca sites.
Km 82: This is the starting point for the Classic Inca Trail. It provides a full 4-day adventure. This option includes more archaeological sites and deeper immersion in the Andean landscapes. For a detailed comparison, explore our Short Inca Trail Vs Classic Inca Trail guide.

We are here to help you choose the perfect Machu Picchu trek. Your adventure awaits!

Free warm jacket for my litle friend!

Kenko Adventure Peru founder decided to add a social proyect in all Our tours that means, if you are booking a tour with Us, you automatically are donating a warm jacket for Our litle kids that have very hard living in very cold conditions near by the Andes Mountain