The Km 104 Inca Trail is where the short, two-day hike to Machu Picchu begins. Reaching it takes an early start, a train, and a clear plan.
This guide explains where the Km 104 Inca Trail starts, how hikers get there, and where a private ride fits. It also covers permits, timing, and how to start the hike rested.
We provide private transport only. Therefore, you book your trek separately with a licensed operator.
Km 104 Inca Trail: What It Is and Where It Is
Km 104 is the starting point of the Short Inca Trail, according to Tierras Vivas. It sits at about 2,200 meters, beside the railway.
The trail runs about 12 kilometers to Machu Picchu. In addition, the Inca site of Chachabamba appears early on the route.
Why Hikers Choose the Short Route
Many travelers have only a few days to spare. Therefore, the Km 104 Inca Trail offers a shorter way to walk an Inca road.
It covers about 12 kilometers, compared with about 40 kilometers on the classic route. In addition, it stays below 3,000 meters, so the climb feels gentler.
Km 104 and Chachabamba
At Km 104, a small clearing lies beside the Urubamba River. A wooden bridge leads to the Chachabamba checkpoint, per My Wanderlusty Life.
There, officials check your permit and passport before you walk. Therefore, keep both in your daypack.
The site has baths, houses, and storage areas, according to Tierras Vivas. Hikers see these ruins early on the route.
Short Trail or One-Day Hike
Both versions start at Km 104. The two-day hike adds a night, while the one-day hike finishes in a single long day.
The one-day version usually takes six to eight hours, per My Wanderlusty Life. Therefore, choose it only if you are fit and acclimatized.
First, confirm which version your operator sells. Then share the start time with us, so your pickup matches.
How to Get to the Km 104 Inca Trail From Cusco
Hikers reach Km 104 by train from Ollantaytambo. The trains toward Aguas Calientes stop there to let hikers off, per My Wanderlusty Life.
However, the stop is brief, and Tierras Vivas says you must request it. Therefore, your operator arranges the stop for you.
The Early Start From Cusco
Pickups in Cusco usually happen around 4:00 a.m., per TR Experience. The drive to Ollantaytambo takes about an hour and 45 minutes on our direct route.
Therefore, plan your pickup the evening before. Also, pack your daypack before you sleep.
Transfer Timing for Your Km 104 Inca Trail Train
Your train time sets your pickup time. Therefore, ask your operator for the exact departure before you book.
Allow a buffer at the station, because platforms fill quickly. Also, keep your documents ready for the boarding check.
Sleeping in the Sacred Valley First
Many hikers sleep in Ollantaytambo the night before. Then the station is minutes away, and the morning feels calm.
Likewise, a quiet night helps you sleep well before a very early start. As a result, you begin the hike with more energy.
See our Ollantaytambo guide for the town. Meanwhile, the Ollantaytambo train station guide explains the platforms. Prefer a different route? See our guide to the Salkantay trek.
Private Transfer to Ollantaytambo Station
A private ride takes you from your hotel to the station in one trip. Your driver arrives at the time your train requires.
Because the ride is private, nobody else sets your schedule. As a result, you reach the platform calm and on time.
Km 104 Inca Trail Permits and Rules
Permits for the Km 104 Inca Trail sell out in high season. Therefore, secure yours before you plan any transfer.
Hiking requires a permit and a licensed guide, per Tierras Vivas. Independent hiking is not allowed.
The same source says access is capped at 500 people per day. Therefore, book four to five months ahead.
The February Closure
The trail closes every February for maintenance, according to TR Experience. Therefore, plan another route if you travel that month.
Our Inca Trail alternatives guide covers other treks. Also, see the Km 82 Inca Trail guide for the four-day route.
What to Bring to the Checkpoint
Bring your passport and your permit to the Chachabamba checkpoint. In addition, keep your train ticket within reach.
Pack layers, because mornings are cool at altitude. Also, bring water and snacks for the first stretch.
Wear broken-in hiking shoes, because the day is long. In addition, carry a rain jacket, since rain is possible even in the dry season.
Best Time for the Km 104 Inca Trail
The dry season runs from May to September, per TR Experience. Skies are clearest then, but the trail is busiest.
April and October bring fewer visitors and green scenery, according to the same source. However, occasional rain is possible.
Rain is frequent from November to March, except February. Therefore, bring a rain jacket in those months.
Finally, avoid February, because the trail is closed. Also, book early for May to September.
Altitude and Fitness
The route stays below 3,000 meters, per Tierras Vivas. The highest point is the Sun Gate, at about 2,720 meters.
Still, altitude sickness can start after a night in Cusco. Therefore, spend a day or two in the valley first.
Drink water and avoid heavy meals the night before. Also, rest in the valley before the hike.
The climb adds about 520 meters of elevation. In addition, the Inca Trail is a long day on foot, as Wikipedia explains.
Km 104 Inca Trail Transfer Prices
A private ride from your Cusco hotel to Ollantaytambo station costs $44 for a sedan. A minivan costs $58, and a Sprinter costs $73.
Prices for the Km 104 Inca Trail transfer are per vehicle, not per person.
Pickups from Sacred Valley hotels are a shorter ride. Share your hotel name, and we confirm a fixed price before you book.
Vehicle Sizes
The sedan seats up to three passengers. Meanwhile, the minivan seats four or five, and the Sprinter takes up to 15.
Hikers carry daypacks and extra bags. Therefore, choose a vehicle with room for luggage, not only seats.
Likewise, groups of four to fifteen can share one vehicle. In that case, the price per person drops quickly.
What Every Ride Includes
Every ride includes tolls and SOAT insurance. In addition, English-speaking staff answer on WhatsApp around the clock.
What We Do Not Sell
We provide transport only. Therefore, your permit, guide, train tickets, and meals come from other providers.
The return from Machu Picchu is a separate trip. See Aguas Calientes to Cusco for that plan.
A Sample Plan for Your Km 104 Inca Trail Start
The Km 104 Inca Trail start works best with a night in the valley. Therefore, book your pickup the day before, and confirm your train time.
On day one, your driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. First, rest and keep the day light. See Cusco airport to Sacred Valley for the direct ride.
On day two, explore the valley by road. Our Sacred Valley map shows how the towns connect.
On day three, your driver takes you to Ollantaytambo station at the time your train requires. Then you step off at Km 104 and start walking.
After the trek, you reach Machu Picchu and take the train back. Read Machu Picchu transportation for that part.
Finally, keep one flexible day before the trek. A delayed flight will not then threaten your permit date.
Km 104 or Km 82?
Km 82 starts the classic four-day trail, while Km 104 starts the shorter version. Therefore, choose by the days you have and your fitness.
Compare both in our Km 82 Inca Trail guide. Also, read Cusco to Ollantaytambo for the road details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Km 104 on the Inca Trail?
It is a railway stop beside the Urubamba River, at about 2,200 meters. The Short Inca Trail starts there, at the Chachabamba checkpoint.
How do I get to Km 104 from Cusco?
Drive to Ollantaytambo, then take a train toward Aguas Calientes that stops at Km 104. Your trek operator arranges the stop.
Is Km 104 the same as Chachabamba?
They sit side by side. A wooden bridge leads from Km 104 to the Chachabamba checkpoint and the ruins.
Can I hike from Km 104 without a guide?
No. A permit and a licensed guide are required, and an authorized operator books both.
How long does the hike from Km 104 take?
The Km 104 Inca Trail covers about 12 kilometers and takes roughly six to seven hours on foot. The one-day version takes six to eight hours, per My Wanderlusty Life.
When is the Km 104 Inca Trail closed?
It closes every February for maintenance. Plan another route if you travel that month.
How much is a private transfer to Ollantaytambo station?
From a Cusco hotel, it costs $44 for a sedan, $58 for a minivan, and $73 for a Sprinter. Prices are per vehicle.
Can you pick me up from a Sacred Valley hotel?
Yes. Share your hotel name and your train time, and we confirm the pickup and a fixed price.
Do you sell permits, guides, or train tickets?
No. We provide private transport only, so your trek operator handles permits, guides, and meals.
Book Your Ride to the Km 104 Inca Trail
Start your Km 104 Inca Trail hike rested and on time. Share your hotel, vehicle size, and train time.
We will confirm your private ride and a fixed price.
