Km 104 is one of the most important access points to the Inca Trail Network because the short route to Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku, and Machu Picchu begins here.
Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, which normally starts at Km 82 and is reached by road, Km 104 is accessed by the railway connecting Ollantaytambo with Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Therefore, if you are doing the 1- or 2-day Inca Trail, it is important to understand how the transfer works, where to board the train, and what happens when you arrive at the start of the hike.
Where is Km 104 on the Inca Trail?
Km 104 is located next to the Ollantaytambo Machu Picchu railway line, in the Chachabamba sector.
From this point begins Route 5 of the Inca Trail Network, which continues through Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Inti Punku before reaching Machu Picchu.
The official route is approximately 10.5 kilometers long and is the access route commonly used for the short versions of the Inca Trail.
How do you get to Km 104?
The usual way to get to Km 104 is by train.
This is not an access point that travelers would normally reach by car or tourist bus. The railway is the connection used to reach Chachabamba and begin the hike from there.
SERNANP officially states that access to Route 5 is by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Chachabamba.
Traveling from Cusco to Km 104
If your journey begins in Cusco, the first transfer depends on the arrangements made by your agency and the railway service operating on your travel date.
Many programs first provide ground transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo. From there, travelers continue by train through the Sacred Valley toward Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Travelers scheduled to enter the Short Inca Trail do not necessarily continue to the final station; instead, they get off at the authorized railway point to begin the route.
Ollantaytambo as a connection to the Short Inca Trail
Ollantaytambo is one of the most important railway points for travelers doing the Inca Trail from Km 104.
Different services depart from its station toward Machu Picchu Pueblo, and certain departures allow passengers to get off at the Inca Trail access point.
Do you need to buy any train to Machu Picchu?
No. You should not assume that every departure will allow you to get off at Km 104.
PeruRail expressly indicates that certain departures are available for Inca Trail travelers and allow them to disembark at the relevant point before continuing to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Schedules may change depending on the season and railway operations, so the train must be specifically coordinated for entry to the Inca Trail.
Km 104 does not operate as a conventional station
It is helpful to understand the difference between a traditional railway station and the Inca Trail drop-off point.
Km 104 is associated with the Chachabamba sector and serves as the access point for the hike. It should not be imagined as a large terminal with waiting rooms, shops, and the services you might find at an urban station.
After getting off, the goal is to head to the relevant checkpoint and begin the walking route.
What happens after getting off the train
Once the group gets off at the authorized access point, the entry process to the Inca Trail Network begins.
Visitors must follow the instructions of the guide and checkpoint staff.
It is important to have the documents required for entry verification ready, as the Inca Trail is a regulated route and does not operate as an open-access trail.
Inca Trail entry checkpoint
The staff in charge verify the relevant documentation before travelers continue along the route.
For this reason, it is advisable to carry the ID or passport used to make the reservation and keep it in an accessible place in your backpack.
Chachabamba: the traditional starting point from Km 104
Chachabamba is the first archaeological sector associated with Route 5 of the Inca Trail.
From here, a hike completely different from the classic four-day route begins: the distance is shorter, but it still includes significant ascents and several sections of Inca stone steps.
After visiting Chachabamba, the trail continues uphill through valley vegetation and forest until reaching Wiñay Wayna.
From Km 104 to Wiñay Wayna
The ascent to Wiñay Wayna is one of the main sections of the day.
This part of the route combines mountain trails, lush vegetation, and views of the river valley.
Wiñay Wayna is one of the most representative archaeological complexes on the Inca Trail and stands out for its terraces built into the hillside.
From Wiñay Wayna to Inti Punku
After Wiñay Wayna, the route continues along the ancient Inca trail toward Inti Punku.
Inti Punku, known as the Sun Gate, marks the final approach to Machu Picchu and is one of the most anticipated points for those doing the Short Inca Trail.
From there, you continue on foot along the established route toward the Machu Picchu area.
How long is the hike from Km 104?
The duration depends on the group’s pace, the stops made, and trail conditions.
As a reference, the traditional route from Chachabamba to Machu Picchu usually takes up most of the day.
For this reason, programs using Km 104 aim to start early and carefully coordinate the train schedule.
Why the train schedule is important
The train is not just transportation to reach the starting point: its schedule also determines when the hike begins.
Getting off too late would leave less time to complete the route at a relaxed pace.
For this reason, agencies operating the Short Inca Trail select departures compatible with the authorized itinerary.
Do not plan the drop-off on your own
If you have booked an organized program, use the train indicated by the agency.
Changing departures without consulting them may cause problems with the entry time, guide coordination, and the point where you need to get off.
What to keep handy during the trip to Km 104
Before boarding the train, organize the items you will need immediately after getting off.
- Passport or document used for the reservation.
- Inca Trail ticket or documentation.
- Water in a reusable container.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect repellent.
- Rain poncho or jacket.
- Personal snacks.
- Trekking poles, if permitted and if you use them.
- Camera or phone.
It is not advisable to keep your ID at the bottom of your luggage because it may be needed during the access checkpoint.
Can you reach Km 104 by road?
The usual tourist access to Route 5 is not by road.
Official SERNANP information establishes the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo as the means of access to Chachabamba.
This marks an important difference from Km 82 on the Classic Inca Trail, where groups normally arrive by ground transportation.
Km 82 and Km 104: they are not the same starting point
Both are part of the Inca Trail Network, but they correspond to different experiences.
- Km 82: It is the best-known starting point of the multi-day Classic Inca Trail. It is accessed mainly by road, and the long hike begins there.
- Km 104: It is associated with the Short Inca Trail and is usually reached by train. From Chachabamba, the route continues to Wiñay Wayna, Inti Punku, and Machu Picchu.
Knowing which route you have booked helps avoid confusion about the transportation needed to reach the starting point.
Do you need to book in advance to enter through Km 104?
Yes. The Inca Trail is part of a protected network and has controlled entry.
It is not advisable to simply buy a train ticket and assume you can get off to start the trail without the required documentation.
Your Inca Trail reservation and transportation arrangements must be made before traveling.
Current access to Km 104 on the Inca Trail
During 2026, access through Km 104 – Chachabamba underwent temporary changes due to natural impacts on the route. Currently, Inca Trail Route 5 is open with access via kilometers 104 and 106.
The drop-off point may depend on current operational provisions and coordination with railway companies. For this reason, before traveling, it is advisable to confirm with your agency which entry point will be assigned for your travel date.
Tips for reaching the Short Inca Trail starting point without issues
- Confirm with your agency which station you will board the train from.
- Check the assigned train departure.
- Do not buy a different train without consulting first.
- Bring the same document used for the reservation.
- Have your daypack ready before boarding the train.
- Ask whether entry will be through Km 104 or a temporary alternative access point.
- Follow the guide’s instructions when it is time to get off.
The train is the gateway to the Short Inca Trail
Reaching Km 104 is part of the Short Inca Trail experience itself.
The journey begins with a train ride through the valley, continues with getting off in the authorized sector, and, after the entry checkpoint, becomes a hike through Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna, and Inti Punku.
The key is to properly coordinate the train, permit, and entry time. With these elements organized before departure, travelers can focus on enjoying the trail and the approach to Machu Picchu via the ancient Inca Trail.