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2D/1N
SHORT INCA TRAIL TREK KM 104

In the Footsteps of the Incas to Machu Picchu: Two Exceptional Days

Home Tours Short Inca Trail Trek Km 104

The Km 104 trek is one of the most beautiful ways to reach Machu Picchu on foot, following an emblematic section of the Inca Trail. Shorter than the classic four-day route, it allows you to experience the emotion of the Inca path without such a long physical commitment, while preserving the essentials: Andean landscapes, mountain forest, archaeological remains and a gradual approach to the sacred citadel.

After a train journey through the Urubamba Valley, the walk begins at kilometer 104 of the railway line. The trail then climbs through lush vegetation to the site of Wiñay Wayna, a remarkable complex of terraces, Inca buildings and ceremonial channels clinging to the mountainside.

The hike continues towards Inti Punku, the Sun Gate, the ancient ceremonial entrance to Machu Picchu. From this point, the citadel appears for the first time, nestled between mountains and tropical forest. It is one of the great moments of the journey, both intimate and spectacular.

This tour is ideal for travelers who wish to discover the Inca Trail in a short, immersive and accessible version, with one of the most moving arrivals on foot to Machu Picchu in Peru.

Trip information

Tour title
Short Inca Trail Trek Km 104
Duration
2D/1N
Difficulty
Moderate
Country visited
Peru
Region crossed
Cusco
Highlights
Inca trails, access through the Sun Gate, Machu Picchu...
Best time to come
From April to November
Accomodation
  • 1 night in 3 *
  • 1 night in accomodation at your own expense.
Meals included
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Altitude max
3400 m a.s.l. / 11155 ft a.s.l.
Distance covered
156.1 km / 97 mi (* as the crow flies)
Recommended age
+12

Program details

1

Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Chachabamba Km104 - Wiñaywayna - Intipunku - Machupicchu - Machupicchu Pueblo

TREK – Private English-Speaking Service

Early morning departure by train from the Sacred Valley towards the starting point of the trek, at Km 104 of the Inca Trail. After a stop in the heart of the Urubamba Valley and the entrance formalities, the hike begins on the legendary Inca Trail.

The path gradually climbs through lush vegetation and soon leads to the archaeological site of Chachabamba, a former ceremonial center and strategic checkpoint at the entrance to the valley.

The ascent continues over the following hours through the cloud forest, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. You then reach the impressive site of Wiñay Wayna, a remarkable complex of agricultural terraces and Inca structures clinging to the mountainside.

After a well-deserved break, the trek continues to the legendary Sun Gate, Inti Punku, from where the silhouette of Machu Picchu appears for the first time, often bathed in magical late-afternoon light.

You then descend to Aguas Calientes and check in at your hotel.

Walking time: approximately 5 to 6 hours, in a temperate to humid climate.

Note: trek permits are very limited, so early confirmation is strongly recommended.

Meals included : Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation :

Hotel Flower's House - 3* - Calle Kory Wakanki B-9 esquina, Ca. Wuyñay Wayna, Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu pueblo

Altitudes

  • Altitude min : 2081 m a.s.l. / 6827 ft a.s.l.
  • Altitude max : 3400 m a.s.l. / 11155 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

  • Cusco - Ollantaytambo : 42.2 km /26.2 mi (road)
  • Ollantaytambo - Chachabamba Km104 : 27.7 km /17.2 mi (train)
  • Chachabamba Km104 - Wiñaywayna : 3.2 km /2 mi (walk)
  • Wiñaywayna - Intipunku : 2.3 km /1.4 mi (walk)
  • Intipunku - Machupicchu : 1.1 km /0.7 mi (walk)
  • Machupicchu - Machupicchu Pueblo : 2.3 km /1.4 mi (road)

Total distance : 78.8 km / 49 mi

2

Machupicchu Pueblo - Machupicchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Discovering Machu Picchu

Visit to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”, with a private English-speaking guide / Train to Ollantaytambo without a guide.

Machu Picchu is a journey into the serenity of the soul, an eternal fusion with the cosmos. There, we feel our own fragility. It is one of the greatest wonders of South America. A haven of butterflies at the epicenter of the great circle of life. One miracle more.
Pablo Neruda

Early in the morning, at the time agreed with your guide, you will take the bus up to the site of Machu Picchu, which overlooks the valley by around 400 meters. The landscapes are completely different from those you have seen so far, and the setting in which this ancient urban center was built is extraordinary. The mist and the light of sunrise make the place even more impressive.

Archaeology and colonial chronicles have taught us a great deal, yet many discoveries remain to be made. Your guide will help you better understand what this mysterious city may have been during the Inca period. Two and a half hours are dedicated to the visit of the site.

You will enjoy every moment at Machu Picchu, a Wonder of the Modern World and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.

You will then return to Machu Picchu Pueblo on foot or by bus, depending on your pace.

In the afternoon or early evening, depending on the schedule confirmed at the time of booking, you will take the train to Ollantaytambo without a guide.

Upon arrival, transfer to Cusco, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Andes.

Meals included : Breakfast
Accommodation :

Accomodation at your own expense.

Altitudes

  • Altitude min : 2081 m a.s.l. / 6827 ft a.s.l.
  • Altitude max : 3400 m a.s.l. / 11155 ft a.s.l.

Distances (Referencials - as the crow flies)

  • Machupicchu Pueblo - Machupicchu : 2.3 km /1.4 mi (road)
  • Machupicchu - Machupicchu Pueblo : 2.3 km /1.4 mi (road)
  • Machupicchu Pueblo - Ollantaytambo : 30.6 km /19 mi (train)
  • Ollantaytambo - Cusco : 42.2 km /26.2 mi (road)

Total distance : 77.3 km / 48 mi

Included

  1. All transport and transfers related to the trek, as well as the trains mentioned.
  2. Nights in camp and one night in a 3-star hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo. The hotel mentioned in the programme is provided for reference only and is subject to availability. In case of unavailability, an equivalent establishment may be offered.
  3. All entrance fees to the sites indicated in the programme.
  4. English-speaking guide service throughout the trek and for the visit to Machu Picchu.
  5. Trekking equipment, kitchen equipment and tents.
  6. Meals mentioned as included.
  7. All breakfasts.

Not included

  1. Meals indicated as free.
  2. Drinks during meals.
  3. Tips.
  4. Saddle horse.
  5. Sleeping bag, available for rent. Please let us know in advance.
  6. Visits not mentioned as included, which you may do freely.
  7. Excursions indicated as optional.
  8. Domestic and international flights.
  9. Cancellation and repatriation insurance.
  10. Bank fees related to payment for the trip.

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