The KM104 Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can be done over a one or two day hike. It’s the perfect alternative to the 5-day Inca Trail for those who are short on time and still want to hike into Machu Picchu.
The one day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu sees an early start and a same-day return to Cusco. Alternatively, for those with a little more time to explore the magnificent citadel the 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu sees travellers spending a night in Machu Picchu Pueblo. In the two-day Inca Trail explorers will return the next day for a more in-depth look of Machu Picchu, with the option to climb one of the peaks (Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu) before returning to Cusco in the late afternoon.
Both the one and two day Inca Trail hikes, are truly fantastic ways to see Machu Picchu. By choosing the km104 trek over the train you will see more nature and Inca sites than if you take the train, as well as being surrounded by fewer people, and of course, you will be following in the footsteps of the Incas themselves. The one day Inca Trail hike starts at KM104, or Chachamba as the locals call it. KM104 refers to the distance along the train line from Cusco. The route climbs to the Wiñay Wayna ruins before contouring the hillside, through the Sun Gate and into Machu Picchu.
The one-day Inca Trail is not technically difficult and should be achievable to anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The hike begins with around 200 meters uphill before the path winds around the side of the mountain. There is a total of 550m ascension and 250m descent over the day. Both the one-day Inca Trail and the Two-day Inca Trail are suitable for kids aged about 8 years upwards. The hike is 12km in distance and takes about between 5 and 6 hours for most people. Altitude sickness should not be an issue as the maximum height is 2650m/8700ft. This is lower than the Sacred Valley and much lower than Cusco.
*Km 104 Permits often sell out a month in advance so enquire early to avoid disappointment
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You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and transferred to the train station. From here you will enjoy a train to the KM104 starting point, and after passing through the control point, you are ready to begin your short Inca Trail.
The first Inca site you will pass will be Chachabamba, shortly after which comes to the ascension through beautiful cloud forest before arriving at Wiñay Wayna. After exploring this ancient site you will climb ancient Inca stairwells through terraces, exploring water features and buildings of times gone by.
From here, the most beautiful section of the entire Inca Trail takes over. Lush vegetation flanks you on either side. The scent of wild orchids fills the air. And all around you, brightly colored songbirds fill your ears with song.
Soon you will reach a final set of stairs to arrive at Inti Punku, better known as the Sun Gate. As you step through the old stone gateway, Machu Picchu unfolds before your eyes. Those who chose the one-day Inca Trail will explore the ancient citadel as much as their tired legs will allow, before taking the bus down to Aguas Calientes and taking the train back to Cusco.
Those who chose the two-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu will travel to Aguas Calientes below, where they can enjoy a hot shower and delicious meal before a well-deserved rest.
After a comfortable night, you take the bus back up to explore Machu Picchu with your guide. You have time to hike to the Inca Bridge or Watchman’s hut or to wander through the ruins and soak up the atmosphere. If you have the energy you could even take on one of the peaks- be it Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu.
In the afternoon you enjoy one of the world’s great train journeys along the Sacred Valley to your hotel.
Trekking Kitlist
Trekking Kitlist
