Chachabamba: Shor Inca Trail Start point or Ceremonial Water Center at Km 104
Right beside the waters of the Urubamba River, at kilometer 104 of the railway connecting Ollantaytambo with Aguas Calientes, sits Chachabamba: an archaeological site dedicated to water worship and, at the same time, the gateway to the Short Inca Trail, the 1- or 2-day alternative for those with less time to reach Machu Picchu.
What Is Chachabamba?
Chachabamba is an Inca archaeological site located on the banks of the Urubamba River, near kilometer 104 of the railway connecting Ollantaytambo with Aguas Calientes. The name comes from Quechua and allows for different interpretations; one of the most common translates it as "valley of the mosquito bites," likely a reference to the humid, forested surroundings of the site.
There are different readings of its original function. Some sources describe it primarily as a ceremonial center dedicated to water worship, evidenced by a carved stone altar likely used for offerings, and by a sophisticated channel system reflecting the hydraulic mastery of Inca engineering. Other sources, however, point to a possible use as a military fort meant to control access to this part of the valley. It's likely that both functions — ceremonial and control-related — coexisted, as is the case at several similar sites along the Inca Trail.
Architecture: Terraces, an Altar, and Channels
The complex includes agricultural terraces carefully built to adapt farming to steep terrain, combining functionality with a notable aesthetic integration into the landscape. Religious structures are also preserved, including the stone altar linked to water-related rituals, along with a network of channels designed for both practical irrigation and ceremonial purposes.
From Chachabamba, there are privileged views of the Urubamba River and the lush vegetation surrounding it, a setting that adds a serene, almost spiritual quality to the visit, consistent with the ceremonial character attributed to the site.
The Gateway to the Short Inca Trail
Chachabamba is the starting point of the Short Inca Trail, also known as the "short route" in contrast to the classic 4-day trek. After getting off the train at km 104 and checking in at the control post, hikers first visit the Chachabamba ruins, then begin a climb along a stone path through the cloud forest toward Wiñaywayna, continuing afterward toward Intipata and Intipunku, the Sun Gate, where the first view of Machu Picchu opens up.
This variant can be completed in a single day (for those not camping overnight) or over two days with one night of camping, and it covers precisely the final stretch — many would say the most spectacular one — of the classic Inca Trail, spanning roughly 11 kilometers of trail.
Who This Route Is For
The Short Inca Trail from Chachabamba is an ideal option for travelers with limited time, for those looking for a physically less demanding introduction to Andean trekking, or for those who simply want to experience part of the magic of the Inca Trail without committing to the full four days. Just like the classic Inca Trail, access requires a specific permit — separate from the 4-day route's permit — and can only be booked through authorized operators.
It's worth noting that this route remains closed throughout the month of February each year, for maintenance and conservation work on the trail and its bridges, the same as the classic Inca Trail.
Location and How to Get There
Chachabamba sits at kilometer 104 of the Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes railway, on the banks of the Urubamba River, within the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary. It's reached by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to the km 104 stop, from where a short walk leads to the archaeological site. There's no independent access without a guide: it's necessary to book with an authorized operator who handles the permits and logistics.
Reference location of Chachabamba, kilometer 104, Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, Cusco.
Other Stops Near Chachabamba
Wiñaywayna
The next major archaeological site on the route, reached after the climb from Chachabamba.
Intipata
The large agricultural terraces visible on the final stretch, shared with the classic Inca Trail.
Intipunku
The Sun Gate, where both the Short and classic Inca Trails offer the first view of Machu Picchu.
Discover the 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Itinerary
Discover the complete 2-day Short Inca Trail itinerary, from Km 104 to Machu Picchu, passing through Wiñayhuayna and the Sun Gate (Intipunku).
