Is the 2-Day Inca Trail from Ollantaytambo Easy?
Dreaming of walking the ancient paths of the Incas but short on time? You are definitely not alone. Many travelers want to experience the magic of arriving at the Sun Gate on foot, but cannot commit to the classic inca trail 4 day hike. That is exactly where the shorter, express route comes in.
Starting near the beautiful town of Ollantaytambo, this express route gives you a taste of the Andean cloud forest, stunning archaeological sites, and that unforgettable first glimpse of the Inca Citadel. But one question always comes up for those planning to travel peru: is this shorter trek actually easy?
The short answer is that it is a moderate hike. While you do not need to be a professional athlete to complete it, calling it «easy» might be a slight understatement. You will still face steep stone steps, high altitudes, and several hours of continuous walking. However, with the right preparation and a positive attitude, hiking to Machu Picchu is a true adventure, making the journey to the Inca Citadel as rewarding as the ruins themselves.
The Verdict: Just How Hard is the Trek?
To understand the difficulty of the inca trail 2 day trek, we need to look at the numbers. The hiking portion all takes place on the first day. You will cover a walking distance of approximately 10 to 12 kilometers (about 6.5 to 7.5 miles). For a person with average fitness, this translates to roughly six to seven hours of hiking.
The trail consists of rolling paths, lush cloud forests, and some famously steep Inca steps. The physical challenge comes mostly from the uphill sections, particularly the ascent to the spectacular ruins of Wiñay Wayna, and the final push up the «Gringo Killer» steps just before the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Because you are only carrying a daypack and sleeping in a comfortable hotel bed that night, it is far less demanding than the traditional multi-day camping treks.
Ollantaytambo vs. Cusco: The Altitude Advantage
One of the smartest moves you can make when planning tours peru is to spend a little time in the Sacred Valley before your hike. Most travelers fly directly into Cusco, which sits at a lofty altitude of 3,399 meters (11,152 feet). That high elevation can leave even fit travelers feeling breathless and fatigued.
Ollantaytambo, where you will catch your train to the trailhead, sits significantly lower at about 2,792 meters (9,160 feet). Spending a night or two in Ollantaytambo before your hike allows your body to adjust much more gently. When comparing the two, Ollantaytambo offers a warmer climate, richer oxygen levels, and a fantastic starting point to acclimate before you hit the trail.
Trail Altitude: What to Expect on the Hike
A massive benefit of the express trek is the relatively low altitude of the trail itself. While the classic route crosses passes over 4,200 meters (13,779 feet), the highest point you will reach on the 2-day trail is the Sun Gate at 2,720 meters (8,924 feet).
The trailhead at Kilometer 104 begins at around 2,100 meters (6,889 feet). From there, you gradually ascend to Wiñay Wayna at 2,650 meters (8,694 feet) before rolling toward the Sun Gate. Because the entire hike stays below 3,000 meters, the risk of altitude sickness is incredibly low, provided you have spent a couple of days acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand.
Your Professional 2-Day Inca Trail Itinerary
We specialize in guiding small groups through Machu Picchu and the Andean lands of Peru, creating authentic, once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Here is what your professional itinerary will look like.
Day 1: The Scenic Train and the Sacred Trail
Your adventure begins early. You will board a train at the Ollantaytambo station, enjoying a scenic ride alongside the Urubamba River. Make sure you have your train tickets handy! You will disembark at Kilometer 104, cross a suspension bridge, and pass through the official checkpoint.
The first few hours involve a steady, gradual climb through the lush, tropical cloud forest. You will discover the beautiful ruins of Chachabamba before continuing upward to the breathtaking terraces of Wiñay Wayna. This site is arguably the most beautiful on the entire trail system. After enjoying a packed lunch here, you will hike the final undulating stretch to the Sun Gate. Arriving in the late afternoon provides a uniquely quiet, golden-hour view of Machu Picchu below. Afterward, you take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes to rest in a comfortable hotel for the night.
Day 2: Exploring the Inca Citadel
You will wake up refreshed and take one of the first buses back up to Machu Picchu. Since you already did the heavy lifting on day one, today is all about exploration. You will enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the citadel, learning about the fascinating history, architecture, and spiritual significance of the temples and plazas.
After you have soaked up the magic of the site, you will head back down to Aguas Calientes, grab a delicious lunch, and catch your return train to Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
Top Tips for a Successful Trek
To make your journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Book Early: Permits for the inca trail 2 day hike sell out months in advance. The same goes for your machu picchu tickets and train tickets. Secure them early to avoid disappointment.
- Acclimatize properly: Spend at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before you start walking. When selecting your hotel en cusco, look for properties that offer oxygen-enriched rooms or complimentary coca tea to help you adjust.
- Pack light: You will need a comfortable daypack holding water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a rain jacket. Leave your heavy luggage securely stored at your hotel.
- Wear the right shoes: Hiking boots or trail running shoes with excellent grip are essential for the uneven stone steps.
- Pace yourself: The trek is not a race. Stop to take photos, drink plenty of water, and enjoy the incredible flora and fauna around you.
Let’s Plan Your Dream Trip to Machu Picchu with Inca Trail For Less
The short Inca Trail is the perfect blend of physical challenge, stunning natural beauty, and ancient history. While it requires some effort, arriving at the Sun Gate on your own two feet is an achievement you will remember forever.
Ready to experience the wonders of the Andes? Let our local experts handle the logistics, from securing those hard-to-get permits to booking the best boutique hotels. Reach out to our team today to start designing your custom Peruvian adventure