Why Pairing the Sacred Valley with a Short Trek Is the Ideal Itinerary Pairing the Sacred Valley with a short Trek is an amazing way to really get a feel for the soul of Peru’s mountains, history and ancient treasures. This perfect itinerary mixes up the relaxing vibe of the Sacred Valley with the excitement of a short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu , just what many travellers are looking for. It suits lots of people, including families and first - timers who love to hike because it’s just the right amount of challenging and totally worth it. Why Choose This Combo? The Sacred Valley is an awesome place to explore, see some much older towns, peek at original Inca farms and just soak up those high altitude views. Adding a short hike like the one - day Inca Trail lets you follow in the footsteps of the Incas by walking part of the original stone path they built, passing some really special ruins and finishing at the Sun Gate with a view of Machu Picchu, and it's a day you won’t forget. What you get f rom doing a Sacred Valley tour and short Inca Trail trip is the full - on experience of both the local culture and the amazing natural scenery, all at a much more relaxed pace than the big rush of a full - on 4 - day trek. You get more time to take in the views, get some good photos, and just take a breather. Perfect for Every Traveller One of the reasons this itinerary is so popular is that it really can suit most peop le, regardless of fitness level or schedule. The typical Sacred Valley and one day Inca Trail hike covers about 7 to 8 miles (11 to 14 km. The trails are well ma rked and the tough bits are made worth it by the rewards, like stunning waterfalls, beautiful valleys and crazy old ruins like Wiñay Wayna. With a local guide showing the way and looking after you, most people with average fitness can enjoy the hike withou t feeling like they're being rushed or exhausted. It's also a great way to warm up if you’re planning a more serious hike down the line, like the famous 4 - day Inca Trail. Stunning Views and Ancient Wonders The Sacred Valley stretches out between snow - cappe d peaks and holds some real treasures from the Inca era, from the incredible terraces of Chinchero to the bustle of the local markets in Pisac and the fortress at Ollantaytambo. On a Sacred Valley tour, you get to experience both the vibrant Andean town li fe and the peaceful mountain landscape. Once your hike starts, every hour brings winding stone paths, cool forests, quiet streams and even glimpses of Machu Picchu in the distance. Most hikes finish up at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) just as the sun is settin g, giving you the perfect first look at this incredible lost city. Flexibility is the Key Not everyone can or wants to spend their time trekking for four days, or wants the sort of hike that really tests them. That’s where the Sacred Valley tour & short Inca Trail packages come in, and they’re shorter, so you can still get a taste of Peru without being glued to the trail for days. You get to stay in comfortable hotels or lodges, carry less and have some time to chill. These trips are perfect for those who are short on time and want to fit in some amazing experiences.