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Peru Trek - Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge Peru
General Info
The only Lodge to Lodge Horseback Riding Trip to Machu Picchu in Peru. A unique opportunity to experience ancient history in the Land of the Incas, culture, exotic flora and fauna, culinary surprises and new friends.
After a day’s ride, enjoy high comfort at mountain lodges located in strategic locations throughout the Salkantay Trail. These lodges made "Travel & Leisure" magazine's list of the "World's Most Remote Hotels."
Ride horses on the “Salkantay Route,” named among the 25 best Treks in the World by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine, to four wonderful mountain lodges in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a spectacular Andean Mountain Range that cradles the famed Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a pre-Columbian 15th-century Inca site that is often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas." This is the trip of a lifetime and one that will certainly earn you bragging rights!
As you ride through nine different biozones, changing altitudes and varied terrain, marvel at the exquisite beauty of the Salkantay Peak, Salkantay Glacier and Humantay Glacier Lake. Ride amid snow capped mountains, part of the Peruvian Andes, and crystal clear rivers to reach a 15,000 foot mountain pass and descend into a misty jungle. Experience the culture and customs of local Andean families who maintain age-old traditions, while indulging in the comfort of enchanted mountain lodges on these riding holidays. Be inspired by the majesty of your surroundings and the knowledge that you are following in the footsteps of the Incas.
The Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort offers an outdoor hot tub, cozy reading rooms, a bar / lounge (with Pisco Sour glasses and all!) and 12 well-appointed private double (or twin) rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers. Distract yourself in our outdoor hot tubs with incredible views. Relax in lodge lounges and indulge in exquisite Andean Gourmet Cuisine. For a good night’s sleep, enjoy your own private heated room and beds with 400 count thread sheets and goose feather down comforters. The enchanting Valley of Soraypampa is also the starting point of the “other” route to Machu Picchu – one that is much less traveled but, by many accounts, more scenic and exclusive than the famous “Inca Trail”. Traveling on the Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge experience, riders spend one night each at three Rider’s Lodges located at strategic points along the route: Huayraccmachay, Collpapampa and Lucmabamba. These Rider’s Lodges are smaller in size (only 6 guest rooms per lodge), but each one of them offers the same amenities as the base lodge. On the last day of your trip, you will have the guided visit to the Machu Picchu citadel and gain in depth knowledge about this Wonder of the World.
One guide is provided for up to 7 riders in a group for this riding vacation. Groups of 8 to 14 riders will have a guide and an assistant guide traveling with them. The cooks and horsemen know the area well and are available to assist the guides at all times. Non-riding companions are welcome on this trip and may hike and be transported from lodge to lodge by vehicle while their companion rides horses.
This trip is 7 days/6 nights with an option to add 2 additional days. There is moderate to strenuous riding at high elevations on steep and rocky trails and a section of stone paved Inca paths. Riding entails traversing through 12 different eco-zones, which involves changing weather conditions. The main elevations in the area are between 12,000 feet and 8,000 feet. On day three there is a pass of 15,500,' but one is up there for only one hour or so, as the descent on the other side leads to a lodge at 12,000 feet.
Awards & Accolades
This outfitter's previous treks have garnered high praise!
- National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” in 2009
- National Geographic Adventure Magazine’s “25 Best New Trips” in 2008
- Outside’s GO “12 Best trips” in 2008
- Grand Prize in the renown competition TO DO! – Contest for Socially Responsible Tourism
Member of
ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association)
LATA in the UK
Several Peruvian tourism organizations.
Packing
Packing Tips - Machu Picchu Trek
Adjustable riding helmets are available at the first stable. It is not mandatory but we highly recommend the use of a helmet. There is no need to request them ahead of time.
Laundry facilities are available.
Weather in the region is extremely variable and packing for a variety of conditions is recommended. Riders will pass through 9 bio-zones ranging from high altitude alpine conditions to high jungle. Please visit Equitrekking Travel's packing list for additional suggestions.
December to March: rain/ cold
April to June: fair
July to August: dry/ cold
September to November: occasional rain/ fair
These items are essential to ensure adventure travelers’ comfort and safety:
- a day pack with everything needed for the day's ride.
Note: Mules and porters carrying the luggage will not walk with the group and your luggage will meet you at each lodge.
- comfortable riding boots
- rain gear (ponchos or full rain gear)
- gloves
- lightweight riding pants or short (pants recommended)
- breathable lightweight tops
- comfortable shoes/flip-flops
- cold-weather jacket
- long-sleeve fleece/sweater
- a wool hat
- a sports hat or sombrero style outdoor hat
- a headlight
- sunglasses'
- riding socks
- sunscreen and insect repellent
- a bathing suit
- casual mountain wear from evenings
- photo/video cameras and chargers
- re-fillable water bottles
- lightweight small binoculars
Sleeping bags are not required as the lodges provide ample bedding. A limited number of hair-dryers are available at each lodge, due to limitations in energy supply and environmental concerns. At the 1st lodge, all guests are provided with an “amenity kit” that includes bath gel, shampoo, conditioner, mositurizing cream and a shower cap. This amenity kit will be given to guests at the first lodge and guests should pack the kit in their luggage, as there are no additional kits once you leave the first lodge.
Luggage
No hard suitcases or carry-ons; only soft duffel bags and/or backpacks (“soft” luggage) are recommended. The wieght limit for bags is 35 lbs per guest, as this is the maximum weight that the mules ans porters can carry.
Important Baggage Specifications
Peru Rail, the company that operates the trains from Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu to Cusco, instated on July 9, 2008 a new weight limit for all luggage coming on board the trains. The new weight limits from Peru Rail (and thus for the ride) are as follows:
- 1 backpack – 11 lbs / 5 kg (per person, which guests carry with them on the train) AND 1 duffel bag – 22 lbs / 10 kg (per person, which goes on a separate cargo train)
Anything over this weight limit, Peru Rail will charge guests directly at the train station in Aguas Calientes (Rate: US$0.82 per pound extra or US$1.80 per kg extra). Most Cusco hotels will allow guests to store extra luggage at the hotel while guests are on the ride. Please inquire directly with your pre-ride hotel. If you do not have an appropriate sized duffel bag, a duffel bag for loan can be provided at the pre-ride briefing (the night before departure). You may return them to your guide after the ride. If your luggage exceeds the weight limit, please note that your luggage will be on board a separate cargo train from Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu to Cusco. This means your luggage will not travel with you on this portion of the trip. Therefore, on Day 7 before you depart for Machu Picchu, will be the last time you see your luggage until you return to your Cusco hotel that evening. If you wish to have a change of clothes or anything else you may want with you that day, please pack it in your backpack that morning.
About the Horses
The horses used for this Machu Picchu trek are a type of Quarter Horse specially trained for high altitudes and rugged terrain and picked from a pre-selected pool according to their level of fitness at the time. Extra horses are brought along on each trip. Guests can choose from two different types of saddles, either a Uruguayan endurance saddle which is silmiar to an English saddle made from leather or an American endurance saddle which is similiar to a Western synthetic saddle. The horses are kept and cared for in a special ranch “Coronilla” located in the outskirts of Cusco near the town of Mollepata, right where the trail head begins. In this facility, there are approximately 30 horses so that travelers can choose a good match.
You should be an intermediate to advanced rider as the riding is strenuous on the Salkantay trek. The use of safety equipment such as helmets and back protectors on this ride are strongly recommended. Helmets, chaps and back protectors can be rented at the beginning of the ride, subject to availability.
Activities/Events
The Riding Route
The riding route for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu starts at Soraypampa, the site of the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort. The first day's ride is a high pass to Abra Salkantay and on to Huayraccmachay and the site of Wayra Lodge. Continue to Collpapampa, where the Colpa Lodge is located and finally Lucmabamba and the Lucma Lodge before ending the journey at the hydroelectric train station to Aguas Calientes.
The Salkantay Trail is an ancient Inca trail that takes travelers up to Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Used in ancient times as a trading route, this unique trail takes travelers up the Salkantay Pass to 15,000 feet, providing a “close – up” view of the Salkantay Peak, an important peak in Inca religion. Due to the varied nature of the trail, travelers will horseback ride through fifteen different biozones, viewing unique species of flora and fauna. This trail is rich in culture and tradition. Travelers will be able to immerse themselves in the traditions of the surrounding communities and get to know their way of life and customs.
This trip is 7 days/6 nights with an option to add 2 additional days. There is moderate to strenuous riding at elevations of 6,600-15,000 feet (2,000-4,600m) on steep and rocky trails and a section of stone paved Inca paths. Riding entails traversing through 12 different eco-zones, which involves changing weather conditions. The 3rd day of the journey is the most challenging with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet in a span of 3 miles to reach a maximum altitude of 15,000 feet.
Massage Services
Professional massage services are available at the Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort from March-December of every season. Massage services at the Wayra, Colpa and Lucma lodges are subject to availability, and it is suggested to inquire prior to departure. The cost for a massage service is US $65.00 per 60 minute session.
Accommodations/Food
Descriptions of the Lodges
Each mountain lodge has 6 rooms all independently heated and with their own private bathroom with a hot shower. Twin or king beds available with 400 thread sheet count and goose feather down comforters. The lodges include lounges for relaxing after a day on the trail, a dining room and in 3 of the 4 lodges, there's an outdoor hot tub. Wireless internet is available in all lodges. Laundry facilities are available.
Communication
Satellite telephones are available at each lodge. These work with phone cards, which can be purchased on location as well. Internet is also available at all lodges. Due to the satellite-based nature of the system, reception may not be guaranteed in cases of continuous or extreme weather conditions. International calls can be placed and received. However, it is asked that you refrain from receiving incoming calls unless it's an emergency, as a sign of respect and courtesy for other guests. As a reference, a US $10 phone card provides about 10 minutes to the US/Canada and 5 minutes to Europe. Though it is a goal to try and maintain as pure and natural an experience as possible, it is expected that the internet might become a necessary service for some guests. Thus, rural wi-fi internet service is provided at all 4 lodges. Use of the internet service is limited within the guest rooms and is prohibited in the common areas of each lodge.
Food
High quality Andean Energetic Cuisine is prepared by chefs that accompany every group through the whole trip. This type of cuisine will provide all the necessary energy that every hiker needs to complete each day’s activities. Meals may include fresh fish courses, salads and pasta, indicative of Peruvian gastronomy and with touches of Andean cuisine. This trip includes three meals per day (breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner).
A vegetarian menu is available. Please let us know about any special dietary restrictions in advance so that everything is prepared. Alcohol is not included in the rate, but there is a wine menu and other alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Travelers are not allowed to bring alcohol on this trip.
The Ideal Traveler
With strenuous riding at elevations of 6,600-15,000 feet (2,00-4,600m) on steep and rocky trails, this trip is moderate to challenging and covers approximately 32 mlies on uneven, rocky terrain. Prior hiking experience is recommended and riders should be intermediate to advanced. The minimum age to join this trip is 12 years old.
Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge
2012 Dates & Rates
7 days/ 6 nights - $3829 USD* per person double occupancy
Requested Single: $4211 USD*
Willing-to-share: $4020 USD*
Trips run year-round. Please inquire about dates.
* Prices are subject to changes based on currency conversions. If your travel dates are not flexible, please contact us as there is flexibility on running lodge-to-lodge rides on new dates.
Price includes:
All services from pick up in Cusco on Day 1 to drop off in Cusco on Day 7, transportation from hotel in Cusco to Soraypampa on Day 1 and from Ollantaytambo back to hotel on Day 7, all meals except breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 7, service of a bilingual guide from Day 1 to Day 7, transportation of personal belongings on the trek by packhorse/mules and/or porters, guided visit of Machu Picchu (includes entrance and transportation to the site), trains (Hydroelectric station – Aguas Calientes & Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo), all beverages except alcoholic drinks, tips for Route & Hospitality Staff (Lead & Assistant Guide tips are not included; please tip Lead & Assistant Guide at the end of the trek)
Does not include:
The Salkantay Trail entrance fee, any alcoholic beverages, optional add-on days, or additional nights in Cusco. In the case that a guest must abandon the trip by choice or as a consequence of the trip's medical emergency protocol allowing the guides or resident doctor to deny further participation of guest on a trip, no refunds will be issued on the trip cost. Alternative plans can be arranged for an added cost.
Salkantay Trail Entrance Fee:
The INC (Instituto Nacional de Cultura or National Institute of Culture) of Peru, through a legal ruling, charges $50 USD* or S/127 (Peruvian `Nuevos Soles´ ) entrance fee for all tourists hiking on the Salkantay Trail from Mollepata to Santa Teresa. This is a mandatory fee that will have to be paid by all tourists in the town of Mollepata in cash. There are no ATMs in Mollepata where the fee must be paid, so guests must make sure to take the money for the entrance fee with them from Cusco. Guides will remind guests of the Salkantay entrance fee the night before departures at the pre-riding briefing.
Optional 2nd Day at Machu Picchu:
Book an extra night in Aguas Calientes and enjoy a 2nd visit to Machu Picchu: visit the Sun Gate, climb Huayna Picchu, go to Intipunku, and enjoy many other marvels the site has to offer. Spend a relaxing day enjoying nature walks (bird watching, orchid gardens) or visiting the hot springs. Enjoy all the amenities your hotel has to offer, including spa services. Please ask us for more information.
$265.00 USD* per person based on a double room
$420.00 USD* per person single room rate
Price does not include transportation to the site, entrance tickets, guide for Machu Picchu for a 2nd visit. These services can be requested. Transfer from Ollantaytambo to hotel in Cusco is an additional charge. Please request quote at the time of booking.
* Prices are subject to changes based on currency conversions. Payments are subject to credit card processing fee.
Riding Ability:
Physically strenuous trail for advanced beginners to advanced riding levels, which can include the walk, trot, canter, and gallop if you wish. There is no need to canter or gallop, as the distances between lodges are hiking distances. Beginners with some riding experience are welcome. Guests are encouraged to undergo preparation for the trip with regular cardio-vascular exercise and healthy eating prior to the trip. The main elevations in the area are between 12,000 feet and 8,000 feet. On day three there is a pass of 15,500,' but one is up there for only one hour or so, as the descent on the other side leads to a lodge at 12,000 feet.
Description:
Travel the “Salkantay Route” and ride to four mountain lodges in the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a spectacular Andean mountain range which cradles the famed Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This outfiter has a main guide for a group up to 7 guests. For groups of 8 or more, you will travel with a main guide and an assistant guide. A pre-ride breifing and meet and greet in Cusco will be held the night before departure.The type of terrain varies from open roads, some steep ascending trails and open fields.
Accommodation:
6 nights lodging (5 nights in Machu Picchu Lodges and 1 night in Aguas Calientes in a 4* hotel). It is recommended that guests spend at least 2 nights in Cusco prior to departure. This helps with acclimatization to the altitude and also provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Cusco. Julie Snyder, Equitrekking Travel's Preferred Provider of Travel Services, can arrange this portion of the itinearary for you.
At check-in at the 1st lodge, you will be asked to open a voucher on your credit card for potential extras during the trip like alcoholic beverages, clothing/souvenirs and others. At the 4th lodge you will need to settle your bill and can do so by charging the credit card previously presented or by paying in cash. If paying in cash, please take note that only US$ 5, US$ 10, US$ 20, and US$ 50 dollar bills are accepted; US $1, US $100 or coins is not accepted. Peruvian currency is accepted. If paying with a credit card, please note you will not be able to present a new credit card when settling the bill.
Itinerary:
Day 1
After an early breakfast, guests will be picked up starting at 7:00 am at their hotel in Cusco by the outfitter's guide. En route, take a short break to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo (approx. 1.5 hrs from Cusco). After leaving Limatambo, pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where you'll stop for a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to Coronilla Ranch. Here, after a short period of familiarization, begin the ride to Soraypampa. This is a good opportunity for guests to acclimate and enjoy a mild & beautiful 3-4 hour ride on their first day. The trail takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley – the “Salkantay”, the 2nd most sacred peak in Inca mythology and at 20,600 ft (6,270 m), the highest in the region. The famous Salkantay Trek (or Salcantay Trek) has named among the 25 best Treks in the World by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine.
After a warm welcome by the friendly staff, guests will be shown to their rooms and have time to wash-up. The first afternoon is spent at leisure to adjust to the altitude by taking advantage of the outdoor jacuzzi or just walking in the beautiful surroundings. An evening briefing by the fireplace is followed by aperitifs and dinner. Lunch is a picnic lunch en route. Non riders will be transfered directly to the lodge. Approx. four hours of riding.
Day 2
Ride out for three hours in the surrounding area of Soraypampa to visit the Humantay Lake, fed by glaciers far above on the slopes of Humantay. A short walk of about thirty minutes is necessary in order to reach the lake, but the view is well worth it and those brave enough can go for a swim. This activity is excellent for acclimatization. Return to the lodge for lunch, then have the option to ride out again for around three hours in the surrounding area, or guests may choose a relaxing soak in the outdoor jacuzzi. Spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge and Adventure Resort with gourmet food and warm, comfortable beds. In the evening, the guide will brief the ride party on gear and the itinerary for the next four days. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken at the Lodge. Approx. three hours of riding. Non-rider activity: Hike to Humantay Lake.
Day 3
Continue the ride (about four hours) towards Machu Picchu, riding up the Rio Blanco Valley and circling Humantay opposite Salkantay. Reach the highest part of the ride, a pass at 14,800 feet (4500 meters) where you'll keep your eyes open for Andean condors (Vultur gryphus), a species of South American bird common to the area. At the pass, stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction and the south face of Salkantay towering above. A hot lunch is provided en route. From the pass continue the descent toward the Wayra Lodge (“Wayra”: wind; ‘the place where the wind lives’), the destination for the evening. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge. Approx. four hours of riding. Non-rider activity: transfer to Ollantaytambo.
Day 4
Continue downhill above the Salkantay River, descending into the cloud forest, through increasingly verdant scenery. Upon arrival at Collpa Lodge, you'll be greeted with a Pachamanca (subject to availability; traditional underground stone cooking). This traditional meal consists of layering meat with hot stones and then covering the whole thing up to bake. After observing the uncovering of the Pachamanca, which consists of a variety of meats (chicken, lamb, beef, pork and guinea pig) and vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes and yucca), enjoy the meal! Collpa Lodge is located on an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor jacuzzi has almost panoramic views of lush green mountains. Spend the afternoon relaxing or walking in the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Approx. three hours of riding. Non-rider activity: Day free in Ollantaytambo.
Day 5
Today head down the Santa Teresa River Valley, through banana and passion fruit orchards and coffee plantations. The coffee grown here is said to one of the best organic coffees in the world. Along the way you'll stop for a picnic lunch. The ride continues (a total of around five hours) to the beginning of the Llactapata Inca Trail, which is where you'll say goodbye to the horses. A short thirty-minute walk through an avocado orchard brings you to Lucma Lodge. Arrive in time to allow for exploration of the small village of Lucmabamba and a possible meeting with members of the local community. Approx. four hours of riding. Non-rider activity: Transfer by train and vehicle to Lucma Lodge.
Day 6
Transfer to the train station by van in order to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as the Machu Picchu town. Those who wish to can hike this distance instead. (The guide confirms guests’ preferences the night before.) The optional hike leaves the lodge around 9am and heads uphill for two hours towards Llactapata pass (2600 metres / 8500 feet). After heading downhill for about ten minutes, you'll then come upon the recently restored Llactapata Ruins from where there is a distant but very special view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a perspective that few tourists get to enjoy. Walk another ten minutes or so to the lunch spot to enjoy a picnic lunch with the same view of Machu Picchu. Descend to the Vilcanota River through bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations, a descent of between two and three hours. Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu, is a short train ride away. Check into the hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest. The whole group spends the night in Aguas Calientes
Day 7
Today is a very early start in order to make the thirty minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu and arrive before sunrise. Enjoy a private guided tour of the city, followed by several hours in which you are free to explore the ruins by yourself. Return to Aguas Calientes by bus for lunch and then take the afternoon Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo (about an hour and a half), then to be transferred by car to Cusco (about one hour) and your hotel.
* This itinerary is flexible and subject to change based on the trip guide's discretion, the weather or other factors.
Related Travel Articles
Meet Your Host- The Machu Picchu Trek
On a new, seven-day equestrian vacation, travelers can now experience the only lodge to lodge horseback ride to Machu Picchu, a once in a lifetime trip that combines ancient history, authentic culinary delights, exotic flora and fauna and local culture. This has been a dream in the making for Mountain… Read more »Traveler Reviews
In the News
Travel & Leisure "The World's Most Remote Hotels: Hard to Reach Spots are Well Worth the Schlep"
"Of course, small lodges and inns dot many a lonely landscape. But our list offers places that, though remote, still provide luxurious creature comforts. The four Peruvian mountain lodges along the Salkantay Trail to Machu Picchu, for example, are located four to eight miles from each other, and three of them can only be reached by foot or on horseback. (It took 7,000 mule trips to transport the building materials.) Yet each one offers eiderdown comforters, hot showers from fresh-water springs, Jacuzzis, fireplaces, Wi-Fi service, and a wine list. "You feel the remoteness of the glaciers and authentic hamlets and villages, but you’re not roughing it," says Enrique Umbert, Sr., founder and president of Mountain Lodges of Peru...
Some lodges have views of small neighboring villages, while others look over coffee and banana plantations—but all have direct vistas of Salkantay Peak, one of the most important mountains in Inca mythology. Guests also find surprising touches in this remote region, like hot tubs, down bedding, fireplaces, and gourmet meals paired with wines."
-- By Jeryl Brunner
Mountain Lodges of Peru (MLP) wins international TO-DO contest for its Socially Responsible Tourism
"The social responsibility component of MLP is handled by a non-profit organization called “Yanapana” (“Help” in Quechua language; www.yanapana.org) which serves the people who live in the region. Members of the local communities have been trained to work in the lodges; they are given micro loans and technical assistance to improve the quality and sale of regional products such as preserves, weavings and vegetables. Medical care and education support for more than 1,700 children in the region is provided as well."
San Diego News Network "New way to Machu Picchu adds touch of luxury"
"The four lodges where we stayed — Salkantay, Wayra, Colpa and Lucma — are the brainchild of Enrique Umbert Sr., a 59-year-old Peruvian commodities trader who in 2002 had a vision of creating trekking routes where hikers could experience the outdoors by day then spend the nights in comfortable accommodations.
Each of the lodges was constructed in only 10 months; it required an estimated 7,500 mule trips to transport the building supplies – and what the mules couldn’t carry went onto the backs of local Andean men."
-- by Dan Gindling
Outside Magazine "A New Shining Path"
"While thousands of trekkers swarm the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu's Salcantay Route offers better views, deluxe digs, and splendid isolation... Mountain Lodges of Peru, an upscale lodge-to-lodge trek along the Salcantay Route, which is more than 500 years old, begins just two hours west of Cuzco by car, and rises to within an echo of some of the tallest and most rugged peaks in South America. In addition to nonexistent crowds and righteous views, the Salcantay also gets you high: From Soraypampa, at nearly 12,000 feet, it crests a 15,000-foot glacier-fringed pass, climbing so much that you actually have to descend—the trail plunges 7,000 feet, passing the Río Santa Teresa along the way—to reach the base of Machu Picchu, at 7,710 feet. The Inca Trail, on the other hand, maxes out just under 14,000 feet and spends much of the time meandering through densely forested foothills with only scattershot views of the snow-covered Andes."
-- by Michael Behar
Reading List
The Incas, People of the Sun by Carmen Bernard and Paul Bahn
A pocket-size encyclopedia in the acclaimed "Discoveries" series, this jewel of a book features hundreds of archival drawings and photographs, a chronology and long excerpts from the journals of early explorers. It's a guide to the ancient monuments, daily life of the Incas and history of exploration.
Peru (Eyewitness Travel Guide)
Let this lavishly illustrated guide whet your appetite and show you where to start looking for the real Peru - with cutaways and floor plans of all the major sites, and special features on the ancient Caral and the Colonial splendor of the Spanish conquistadors.
Equitrekking Coffee Table Companion Book & DVD
Equitrekking Travel Adventures on Horseback by Darley Newman with Photographs by Chip Ward available at Amazon.com
This companion to the PBS TV series, Equitrekking, proves that the world's most beautiful views are often best seen from atop a horse. This gorgeous book features dozens of scenic rides in the U.S. and around the globe. Denver Post review: For horse folk and dreamers, as well as fans of the show, it's a beautiful trip through stunning equestrian-friendly possibilities. "
Equitrekking DVD's featuring Emmy winning PBS episodes, available in the Shop section of Equitrekking.com
Get off the beaten path to see some of the world's most beautiful horses and classic riding destinations with host and equestrian travel expert Darley Newman with Emmy Award-winning Equitrekking, the horseback riding travel series on PBS.
Season One: Vermont, the Carolinas, Georgia Coast, Wyoming, Colorado and Spain.
Season Two: Iceland, Coastal Ireland, Hawaii's Big Island, Irish Countryside, Maui, Virginia Hunt Country and California Wine Country.
Season Four: Southern Spain, Alaska, Central Turkey, Quebec City and Beyond, Scotland and Wales.

Good Books for Horse Lovers and Equestrians
Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (Paperback) by Temple Grandin
Philosophers and scientists have long wondered what goes on in the minds of animals, and this fascinating study gives a wealth of illuminating insights into that mystery. ---Publishers Weekly
The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge (Hardcover) by Julie Whitaker with Ian Whitelaw
The Horse is an informative gallop through everything to do with the horse: evolution, history, biology, breeds, behavior, training, competition, health, and care—all gathered into an accessible gallery of solid information, essential facts, and fascinating trivia.
Hunter Seat Equitation (Hardcover) by George H. Morris
A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction.
The New Encyclopedia of the Horse (Hardcover) by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
Chronicling the history of the horse, this guide encompasses the early domestication of the horse, classical riding styles, as well as a survey of the great stud farms and current international sporting events.
at glance
Group Size
Maximum of 8 to 12
Riding Ability
Advanced Beginner to Advanced riders. The trail and altitudes make this journey physically strenuous.
Dates & Rates
Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge Horse Trek
Group Discount
Bring 10 riders and the 11th is free in 2012!
Tack
Uruguayan Endurance Saddles (resembles the English Saddle closely)
American (ABETTA) Endurance Saddles
Horses
Quarter horses
Minimum Age to Ride
12 yrs
Time in the Saddle
3-5 hrs per day
Weight Limit
200 lbs.
Airport
Jorge Chávez International Airport, (LIM)
Languages
English, Spanish
Best time to visit
April to November