General Info

Horse ride to remote, stunning locations high up in the Andes Mountains to take in snow-capped peaks, meet local Quechua people and visit Inca ruins. Visit the historic city of Cusco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America and the former capital of the great Inca Empire. Take a once in a lifetime trip to Machu Picchu, a 15th-century Inca site on the UNESCO World Heritage list. These Peru riding vacations provide an authentic look at Peruvian mountain culture and amazing diversity in terrain. You'll ride gaited horses-- the Peruvian Paso-- known as one of the world's smoothest horses. 

Explore the Sacred Valley, the heartland of the Inca Empire. Discover colorful heritage, culture, ancient lost cities, panoramic vistas, tour remarkable Inca ruins and visit remote Andean villages.

You should be a fit and experienced rider, capable of handling a forward-going horse and able to adjust to the Peruvian style of horse riding. There are some challenging steep areas and high altitudes on this riding vacation. 

Packing

Peru’s climate varies widely, so please ask what to pack when you are booking this trip. During these riding vacations, you should expect generally nice weather with day temperatures warm and nights dropping down, so you'll need layers. 

About the Horses

The Peruvian Paso or Peruvian Horse is a pleasure saddle horse known for its smooth ride. It's often called the Cadillac or Rolls Royce of horses because of its natural, four-beat, lateral gait called the paso llano.

Activities/Events

In addition to riding in the Andes Mountains, explore colorful Cusco and Machu Picchu on these Peru riding vacations.

Accommodations/Food

Sacred Valley Riding Vacation

Most nights are spent in comfortable and charming hotels with private bathrooms and one night is spent camping out. Sacred Valley hotels are interesting and comfortable, but not always 5 star. Cusco hotels are usually 4 or 5 star.

In June, July and August the temperature drops considerably at night and so the camping nights are weather dependent. If the camping night is cancelled, you will overnight at hotels instead (no additional charge). 

The camping is fun and there is a good-sized mess tent which also houses a portable wood-burning stove. Weather permitting, a campfire is also lit outside and if the skies are clear you will enjoy some wonderful star gazing. Camping may sound blissfully quiet, but be warned that there is usually a chorus of dogs barking at night, which may cause initial irritation, but rest assured it does die down. The dedicated chef from the ranch also has a separate tent in which to produce his wonderful meals.

All the hotel accommodation (apart from when in Cusco and Lima) is a short drive away from the ranch, as there is no guest accommodation onsite, but you are always picked up from your hotel and taken to the ranch / restaurants / Inca sites promptly and at the allotted times.  

Peru Odyssey Riding Vacation
Six nights in a variety of hotels and one night at a hacienda with private bathrooms in Lima, Arequipa and the Sacred Valley, two nights of basic camping and two nights in a rustic beach cabana.

The hotels in Cusco, Lima and Arequipa are very comfortable. For the nights spent in the Sacred Valley, guests will be staying in beautiful and characterful accommodation.  

The Ideal Traveler

Intermediate to advanced riders who want to experience the diversity of terrain and cultures in "authentic" Peru. Horse riding is a great way to travel in the Andes Mountains, where historic villages and Inca ruins delight!

Peru Sacred Valley Riding Vacation

On this Peru riding vacation, explore the Sacred Valley, the heartland of the Inca Empire, on of the wonderful Peruvian Paso, a gaited horse that is known as one of the smoothest in the world. Visit magical Machu Picchu and Cusco and discover colorful heritage, culture and ancient lost cities. You should be a fit and experienced rider, capable of handling a forward-going horse and able to adjust to the Peruvian style of horse riding. There are some challenging steep areas and high altitudes on this riding vacation. 

Dates & Rates 2013
April 15-25, May 13-23, July 15-25, Aug 12-22, Sept 3-13, Sept 22-Oct 2, Oct 6-16

10 nights $4,500 USD* (€3,504) pp sharing
Single Supplement $611 USD* (€476) (refunded if we find you someone with whom you may share)

* Prices shown are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations. Prices are indicative only; the price of your chosen holiday will be reconfirmed by your travel consultant, prior to your making a booking.

Includes
Accommodation; most meals; riding; entrance fees to ruins; train, bus and entry to Machu Picchu; airport transfers.

Not Included
Lunch at Machu Picchu; meals in Cusco; drinks; airport departure taxes; tips. International flights to Cusco.

Notes on Altitudes: Most of the riding takes place at around 3,400 meters; although at some points you will be riding at lower altitudes and at others you will ride at up to 4,350 meters (14,275 feet). Riders can sometimes feel affected by the high altitude - possible breathlessness, mild headaches etc, but the rides are planned so that you can acclimatize slowly. Being at altitude can have adverse effects on your blood pressure, digestion and energy levels. While the horses will be doing most of the work, you should check with your doctor beforehand as high altitude may be inadvisable for certain medical conditions.

Sample Peru Riding Vacation Itinerary**

Day One- Cusco and The Ranch
Arrive in Cusco (altitude 3,338 m/10,952 ft.) between 10:00am-12:00noon. From here it is a one-hour drive to your accommodation in the Sacred Valley. For the next four nights, you will be staying in comfortable accommodation in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the heartland of the Inca Empire between Cusco and Machu Picchu and only a short drive from the stables.

Settle in and then meet the beautiful Peruvian Paso horses and get used to the traditional Peruvian riding tack. This is a time for relaxing, as it can take a while to become acclimatized to the altitude.

Have lunch at the ranch. In the afternoon, there will be a demonstration of classic Peruvian equitation, followed by an introductory Peruvian riding course during which you will be asked to ride and your ability will be evaluated. There will also be an informal briefing about the ride ahead, the horses and safety guidelines for the trail.

You will then be taken back to your accommodation to freshen up and before dinner. Dinner at the ranch or at a local restaurant. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Day Two- Inca Ruins and Peruvian Equitation
Relax and enjoy being on vacation, while you continue to get acclimated to the altitude before the horse riding trek beings. Around 10:00am, you will take the short drive to Ollantaytambo, an Inca archaeological site, where you visit the ruins and village.

According to legend, Ollantaytambo is named after a rebellious chieftain, Ollantay, who took up arms against his sovereign, the Inca Pachacuti, in pursuit of his forbidden love for the Inca's daughter, Nusta Cosi Collyu. Historical records tell us the site was actually a royal estate of Pachacuti, the Inca responsible for the Empire's most expansive growth. This would account for the fine stonework throughout the site, and the quality, abundance and scale of the ceremonial architecture. Although not designed as a citadel when it was built in the 1460s, Manco Inca successfully defended Ollantaytambo against Hernando Pizarro in 1537.

Lunch will be served back at the ranch. After lunch, continue your riding instruction in classic Peruvian equitation. Horse and rider will then be matched. If time allows there will be a short ride in the valley to give you the chance to get to know your horse.

Dinner at the ranch or at a local restaurant. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Day Three- Peru Riding Trek to Andean Villages & Ruins
After breakfast at the hotel, you will start the Peru riding trek. Cross the Urubamba River over a traditional bridge and pass by Pichingote, an old Andean village where the houses are partially built into the caves. Horse ride to Salinas to see salt pans from Inca times which are still being used by the locals to extract salt from the mountain spring water. The salt pans consist of a series of platforms where the salty water is channeled through an impressive irrigation system and left to evaporate in the sun.

You climb with the horses almost 850m to reach the Andean altiplano. This climb takes about two hours and will be conducted at an easy pace because the change of altitude does not only affect the horses. Once at 3,550m (over 11,400 ft), you will be surrounded by stunning scenery and the snow-capped mountains of Chicon, Veronica and Pitusuray.

Continue your ride to Maras, a typical Andean village with a beautiful 400-year-old colonial church, where a picnic lunch will be waiting for you nearby. The church at Maras was built just after the Conquest and is one of the ten oldest churches in South America.

From Maras, visit the ruins of Cheqoq. Here the Incas constructed fascinating cold-storage areas (pre-Hispanic refrigerators) to conserve the agricultural produce of the region. Cooling of the products was achieved by using a system of wind tunnels to circulate the air and a network of water channels to circulate the cold water from a nearby mountain spring. Continue riding to the beautiful churchyard of Tiobamba, which you should reach shortly before 16:00. Leave your horses here with the grooms and return to your hotel.

After some rest and a hot shower, have dinner at one of Urubamba’s restaurants or at the ranch.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Time in the Saddle: approximately 3 – 3.5 hours. Altitude: 2,700 - 3,550 m/8,860 - 11,400 ft.

Day Four- Snow-Capped Mountains & Local People
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you will be driven to Tiobamba to meet the horses. Today follow primitive trails across the altiplano, also known as Andean Plateau. This is where the Andes are at their widest and is the largest area of high plateau on Earth outside of Tibet.

The scenery is spectacular with snow-capped mountains, pristine mountain lakes and colorful wildflowers. Meet the local Quechua children with their herds of sheep or cattle and see rural people ploughing their fields in the traditional way perhaps with oxen hitched to a wooden plough. Quechuas refers to several indigenous ethnic groups in South America who speak a Quechua language. You may even share a chicha, a local maize drink, with them. Continue along the trails to just outside Chinchero for a picnic lunch.

After lunch there is a short ride to Lake Piuray where you will leave the horses and take a short trip by vehicle to visit the ruins of Chinchero. The main square of the town is famous for its massive Inca wall, set with ten of the largest trapezoidal niches known among Inca structures. This was probably the base wall of a palace - perhaps that of Topa Inca - that once overlooked the square.

At Chinchero there should also be the chance to visit a textiles workshop and see a demonstration of ancient techniques of spinning, dying and weaving wool. The beautiful weavings are still made as in times of the Incas. You may wish to have some money with you to purchase some souvenirs if you wish, (there is no obligation).

Transfer back to your hotel by vehicle. Dinner will be at a local restaurant or at the ranch.

Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Time in the Saddle: approximately 4 hours. Altitude: 3,000 - 3,800 m/9,840 - 12,470 ft.

Day Five- Remote Mountains to Cusco
After breakfast, you'll be driven to Lake Piuray. Today's riding is through the rough Andean landscape, passing remote Quechua communities, herder's huts and small farms called chacras. Today may be the highlight of your riding vacation from a scenery standpoint. Horse ride cobblestone-paved section of the network of Inca roads called the Capac Ñan, and enjoy pretty views as you climb to an altitude of 4,000 m/13,125 ft. The scenery is absolutely awe-inspiring-- snow-capped Andes Mountains and the altiplano. You'll see Inca ruins, an ancient Inca aqueduct and Inca irrigation channels.

Lunch will be a picnic brought to you at a scenic spot along the way. There is some challenging riding today as there is a difficult gorge to cross along the route. 

After a hard day's ride following old Inca trails, arrive around 16:30 at the historic city of Cusco, a major tourist draw in Peru. As the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America and the historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. This colorful city has many buildings, plazas and streets from pre-Columbian times and colonial buildings.

For the next two nights, stay at a very comfortable hotel located near the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco's archaeological center. Explore area restaurants and have some free time, as dinner in Cusco is on your own. Your guide will be happy to recommend a restaurant if you wish. If you still have the energy you can explore Cusco's legendary nightlife.

This evening you will be given an overnight bag in which to pack the gear you will need for your overnight camping trip on Day 7.

Dinner and overnight in Cusco.

Time in the Saddle: approximately 6 hours. Altitude: 3,800 – 4,000 m/12,470 - 13,125 ft.

Day Six- Colorful Cusco's History, Food & Culture
Explore Cusco on your own. Visit Cusco's ruins, churches, cathedrals and museums, perhaps shop for handmade gifts to bring home, or just relax in one of the many coffee shops, restaurants, or bars.

According to Inca legend, Cusco was founded around 1200 AD by Manco Capac and Mama Occlo. Manco Capac selected the site when the golden staff given to him by his father, the Sun, sank into the earth and disappeared. Each Inca emperor built his own palace and compound during his reign. The Spanish initially tried to raise the Inca buildings to the ground, but soon realized that because of their quality construction, it was easier to reuse the Inca foundations for their own buildings. For this reason, you can still see many of the original Inca walls throughout Cusco.

Cusco is now a lively city of some three hundred thousand inhabitants, the vast majority of whom are native Quechua Indians. Despite being a major tourist destination, both for its own treasures and as a staging point for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Cusco has managed to hold on to its own distinct flavor. It retains a natural charm that is irresistible.

Dinner (own account) and overnight in Cusco.

Day Seven- A Mountain Trek to See Authentic Peru
After breakfast, continue on the horse trek. Today's ride follows old Inca trails and through open country with beautiful views in the Andes. The horses will be waiting outside of Cusco in the countryside just beyond Sacsayhuaman.

Starting at 3.300 m you will begin by following a footpath leading north, then after climbing you will see a stone-lined Inca irrigation channel which parallels our trail. On ascending a steep, narrow valley, we reach a pass at 4,350 m (14,275 ft.) and see the small, shallow Lake Quellacocha. This is the highest point of the ride. At the lake you will stop for lunch.

Descend the high trail around the north end of the lake and ascend eastward to Lake Q’oricocha, where you arrive at the campsite mid-afternoon. Herds of llamas and alpacas can usually be seen grazing around the campsite.

The people that live at this high altitude are very friendly, hardworking farmers who grow potatoes. They seldom see tourists here. You may have the opportunity to purchase some fine weavings made locally if you wish – ladies sometimes walk about an hour from their village with items they have made. There is no obligation to buy, but the hats, belts, purses and so on are beautifully hand-made.

Dinner and overnight at the campsite near Lake Q’oricocha (weather permitting).

Time in the Saddle: approximately 4 hours. Altitude: 3,600 - 4,350 m/11,810 - 14,275 ft. Please note: although this may be seen as a short day of riding, the trails and steep climbs at high altitude are very demanding for the horses. (Note: although this may be seen as a short riding day, the trails and steep climbs at high altitudes are very demanding for the horses).

Day Eight- Riding the Capac Nan
From Lake Q’oricocha the horse riding vacation takes you northeast in the direction of the Sacred Valley. The scenery is amazing here and there will be plenty of breaks to enjoy the atmosphere before the descent from the altiplano into the valley. Descend to the village of Umaspampa and from there to the village of Cuper Alto and Cuper Bajo, arriving in the early afternoon at Chinchero. Lunch will be a picnic along the way.

Today’s ride takes you along many miles of trails that are part of the great Inca Empire’s road system, the ‘Capac Nan’. The Inca Road network was one of the greatest engineering feats undertaken in the New World and rivaled the Roman roads of the Old World. This Incas set down 25,000km of roads linking Cusco, the Inca capital, to the empire’s far flung domains. The road system comprised almost all the territory of the Andes, including Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina and Chile and was formed by four main roads and many secondary roads.

From Chinchero ride across the altiplano, along spectacular trails until you reach the village of Racchi, where the horses will overnight. Transfer by vehicle to your hotel.

Overnight in a comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Time in the Saddle: approximately 5.5 hours. Altitude: 4,300 – 2,800 m/14,110 - 9,190 ft.

Day Nine- Morray and Urquillos Valley
Depart after breakfast to visit the agricultural terraces of Moray. Hundreds of years ago, people in this region took four huge natural depressions in the landscape and sculpted them into multilevel agricultural terraces that served as an experimental agricultural station for the development of different crops. This was possible due to a remarkable natural phenomenon: the climates of many different ecological zones were present at a single site. In the thirty or so metres of altitude between the bottom and the top levels of Moray’s depression, scientist John Earls recorded a full 15 degrees C difference in temperature. This is equal to the difference between the mean annual temperatures of London and Bombay! It is possible that Moray played a key role in the original transformation of maize into a high-altitude crop. There are no great ruined structures in Moray to impress; it is more for the contemplative traveller.

After visiting Moray, saddle up and follow a trail with great views of the Urquillos Valley, arriving at the village of Maras. Here it is time to enjoy another delicious lunch on the trail.

After lunch, continue the descent into the Sacred Valley arriving at the ranch around 15:00. Celebrate your return with a traditional Pisco Sour at the ranch.

Have the rest of the day at leisure for tomorrow will be an early start. But before this, you must say goodbye to your horses and the staff that have helped you along the way, for tomorrow you will have a day of sightseeing and so you may not have a chance to see the horses or staff at ranch after today.

Overnight at a comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Riding time: approximately 3 – 3.5 hours. Altitude: 2,800 - 2,600 m/9,190 - 8,530 ft.

Day Ten- Machu Picchu
Your day starts early, with a collection at around 6am. Catch the early train from Urubamba to the ruins of Machu Picchu.

The experience of visiting Machu Picchu is not limited to the ruins themselves; the train journey is one of the most spectacular in the world. The Vistadome train brings you to Machu Picchu an hour before the main tourist train arrives from Cusco. Since its discovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911, Machu Picchu has captivated the hearts and minds of the modern world.

Your riding guide will not accompany you to Machu Picchu, but will explain the plan for the day in detail before you go. You can wander around Machu Picchu on your own, or you could hire a guide on arrival if you prefer (which would be payable locally).

In the afternoon take the train back to Urubamba, arriving late afternoon. Have dinner at one of Urubamba’s famous restaurants or at the ranch and enjoy the last chance to sample Maria’s Pisco Sours!

Overnight at a comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day Eleven- Depart Cusco or Extend Your Trip!
Early morning transfer to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima and home. The driving time is one hour, followed by a about a one-hour flight. Flights should leave Cusco between 11:30 and 14:30.

** This itinerary is flexible. Changes may occur due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Riding times are approximate and routes, which is beyond the control of the guide. The night of camping is weather permitting. Any changes are made with your best interests in mind.
 

Peru Odyssey Riding Holidays

Experience Peru's true diversity, riding the desert outside Arequipa to reach a secluded beach on the Pacific shoreline and the stunning mountains of the Sacred Valley. This Peru Riding Vacation is best for pioneering souls who seek warm days, cool nights, barren desert camps and comfortable hotels, the towering peaks of the Andes and the wild shores of the Pacific Ocean. Guests on this riding holiday also get an afternoon in Cusco and a day trip to magical Machu Picchu.

Dates & Rates 2013

Dates can be arranged between November and March for private groups of 6 or more riders.

$4,350 USD* (€3,387) pp sharing
Single Supplement $578 USD* (€450) (refunded if we find you someone with whom you may share)

* Prices shown are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations. Prices are indicative only; the price of your chosen holiday will be reconfirmed by your travel consultant, prior to your making a booking.

Included
Accommodation; most meals; riding; entrance fees to ruins; train, bus and entry to Machu Picchu; airport transfers.

Not Included
Meals in Lima and Arequipa; lunch in Cusco and at Machu Picchu; drinks; airport departure taxes; tips.  International flights to Lima. The internal flights are not included in the ride price and currently cost around $565 USD* (€440).

Sample Peru Odyssey Riding Vacation Itinerary**

Day One - Lima
Arrive in Lima. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the Hotel Ariosto, which is centrally located in the Miraflores District. Most flights arrive late afternoon or early evening.

Overnight at Hotel Ariosto in Lima (or similar).

Day Two - Cosmopolitan Lima
Lima was the vice regal capital, as its splendid historic center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attests. Baroque churches of great artistic and religious importance, mansions and town houses make colonial Lima into an unforgettable destination, not to mention its gastronomy, which is considered to be one of the best in the world.

Today begins with a tour of the city center. Start in the Main Square, containing the impressive presidential palace and Lima cathedral. Also visit the church of San Francisco, with its enviable collection of old books and a network of catacombs open to the public, as well as other churches and monuments.

Lunch will be at the restaurant Lobo de Mar owned by the famous chef Don Lucho Otani, who is half Japanese / half Peruvian. He will prepare a special lunch based on delicious and fresh seafood.

The afternoon can be spent at leisure. If you are in the mood for a touch of shopping, then ‘Larcomar’, a multilevel entertainment, food and shopping complex is within walking distance from your hotel.

The evening is free for you to explore Lima's exciting nightlife.

Overnight at Hotel Ariosto in Lima (or similar).

Day Three - Lima to Arequipa
After an early breakfast return to Lima airport for a c.1 hour and 20 minute flight to Arequipa. Arequipa has been awarded UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage of Mankind classification. It is located at 2,325m in the Desert Mountains of the Andes. The weather in Arequipa is dry and sunny all year long. With about 4,000 hours per year of sun exposure, Arequipa truly deserves its title of “city of the eternal spring”.

After you have settled in your hotel, you have time to explore some of the highlights of Arequipa: the famous convent of Santa Catalina and the Museum Santuarios Andinos UCSM to see the mummy of Juanita, a 500 year old Inca mummy of a 12 to 14 year old girl. Juanita the Ice Maiden was discovered in 1995 by anthropologist Johan Reinhard and his Peruvian climbing partner Miguel Zarate. She was remarkably preserved throughout the five centuries.

According to Reinhard, the mummy weighed approximately 80lbs when found, and they came to the realization that due to the heavy body mass, the flesh must have been frozen. This is an extraordinary discovery because it allows biological tests to be run on the lungs, liver, and muscle tissue, revealing new insights on Inca health and nutrition. It is believed that the Ice Maiden was in fact a sacrifice to the mountain gods, and was then buried by the Inca priests atop Mount Ampato (20,700 feet).

Lunch will be in a local restaurant.

In the evening you will be taken to the ranch of Don Atahualpa Gamarra just outside Arequipa, where New Year’s Eve will be celebrated. There will be a party with a barbeque, music and of course the opportunity to sample Peru’s famous Pisco Sour.

Overnight at the comfortable hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca in Arequipa, (or similar).

Day Four - Ride in La Joya, Arequipa
Depart from the hotel at around 10:00 for a 1.5 hour drive to the stables in La Joya. On arrival at the ranch see a display of Peruvian equitation by your host Eduard, and also by his Peruvian Chalan (horseman). There are around 120 horses at the stables in La Joya. The herd is comprised of Peruvian Pasos, Arabs, Quarter horses, Andalusians and Pintos, but the horses used on this ride will usually be the Peruvian Paso.

After the demonstration you have the opportunity to have a go yourself - and it’s only natural to feel a little nervous prior to mounting these magnificent and highly responsive horses! Learn the basics of Peruvian Horsemanship; how to handle the reins, how to sit in your Peruvian saddle and the aids, Peruvian style! This is likely to all feel a little different to how you usually ride, but your guide will be on hand to assist and teach you.

After a barbeque lunch at the ranch, you will be matched with your mount. Set off on an introductory ride (c. 4 hours), arriving at Hacienda Samambaya in time for dinner and overnight. This hacienda is home to a respected breeder of Peruvian Paso horses. The rooms are clean and comfortable with private bathrooms, but the hacienda is not luxurious.

Dinner and overnight at the Hacienda Samambaya in La Joya.

Day Five - Ride through the desert
After breakfast, mount your horse for another day of riding through the unforgiving terrain of the desert. You will cover approximately 42km before arriving in camp. The scenery will change from wide open desert plains to high dune ranges and sandy passways. Although most of the ride is over flat surfaces, some dunes have very loose sand and must be climbed on horseback.

As a safety measure it is important to carry as much water as possible, so there is limited space in the saddlebags. Please understand that lunch will therefore be fairly simple.

The horses cover an impressive amount of ground when ridden at the Paso Llano gait, and you cannot fail to be amazed by their stamina and above all, the comfortable ride they offer. At midday when the sun is at its most fierce, there will be a break for lunch.

At around 5pm you arrive at the campsite, which offers basic accommodation and facilities due to its isolated location. The back-up 4x4 vehicles will carry plenty of water for the horses and for personal consumption for the evening, but there will be no showers.

After dinner you should sleep well, exhausted but content with the knowledge that you have been crossing one of Peru’s most isolated deserts, surrounded by a lunar landscape that few have set eyes on.
(Riding time c 5 - 6 hours).

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Day Six - Arrival at the Pacific Ocean
Today’s ride starts early at about 8.00am, to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures. Set off on a c. 40km journey (riding time c. 5 - 6 hours), through the narrow gorge of Quebrada San Jose to reach the beautiful Caleta San Jose on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
There will be a few challenging obstacles to encounter today and you may need to dismount and walk your horses for short distances (it can be tough going on the sand). Some parts of the sandy trail is covered in very soft volcanic ash and so you will need a bandana or mask to cover your nose and face. Riding through a cloud of silver dust can be a magical experience!

In the afternoon arrive at your destination: Caleta San José, a small, privately-owned cove at the shores of the Pacific.

No land vehicle is able to reach this secluded beach, so all essentials are transferred by boat. Tonight you will be guests of Don Gonzalo, who has constructed very picturesque cabaña-style accommodation, in the style of Robinson Crusoe (very basic shared accommodation). The cool ocean will beckon you for an invigorating swim to celebrate your arrival, and afterwards you can relax in a gently swaying hammock while dinner is prepared for you.

In the evening experience a roaring campfire as you recount the stories of your adventure across the desert.

Dinner and overnight at Caleta San José.

Day Seven - Pacific Coast
Today the horses will need to rest, and so will you! For those who still have the energy, the day is easily filled with activities such as snorkelling, fishing, canoeing or hiking. Others might opt for a few hours of relaxation on the beach. After lunch, set off on a boat trip (c. 2 - 3 hours) along the coast. Visit the Caleta Honorado and other coves along the shoreline. This part of the Peruvian coastline is an amazing landscape dominated by huge cliffs and deserted beaches. The area is also rich in marine wildlife, so you may be lucky enough to spot sea lions, dolphins, penguins or other marine birds.

Return to Caleta San José late afternoon in time for dinner around the campfire.

Overnight at Caleta San José.

Day Eight - Ride along the Pacific Coast
After breakfast, mount your horse and ride along trails parallel to the coastline to the cove of Punta Arantas. From the coastline we ride inland through several deep gorges till we reach our campsite set up in the middle of the desert (riding time c. 6 - 7 hours).

Lunch will be a picnic out on the trail. During the afternoon, you will meet the 4x4 back up vehicle with water supplies for the horses (and a cool drink for the riders).

There are no long beaches along this part of your route and so you ride along narrow trails high up on the coastal plateaus, as well as crossing several sandy gorges along the way.

There will be one place along the route where you will have to lead your horse on foot downhill for a short distance (about 200m).

Throughout most of today’s ride you will be able to hear the sounds of waves crashing on the shore below you. There should also be some fabulous ocean views (on a clear day) from various points along your route.

At the campsite, a delicious dinner will be prepared for you. After a great deal of food, merriment and stories shared around the campfire, nothing quite beats falling asleep under a sky of thousands of stars and to the sounds of horses eating contentedly nearby.

Dinner and camp overnight.

Day Nine - Through the desert
After breakfast, saddle up the horses for your last riding day in the desert. Ride for many hours today across endless desert plains (riding time c. 5 - 6 hours).

Lunch will be a picnic along the way.

Later, reach a range of high sand dunes that will have to be carefully negotiated. The horses will sink a bit in the soft sand, but they know perfectly well how to tackle this kind of terrain.

In the afternoon, arrive back at La Joya. Here you will have to say goodbye to your horse and to the staff who have helped you along the way.

Transfer by vehicle to Arequipa (a journey of c. 1.5 hours), arriving around 16:00.

Dinner will be at a restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca in Arequipa, (or similar).

Day Ten - To Cusco and the Sacred Valley
Transfer to the airport in time for the spectacular one hour flight over the Andes, which arrives mid-morning in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco (altitude 3,338m/10,952 ft).

According to Inca legend, Manco Capac and Mama Occlo founded Cusco around 1,200 AD. Manco Capac selected the site when the golden staff given to him by his father, the Sun, sank into the earth and disappeared. Each Inca emperor built his own palace during his reign. The Spanish initially tried to raise the Inca buildings to the ground, but soon realised that because of their quality construction, it was easier to re-use the Inca foundations for their own buildings. For this reason, you can still see many of the original Inca walls throughout Cusco.

Cusco is now a vibrant city of some three hundred thousand inhabitants, the vast majority of whom are native Quechua Indians.
For the rest of the day you have the opportunity to explore this historic town on your own. Visit Cusco Cathedral or some of its churches; go shopping or visit some museums. There are plenty of places to sit down and relax for a coffee or lunch.

In the late afternoon leave Cusco and after a one hour drive, arrive at your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca) in the Sacred Valley. Dinner is at the Perol Chico ranch or at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca in the Sacred Valley, (or similar).

Day Eleven - Machu Picchu
Your day starts early, as you catch the morning train from Ollantaytambo to the ruins of Machu Picchu. The experience of visiting Machu Picchu is not limited to the ruins themselves; the train journey is one of the most spectacular in the world. The Ollantaytambo train means you arrive at Machu Picchu an hour before the main tourist train arrives from Cusco.

Since its discovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911, Machu Picchu has captivated the hearts and minds of the modern world. Take plenty of photographs; it is every bit as magnificent as you have imagined.

In the afternoon take the train back to Ollantaytambo, arriving at about 6:30pm. Dinner is at the ranch or a local restaurant and you have a last chance to sample Pisco Sours.

Overnight at Hotel Sonesta Posada del Incain the Sacred Valley, (or similar).

Day Twelve - Cusco - Lima
After breakfast transfer to Cusco airport for the 1 hour flight to Lima. The driving time is one hour, followed by a one-hour flight.  

** This itinerary is a sample itinerary. Itineraries are subject to changes due to the weather, the trip guide's discretion and other factors.
 

Related Travel Articles

Traveler Reviews

Thank you very much for organizing the holiday, I had the most amazing time. I really cannot fault the holiday at all, and cannot think of anything I'd change. I would recommend it to anybody who could ride well.
--Nicky, Peru Sacred Valley Riding Vacation

This is a unique ride through the desert. Hot, long days in the saddle and sometimes difficult terrain. I have been to quite a few riding holidays and this one was not like any other. We truly enjoyed the holiday!
-- Hanna, Peru Odyssey Riding Holidays

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 Three: Arizona, Belize, Costa Rica, Kentucky, Quebec, Texas and Utah.

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.