See Peru in a way few are privileged to experience. By day, explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas on horses descended from the steeds of the Conquistadors. By night, enjoy the luxury and comfort of the finest hotels in Peru. On this riding holiday, we may stay two nights camping at comfortable mountain camps near Inca sites (if the weather and the group are suitable). You will ride on our spirited Peruvian Paso horses, famous for their velvet smooth gait. You will pass through mountain villages where all the residents will watch in awe as you ride by on these beautiful animals, the sounds of their hooves echoing on the cobblestone roads. This exclusive ride is more than an unforgettable riding experience in the Andes. It combines culture, history and adventure with fine Peruvian cuisine, comfortable mountain camps, and charming hotels.
No supplement if rider is willing to share and a sharer can be found.
2012: £389/€475/$575
SAMPLE ITINERARY - LUXURY SACRED VALLEY
Day 1 Arrive in Lima. Upon arrival at Lima International Airport (Jorges Chavez) make your way to the Hotel Costa del Sol which is located just outside of the exit hall of arrivals. Upon check in riders will receive a reservation code (electronic ticket) for their early morning flight to Cusco on day 2.
Day 2 After breakfast, return to Lima airport for the spectacular one-hour flight over the Andes arrives mid-morning in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco (altitude 3,338 m/10,952 ft.). 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, between Cusco and Machu Picchu and only a short drive from the stables. Once you have settled into your room you will be collected and transferred to the ranch. You will have an opportunity to become familiar with the beautiful Peruvian Paso horses and the traditional Peruvian riding gear. This is a time for relaxing, as it can take a while to become acclimatised 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. You will then be taken back to your accommodation to freshen up and before dinner there will be an informal briefing about the ride, safety instructions and the horses. Dinner at the ranch or at a local restaurant. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. (B,L,D).
Day 3 Today is a day to relax and enjoy being on holiday, while you continue to acclimatise to the altitude before the ride begins in earnest. Around 09:30 am you will take the short drive to Ollantaytambo 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.
The village of Ollantaytambo is the only inhabited settlement that has survived much as the Incas laid it out. Its streets form a grid pattern, with many people still living in the original Inca canchas, blocks of multi-family homes sharing a large courtyard.
Lunch will be at the ranch at around 13:00. After lunch, continue your riding course in classic Peruvian equitation and match riders to their mounts. 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. (B,L,D).
Day 4 The ride begins around 10:00am, after a leisurely breakfast. Set off in the direction of Ollantaytambo, crossing the Urubamba River and passing Pichingote, an old Andean village where the houses are partially built into the caves. Then onto Salinas; here you 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 1,000 m (3,281 ft.) to reach the Andean altiplano. This climb takes about two hours and will be at an easy pace because the change of altitude does not only affect the horses. Once at 3,700 m (12,140 ft.) you will be surrounded by stunning scenery and the snowcapped 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, follow primitive trails across the Andes to the ruins of Cheqoq. At Cheqoq 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 by around 15:30. Leave your horses here with the grooms and return to your hotel. After some rest and a warm shower, have dinner at one of Urubamba's local restaurants or at the ranch.
Overnight in the Sacred Valley. (B,L,D).
Riding time: approximately 3 hours. Altitude: 2,700 - 3,700 m/8,860 - 12,140 ft.
Day 5 After a filling breakfast at your hotel, the van will pick you up to transfer you back to Tiobamba, where the horses are waiting. Today follow primitive trails across the altiplano. The scenery is spectacular with snowcapped mountains, wildflowers and beautiful mountain lakes. Meet smiling Quechua children with their herds of sheep or cattle and see campesinos ploughing their fields in the traditional way; oxen hitched to a wooden plough. You may even share a chicha (their traditional maize drink) with them. Then follow the trail to Chinchero where a picnic lunch awaits you.
On a clear day the views from Chinchero are tremendous; to the west and northwest stretches a vista of rolling altiplano, ringed in the distance by the dramatic snowcapped peaks of the Cordilleras Vilcabamba and Urubamba. After lunch you may have time 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 could be the chance to visit a textile workshop and see an impressive demonstration of ancient techniques of spinning, dying and weaving. The beautiful weavings are still made as in times of the Incas.
In the afternoon the ride continues, arriving around 17:00 at Lake Piuray where you will leave the horses. You will be taken by vehicle back to your hotel.
Have dinner at a local restaurant or at the ranch. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. (B,L,D).
Riding time: approximately 5 hours. Altitude: 3,000 - 3,800 m/9,840 - 12,470 ft.
Day 6 You will be collected after breakfast and transferred to Lake Piuray. From here, you crisscross through the rough Andean landscape, passing remote Quechua communities, herder's huts and small farms called chacras. Today is one of the most beautiful riding days. You will travel a cobblestone-paved section of the network of Inca roads called the Capac Ñan, and enjoy beautiful vistas as you climb to an altitude of 4,000 m/13,125 ft. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with impressive views of the many snowcapped mountains and the altiplano. You will pass many impressive Inca ruins, like an ancient Inca aqueduct and Inca irrigation channels. Today some technical riding is required as there are some difficult gorges to cross along the route. Some uphill canters are also called for. Your hardy, sure-footed mounts are well up to the task.
After a hard day's ride following old Inca trails, arrive around 16:30pm at the historic city of Cusco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America and the former capital of the great Inca Empire. Stay at a very comfortable hotel (4 or 5 star) located near the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco's archaeological centre. Have dinner in Cusco (own account). If you still have the energy you can explore Cusco's legendary nightlife. (B,L).
Riding time: approximately 6 hours. Altitude: 3,800 - 4,000 m/12,470 - 13,125 ft.
Day 7 Relax; today is yours to spend as you wish. Visit the numerous ruins, churches, cathedrals and museums of Cusco, do some shopping, or just relax in one of the many coffee shops, restaurants, or bars. Some may opt for a one-day rafting adventure on the Urubamba River. The evenings in Cusco are full of exciting nightlife.
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 realised 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 vibrant 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.
Overnight in Cusco. (B).
Day 8 After breakfast, continue on the expedition, visiting more mysterious places along old Inca trails. Today's ride will pass through open country with spectacular views providing another memorable riding day in the Andes. The horses will be waiting just outside of Cusco at Sacsayhuamán.
Start by following a footpath leading north, then after climbing gently for about 450 m (1,480 ft.) see a stone-lined Inca irrigation channel which parallels the trail for about 800 m (2,625 ft.). On ascending a steep and narrow valley, reach a pass at 4,350 m (14,275 ft.), and experience the view of the small, shallow Lake Quellacocha. This is the highest point of your ride. A group of stone corrals lies beyond the lake and in clear weather the snowcapped peak of Sawasiray is visible. Descend the high trail around the north end of the lake and ascend eastward to Lake Qoricocha, where you arrive at the campsite around 16:00. 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. Q'enco is one of the communities supported by Perol Chico. On-going projects here include building a greenhouse, installation of playground equipment and distributing school supplies. You may have the opportunity to purchase some fine weavings made locally if you wish.
Dine and overnight at the campsite near Lake Qoricocha (weather permitting). (B,L,D).
Riding time: approximately 4-5 hours. Altitude: 3,600 - 4,350 m/11,810 - 14,275 ft.
Day 9 From Lago Qoricocha the ride goes northeast in the direction of the Sacred Valley. The scenery en route is absolutely spectacular and there will be plenty of breaks to soak up 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 along the route.
Today you will ride for many miles along trails that are part of the great Inca Empire’s road system, the Capac Ñan. The Inca road network was one the greatest engineering feats ever undertaken in the New World, rivaling the Roman road system in the Old World. The 25000-km network linked Cusco, the Inca capital, to the empire’s far-flung domains. The road system comprised almost all the territory of the Andes, including nowadays Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina and Chile and was formed by four main roads clearly recognizable, and many secondary roads.
After 3-4 hours along spectacular trails you arrive to the village of Racchi where our horses will stay with our grooms for the night. Transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Dinner at a local restaurant or at the ranch/ overnight in the Sacred Valley. (B,L,D)
Riding time: approx. 6-7 hours. Altitude: 4,300 - 2,800 m/14,110 - 9,190 ft.
Day 10 Depart after breakfast for the last day with the horses. Follow an interesting trail with spectacular views of the Urquillos Valley and after about 2 hours riding, arrive again at the village of Maras. From Maras, follow interesting trails to 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 lunch, continue the descent into the Sacred Valley arriving at the ranch around 16:00. Celebrate your return with a traditional Pisco Sour at the ranch.
Later, have dinner at the ranch or a local restaurant. But before, 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 it is unlikely you will have a chance to see the horses or staff at ranch after today. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in the Sacred Valley. (B,L,D)
Riding time: approximately 6 hours. Altitude: 2,800 - 2,600 m/9,190 - 8,530 ft.
Day 11 Your day starts early, as you catch the 06:00am 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 Macchu 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.
In the afternoon take the train back to Urubamba, arriving around 19:00. 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 (B,D).
Day 12 Early morning transfer to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima. The driving time is one hour, followed by a one-hour flight. The earliest possible departure time from Lima is 17:00pm.
Note: the itinerary is flexible. Changes may occur due to weather and other unforeseeable circumstances
During the months of June, July, August and September, we reserve the right to change the itinerary due to weather conditions and change 1 or 2 nights camping into hotel accommodation (no extra charge).
Additional Information It rains through the winter till March and the roads are too dangerous to ride on. In April there is still a chance of some rain but it is shorter and more refreshing. From then until June the mountains are all green and the weather is mild and not too cold at nightmaking it the perfect time for your riding holiday in the mountains. Starting in July but especially in August, it gets colder at night. The mountains turn to beautiful beige, brown and red autumn colours June to September is peak season noticeable mostly by the number of tourists in Cusco. October and November are also perfect for riding and dry. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Peruvian culture, but may not be right for those needing a great deal of privacy and time alone. Please note that many parts of South America are not smoke free. Laundry services are available in Cusco and Urubamba. A four-wheel-drive jeep will act as a back up vehicle to the tour.
All itineraries are for guidance only and may be altered due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
The weight limit for this ride is 14 st/198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
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WHAT IS INCLUDED
Transfers to and from the airport in Lima, all meals and soft drinks (except in Lima, Machu Picchu and the free day in Cusco), guides, horses, tack, all trip gear and camping equipment (except sleeping bags), land travel, entrance fees to the ruins, train, bus and entrance fee to Machu Picchu and all accommodations (including 9 nights in hotels).
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Internal flight Lima-Cusco-Lima, airport taxes, dinner in Lima on day 1, meals in Cusco on Day 7 and lunch at Machu Picchu on Day 11, alcoholic beverages, sleeping bags, gratuities, optional activities, personal expenditures and travel insurance.
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What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
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