South America ~ Peru

The legendary ruins of Machu Picchu, fabled lost city of the Incas, and pure-bred Peruvian Paso horses, the mount of the Conquistador. A magical combination. Starting from a farm in the heart of the Sacred Valley at about 8,500 feet, the rides follow a route across the Urubamba River, up through mountain pasture where smiling Quecha Indian children herd sheep and cattle, to highland terraces and small, mountain villages, where the horses' hooves echo on ancient cobblestone roads. Two nights on most rides are in comfortable lakeside camps with breathtaking views of the snow-covered volcanic peaks and the rest are in charming hotels close to some of the world's most remarkable ruins.

The Sacred Valley Ride is run between April and November and includes a day to visit both Machu Picchu and Cusco, capital of the ancient Inca empire. Another option and 9 night Peruvian Odyssey from Arequipa to the Pacific coast with set dates from July to November.

Summary

Horses and Riding

Riding: 4-7 hours a day.

Horses: Pure bred Peruvian Paso Horses.

Pace: slow to moderate with unique Paso gait.

Riding ability: intermediate riders and above.

Weight limit: 90 kg (14st 2lbs).

Accommodation: 4* & 5* hotels, private houses and 3∆ camps.

Group size: max 8.

For Peru testimonials click here

The horses are pure bred Peruvian Paso horses, a unique breed, laterally gaited from birth, which makes them an extremely comfortable ride. They are forward going, sure-footed and responsive to ride. They are trained to neck rein and are generally used to a lighter contact with the mouth than most English horses. Average height is around 15.2hh and they are a medium build, similar to the Andalucian horse. They are ridden in hand made Peruvian tack which is a result of over 400 years of tradition and is shaped by the need for comfort over long distances and difficult terrain. Groups are normally limited to a maximum of 8 guests.

Hours: There is usually 4 to 7 hours riding a day, with some with breaks for rests, lunch and sightseeing.

Pace and experience required: To take part in these rides you need to be a reasonably experienced rider. You should be comfortable, secure and in control on a well schooled horse at the walk, trot and canter and used to riding in open country and over varied terrain. You should have a reasonably good level of general and riding fitness.

Accommodation is in 4* and 5* hotels or private houses when in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Arequipa. Other nights are in 3∆ camps which are set up en-route (except in June, July, August in the Sacred Valley when camps may be exchanged for hotels). Hotel rooms all have private bathrooms and are chosen as far as possible for their comfort and local or colonial character or special setting.

Rates 2010

(assuming a minimum of 6 guests)

Sacred Valley Ride (11 nights) - USD 4780
(Single room supplement - USD 575)

Rates include - all riding, guiding and equipment, 11 nights twin accommodation, meals, some drinks and collection from and return to Lima airport as a group on day 1 / day 12.

Peruvian Odyssey (9 nights) - USD 3770
(Single room supplement - USD 450)

Rates include - all riding, guiding and equipment, 9 nights twin accommodation, meals (except in Lima, Cusco & Machu Picchu), some drinks and collection from and return to Lima airport as a group on day 1 / day 10.

Rates exclude - international flights to Lima, dinner on first and last days, airport transfers at other times, personal medical insurance (compulsory), drinks at hotels, any visa fees and personal items such as tips, laundry etc.

Prices are quoted in US dollars as the ride prices in Peru are set in this currency. Payments to us can of course be made in pounds sterling if you wish and we can give you a sterling rate at the time of booking.

Dates 2010

Sacred Valley Ride:
19th to 30th April**
28th May to 8th June*
8th to 19th July*
6th to 17th August*
2nd to 13th September
23rd September to 4th October

*on these rides riders hotels may be used rather than camping depending on conditions

** possible extension to National Peruvian Horse Show

Peruvian Odyssey:
23rd July to 1st August
20th to 29th August
12th to 21st September
5th to 14th October
22nd to 31st October
5th to 14th November

Dates also on request for groups

Season

April to November

The meeting point is Lima (Peru's capital). There are flights to Lima from London with Iberia via Madrid, or via Caracas with Avianca, and also with several US airlines via the States - usually day flights, arriving Lima in the evening. For flights from London budget around £600 to £750 economy return (fares vary with the airline and season).

Sacred Valley Ride (please enquire for Peruvian Odyssey)

Day 1	Arrive Lima. Overnight Hotel Costa del Sol, Lima.
Day 2	Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Cusco arriving mid-morning. A drive of about an hour to a charming hotel in Yucay, a small town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. A ten minute transfer to the ranch where the horses are based, then lunch with your host and a demonstration of classic Peruvian riding. Dinner and night at the hotel in Yucay.
Day 3	Breakfast and a relaxing morning to help you acclimatise. In the afternoon visit the ruins and village of Ollantaytambo. Dinner and night in the hotel in Yucay.
Day 4	Breakfast then set off riding, crossing the Urubamba river and climbing away from the river valley, passing the Inca salt pans of Salinas, still in operation today. Ride on to Maras and stop for a picnic by a beautiful colonial church. Ride on to the ruins of Cheqoq in the afternoon and then to the church of Tiobamaba. Leave the horses here and drive back to the hotel in Yucay for dinner and the night.
Day 5	Ride on across the altiplano (high plains) with magnificent views of snow capped mountains and lakes surrounded by wild flowers, passing smiling Quechua children driving their sheep and cattle. Ride to the town of Chinchero, with its massive Inca wall and then on to Lake Piuray. Leave the horses and grooms at camp set up by the lake and drive back to the hotel in Yucay for dinner and the night.
Day 6	Breakfast and set off towards Cusco, passing small farms and shepherd huts. Dinner and night at a hotel in Cusco, a lively city with a legendary nightlife.
Day 7	The day free to explore Cusco to raft the Urubamba river or relax at your hotel. Night at a comfortable hotel in central Cusco. Own arrangements for lunch and dinner.
Day 8	Breakfast and meet the horses again just outside Cusco. Ride north today, following the old Inca highway to Calca, passing herds of llamas and alpacas along the way. Camp close to Lake Qoricocha at about 14,000 feet.
Day 9	From Lake Qoricocha head northeast back towards the Sacred Valley. Passing several villages and the ruins of Tejhuasi, ride on to the new camp, set up on the shores of Lake Huaypo.
Day 10	Breakfast and the final day’s ride, descending to the Sacred Valley and arriving at the stables in the afternoon. A celebratory pisco sour before dinner and the night at the hotel in Yucay.
Day 11	Take the early morning train from Urubamba to Machu Picchu. A full day to see the incredible ruins, discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Return train to Urubamba in the late afternoon and transfer to the ranch for a farewell dinner. Night in Yucay.
Day 12	Transfer to Cusco airport for a flight to Lima. Onward journey from Lima.
	Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions