Perol Chico’s main ranch and riding operation is located in the heart of the mythical Sacred Valley of the Incas, between Cusco and Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley is one of the most scenic, historic and accessible valleys in all of Peru.

The ranch is a family-run business, managed by Eduard van Brunschot Vega and his beautiful wife Maria Zans Gamarra.

Perol Chico and its equestrian activities actually began by accident. Here is the story:

Eduard van Brunschot is the founder of Perol Chico and of Peruvian and Dutch descent. He grew up in Holland but from a young age was always intrigued by the mystical and exotic image of the land of his birth - Peru.

Eduard therefore returned to Peru in 1996 and impulsively purchased land in the heart of the historic and mythical Sacred Valley of the Incas, in Cusco. With no farming experience he had no idea what to do with his small agricultural property, but loved the setting and surroundings of his new home. Being a horseman and animal lover by heart it did not take long before he bought some purebred Peruvian Paso horses for his own pleasure and to explore the wonderful trails high in the mountains

Eduard soon discovered that the Peruvian Paso was the ultimate travel horse: unrivalled in terms of endurance and comfort. He also realized that there was no established or professional horseback-riding operation available in Peru. Thus he founded his company Perol Chico - named after the land he purchased - and began offering commercial rides on his much- loved Peruvian Paso horses.

Perol Chico’s riding activities in the Sacred Valley were soon discovered internationally, and began to appear in guidebooks and on the lists of highly recommended equestrian tour operators. Accounts of Perol Chico’s exceptional riding expeditions high in the Andes were also published in many prestigious horse magazines around the world.

Maria joined the ranch’s business operations after some time and soon became responsible for the organization and administration of all the equestrian activities at Perol Chico. Her inspiring enthusiasm, natural social skills and multiple talents, all combined with irresistible charm, became by far one of the most valuable assets to the company.

Maria is not only a superb host and first-class organizer, but is also the undisputed Queen of Pisco Sours (our National cocktail) as her secret recipe is superior to any other in Peru! She has the natural gift of making every guest feel like they have known her for years.

Maria is the founder and managing director of Maria Zans Gia Eirl, a Peruvian-based travel company specializing in unique outdoor activities and exceptional travel experiences. The exclusive Adventure Collection of MZG is designed for the discerning and active traveller who wants to truly connect with Peru.

A varied portfolio of unique and exclusive adventure travel itineraries are offered for travellers with special interests, such as horseback riding, sea kayaking, fly fishing, adventure treks and other sport activities.

Maria Zans Gia Eirl is the exclusive representative and tour operator for Perol Chico’s horse riding activities in Peru.

Our Sacred Valley rides are offered from April until the end of October, and may include side trips to fascinating Inca sites such as Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, Chinchero and Sacsayhuaman.

The riding season in the Sacred Valley is limited due to frequent rain between November and March, which makes the trails slippery and too dangerous to ride.

Perol Chico has therefore recently expanded to include a new riding establishment close to Arequipa, the “city of eternal spring”. Due to its geographic location, the weather conditions in Arequipa are much more favorable for riding at that time of year.

Perol Chico’s rides in Arequipa combine the equestrian exploration of merciless desert land and the abundant wilderness of the South Pacific coastline. They may also include visits to historical sites such as the Convent of Santa Catalina, the 17th century Mill of Sabandia and the famous mummy of Juanita, to name a few.

Perol Chico’s riding establishments in both the Sacred Valley and Arequipa have modern facilities, a highly trained staff, and operate according to the highest European standards with respect to horse welfare, equipment and maintenance.

As a breeder of Peruvian Paso horses, the Perol Chico Ranch selects and uses only the best and proven bloodlines of outstanding horses in order to preserve the exceptional qualities and virtues of the breed: horses that are not only able to compete in the show ring, but more importantly, are sound and strong enough to carry their rider comfortably and happily over long distances, year after year.

The ranch’s main breeding objective is thus to preserve, protect and treasure the original function of the Peruvian Paso horse.

By preserving the horses’ inherited and genetic characteristics and protecting Peru’s rich equestrian traditions and culture, Perol Chico continues to honor the arduous and devoted work of countless generations of Peruvian breeders - famous and sometimes anonymous people who provided one of the world’s most valuable equine treasures: the Peruvian Paso horse.