two-day riding tour in the Sacred Valley

Itinerary

Day 1

Our car will pick you up from your hotel in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco (altitude 3.338 m / 10,952 ft) at 9:00 am. From here, it is a one-hour drive to our ranch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our riding centre is perfectly located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the famous lost city of the Incas. Today you will have the opportunity to become familiar with our beautiful Peruvian Paso horses and traditional Peruvian riding gear. Upon arrival at the ranch you will be given a fantastic display of Peruvian Equitation by your half-Peruvian/half Dutch host, Eduard (you will soon get to know him as Eddy), and also by his Peruvian chalan (horse trainer). After the demonstration you will then have the opportunity to have a go yourself and we will forgive you for feeling a little nervous prior to mounting these magnificent animals! After evaluation of your riding ability and in accordance with your horse-preference, we will match riders to their mounts and inform you about our safety instructions on the trails.

Around 12:30 pm, we will enjoy a typical Peruvian barbecue at the ranch. A Pisco Sour (our national cocktail) is part of the Peruvian tradition and, of course, included. As the day cools we will climb with the horses almost 800 m (2,600 ft.) to the reach the Andean altiplano. The climb takes about two hours, and will be at an easy pace. Once at 3600 m / 11,800 ft., the stunning scenery and the snow-capped mountains of Chicon, Veronica and Pumahuanca are awesome. On our way up we pass Salinas, the saltpans from Inca times, still being used by the locals to extract salt from the mountain spring water. The saltpans consist of a series of platforms where the salty water is channeled through an impressive irrigation system and left to evaporate in the sun. Take plenty of film to capture this unique sight. We will ride to Maras, a typical Andean village, where we meet our back-up car and staff, leave the horses with our grooms for the night at a safe place nearby, and drive back to the valley. The night is spent at one of the private cottages at the K’uchy Rumi Lodge or at the Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca. After a welcome warm shower and a rest we’ll have dinner at one of Urubamba’s famous local restaurants.

Riding time: 4-5 hours.

Day 2

After breakfast, we will transport you to the point of departure to meet our horses. From Maras we follow primitive trails across the altiplano to visit the ruins of Cheqoq. At Cheqoq, the Incas constructed fascinating cold-storage depots (pre-Hispanic refrigerators) to conserve the agricultural products of the region. Cooling of the products was achieved by using a genius system of underground air-circulation.

From Cheqoq we ride 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 levels of agricultural terraces that served as an experimental agricultural station for the development of different crop strains. This was possible due to a fascinating phenomenon: the climates of several different ecological zones were present at a single site. In the thirty or so meters of altitude between the bottom and top levels of Moray's main depression, scientist John Earls recorded a full 15 degrees Celsius (59 deg. F) difference in temperature. That is equal to the difference between the mean annual temperatures of London and Bombay. It is likely 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 traveler with an affinity for such phenomena as the Nazca Lines, the stone rings of Avebury and the menhirs of Brittany.

From Moray we continue our ride back to Maras. The scenery is spectacular and breathtaking. We will meet smiling Quechua children with their herds of sheep or cattle and see campesinos ploughing their fields in the traditional way, with oxen hitched to a wooden plough.

From Maras we make our way down to the base of the valley and back to our ranch. After a Pisco Sour or a cold beer at the ranch, a private car will take you back to Cusco late in the afternoon.

Riding time: 5 - 6 hours.

Altitude: from 2.800 to 3.600 m / 9,200 – 11,800 ft.

The itinerary is flexible. Changes may occur due to weather and other unforeseeable circumstances.

Details

Price

US $ 560 p.p. (2-3 persons).
US $ 490 p.p. (4 persons or more)

Single supplement: US $ 90

Weight limit: 90 kg. (200 lbs.)
Riding ability: intermediate & advanced.
Horses: Peruvian Paso horses
Tack: Peruvian

Note: A 4WD vehicle will act as a back up vehicle to the tour.

Dates and availability on request

Note: physical fitness of the rider is required to participate due to the altitude of 3650 m (12,000 ft.)!

Trip details

MEETING POINT

Clients will be met in Cusco or any other place in the Sacred Valley. You will be taken to the Perol Chico ranch by private transport. At the end of the ride (day 2) our car will bring you back to Cusco or any other place in the Sacred Valley.

RIDER REQUIREMENTS

Riders must Be comfortable in the saddle for five to six hours Be comfortable at the walk, trot and short canters Be able to ride up and down steep hills Be physically able to hike at high altitudes (9,200 - 11,800 ft)

Weight limit: 200 pounds / 90 kg Age limit: 16

HORSES AND TACK

The horses are locally bred Peruvian Pasos. This breed dates back to the colonial era of Peru and originates from the Spanish Andalusians. A symbol of their historic and noble past, Peruvian Paso horses are bred for their grace, spirit, and intelligence. These horses like to amble, moving fore and hind limbs on the same side at the same time, unlike other equine races that typically move diagonal limbs at the same time. During the ride you will experience traveling on horseback at the paso llano gait (4-beat lateral gait, between 8 to 10 Km. per hour). The horses are well cared for, strong, and even-tempered.

The tack utilized is very traditional and demonstrates refined Peruvian craftsmanship. The hardwood hex stirrup and the guarnición, or tailpiece, are unique elements of the Peruvian tack. The saddle is a box saddle and has a deep seat.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

The ride combines 1 night at either the Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca, the Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection in Yanahuara or in one of the private cottages at the K’uchy Rumi Lodge. While on the Posada Ride, guests are treated to a wonderful picnic lunch representing tasty regional cuisine and wine. Dinner is ‘a la carte’ at one of Urubamba’s famous restaurants (excluding alcoholic beverages).

EXPENSES

Price includes hotel accommodation (1 night) with breakfast, 1 dinner ‘a la carte’ at a local restaurant (excluding alcoholic drinks), 2 picnic lunches with wine, all trip gear, a professional English-speaking guide and assistant guide, grooms, 4x4 back-up vehicle, entrance fees to the ruins and return transportation from Cusco to our ranch and back.

RESPONSIBILITIES

We strive to take the utmost care of our guests, but we assume no responsibility for personal injury, loss or damage in any way. Guests are responsible for having an adequate, valid insurance policy including coverage for all the sporting activities that they are likely to participate in. Appropriate medical insurance is obligatory.

It is understood by Perol Chico that guests are in a suitable condition to partake in a riding tour, are not riding against any medical advice, and know of no reason why they should not be participating in such a tour. Guests will be required to sign a waiver of liability at the start of the tour.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Perol Chico offers a warm, friendly atmosphere and riders are welcomed as part of the family. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Peruvian culture.

HELPFUL TRAVEL HINTS

Riding takes place between 2600 and 4350 meters (8,530 and 14,275 feet). Riders may need to take advantage of the time to adjust to the altitude, which can adversely affect blood pressure, digestion, and energy levels. Please consult your health care provider before undertaking this high altitude trip. If you have heart or lung problems you could develop serious health complications at high altitudes.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST

Since you will be riding at elevations between 2800 and 3750 meters (9,200 and 12,300 feet), lightweight, warm clothing worn in layers is highly recommended. Dinner is casual; there is no need to bring special attire.

Comfortable riding trousers

T- shirts

Long sleeved cotton shirts.

Wind-bloc Fleece or jacket - for cold evenings especially at these high altitudes.

Hat We recommend a hard hat for riding and something with a wide brim is advisable as protection against the sun (baseball caps work well). Your hard hat must be secure on your head.

Good sunglasses - with a neck cord. Your eyes will become bloodshot if you do not wear sunglasses.

Sunscreen and Lip Balm - essential because of the altitude and dry air. Suggest at least Factor 30, if not total block.

Leather saddle bags are provided for you. Each person has a set of saddlebags and carries what they need for the day. Jackets and ponchos can be tied behind the saddle so it is easy to put them on and take them off. To keep your saddle bag contents clean, a good idea is to put all your things in a plastic carrier bag/Ziploc bag first and then into the saddle bags.

Scarf/bandana – useful for protection against the sun.

Camera

The Monasterio Ride - Three-Day Ride
The Pancho Fierro Ride - Six-Day Ride
Peruvian Odyssey - Ten-Day Program
The Sacred Valley Ride - Twelve-Day Program

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