twelve-day riding tour in the sacred valley of the incas “Top 10 Horseback Rides” 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. Your ride takes place in 'El Valle Sagrado de los Incas' or 'The Sacred Valley' as it is more commonly known. The Urubamba River feeds this fertile valley, which enjoys a pleasant and sheltered climate. The majority of its inhabitants live a life little changed since the arrival of the Spanish. Oxen pull wooden ploughs through the fields, travel is largely by foot and the native people speak Quechua, which bares no resemblance to Spanish at all. Starting from the heart of the historically rich and colourful Sacred Valley, the ride follows ancient cobblestone roads and takes you along secluded mountain trails to access Peru's hidden marvels. The route passes through isolated villages of the Quechua communities with numerous visits to the finest Inca ruins. The trip includes a visit to the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and a stay in the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco. Click here to see our photo gallery of the Sacred Valley Ride ItineraryPLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is flexible. Changes may occur due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances but always with your best interests in mind. The nights of camping are weather permitting. PLEASE NOTE: for the 28 May – 8 June and for the 6 - 17 August Sacred Valley rides, the riding itinerary will be slightly different to the one listed below in order to visit some special Peruvian festivals and events. For the 28 May - 8 June ride, there will be only one night of camping so that guests can visit the festival of El Senor de Torrechayoc. For the 6 - 17 August ride, small adjustments to the regular riding itinerary will be made in order to have time to visit the Celebration of Mamacha Asunta in Qoya. IMPORTANT: Most of the riding takes place at around 3,400 metres; although at some points you will be riding at lower altitudes and at others you will ride at up to 4,350 metres (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 acclimatise 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. Day 1 Arrive in Lima. Tonight you will overnight at the Ramada Costa del Sol hotel, situated opposite the airport.
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. 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.
Dinner at the ranch or at a local restaurant. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. 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. 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. Riding time: approximately 3 hours. 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.
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. Riding time: approximately 5 hours. Day 6
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. The Incas called their empire Tahuantinsuyu, "The Four Quarters of the Earth." Cusco, meaning "the Navel of the World," was the centre of Tahuantinsuyu; its main square, the Huacapata (today's Plaza de Armas), marked the heart of Cusco and of the Inca Empire. Stay at a very comfortable hotel Libertador or Novotel 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. Riding time: approximately 6 hours. 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. 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.
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). Riding time: approximately 5 hours.  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, where you have lunch. From Chinchero ride across the altiplano, another 3-4 hours along spectacular trails to Lake Huyapo, where you will find the campsite. Dine and overnight at the campsite near Lake Huaypo (weather permitting). Riding time: 6-7 hours. Day 10 Depart after breakfast for the last day with the horses. Follow an interesting trail towards Huarocondo 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.
Riding time: approximately 6 hours. 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.
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 15:00pm. Price 2010 Trip price: US$ 4,500 per person (group size: min. 4- max. 8 pers.)
Single supplement: The price for each ride is based on shared occupancy. If you are traveling solo and wish to share accommodation, we will make every effort to find a roommate (always of the same gender). If you are willing to share and no roommate materializes, then the customary single supplement will apply. A single supplement is always applicable for participants who specifically request single accommodation.
Departure Dates 2010
Trip detailsRIDER REQUIREMENTSRiders must Weight limit: 200 pounds / 90 kg HORSES AND TACK
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. ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALSThe ride combines 9 nights in quaint hotels with private bathrooms and 2 nights in rustic camps. The hotels in the Sacred Valley are very comfortable and unique, but not always five star. In Cusco you will stay two nights at the luxury Hotel Libertador (5 star) or the Hotel Novotel (5 star). The camping is made as bearable as possible too and there is a sizeable mess tent which also houses a portable wood-burning stove - a very welcome addition when the temperature drops at night. Weather permitting a camp fire is also lit outside and if the skies are clear you will enjoy some wonderful star-gazing. While on the Sacred Valley of the Incas Ride, guests are treated to wonderful meals representing tasty regional cuisine. Dishes are made from fresh vegetables, dairy products, and fresh trout. Most meals are included in the trip price, with the exception of dinner in Lima on day 1, lunch on day 11 (Machu Picchu) and meals on Day 7, the free day in the city of Cusco. Vegetarian or other dietary requirements will be accommodated with advanced notice. EXPENSESThe price of the trip includes 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 accommodation (including 9 nights in hotels). Not included are: internal flight Lima-Cusco-Lima (US$ 280), 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. There is a US$ 30 airport tax for international departures from Lima, and a US$ 7 airport tax for domestic departures (at the time of writing this itinerary). documents and currencyCurrently, only a passport and round-trip ticket are required for entry into Peru if the stay is for 90 days or less. Customs requirements are subject to change, however, so please contact the Peruvian Embassy in Washington, DC for current information. Immunizations are also not currently required for entry, though if you are from Africa, a Yellow Fever Certificate may be required, so please check with a travel doctor. We also recommend that clients consult a physician for their own personal needs (you may require altitude sickness medication). In order for us to make the hotel and internal flight reservations, we will need your passport number, your name as it appears on the passport, as well as your nationality. The currency used most often in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (plural soles). The best and easiest currency for exchange into Peruvian soles is the US dollar. Other currencies are only exchangeable in major cities and at a high commission. You can easily change your dollars at the Hotel Ariosto, where you will be staying in Lima on the first night of the ride. The dollar bills must be in excellent condition: worn, torn or damaged bills are not accepted. When receiving local currency ask for small denominations as these will be more useful to you when making most purchases. Twenty soles notes will be of most use. Money can be changed in banks, casas de cambio, and first-class hotels or with street changers. Casas de cambio are usually the easiest places to change money. Street changers, who hang out near banks, never offer better rates than the best bank rate and have been known to cheat travelers so are best avoided. Rates vary from place to place but not significantly, unless you try to change money at a hotel, which charges high commission. Travelers' checks are changed at a slightly lower rate than cash (about 3%). Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but credit cards attract an 8% commission unless you are using it for a cash withdrawal (in Peruvian currency) from a bank. ATMs (Visa and Plus system are most widely recognized) are now the best way to extract money in Peru. Either dollars or soles can be withdrawn from most ATMs, and your bank will often offer the best possible exchange rate on soles withdrawn on a US dollar account. tippingTipping is discretionary. If you have been happy with the ride and would like to leave a tip then you should pass this on to Eduard at the end of the ride and he will distribute this to the rest of the staff. We suggest as a guideline that USD 60 to 100 per guest is offered, but this is only a guideline – please give what you feel comfortable with and what you can afford. Tips can be made in either US Dollars or Peruvian soles. The exchange rate is usually in the region of 3 soles to the dollar. It is always useful to have a few one-dollar notes handy, so that you can tip baggage handlers etc. Note that if you have run out of soles, then US Dollars are rarely turned down in Peru (at restaurants etc), but of course it is better to have Peruvian currency where possible. CLIMATEPeru's climate varies widely, ranging from tropical in the montaña to arctic in the highest mountains of the Andes. In the Sierra area of Cusco and Machu Picchu the temperature ranges seasonally from about 45 to 75 ºF. Rainfall is usually scanty, but in the mountains and in the jungle heavy rains last from December to April. In Cusco, in the southeastern Sierra, annual rainfall averages about 81.5 mm (32 in). RESPONSIBILITyGuests are responsible for having an adequate, valid insurance policy including cover 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 INFORMATIONPerol 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 HINTSRiding 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 LISTSince you will be riding at elevations between 2600 and 4350 meters (8,530 and 14,275 feet), lightweight, warm clothing worn in layers is highly recommended. Dinners are very casual; there is no need to bring special attire. Comfortable riding trousers (two pairs) T- shirts Long sleeved cotton shirts. These are without doubt the best things to ride in. Sleeves can be rolled up or down for protection from the sun and the collar helps to protect your neck too. Thick socks Wind-bloc Fleece or warm jacket - for cold evenings especially at these high altitudes. Waterproofs - Ideally a Gore-Tex or similar wind and rain proof jacket. Waterproof leggings are also a good idea. You will be provided with woolen and waterproof ponchos, but it is often useful to have another waterproof jacket underneath your waterproof poncho for added protection. It may not rain, but better to be prepared. Riding boots with rubber sole, also suitable for walking (around Inca ruins etc) - the best would be a pair of the dual purpose Ariat or Mountain Horse riding/leisure boots. Protection for the lower leg - either full or half-chaps. 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. Woolly or fleece hat to wear at night around the camp fire (or in bed!) Riding gloves Light pair of shoes - for après-riding and for wearing around the campsite. Set of Thermal Underwear - a light way of carrying extra warmth. 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. We suggest at least Factor 30, if not total block. Insect repellent (Machu Picchu and the surrounding area can be prone to mosquito’s). 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 saddlebag contents clean, a good idea is to put all your things in a plastic carrier bag/Ziploc bag first and then into the saddlebags. Spanish Phrasebook/dictionary Casual clothes - for when you are not riding, e.g. tracksuit bottoms – you can also sleep in these. Small Torch/head torch Small towel Small medical kit with antiseptic cream, good supply of ibuprofen, aspirin and plasters (Compeed blister plasters work well on sore patches – acting as a second skin), antihistamine tablets, any medication you regularly take. Scarf/bandana – useful for protection against the sun. Sleeping bag for the two nights of camping. Good quality sleeping mats are provided. Additional passport photos Copy of passport/visa and debit cards Wash bag – a supply of baby wipes will be invaluable. We also recommend biodegradable personal washing products. Hair-dryers are available at some, although not all hotels on the trail. Ziploc bags/supply of plastic carrier bags - always useful for wet/dry kit. Camera
 The Posada del Inca Ride - Two-Day Ride |
Day 2 
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. 
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. 
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.
Y
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. 
