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Frequently Asked Questions
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Our Approach to Horse Welfare
At Perol Chico, horse welfare is central to everything we do. Caring for horses in the high Andes is demanding, with long dry seasons, limited grazing, and challenging terrain. To ensure year-round health and conditioning, we provide carefully managed nutrition, training, and daily care.
For these reasons, we operate a small, well-managed herd and limit our riding season to periods when conditions are safe for horses and riders.
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Why We Ride Peruvian Paso Horses
The Peruvian Paso horse is ideally suited to long-distance riding in mountainous terrain. Renowned for stamina, smooth lateral gait, and calm temperament, the breed has been selectively developed over centuries as a traveling horse.
All horses at Perol Chico are purebred, selected from respected bloodlines, and registered with the National Peruvian Paso Horse Studbook Association (ANCPCPP).
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Rider Weight Limit
To protect the welfare of our horses, the maximum rider weight is 85 kg / 13.5 stone / 187 lbs, including riding equipment.
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Pace and Galloping
Our rides take place at high altitude, where oxygen levels are low and terrain is rarely flat. While our horses are well adapted, sustained or fast galloping is neither practical nor responsible in these conditions. There are occasional opportunities to increase the pace, but overall riding focuses on balance, control, and technical skill rather than speed.
For more detail, see our blog article High Altitude Rides.
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Riding Experience Required
Our rides are best suited to intermediate to advanced riders. Participants should feel confident on a forward-moving horse, maintain a balanced, independent seat, and remain in control at all paces in open terrain, using subtle aids and soft hands.
If unsure about your level, we are happy to advise or arrange private lessons prior to your ride.
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Group Size
For safety and quality, group sizes are kept small, with a maximum of seven riders. Each ride is accompanied by one or two experienced trail guides, supported by a backup team and a support vehicle.
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Riding to Machu Picchu
Horses are not permitted within the protected Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu or on the Inca trails.
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Best Time to Ride
Our riding season runs from mid-March to mid-November. During the rainy season (mid-November to mid-March), high-altitude trails can become unsafe and rides are suspended.
In the Sacred Valley, average daytime temperatures range between 18–22°C (64–72°F) throughout most of the year. Nighttime temperatures vary with altitude and season and can drop to 5–10°C (41–50°F) in winter (July–September), and occasionally lower at higher elevations.
​Daytime temperatures remain relatively stable year-round; the most noticeable temperature changes occur after sunset.