The Monasterio Ride

 

3 Days / 2 nights​

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The Monasterio Ride is a compact yet complete horseback journey through the Sacred Valley, unfolding over three consecutive days of riding in the Andes with Peruvian Paso horses.

 

The program begins with a carefully structured first day, dedicated to introducing riders to the Peruvian Paso horse, traditional tack, and riding style. Time is taken to assess each rider’s experience and preferences, ensuring an appropriate match between horse and rider. A short afternoon ride allows both to settle in before the longer and more demanding routes that follow.

 

On the second and third days, the ride opens into the wider Andean landscape: high-altitude altiplano terrain near Maras and Chinchero, open agricultural plateaus, and a gradual descent into the Sacred Valley, finishing near Urquillos along the Vilcanota River. Along the way, riders encounter rural communities, cultivated fields, and ancient pathways that continue to shape daily life in the Andes.

 

Based at a former 18th-century monastery in the Sacred Valley, the Monasterio Ride combines forward-going riding with comfort and continuity. For those who wish, a visit to Machu Picchu can be added as a natural extension after the riding program.

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Itinerary

 

Day 1 – Introduction & first ride

Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. The morning is dedicated to introducing riders to the Peruvian Paso horse, traditional tack, and riding style, with time taken to match each rider with an appropriate horse.

 

Midday, lunch is served at a historic Andean hacienda overlooking the Sacred Valley — a relaxed and memorable setting that offers both excellent cuisine and a strong sense of place. After lunch, a short afternoon ride allows horse and rider to settle in before the days ahead. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Riding time: approx. 2.5 hours
Altitude: approx. 2,800 m / 9,190 ft

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Day 2 – The Andean altiplano

Transfer to the riding area near Maras. Today’s route crosses the Andean altiplano, following historic pathways through wide highland landscapes. Lunch is served outdoors overlooking Lake Huaypo. In the afternoon, riding continues toward the highlands near Chinchero.
 

At the end of the ride, the horses remain overnight under the care of the grooms, while you return to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Riding time: approx. 4.5–5 hours
Altitude: approx. 3,550–3,800 m / 11,650–12,470 ft

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Day 3 – Descent into the Sacred Valley

Return to the highlands for the final day on horseback. The route follows trails above the Sacred Valley before descending through farmland toward the valley floor. Lunch is served outdoors along the way.
In the afternoon, the ride continues along the Vilcanota River to the stables near Huayllabamba, arriving mid-afternoon. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Riding time: approx. 4.5 hours
Altitude: approx. 3,600 m down to 2,850 m / 11,850–9,350 ft

 

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Optional extension – Machu Picchu

A visit to Machu Picchu can be added after the ride.

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Practical notes

• Program: 3 riding days / 2 nights

• Season: End of March to mid-November

• Departures: No set departure dates; rides are organised upon availability

• Group size: Minimum 2 riders

• Level: Confident riders

• Altitude: Up to approx. 3,800 m / 12,470 ft

 

 

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​Detailed itinerary, trip information, and pricing are available in the downloadable information sheet below.

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