LUXURY SACRED VALLEY - PERU
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See Peru in a way few are privileged to experience. By day, explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas on horses descended from the steeds of the Conquistadors. By night, enjoy the luxury and comfort of the finest hotels in Peru. On this riding holiday, we stay four nights camping at comfortable mountain camps near Inca sites. You will ride on our spirited Peruvian Paso horses, famous for their velvet smooth gait. You will pass through mountain villages where all the residents will watch in awe as you ride by on these beautiful animals, the sounds of their hooves echoing on the cobblestone roads. This exclusive ride is more than an unforgettable riding experience in the Andes. It combines culture, history and adventure with fine Peruvian cuisine, comfortable mountain camps, and charming hotels.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - LUXURY SACRED VALLEY
Day 1
Arrive in Lima. We will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel. The hotel is centrally located in Miraflores and is owned by Don Filipe Matellini, a true aficionado of the Peruvian Paso horse. If time allows you can visit museums, shop in Miraflores or visit Barranco, a romantic and Bohemian district in Lima with a variety of night-clubs.
Day 2
After breakfast drive to the airport. The spectacular one-hour flight over the Andes arrives midmorning in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco (altitude 3338 m / 10,952 ft). From here it is a one-hour drive to the hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The charming hotel is perfectly located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, between Cusco and Machu Picchu, and only 5 km from the stables. We will have the opportunity to stop for a cup of coffee or coca tea, which helps to combat altitude sickness. Once you have settled at the hotel we will bring you to our stables where yourhorse riding holiday really gets underway. You will have an opportunity to become familiar with our 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. During a lunchtime barbecue at the ranch, we will introduce our staff. In the afternoon, there will be a demonstration of the classic Peruvian equitation by the owner, followed by basic riding instructions. Before dinner we will get together for an informal briefing about the ride, safety instructions and the horses. Dinner at the Restaurant Alhambra. Overnight at the Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca in Yucay.
Day 3
Today is a day to relax and enjoy being on holiday, while you acclimatize to the altitude before the ride begins in earnest. Around 9:30 AM we take the short drive to Ollantaytambo where we visit the ruins and village. According to legend, Ollantaytambo is named for 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.
Lunch at the ranch around 1 PM. After lunch we continue our riding course in classic Peruvian equitation in the safety of our round pen and match riders to their mounts. If time allows we will do a short ride in the valley to make you more confident with your horse.
Dinner at the ranch. Overnight in one of the cottages at Kuychi Rumi.
Day 4
Our ride begins around 10 AM, after a leisurely breakfast. We mount our horses and set off in the direction of Ollantaytambo. We cross the Urubamba River and pass Pichingote, an old Andean village where the houses are partially built into caves. Then on to Salinas. Here we see salt pans from Inca times 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 channelled through an impressive irrigation system and left to evaporate in the sun. Take plenty of film to capture this unique sight.
We will climb with the horses almost 1000 m (3,281 ft.) to the 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 3700 m (12,140 ft.), we will be surrounded by stunning scenery and the snowcapped mountains of Chicon, Veronica and Salcantay. We continue our ride to Maras, a typical Andean village with a beautiful 400-year-old colonial church, where we meet the llamas and Quechua porters with our picnic lunch. From Maras we will continue our ride following an interesting trail 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 crop strains. This was possible due to a remarkable phenomenon: the climates of many 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 has 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 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 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 to Tiobamba, where we arrive at around 17:00 pm.
Our back-up van will bring you back to your cottage at Kuychi Rumi in the Sacred Valley. After some rest and a warm shower we’ll have dinner at one of Urubamba’s famous local restaurant.
Riding time: 5-6 hours. Altitude: 2700 - 3700 m/8,860 - 12,140 ft.
Day 5
After a filling breakfast at your hotel, our van will pick you up to transfer you back to Tiobamba, where our horses are waiting. We follow primitive trails across the altiplano. The scenery is spectacular with snowcapped mountains, wildflowers and beautiful mountain lakes. We will meet smiling Quechua children with their herds of sheep or cattle and see campesinos plowing their fields in the traditional way, oxen hitched to a wooden plow. We may even share a chicha (their traditional maize drink) with them. We will follow the trail to Chinchero where our Quechua porters and llamas are awaiting us with our picnic lunch.
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 we will have plenty of 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 we will also visit a textile workshop where we will see an impressive demonstration of ancient techniques of spinning, dying and weaving. The beautiful weavings are still made as in times of the Incas. In the afternoon we continue our ride and arrive around 5 PM at our campsite on Lake Piuray. Dinner and overnight - a lovely night camping near the lake.
Riding time: 5 hours. Altitude: 3000 - 3800 m/9,840 - 12,470 ft.
Day 6
From Lago Piuray we crisscross through the rough and sturdy Andean landscape, passing remote Quechua communities, herder's huts and small farms called chacras. Today is one of the most beautiful riding days. We will travel a cobblestone-paved section of the network of Inca roads called the Capac Ñan, and enjoy beautiful vistas as we climb to an altitude of 4000 m/13,125 ft. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with impressive views of the many snowcapped mountains and the altiplano. We will pass many impressive Inca ruins, like an ancient Inca aqueduct and Inca irrigation channels. Today some technical riding is required as we will cross some difficult gorges along the trail. It is not a dangerous ride, but some uphill canters are necessary. Our hardy, sure-footed mounts will be well up to the task.
After a hard day's ride following old Inca trails, we arrive around 4:30 PM 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 center of Tahuantinsuyu; its main square, the Huacapata (today's Plaza de Armas), marked the heart of Cusco and of the Inca Empire.
Dinner in Cusco. We will stay at a comfortable hotel located near the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco's archaeological center. If you still have energy you can explore Cusco's legendary nightlife.
Riding time: 6 hours. Altitude: 3400 - 4000 m/11,155 - 13,125 ft.
Day 7
Relax; today is yours to spend as you wish. You can 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 raze the Inca buildings to the ground, but soon realized 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 today is a vibrant city of some three hundred thousand, 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.
Day 8
After breakfast we will continue our expedition, visiting more mysterious places along old Inca trails. Today's ride will take us through open country with spectacular views providing another memorable riding day in the Andes. The horses are waiting for us just outside of Cusco at Sacsayhuamán. We start by following a footpath leading north. After climbing gently for about 450 m (1,480 ft.) we see a stone-lined Inca irrigation channel which parallels the trail for about 800 m (2,625 ft.). Ascending a steep and narrow valley, we reach a pass at 4350 m (14,275 ft.), and enjoy the view of the small, shallow Lake Quellacocha. This is the highest point of our ride. A group of stone corrals lies beyond the lake and in clear weather the snowcapped peak of Sawasiray is visible. We descend the high trail around the north end of the lake and ascend eastward to Lake Qoricocha, where we arrive at our campsite around 4 PM. Herds of llamas and alpacas can be see grazing around us.
The people of Q'enco will be waiting to welcome us at our campsite with traditional folk dances, music and a meal of Guinea pigs. They are very friendly, hardworking farmers who grow potatoes. They seldom see tourists here. Q'enco is one of the communities we support. Our projects here included building a greenhouse, installing playground equipment, and distributing toothbrushes, toothpaste, sweaters, and school supplies. You will have the opportunity to buy some fine weavings made locally. Riding time: 5-6 hours. Altitude: 3600 - 4350 m/11,810 - 14,275 ft. Dinner and overnight at our campsite near Lake Qoricocha.
Day 9
From Lago Qoricocha we ride northeast in the direction of the Sacred Valley. The scenery en route is absolutely spectacular and we will have plenty of breaks to soak up the atmosphere before the descent from the altiplano into the valley.
We 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 we have lunch. From Chinchero we ride across the altiplano, another 3-4 hours along spectacular trails to Lake Huyapo, where we will find our last campsite.
Riding time: 6-7 hours. Altitude: 4300 - 2800 m/14,110 - 9,190 ft. Dinner and overnight at our campsite at Lake Huyapo.
Day 10
After breakfast we leave for our last day with the horses. We will follow an interesting trail towards Huarocondo. After about 3 hours riding we arrive again at the village of Maras.
After lunch we complete our descent into the Sacred Valley, arriving at the ranch around 2 PM. We will celebrate our return with a traditional Pisco Sour at the ranch.
Riding time: 4 hours. Altitude: 2800 - 2600 m/9,190 - 8,530 ft. Dinner at Huayocari Hacienda, a private residence with an impressive collection of Incan and colonial art and artifacts, hosted by its owner.
Overnight at the comfortable Hotel la Casona or Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca in Yucay.
Day 11
Our day starts early, as we catch the 6 AM 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 Urubamba train brings us 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. Take lots of film, this is every bit as magnificent as you have imagined.
In the afternoon we take the train back to Urubamba, arriving around 7 PM. Dinner at one of Urubamba’s famous restaurants, and a last chance to sample Pisco Sours. Overnight at the comfortable Hotel la Casona or Hotel Sonesta Posada del Inca in Yucay.
Day 12
Early in the morning, transfer to the airport in Cusco for your flight to Lima. The driving time is one hour, followed by a one-hour flight, arriving in Lima at 1 PM Earliest possible departing flight from Lima is 3 PM
Additional Information
It rains through the winter till March and the roads are too dangerous to ride on. In April there is still a chance of some rain but it is shorter and more refreshing. From then until June the mountains are all green and the weather is mild and not too cold at nightmaking it the perfect time for your riding holiday in the mountains. Starting in July but especially in August, it gets colder at night. The mountains turn to beautiful beige, brown and red autumn colours June to September is peak season noticeable mostly by the number of tourists in Cusco. October and November are also perfect for riding and dry. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Peruvian culture, but may not be right for those needing a great deal of privacy and time alone. Please note that many parts of South America are not smoke free. Laundry services are available in Cusco and Urubamba. A four-wheel-drive jeep will act as a back up vehicle to the tour.
All itineraries are for guidance only and may be altered due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
The weight limit for this ride is 14 st/198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
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 accommodations (including 9 nights in hotels).
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
internal flight Lima-Cusco-Lima (About £160 at present), 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.
FURTHER DETAILS
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