Horseback riding in Cusco, Peru

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Horseback riding vacations in Peru, Cusco

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Equestrian tours in Peru, Cusco
Machu Picchu Mountain Lodges


Itinerary for Machu Picchu Mountain Lodges




Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

NOTE: If you have more time and wish to discover the Sacred Valley before or after your tour, we suggest looking at our Sacred Valley Explorer or our Andean Villages Ride.


Day 1: Arrival
When arriving in Cusco, check into you accommodation. Usually we have a 'Briefing' around 7 PM with your tour leader at a local restaurant. During this briefing, you will meet with the group and the guide and be given the detailed itinerary and any last-minute changes. At that time, we will also re-confirm any specific dietary and medical information of the participants and answer frequently asked questions. Then, we will proceed to a participant gear & equipment verification.
Meals included: None
Overnight at Boutique 'Casa Andina Premium Collection' or similar hotel


Day 2: Cusco to Salkantay Lodge
After an early breakfast, guests will be picked up starting at 7:00 am at the hotel in Cusco by the guide and transfer by vehicle in direction to the Salkantay Lodge in Soraypampa. The first stop is a visit to the Quillarumiyoc archaeological site en route to the mountain village of Mollepata. Enjoy lunch at El Pedregal, a beautiful farmhouse in the village, where you will also have the opportunity to learn about local agriculture and livestock.
After lunch, you will take a scenic ride to Coronilla Ranch to meet and get to know your horse and start a 4-hours ride to the Salkantay Lodge in the high plain of Soraypampa.
Riding Hours: Approx. 4 hours (including picnic lunch en route)
Type of Terrain: Open roads, some steep ascending trails
Pace: Walk, trot, canter, gallop on open roads

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Salkantay Lodge
Non-riders will be transferred directly to the Lodge.


Day 3: Ride to Humantay Lake and the Chakana
Today’s excursion takes us first to Humantay Lake, fed by glaciers far above on the slopes of the  impressive Mt. Humantay. Our 1-hour ride there is followed by a short 20-minute walk, which is  necessary in order to reach the lake, but the view is well worth it and those brave enough can go for a swim! After a short snack break we hike back down to where we left the horses, and from where we begin a 30-minute ride to our next dismount spot: the gateway to the “Chakana” (the mystical Cross of the Incas, located on a view point high above Soraypampa). From here, we begin a one-hour excursion on foot to our destination, the actual “Chakana”. This excursion allows guests to enjoy the best views of the Soraypampa Valley, Mt. Salkantay and Mt. Humantay, and is truly one of the high points of our journey which should not be missed! A mystical offering to Mother Earth (or “Pachamama”) at the Chakana, performed by a local Shaman, in full view of the awe-inspiring Mt. Salkantay, tops off this unique experience.
We return to the lodge for lunch with your afternoon at leisure, after which you may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in our outdoor jacuzzi. Additionally there is the option of riding out again for a couple of hours in the surrounding area. In the evening, the guide briefs us on gear and the itinerary for the following day.
Riding hours: Approx. 4 hours 
Type of Terrain: Open roads, some steep ascending trails and open fields
Pace: Walk, trot, canter on open roads
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Salkantay Lodge
Non-rider activity: Hike to Humantay Lake


Day 4: Crossing the Salkantay Pass
Today we continue our journey towards Machu Picchu, riding up the Rio Blanco valley and circling  Humantay Peak across from Salkantay Peak. The highest point of the ride is the Salkantay Pass at 4,638 meters (15,213 ft). At the pass we stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, with the glaciated south face of Salkantay towering above us. We will keep our eyes out for Andean condors, often visible in this area. From the pass we descend towards the Wayra Lodge, (“Wayra”: wind; from the name of the location “Wayracmachay”: ‘the cave where the wind lives’) our destination for the evening.
Riding Hours: Approx. 4 hours (including hot lunch en route)
Pace: Walk, trot on mostly steep trails, some open slopes

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Wayra Lodge
Non-rider activity: transfer to Ollantaytambo or Cusco or hiking along the trail

Day 5: Descending into the Cloud Forest
On this day we enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Wayra Lodge, and then we continue downhill above the Salkantay River, descending into the cloud forest, through increasingly verdant scenery. We can feel the warm air rising from the jungle, accompanied by colorful butterflies and striking orchids. Upon arrival at Colpa Lodge we are greeted with a Pachamanca, a traditional festive Peruvian meal cooked by layering meat and vegetables with hot stones. Everything is then covered with hot stones, plantain leaves, high Andean grass and local herbs and the contents are baked in this underground oven.
Colpa Lodge is located on an open plateau at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor jacuzzi has panoramic views of lush green mountains. We spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the nearby orchid trail.     
Riding hours: Approx. 3 hours
Pace: Walk, trot on narrow trails

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Colpa Lodge
Non-rider activity: Free day in Ollantaytambo or hiking along the trail

Day 6: Following the Santa Teresa River Valley 
Today we ride along the Santa Teresa river valley, through more populated rural areas. We pass through banana, passion fruit, avocado orchards and coffee plantations. The coffee grown here is said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world. Our ride takes us to the beginning of the “Llactapata Inca Trail”, which is where we say goodbye to our horses and equestrian staff. A short 30-minute walk through an avocado orchard brings us to Lucma Lodge.  
Riding Hours: Approx. 4 hours
Pace: Walk, trot and canter on steep trails and some open roads

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lucma Lodge
Non-rider activity: Transfer by train and vehicle to Lucma Lodge, hiking along trail, or Canopy Zip Line Tour 

Day 7: First Views of Machu Picchu from Llactapata Pass
After a hearty breakfast, we tackle the last day of our trek. At this point, we will say goodbye to our beautiful horses and get ready for a 3 hour-hike towards Llactapata Pass (2,736 m/8,974ft), where we come upon a distant but spectacular view of Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view few travelers ever get a chance to admire. We take a short break to explore the Llactapata Ruins, which have recently been restored. Lunch is served at a scenic viewpoint, looking out to Machu Picchu. After which we begin our final descent to the Aobamba River through lush bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations.  We then board a train for a scenic ride (approx. 1 hour) to Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we check into an award-wining hotel for a celebration dinner with our guide and one last briefing!
Note - Those who prefer not to hike can go to the train station by van after a leisurely morning including breakfast and lunch at the lodge. They will meet the rest of the group at the train station for the ride to Aguas Calientes together. (The guide confirms your preferences the night before.) 
Hiking Hours: 4-6 hours (Moderate to challenging)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes


Day 8: Visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary
After a very early buffet breakfast at the hotel, we make our way to the bus station for the ride up to Machu Picchu Sanctuary (30 min). Our trip leader will give an introductory 2 hour guided tour of the ruins, after which we have the option of climbing the steep staircase of Huayna Picchu, a steep and vertically quite challenging hike that takes about 2 hours which affords great views of Machu Picchu. Afterwards, we meet up with our guide again and return by bus to Aguas Calientes for a late lunch and to catch our train. The ride from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes about 1½ hours, and then a private vehicle will drive us back to Cusco (an additional 1½ hour). Upon arrival in Cusco (approximately 7 or 8 p.m.), you are dropped off at your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch



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Machu Picchu Mountain Lodges
Tour Code: IT-PEIR01
8 days / 7 nights
Dates : March to Dec

Trip Rating :
Difficulty : Riding Level
Riding Level Explained
ABeginner
Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
BNovice
Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters.
CIntermediate
Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly.
D Strong Intermediate
Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day.
EAdvanced
All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country.
Lodging: Standard
Lodging Level Explained
   
= Facilities in lodges, estancias, haciendas, resorts, etc.
   
Basic lodging - some with shared bathroom facilities, usually no AC or room service.
Regular standard room - usually with private bath.
 Accommodations with superior comforts.
   
 = Trips with nights in tent camps. Sometimes the first and last night are in hotels.
   
Basic tent camping - everyone helps out with camp chores.
Regular standard with some camp amenities and camp cook.
Camping facilities with superior comforts like camp shower, bathroom facility..
   
 = Trips that combine nights in hotels and camping.
   
Basic accommodation and basic camping facilities can be expected.
Regular standard with some nicer amenities.
Only assigned to hotel and camping facilities with superior comforts.

Online Reservation

Check here for details and availability
Season Tour Dates  Min / MaxReserve
A 2024 03/30 - 04/06 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Sold Out
A 2024 03/31 - 04/07 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Sold Out
A 2024 04/02 - 04/09 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Sold Out
A 2024 04/30 - 05/07 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Sold Out
A 2024 05/10 - 05/17 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Sold Out
A 2024 05/12 - 05/19 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Sold Out
A 2024 05/21 - 05/28 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Sold Out
A 2024 08/11 - 08/18 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Sold Out
A 2024 09/15 - 09/22 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Reserve
A 2024 09/18 - 09/25 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Sold Out
A 2024 09/23 - 09/30 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Sold Out
A 2024 10/11 - 10/18 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Sold Out
A 2024 11/11 - 11/18 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Sold Out
A 2024 11/18 - 11/25 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Reserve
A 2024 12/05 - 12/12 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Reserve
A 2024 12/14 - 12/21 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Reserve
A 2024 12/23 - 12/30 8d / 7n 8 day trip (High) 2 /12 Reserve
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Tack: Uruguayan Endurance Saddles: similar t...
Horses: Quarter Horse, Arab/Quarter Horse and ...
Pace: Moderate - from walk to fast canter - ...
Walk, Trot, Canter, Gallop,
Airport: Cusco
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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