Enjoyed the most

Was absolutely astounded with the level of care of the horses. To find them blanketed in their paddock on chilly nights in the Andes, munching huge rations of local mix feed (not much hay available), legs wrapped each day, in great condition, no sores, with grooms constantly and clearly observing them throughout the day, was amazing. Then there was the care and concern for the riders. I would truly say that the main guide was constantly watching, looking, riding back through the group, with words of encouragement, making sure rider and horse were well suited. He offered opportunities for those who enjoyed some speed as well as safety for those who preferred a more sedate speed. His knowledge and willingness to share culture, education, politics . . .everything about Peru . . was exceptional. Oh, and its about the MD doctor that goes with any group above 6 riders! He was there for high altitude issues, but also helped care for those regular illnesses that crop up! Not to mention the 3 grooms that went with us, WALKING, the mountains. I have never been as pampered. The mountain lodges were amazing, isolated, small exclusive. Loved the hot water bottles found in our beds at night time. I never pictured that mules would be carrying all of our duffles, and all of the provisions for the horses, from lodge to lodge. There were no roads.

Bothered you

Nothing. The guides had done as well as they could to prep for high altitude issues. For those of us flat landers, it was a concern, but luckily managed!

Comments

Many many years ago, saw catalog!

Hard to say, but this trip may have topped off the 15 yrs + that my friends and I have been doing an annual riding vacation! The riding in the Andes, with snow covered peaks, along with hikers on the Inca Trail, then down to the rain forest, was jaw droppingly beautiful. The itinerary included daily offerings of hikes, coffee classes, pisco sour classes, and more! The Inca blessing ceremony on the mountain side, with Andean condors soaring above (and below . . . since we were at 15,000 ft) still brings tears to my eyes. And, finally, the journey to Machu Picchu, was as amazing as all friends had said.

This is one of the most enjoyable trips I had taken. The four lodges are very nice. Horses are wonderful.  All the horses were tacked up by the grooms, and they checked several times a day.  The guide Antonio was very safe, nice and entertaining.  We had a doctor who rode with us, that was a nice touch.  Scenery were spectacular.  Saddle very comfortable.  All-in-all, a great trip.
I had a fantastic time.

Enjoyed the most

The horses and the scenery.

Bothered you

Nothing was bothersome.

Comments

Everything that could have been an issue, we were warned about, such as the altitude, mosquitoes, dangerous parts of the trail. This was an excellent trip. The lodges and food were way beyond expectations.

Enjoyed the most

The riding

Bothered you

Can't think of anything

Comments

Very well organized ride

Enjoyed the most

I enjoyed the ride. The scenery was spectacular. But seeing Machu Picchu was a wonder.

Bothered you

The altitude is challenging. At night, I would wake up gasping for breath. I was worried until one of the 20-somethings said he was doing the same thing.

Comments

I hope to visit Scotland. I'm interested in a progressive ride with some time to explore the bigger cities.

Enjoyed the most

Our guide and the incredible scenery, and the ride, and the lodges, and Macchu Picchu!

Bothered you

A little bothered by the altitude - headache for first 2 days. Strongly recommend an extra first day in Cusco to rest and acclimate.

Comments

This trip was challenging. Lots of galloping, not cantering, galloping! Even tho they say they could take a beginner, I would not recommend it. It would be dangerous.
This trip was way beyond expectations. Words can't discribe the snow covered mountains and rugged landscape and what these wonderful horses could do for us. Oh yes, and Machu Picchu at the end! Wow!

Enjoyed:

The beautiful lodges, wonderful meals, great horses, smiling people and helpful guides in one of the most spectacular places on earth.  The staff on the ride and at the lodges were wonderful and the lodges were each heaven to us as we arrived to a hot shower and a delicious meal.
Also stay the extra day at Machu Picchu/Inkaterra if you can, the hotel was fabulous and the second day at MP was well worth it!

Enjoyed the most
The tour of Machu Picchu at the end.

Bothered you
Rainy season, but that couldn't be helped or changed.

Comments
National Geographic Traveler article.

Enjoyed the most
Scenery, some of our fellow riders, Machu Picchu, HOT TUBS at the lodges, luxury of the accomodations, learning to make Pisco Sours. The food was fine but it was not light eating as indicated in the trip materials -- unless you call 3 course lunches and dinners plus tea-time light eating! We were very glad to have the ponchos that were provided as well as the water bottles.

Bothered you
We found out we had time to climb Huayna Picchu the same day as the Machu Picchi visit. The climb is a terrifying and exhausting experience but the views are great. The only other issue was that there was a rider who was not in decent health (and without recent riding experience) who attempted the trip and had a lot of trouble. This was disturbing.

Comments
I was very pleased to see nice, well-kept tack for a change! The horses were nice and well-conditioned too. Our guide, Guido, was very accomodating and enthusiastic about telling the history of the area.

Enjoyed the most
The Landscape is magnificent, the trekking outstanding

Bothered you
The last day being a hike with no REAL other option

Enjoyed the most
Everyday!

Bothered you:
Nothing

Comments:
The owner of the Mountain Lodges and the trek runs a class act.

Enjoyed the most
This ride was amazing. Every day was so different. Lots of riding on excellent horses. The terrain was difficult and varied.

We had a very congenial group of 10 of us. Our guide was superb. The food was terrific and the lodges were 1st class. This trip demands that people be in good shape to ride and definitely to hike. We had no physical problems with the ride, and, in fact, were the only ones with no altitude issues.

We definitely had a once in a lifetime adventure!

Enjoyed the most
The scenery and the horse.

Enjoyed the most
The scenery was stupendous, the horses the best we have ever ridden, the staff courteous and modest, the food would have graced a 4-star restaurant, and our guide (Guido) was wonderful.

Enjoyed the most
We were very lucky and had Enrique, owner of Mountain Lodges, riding with us. Clearly the riding in fabulously beautiful and diverse country was the highlight of our trip

Bothered you
Everything was wonderful.

Comments
Thank you so much for a great trip for my wife and our two friends that went with us. For what we got the trip was a great value.
This is an absolutely fabulous trip.  Hidden Trails did an incredible job. Hidden trails arranged for 4 days in Cusco, the ride, an extra day in Machu Picchu and a day in Lima.  All accomodations were great and transfers went smoothly.  Could not have been better.  Horses were incredible as well--need great horses on the very difficult mountainous terrain.
One of most fabulous trips we have ever taken.  Would highly recommend taking Hidden Trails for visiting Peru.  So much better than the train or trekking.

Comments:
Thanks for all your work on our trip that just ended.
The Mountain Lodges of Peru by horses was an absolutely incredible trip -- we would highly recommend it to all Hidden Trail members as well as trekkers. The lodges were fantastic, horses the best, and food delicious. The hotels you selected in Lima and Cusco were wonderful. The transfers worked flawlesslessly.You all do a wonderful job.

Enjoyed the most: This was a complete package.

Comments: The trip was beyond my expectations.