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Horseback riding vacations in
Peru
There are few destinations on earth that have as much to offer as Peru. This astonishingly varied country boasts panoramic mountain ranges, vast deserts and beautiful beaches. You can explore tropical jungles by canoe, or visit rich historical and archaeological sites. Wildlife abounds and indigenous culture is alive and vital. Horse riding opportunities in Peru are also vast – from horse riding holidays on the Inca Trails of Machu Picchu, to the archaeological sites of Coastal Peru.
Horse Riding in Peru
Hidden Trails can tailor one of the perfect Peru horse riding holidays we offer for you. Choose from horseback tours, hiking excursions or sightseeing - from the Nazca Lines and Machu Picchu, to the cloud forests and the Amazon, as well as excursions to lake Titicaca and La Paz in Bolivia.
Starting from the ancient city of Arequipa, we venture into the Colca Valley and Canyon on Peruvian Paso horses - into a land of imposing snow-capped volcanoes, narrow gorges, artistically terraced agricultural slopes that predate the Incas, arid desert landscapes and vegetation, and remote traditional villages, many visibly scarred by seismic tremors common in southern Peru. .
Cusco is your top destination for horse riding vacations in Machu Picchu and the Inca Trails. Hidden Trails have many horseback vacations to choose from here, including the Classic Inca Trail and our first class Machu Picchu Lodge Ride.
Those wishing to combine Machu Picchu with a breathtaking journey through the Amazon rainforest will want to embark on our Amazon Extension into Manu .
Peru Culture and History
Peru is blessed with a rich and ancient past and a vibrant present, making it one of South America's most popular travel destinations. Thousands of archaeological sites are found all over the country, ranging from 10,000 year old camp sites of early hunters to the monumental stone walls of sixteenth century Inca Cusco.
Indeed, it is difficult to go anywhere in Peru without stumbling upon some ancient reminder of Peru's past.
By 2000 B.C. ancient Peruvians were building monumental temples and irrigation systems and had domesticated the llama and a variety of food crops, many of which like the potato are very important in today's world. Peru's museums are filled with amazing ceramics and textiles designed and created by the pre-Inca civilizations, such as Chavin, Paracas, Nazca, Moche and Wari. Whilst the wealth of gold, silver and copper objects bear witness to the sophistication and technological mastery of Moche metal smiths.
The short lived Inca Empire came to an end with the arrival of the conquering Spaniards in 1532. Much of the ancient technology and social structures that made this great empire possible, have disappeared over the centuries, but others like rich weaving tradition, have endured. The legacy of colonial Peru is found in the churches, and vice regal mansions built by the Spaniards, who made Lima the seat of the Spanish viceroyalty until the country obtained independence from Spain in 1821.
 Peru Weather and Climate
The climate of Coastal Peru is hot and dry with temperatures between 18°C and 33°C from December to March, and between 10°C and 26°C with mist and light rains from April to November.
Because of the altitude, the weather in Cusco (Machu Picchu) is relatively fresh. The annual average in the city goes from 10° and 11° Celsius (50° to 52° Fahrenheit). The temperature is relatively stable during the summer and winter.
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South America Horse Riding Holidays
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Holidays on horseback in Peru
See Mini Country Guide
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Below is a list of our trips in this area with video clips.
 Click on the 'watch video' icon
to view a video clip,
Peru
Travel restrictions
On October 1st 2020, Peru began phase 4 of economic reactivation, including the resumption of a limited number of international flights. On October 21st 2020, the government of Peru approved flights of up to eight hours in duration to destinations throughout the Americas and the Caribbean.
Peruvians, resident foreigners, and non-resident foreigners 12 years of age or older must present proof of being fully vaccinated 14 days prior to boarding at their point of origin. Peruvians, resident foreigners, and non-resident foreigners 12 years of age or older who are not fully vaccinated must present a molecular test with a negative result (within 48 hours) prior to boarding an incoming flight to Peru, in accordance with current health regulations.
Children under 12 years of age must only be asymptomatic prior to boarding an incoming flight to Peru.
Travelers to Peru who meet the requirements above are not required to quarantine upon arrival to Peru and may proceed to their final destination upon arrival.
All flight passengers are required to wear a facemask and a protective face shield.
Measures taken by the government
On January 18th, 2022, the Government of Peru extended the COVID-19 health emergency through August 28th, 2022.
The wearing of face masks in public places is mandatory and social distancing measures must be respected.
KN95 masks are required. If you do not have a KN95, double masking is mandatory, with one of the masks being a surgical mask, the other can either be cloth or surgical as well.
Since July 15th 2020, domestic travel has resumed throughout Peru. From February 28th 2022, all passengers older than 12 years of age using commercial transportation to travel between provinces by land must present proof of vaccination to travel. If they are not fully vaccinated, they must present a molecular test with a negative result (within 48 hours) prior to boarding their commercial transport.
The Government of Peru announced the extension of the current regional alert levels and movement restrictions to become effective until June 30th 2022.
The Government of Peru indicates it will reevaluate and adjust these public health measures every two weeks. Under these measures, all regions of Peru are categorized as High, Very High, or Extreme, with corresponding levels of restrictions.
Currently, in areas of “High Alert”, curfew is from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m, Monday through Sunday. In areas of Peru in “Extreme Alert”, business must close no later than three hours before the local curfew. In areas of Peru in Moderate, High, or Very High alert, businesses must close no later than two hours before the local curfew.
From December 10th 2021, in all provinces of Peru, adults over the age of 18 must show proof of vaccination to enter closed spaces.
As of January 27th, 2022, adults over the age of 40 must show proof of a booster dose (three doses in total). They may show their physical or virtual vaccination card demonstrating they have completed their COVID-19 vaccinations.
As of May 1st 2022, wearing a mask while outdoors is optional in areas with at least 80 percent of the over-60 years of age population fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with three doses, and at least 80 percent of the over-12 years of age population vaccinated with two doses.
The Government of Peru provides coronavirus-related information at this website (Spanish only): https://www.gob.pe/coronavirus.
Testing
Private hospitals and laboratories as well as the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA) are administering tests.
The Peruvian Health Ministry (MINSA) maintains a list of facilities that provide COVID-19 testing here: https://www.gob.pe/institucion/minsa/informes-publicaciones/835888-puntos-covid
Viral testing results at certain locations would be available within 72 hours of a flight departure. Keep in mind that a surge in cases may increase demand and affect these result times.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
The Peruvian Ministry of Health encourages the public to use the emergency 113 phone number to report suspected cases directly to government authorities.
Source:
US Embassy in Peru https://pe.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Published on November 3rd 2022 (checked on April 5th 2023)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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Peru
At A glance
Capital City: Lima
Land size: Peru Standard Time
Population: 32,275,736 (2022 est.)
Official languages: Spanish, Quechua and Aymara
Currency: Sol (S/ / PEN)
UNESCO properties and sites:
- Chan Chan Archaeological Zone
- Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex
- Chavin (Archaeological Site)
- City of Cuzco
- Historic Centre of Lima
- Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa
- Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa
- Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
- Sacred City of Caral-Supe
- Huascarán National Park
- Manú National Park
- Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
- Río Abiseo National Park
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/peru/
Brief History
Ancient Peru was the seat of several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably that of the Incas whose empire was captured by Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peru declared its independence in 1821, and remaining Spanish forces were defeated in 1824.
After a dozen years of military rule, Peru returned to democratic leadership in 1980 but experienced economic problems and the growth of a violent insurgency. President Alberto FUJIMORI's election in 1990 ushered in a decade that saw a dramatic turnaround in the economy and significant progress in curtailing guerrilla activity. Nevertheless, the president's increasing reliance on authoritarian measures and an economic slump in the late 1990s generated mounting dissatisfaction with his regime, which led to his resignation in 2000.
Poverty and unemployment levels have fallen dramatically in the last decade, and today Peru boasts one of the best performing economies in Latin America.
Jose Pedro CASTILLO Terrones won the second round of presidential elections on June 6th 2021 and was inaugurated on July 28th.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/peru/
Cultural Insights
Possibly as a legacy of the strongly hierarchical pre-Hispanic cultures or European colonialism, self-discipline is strongly advocated among Peruvians. The control of one's emotions and feelings is highly valued among all Peruvians, but especially among men.
Respect for elders, shown through such actions as giving up one's seat for elderly people on buses, also has a strong place among public values. These values of discipline and respect for others are in sharp contrast to a political scene marked with great levels of authoritarianism and widespread corruption.
Public expressions of sexuality, including that of homosexual behavior, is strongly discouraged.
Source: https://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Peru.html
Transportation
By Air
Lima Airport (LIM)
Jorge Chávez International Airport, as it is officially called, is the main airport in Peru, serving Lima, the capital city. The airport offers both domestic and international flights handling over 25 million passengers per year. Therefore, the airport is the far busiest airport in Peru. Over 30 airlines operate the airport and the main ones include Avianca Peru, LATAM Peru, Star Peru and two low-cost carriers Viva Air Peru and Sky Airline.
Cusco Airport (CUZ)
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, or simply Cusco Airport, serves the city of Cusco. Being the second busiest airport in Peru, it handles almost 4 million passengers annually. There are several airlines operating the airport, all providing primarily regional connections. Among the biggest carriers are LATAM Peru and Sky Airline Peru.
Arequipa Airport (AQP)
Rodríguez Ballón International Airport, as it is fully named, is an airport serving Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city. Each year, the airport handles around 2 million passengers. Several airlines operate the airport including LATAM Peru, Sky Airline Peru and two low-cost carriers JetSmart and Viva Air Peru. The airport serves primarily regional flights.
In most cases the airport tax (TUUA) is included in the ticket price; in certain cases the airline will tell you that you have to pay this tax before boarding the flight.
Source: https://getbybus.com/en/blog/airports-peru/
Money
US dollars are accepted in many stores, restaurants, hotels and service stations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks or exchange offices. There are also street “cambistas” who change money, but the transaction cannot be guaranteed.
You can find ATMs in almost all cities in the country, and most are connected to the Plus (Visa), Cirrus (MasterCard/Maestro), American Express and other networks. You can take cash out in US dollars or soles, but the exchange rate is often higher.
When using an ATM, try to do so during business hours inside a bank, supermarket or large commercial building. Be particularly vigilant before and after using an ATM on the street, especially at night. Some ATMs do not automatically release your card when you receive your money. You may have to push a button to release your card.
Not all shops, restaurants, bars and hotels accept credit cards, or may not accept all credit card types, and it is worth checking whether they do before ordering anything. Keep credit and debit card receipts.
Be alert to the possibility of being passed counterfeit US dollars or local currency, especially from street money changers. There have been reports of Intis (former Peruvian currency out of circulation) being provided by street money changers in Cusco tourist areas.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/peru
https://www.peru.travel/en/useful-data/currency
Health
There are no compulsory vaccinations for entering Peru. If you are thinking of visiting the Amazon region of the country, the Ministry of Health recommends that you are vaccinated against yellow fever.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial one of the following numbers: 225 4040 (Lima - Alerta Med); 467 4861 (Lima - Clave 5); 241 1911 (Lima - Plan Vital) and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except Lima and other major cities. Training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.
Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
Adequate health facilities are available in Lima and other major cities, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
Specialized medical care can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and you are expected to pay in full at the time of discharge. Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is usually available. Some hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
Travelers should make efforts to obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care.
Pharmacies are widely available. However, some medications might not be offered, and brand names will differ from products in the United States.
Exercise caution if you explore herbal and folk remedies.
Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.
Many cities in Peru, such as Puno, Cusco, Arequipa, Ayacucho, and Huaraz, are at high altitude. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, and take precautions before you travel.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/peru
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Peru.html
https://www.peru.travel/en/useful-data/health
Electricity
Peru operates on a 220V supply voltage and uses type A, B and C plugs.
The Type A electrical plug (or flat blade attachment plug) is an ungrounded plug with two flat parallel pins. Although the American and Japanese plugs appear identical, the neutral pin on the American plug is wider than the live pin, whereas on the Japanese plug both pins are the same size. As a result, Japanese plugs can be used in the US but often not the other way around.
The pins on Type A and Type B plugs have a hole near the tip that fits into ‘bumps’ found on the contact wipers of some sockets, so that the pins are gripped more tightly allowing for better contact and also to prevent the plug from slipping out of the socket. Some sockets have spring-action blades that grip the sides of the pins, making the holes obsolete.
The Type B electrical plug has two flat parallel pins and a round grounding (or earth) pin. The earth pin is longer than the other two so that the device is grounded before the power is connected. As with the type A plugs, the American and Japanese versions vary slightly.
The Type C electrical plug (or Europlug) is a two-wire plug that has two round pins. It fits into any socket that accepts 4.0 – 4.8 mm round contacts on 19 mm centres. They are being replaced by E, F, J, K or N sockets which work perfectly with Type C plugs.
Source: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs
Communication
Time zone in Peru: Peru Standard Time (GMT-5)
International country code – 51
After suffering a sharp retraction in the number of subscriptions and revenue during 2020 due to the pandemic, Peru’s telecom sector managed to stage a small recovery in the first half of 2021.
Investment in network infrastructure is mainly focused on rolling out fiber cable for fixed broadband services in (mainly) urban areas. (2021)
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/peru/
Phrasebook
| English |
Spanish |
| Hello! |
Hola |
| Goodbye |
Adiós |
| Good morning |
Buenos días |
| Good evening |
Buenos tardes |
| Good night |
Buenas noches |
| Please |
Por favor |
| Thank you |
Gracias |
| Yes |
Sí |
| No |
No |
| English |
Aymara |
| Hello! |
Laphi |
| Goodbye |
Jikisiñkama |
| Good morning |
Aski urükipana |
| Good evening |
Aski jayp'ukïpana |
| Good night |
Aski aurmakïpana |
| Please |
Mira |
| Thank you |
Juspajaraña |
| Yes |
Jisa |
| No |
Janiwa |
| English |
Quechua |
| Hello! |
Imaynalla kachkanki |
| Goodbye |
Tupananchis kama |
| Good morning |
Qanwan allin p’unchay kachun |
| Good evening |
Qanwan allin tuta kachun |
| Good night |
Rimaykullayki |
| Please |
Ama hina |
| Thank you |
Riqsikuyki |
| Yes |
Arí |
| No |
Manam |
Source: https://www.linguahouse.com/phrasebook/english-spanish/basic-words-and-phrases/basic-words-and-phrases
https://andeanlodges.com/en/learn-a-few-simple-phrases-in-quechua-to-connect-with-the-ancient-inca-culture-on-your-trek-through-the-andes-mountains/
https://omniglot.com/language/phrases/aymara.htm
Entry Requirements
People from most countries in the Americas and Western Europe do not need a tourist visa to enter Peru. The maximum length of stay that the authorities grant to tourists is 183 days, which cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer for other reasons, such as business, studying or working, you need to request the relevant visa at a Peruvian consulate in your own country.
It is essential when entering Peru to present a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of entry into the country. Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia and Chile can enter with their national ID document.
To check if you need a visa, please click here (available in Spanish only): https://www.gob.pe/1062-obtener-visa-para-ingresar-al-peru
Source: https://www.peru.travel/en/useful-data/visa-and-entry-requirements
Embassies and Consulates
U.S. Embassy in Lima
Avenida La Encalada cdra. 17 s/n
Surco, Lima 33
Telephone: (51) 1 618-2000
Embassy of Canada in Lima
Calle Bolognesi 228
Miraflores, Lima 15074
Telephone: (51) 1 319-3200
Source: for USA https://www.usembassy.gov/
For Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates
UNESCO Sites
Chan Chan Archaeological Zone
The Chimu Kingdom, with Chan Chan as its capital, reached its apogee in the 15th century, not long before falling to the Incas. The planning of this huge city, the largest in pre-Columbian America, reflects a strict political and social strategy, marked by the city's division into nine 'citadels' or 'palaces' forming autonomous units.
Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex
The Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex is a prehistoric site (250-200 BC), located on the north-central coast of Peru, in the Casma Valley, comprising a set of constructions in a desert landscape that, together with natural features, functioned as a calendrical instrument, using the sun to define dates throughout the year. The site includes a triple-walled hilltop complex, known as the Fortified Temple, two building complexes called Observatory and Administrative Centre, a line of 13 cuboidal towers stretching along the ridge of a hill, and the Cerro Mucho Malo that complements the Thirteen Towers as a natural marker. The ceremonial centre was probably dedicated to a solar cult, and the presence of an observation point on either side of the north-south line of the Thirteen Towers allows the observation both of the solar rising and setting points throughout the whole year. The site shows great innovation by using the solar cycle and an artificial horizon to mark the solstices, the equinoxes, and every other date within the year with a precision of 1-2 days. It is thus a testimony of the culmination of a long historical evolution of astronomical practices in the Casma Valley.
Chavin (Archaeological Site)
The archaeological site of Chavin gave its name to the culture that developed between 1500 and 300 B.C. in this high valley of the Peruvian Andes. This former place of worship is one of the earliest and best-known pre-Columbian sites. Its appearance is striking, with the complex of terraces and squares, surrounded by structures of dressed stone, and the mainly zoomorphic ornamentation.
City of Cuzco
Situated in the Peruvian Andes, Cuzco developed, under the Inca ruler Pachacutec, into a complex urban centre with distinct religious and administrative functions. It was surrounded by clearly delineated areas for agricultural, artisan and industrial production. When the Spaniards conquered it in the 16th century, they preserved the basic structure but built Baroque churches and palaces over the ruins of the Inca city.
Historic Centre of Lima
Although severely damaged by earthquakes, this 'City of the Kings' was, until the middle of the 18th century, the capital and most important city of the Spanish dominions in South America. Many of its buildings, such as the Convent of San Francisco (the largest of its type in this part of the world), are the result of collaboration between local craftspeople and others from the Old World.
Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa
The historic centre of Arequipa, built in volcanic sillar rock, represents an integration of European and native building techniques and characteristics, expressed in the admirable work of colonial masters and Criollo and Indian masons. This combination of influences is illustrated by the city's robust walls, archways and vaults, courtyards and open spaces, and the intricate Baroque decoration of its facades.
Lines and Geoglyphs of Nasca and Palpa
Located in the arid Peruvian coastal plain, some 400 km south of Lima, the geoglyphs of Nasca and the pampas of Jumana cover about 450 km2 . These lines, which were scratched on the surface of the ground between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500, are among archaeology's greatest enigmas because of their quantity, nature, size and continuity. The geoglyphs depict living creatures, stylized plants and imaginary beings, as well as geometric figures several kilometres long. They are believed to have had ritual astronomical functions.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
This site is an extensive Inca communication, trade and defence network of roads covering 30,000 km. Constructed by the Incas over several centuries and partly based on pre-Inca infrastructure, this extraordinary network through one of the world’s most extreme geographical terrains linked the snow-capped peaks of the Andes – at an altitude of more than 6,000 m – to the coast, running through hot rainforests, fertile valleys and absolute deserts. It reached its maximum expansion in the 15th century, when it spread across the length and breadth of the Andes. The Qhapac Ñan, Andean Road System includes 273 component sites spread over more than 6,000 km that were selected to highlight the social, political, architectural and engineering achievements of the network, along with its associated infrastructure for trade, accommodation and storage, as well as sites of religious significance.
Sacred City of Caral-Supe
The 5000-year-old 626-hectare archaeological site of The Sacred City of Caral-Supe is situated on a dry desert terrace overlooking the green valley of the Supe river. It dates back to the Late Archaic Period of the Central Andes and is the oldest centre of civilization in the Americas. Exceptionally well-preserved, the site is impressive in terms of its design and the complexity of its architectural, especially its monumental stone and earthen platform mounts and sunken circular courts. One of 18 urban settlements situated in the same area, Caral features complex and monumental architecture, including six large pyramidal structures. A quipu (the knot system used in Andean civilizations to record information) found on the site testifies to the development and complexity of Caral society. The city’s plan and some of its components, including pyramidal structures and residence of the elite, show clear evidence of ceremonial functions, signifying a powerful religious ideology.
Huascarán National Park
Situated in the Cordillera Blanca, the world's highest tropical mountain range, Mount Huascarán rises to 6,768 m above sea-level. The deep ravines watered by numerous torrents, the glacial lakes and the variety of the vegetation make it a site of spectacular beauty. It is the home of such species as the spectacled bear and the Andean condor.
Manú National Park
This huge 1.5 million-ha park has successive tiers of vegetation rising from 150 to 4,200 m above sea-level. The tropical forest in the lower tiers is home to an unrivalled variety of animal and plant species. Some 850 species of birds have been identified and rare species such as the giant otter and the giant armadillo also find refuge there. Jaguars are often sighted in the park.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna.
Río Abiseo National Park
The park was created in 1983 to protect the fauna and flora of the rainforests that are characteristic of this region of the Andes. There is a high level of endemism among the fauna and flora found in the park. The yellow-tailed woolly monkey, previously thought extinct, is found only in this area. Research undertaken since 1985 has already uncovered 36 previously unknown archaeological sites at altitudes of between 2,500 and 4,000 m, which give a good picture of pre-Inca society.
Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/pe
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