Horseback riding in Cusco, Peru

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- Classic Inca Trail
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Horseback riding vacations in Peru, Cusco

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Equestrian tours in Peru, Cusco
Classic Inca Trail


Itinerary for Classic Inca Trail




Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 0: Pre Trip
This will be a travel day from home and you may choose to arrive on an overnight flight to Lima, especially if traveling from North America, and connect directly to Cusco early the following morning. Arrangements can be made to assist you onto your connecting Cusco flight OR we can help with overnight accommodations in Lima.
Meals included: None

Day 1: Cusco Visit
We meet your arrival at the Cusco airport. The afternoon is scheduled for a walking introduction to the archaeological and colonial highlights of the old capital of the Inca universe. We also visit the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cusco. Our leader describes the colorful rituals and ceremonies that would have taken place at the massive walled limestone constructions and sculptured terraces surrounding the immense central plaza. We finish with a summary of the battle here in 1536, which ended the life of Juan Pizzaro.
Dinner is on your own in one of the many cafes and restaurants recommended by your guide in Cusco. We stay at one of several carefully chosen, comfortable Cusco hotels.
Meals included: B
Overnight at Hotel Andenes al Cielo in Cusco


Day 2: Ride to Huchuy Cusco
We drive to the rim of the Cusco basin to meet the waiting horses. The objective for today is to visit and overnight at Huchuy Cusco. The journey begins in rolling hills, noticeably etched by ancient fields and agricultural terraces. We then ride up and over a seldom used pass route on good trail. Huchuy Cusco has been identified by archeologists as a royal estate and retirement refuge of Viracocha Inca before, or during the early reign of the Inca Pachacuti. It is mentioned as an early transitional Killke site as well. Your tour leader explains this in detail over the evening martini. We arrive in early afternoon on a stone-lined, well constructed trail with spectacular views.
We lodge for the night in a nearby small, traditional Andean village. Our Quechua speaking hosts share clean, simple rooms and a tradition local meal with us while horses are corralled and fed close by.
Meals included: B, L, D
Overnight at Lodge near Huchuy Cusco

NON-RIDERS: Those traveling separately arrive at the village by a smaller vehicle able to climb up the narrow one lane access road. The guide will have led them on a narrated walking tour of other important accessible sites during the day before we regroup for the night.

Day 3: Huchuy Cusco to Chinchero
After touring the ruins, we climb back over the pass and down to several blue lakes hosting a noisy assortment of Andean shore birds. We take a long lunch along the shore, then ride on to Chinchero, an early, colonial period town with a classic church and well-made Inca walls that once were part of the Emperor, Topa Inca’s Royal Estate. We leave the horses here. Our support van transports us on to the night’s lodging ‘off the beaten path’ in the Sacred Valley. (no tour buses or huge noisy groups). At Hatun Valley, a comfortable, small boutique lodge, we can relax before dinner.
Riding: 4-6 hours
Meals included: B, L, D
Overnight at Hotel Hatun in Urubamba


NON-RIDERS: Today features walking tours of other key sites. We join the riders in time for happy hour and discussion of the day’s adventures.

Day 4: Chinchero to Salineras
A leisurely breakfast and strong local coffee fuel us for the day's adventure. We travel a short distance in our support vehicle back to the horses in Chinchero. Cinches pulled up tight, we move smartly out at a trot along gentle, level trails through small farms and country villages on a high plateau of rolling hills and immense grasslands. A spectacular panorama of the great ice peaks of the Vilcanota range crowns the near horizon.
Sometime around mid-day we arrive at an isolated cathedral seeming lost and forgotten by time and modern civilization. We are pleasantly surprised to discover our support vehicle and crew awaiting us with the table set for lunch.
The destination for the afternoon ride is the Salineras. This is a huge area of terraces which form hundreds of pools all fed by a single saline stream. The salt water is allowed to evaporate leaving the salt to be mined and carried out by burros. The Salineras are worked now much as they were in pre-Hispanic times.
Those in for the full-day ride will have the opportunity for some faster riding across the high plateau before descending into the valley of the Salineras on a spectacular trail above the glittering white pools.
Riding: 6-7 hours
Meals included: B, L, D

Overnight at Hotel Hatun in Urubamba

NON-RIDERS: The support vehicle will take you to the site for an extended hike and visit before driving you to the inn. 

Day 5: Salineras to Ollantaytambo
Saddled up, ponies energized, rearing to go, we ride out in early morning light, horseshoes clattering along the ancient stone paved trail. The powerful equatorial sun reflects brilliantly off of high ancient ice fields. Riding past the picturesque village of Pichingoto, we’ll ascend almost 1000 meters above the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our trail takes us to the little known magical Inca site of Moray. Located in a complex geological region, we pass ancient salt mines, sink holes and other natural phenomena to arrive at a complicated, unusual archaeological complex of circular walls, structures and terraces that remain a mystery to modern science. After a lunch outside overlooking the Sacred Valley, we ride to the colonial town of Maras. We sadly say goodbye to our equine companions and the wrangler crew then hop a short ride in our support vehicle to your deluxe accommodations. Rooms are furnished in the best of neo-colonial style around stone-lined gardens full of blooms. We dine together over an assortment of tasty Andean dishes.
Riding: 6-7 hours
Meals included: B, L, D

Overnight at Hotel Pakaritampu in Ollantaytambo

NON-RIDERS: Enjoy an extended morning at Hatun Valley then a hike around the big site at Moray before joining the riders for lunch in the garden at a abandoned colonial period hacienda.

Day 6: Machu Picchu Visit
Our journey climaxes with the narrow gauge train ride to the New World's most spectacular archaeological monument, Machu Picchu. We breakfast at the hotel then board the morning train heading down valley. An interesting hour of click-clack and sway with all of the accompanying sounds and smells of rural Peru takes us to the bustling backpacker town of Aguascalientes, the portal for Machu Picchu. Soon, we gather at the gateway to the famous "Lost City of the Incas."
Our Inca specialist/archaeologist leaders walk us through the complex architectural monuments and temples, pointing out key ceremonial features that represent mountain and sun worship incorporated into the design by Machu Picchu's builders under royal mandate of the Inca Emperor Pachacuti. Lunch is on your own today.
Boarding the afternoon train, we return to the bright lights of Cusco arriving early evening. All are free to explored the nightlife, an eatery of choice, or just relax.
Meals included: B
Overnight at Hotel Andenes al Cielo in Cusco

Day 7: Cusco
This is the day to relax, shop and wander around Cusco on your own or with friends. The city abounds with small shops and street side vendors selling their wares. Colorful weavings and hand made alpaca sweaters are popular gifts for friends at home. Try out a local restaurant for lunch, take a hike, or just sit in the plaza. Dinner on your own at your favorite place.
Meals included: B
Overnight at Hotel Andenes al Cielo in Cusco

Day 8: Departure
Breakfast at the hotel, then we help you onto the morning flight to Lima. 
Meals included: B

We make every effort to follow this itinerary. However, Peru is subject to strikes, weather, landslides and many events beyond our control, which may cause changes and delays. We may also change the route from time to time for other good reasons. Please come prepared to cheerfully accept the unexpected with the insurance that you are in the hands of the most experienced and best adventure program operator in Peru.
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Classic Inca Trail
Tour Code: IT-PERT04
8 days / 7 nights
Dates : April - November

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


Season Seasons  Min / MaxReserve
A 2024 04/01 - 11/30 8d / 7n 8 day expedition 4 /12 Reserve
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Tack: South American with saddle bags
Horses: Peruvian Paso/Spanish Barb mix
Pace: Moderate with some canters where the t...
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport: Cusco
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What To Bring
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