Huchuy Qosqo Ride Cusco Peru   Discover the magic of Peru’s Sacred Valley on a two-day, one-night horseback riding adventure through spectacular Andean landscapes, traditional villages, and remarkable remnants of the Inca civilization. Beginning in Wayllabamba, a historic village known for its agricultural heritage and renowned white corn, this journey follows scenic trails alongside the Vilcanota River, passing ancient archaeological sites and historic haciendas that reflect the fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish influences. As the trail climbs from the valley floor into the mountains, breathtaking views of the snow-capped Pitusiray and Sawasiray peaks unfold, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the natural beauty of the Andes.   The adventure continues with a visit to Huchuy Qosqo, an impressive Inca archaeological complex dramatically positioned above the Sacred Valley. Explore its ancient urban, ceremonial, agricultural, and military sectors while learning about the history and ingenuity of the Inca civilization. Perched high above the valley, the site offers extraordinary panoramic views that make this a truly memorable destination. After exploring the ruins, descend along a rugged mountain trail before returning to the peaceful valley paths beside the river.   Combining horseback riding, cultural discovery, and spectacular mountain scenery, this experience offers a unique way to explore the Sacred Valley beyond the usual tourist routes. Travelling with an experienced guide and riding Peruvian Paso horses, you will spend the night in a local Andean home, enjoying traditional hospitality and the tranquility of rural mountain life. It is an ideal adventure for travellers seeking an authentic connection with Peru’s history, landscapes, and living traditions.     Camping Ride with vehicle support Short Getaway Family Vacation Ride with Gaited Horses Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Wayllabamba Airport: Cusco Transfer: Urubamba, Yucay, Wayojhary or nearby Riders: Min 3 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is available from any hotel in Urubamba, Yucay, Wayojhary or nearby.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Ride Through the Sacred Valley to the Andean Highlands
Your adventure begins in Wayllabamba, a historic village that was once an important administrative centre during Inca times. The area remains known for its agricultural traditions, particularly its white corn, celebrated for its exceptionally large kernels. From here, ride along scenic trails beside the Vilcanota River, discovering archaeological remains from the Inca period and historic haciendas that emerged following the arrival of the Spanish in 1532. Along the way, observe the distinctive blend of Inca and Spanish architectural styles, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich and layered history.

After lunch near the village of Calca, continue riding along the relatively flat valley trails before beginning a gradual ascent into the surrounding mountains. As the trail climbs from approximately 2,929 metres to 3,682 metres above sea level, the landscape transforms into a spectacular panorama of the Andes. Enjoy magnificent views of the snow-capped Pitusiray and Sawasiray mountains, the deep valley stretching behind you, and the diverse flora and fauna of this beautiful high-altitude environment. The day concludes in a small Andean community, where you will spend the night in a local home and experience the peaceful atmosphere and traditional hospitality of rural mountain life.

Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in an Andean local home

Day 2: Discover the Inca Ruins of Huchuy Qosqo
After breakfast, set out on a walking exploration of Huchuy Qosqo, an impressive Inca archaeological complex dramatically situated above the Sacred Valley. Believed to have been one of the favourite retreats of an Inca ruler, the site features the remains of a two-storey residence, suggesting that it may have served as a place for rest and reflection away from the demands of governing. Explore its various sectors, including the residential and urban areas, royal and religious spaces, agricultural terraces, granaries, and military installations, while learning about the organisation and ingenuity of Inca society.

One of the highlights of the visit is the extraordinary view from the edge of the cliffs overlooking the Sacred Valley. The site’s dramatic position also reveals its strategic importance: the Inca are believed to have selected this commanding location for military observation and to control access to the complex. After lunch, begin the descent on horseback along a steep, rocky mountain trail. Riders may dismount and lead their horses on foot where the terrain becomes challenging. Once back on the flatter valley paths, enjoy a final ride alongside the Vilcanota River toward the Calca area. Your adventure concludes near the village of Huychu, where transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Note: If you wish to extend your stay in Peru, we suggest to sign up for the Machu Picchu Mountain Lodges Ride.

                                                Cusco area 

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	68	68	69	70	70	69	69	70	71	72	72	70
Average Low Temperature (°F)	47	47	46	44	39	35	35	37	41	44	46	46
Average High Temperature (°C)	20	20	21	21	21	21	21	21	22	22	22	21
Average Low Temperature (°C)	8	8	8	6	4	2	1	3	5	7	8	8
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	16	13	13	7	1	1	0	1	3	7	9	13

Source: NOAA


Seasons:
Cusco is a year-round destination. This is a land of great contrasts. In the high altitude, it can get very chilly.
Although the dry season normally persists April through November, it can rain or snow at high altitudes at any time of the year, so please, come prepared.

Annual average temperatures hover around 11°C (52°F), dipping below 0°C (32°F) in July and hitting 20°C (68°F) in summer. Cusco’s peak tourist season coincides with the northern hemisphere’s summer (July and August) when hordes of tourists descend.

The rainy months represent around 80% of the annual rainfall average, which ranges from 1,600 to 2,300 mm. The average humidity is 77% during dry months and 91% during rainy months. Frequent downpours are commonly followed by a blue and clear sky and bright sun. However, as its location is on the brow of the Amazon forest, rains can come in any month of the year, even during the dry season.


Special Notes – High altitude
The body dehydrates quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water before and during your trip. Also, avoid heavy meals since your stomach takes longer to digest food at high altitudes. A diet of low proteins and high carbs is advisable.

We recommend that you bring the following items for your trip:
• Warm clothes for the night
• Waterproof clothing (December – April).
• Hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun
• Comfortable clothes for riding & trekking shoes
• Small backpack with objects for personal use
• Flashlight, sunscreen & windbreaker
• Bottle of water and snacks.
• Camera / camcorder (spare batteries)
• Sunglasses

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
You will spend one night at a local Andean home.

Casa Andina Hotel in Cusco (optional extra night)
This charming hotel is ideally located in the heart of Cusco. It offers 93 comfortable and elegantly decorated rooms, each equipped with a safety box, heating, coffee kit, TV, free Wi-Fi access and a private bathroom with hairdryer. Check-in starts at noon.

Casa Andina Hotel in Urubamba (optional extra night)
This beautiful hotel located in the Sacred Valley provides rooms that feature cable TV, heating, ensuite bathroom and free Wi-Fi access. The hotel has a small garden where guest can relax in the evening.

Room Occupancy
In case we are unable to find you a roommate, a single supplement fee might apply. Please, note that accommodation for single travelers are not guaranteed.


Meals
All meals are included in your package from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on the last day.

All your meals are prepared by our cook who follows along the tour with our support vehicle (transporting suitcases).
The food served features Peruvian and international cuisine.

The meals are served buffet style so everyone can choose what they want to eat.

Plenty of drinking water will be provided during the rides.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with advanced notice.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		modified McClellan saddles with saddlebags
Horses:		Peruvian Paso Horses
Pace:		Slow on mountain paths with opportunities to go faster in the valley (no canter) About 4-6 hours in the saddle per riding day | Walk | Trot |
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate and above
Age:		Min 8	Max 70
Weight:		Max 200 lbs / 90 kg
Riders:		Min 3 riders	Max 10 riders

For the protection of all participants, the ride leader reserves the right to prevent anyone from riding who displays insufficient ability, or whose behavior endangers the safety of other riders, themselves, or the horses. No refund will be made to a participant who is rejected for any such reason, or who is unwilling or unable to complete a tour.

Horses
We have 20 Peruvian Paso horses which are known for their smooth gait and elegance. We have horses with different temperaments that can cater to all levels of rider.
The Peruvian Paso Horse transmits its unique smooth gait to its purebred foals. No artificial devices or special training aids are necessary to enable the horse to perform the “Paso llano”, that provides a ride of incomparable smoothness.

Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, travelling as tourists for stays of up to 90 days, except:

1. nationals of Latvia and Romania who do require a visa.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

2. A business visa is required for all nationals if the purpose of the visit is business. Any business-related unpaid work can be made on a tourist visa. Upon arrival in Peru, the business visa holder must register at the Dirección General de Contribuciones for taxation purposes. Business visa holders can remain in Peru for 90 days. If wishing to extend the visit, an application must be lodged with the Dirección General de Migraciones.

Nationals applying for a tourist visa require a bank statement showing a minimum balance of £1,000 and a mini statement taken from a cash machine on the date of application. Nationals applying for a business visa require a bank statement showing a minimum balance of £1,200 and a mini statement taken from a cash machine on the date of application.

All nationals are advised to check with the Peruvian Consulate prior to departure to obtain current details of any documentation which might be required. Postal visa applications are not accepted unless submitted through a travel agency.

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist and Business: £19.20. Costs are subject to change according to exchange rates.

Validity

Up to 90 days.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses for details.

Working Days Required

At least 24 hours; longer if authorisation from the immigration office in Lima is required.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No/2
Australian	No/2
Canadian	No/2
USA	No/2
Other EU	No/1/2
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.