Inca Culture Escape

Cusco Peru: (IT-PERT16)
URL: https://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/peru_inca_culture_escape.aspx

Introduction
Cusco Peru
See all the main sites of the Sacred Valley while riding beautiful Peruvian Paso horses.

This short getaway lets you explore the Salinas de Maras, as well as the town of Maras and the archeological complex of Moray.

Accomodation

Accommodations

You will spend one night at a guesthouse in Misminay.



Guesthouse in Misminay
You will be accommodated in a simple but comfortable private rooms. Facilities might have to be shared.

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 at all locations.



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 includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


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.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Ride to Misminay
This ride begins at a height of 2,828 meters above sea level in the town of Paucarbamba, where our hacienda is located. Upon your arrival at our facilities (around 9 am), you will receive instruction and recommendations before the tour.
We should start riding at about 10 am. We will cross a wooden suspension bridge and continue along the valley floor on the right bank of the Vilcanota River. The eucalyptus trees that grow on the banks of the river will be our witnesses until we reach one of the largest Inka cemeteries of its time, located on the cliffs of the town of Yanahuara.
Shortly after crossing the town of Yanahuara, we will arrive at the suspension bridge of Tarabamba, where we register to enter the Salinas de Maras. The path to the Salinas is rocky, narrow and steep, which is why we go slowly until we reach the salt complex. There, we will dismount and take a walking tour of the complex.
Then, it is time to get back in the saddle and ride uphill to the beautiful Andean town of Maras, where we will enjoy our first lunch with a view of the Chicón and San Juán snow-capped mountains.
After lunch, we ride along a picturesque bridle path that will lead us to the town of “Misminay”, where our hosts will receive us in the ancestral style.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Misminay


Day 2: Moray
After having appreciated the spectacular sunrise and having enjoyed a good breakfast, we will begin our ride downhill towards “Moray”. There, we will get some explanation about the operation of the differential thermal system for each platform, etc. Continuing with our ride, we will cross extensive fields of barley, oats, beans, and many other regional agricultural products.
Shortly after lunch, we will pass the windiest hill of this route. We will have the opportunity to enjoy the majesty of the Vilcanota River that runs through the depths of the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. We will also see the snow-capped mountains of Chicón, Patacancha and Verónica.
We expect to be back at the hacienda for 4:30 pm.
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.


Rates and Dates for Inca Culture Escape

Rates include:

Accommodation, All meals, Entrance ticket to Salinas & Riding according to the program
It is possible to borrow a helmet locally

Packages and Options




* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy

Transfer and Other Charges:



 DescriptionUS$
2023 Transfers included from/to Sacred Valley (Urubamba / Ollantaytambo) $0
2023 Transfers from/to Cusco on request - extra fee applies (please inquire) $0
2023 Group discount (4-10 pax), pp $-15
2023 Small group supplement (2 pax only) $10
2023 Single supplement - please inquire $0
2023 Extra night at Casa Andina Hotel in Cusco or Urubamba, dbl, pp, per night w/ breakfast (includes hotel taxes)
This is a "Group Rate"
$180
2023 Extra night at Casa Andina Hotel in Cusco or Urubamba, single, per night w/ breakfast (includes hotel taxes)
This is a "Group Rate"
$360

Season Seasons  Min / MaxReserve
A 2023 01/01 - 12/31 2d / 1n 2 day trip 2 /10 Reserve

Dates Note: It is possible to arrange tours for private groups on request (private group fee applies)

Rates do not include:

Drinks & Gratuities

Other Info
Meeting: Urubamba
Airport: Cusco
Transfer: Cusco or Sacred Valley

Climate:
                                                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.

What To Bring:
We recommend that you bring the following items for your trip:
• Warm clothes for the nights
• 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