Colca Canyon Explorer Ride on Peruvian Pasos Arequipa Peru The natural beauty of the region provides a panoramic view of volcanoes, blue sky, glaciers, and villages of the Andes, all of which have been proudly preserved by the Collaguas and Cabanas people. The Andes house the oldest churches in Peru. We hope you will appreciate the quality of life lived by the Incas in the heart of the Andes. The Peruvian “Paso” Horse is known in the equestrian world to be the most even tempered horse around the globe. It is a strong, noble, faithful, gentle and obedient horse. The program of Horseback Ride into the Canyon and Valley offers the opportunity for every horse lover to have an unforgettable experience. You will feel closer to nature than you ever have been before. Highlights: - Spectacular views of the deepest canyon in the world - Exploration of Lake Titicaca - Stunning Andean landscape featuring volcanoes, everlasting snow and small villages - Genuine adventure combining the cultural wealth of Collaguas and Cabanas Nations with the colonial charm of some of the oldest churches in Peru - Riding to the geyser “Hatun Infiernillo” (14.500 feet) Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Ride with Gaited Horses Meeting: Arequipa Airport: Arequipa Transfer: Arequipa airport to hotel Riders: Min 1 riders Max 6 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

First day is arrival and overnight in Arequipa - arrival time can be any time.
Tour ends in Puno. Transfers from Puno to Juliaca airport or Arequipa airport can be arranged at extra cost.

The programs below can be changed due to unexpected events beyond our control.


Sample Itinerary: 12 day program - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
We will pick you up from Arequipa Airport and lead you the hotel downtown. This is a free day, depending to your arrival time, so you may decide to take a tour of the city and visit the convent of “Santa Catalina” with an English-speaking private guide (optional – extra cost).
Meals are not included on Day 1.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Arequipa.

Day 2: Introductory Ride
Departure around 7:00 am in a tourist vehicle in the direction of Colca Valley. You will cross the “Salinas y Aguada Blanca” reserve where alpacas, llamas and vicuñas can be seen. After reaching the spectacular "Mirador de los Volcanes", at an altitude of 4910 meters (16000 ft) above sea level, we descend into the valley which has an average elevation of about 3500 meters (11000 ft). You will settle and lunch at a hotel in Yanque village.
In the afternoon, you will meet our famous Peruvian Paso horses and their “Chalan” (groom and horse guide). Next, you will begin your first horseback ride around the village up to the Colonial Mill and to a Chapel devoted to the Virgin of Chapi.
Riding 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 3: Ride around Yanque
In the morning, we begin our ride to Coporaque village and its pre-Inca cemetery where the mummies of Collagua Lords were formerly safeguarded. You will have to dismount and climb a hill for 20min to reach the graves.
The ride continues to the ruins of Uyo-uyo, which was the former capital of the Collagua Natives, who once ruled the Valley. Along the way, you will also see the “Colcas”, a kind of hidden granary that gave the name to the river, and the "amphitheater" (farming terraces highly valued by the Incas to improve cultivation of quinoa, corn…). Afterwards, we go back to Yanque to savor a delicious lunch at the Hotel. Enjoy a relaxing 30min massage (included on this day).
In the evening, you can do some stargazing (subject to weather conditions) with our Dobson type Telescope with a diameter of 45cm (18 inches). This is one of the biggest Telescopes accessible to the public in Peru. It allows you to look at various deep sky objects (globular clusters, nebulae, galaxies…) only visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Before observing the night sky, we screen a short 12min film in our Planetarium.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 4: Ride to Madrigal
We leave at 8:00am for a ride along the right bank of the Colca River, passing through beautiful landscapes. Native people achieved a great feat in creating arable lands on the mountain. They did so by inventing terrace cultivation and irrigating those terraces with an ingenious system of water channels. We will cross the villages of Ichupampa and Lari and eat a packed lunch on the way. Having reached Madrigal in the afternoon, our horses and their Chalan will stay there while a vehicle will drive you and your English-speaking guide back to Yanque. After about one hour by car, we will arrive at the Yanque Hot Springs for a relaxing swim.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 5: Chimpa's Hill Hike & Ride to Pinchollo
This is the start of the itinerant ride, for which you will need to pack a small luggage for 2 days. After an early breakfast (around 5:30 am), we will drive you by car for one hour to Madrigal. You will hike up Chimpa's Hill for 1.5 hours and at the top, you will find the restored ruins of an ancient Fortress of the Collagua Nation. From that vantage point, you will enjoy breathtaking views. It is the only place where one can see both sides of the canyon. If you are lucky, you might even see the majestic Condor in flight.
After descending, you will have lunch and finally get on your horse. You will ride to Pinchollo's Village after having crossed the Colca River across a lovely bridge.
Riding 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in a rustic cabin in Pinchollo (optional upgrade to 3 star Hotel accommodation)

Day 6: Hatun Infiernillo & Ride to Cabanaconde
Breakfast 7:00am sets us up for our longest riding day to reach Pinchollo's Geyser. Climbing a hill, we will reach an elevation of 4450 meters (14600 ft) and be amazed by incredible views: high snowy volcanos, waterfalls, and most importantly the "Hatun Infiernillo" Geyser, which is active all year round.
Having ridden back to Pinchollo for lunch, we will change horses to continue our ride to Cabanaconde.
Riding 8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Dinner and overnight stay in a 3 star Hotel in Cabanaconde

Day 7: Cabanaconde to Llahuar
Breakfast at 7:00am and departure for our ride to Llahuar, where you will get down into the world's deepest Canyon. Today covers an overall vertical descent of 1200m (4000 ft). We will have to dismount and guide our horses at points before joining Llahuar village where we will dine and spend the night.
Riding 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in an authentic family-run lodge

Day 8: Villages Ride
After breakfast (around 6:00am), you will follow the canyon to discover the villages of Corsninhua, Malata and San Juan de Chucho.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in San Juan

Day 9: Ride to Sangalle
After breakfast, you will ride to Sangalle. Riding along Colca River, you can admire some impressive cliffside landscapes. You may sometimes have to get off your horse in order to cross a few small streams. We might have the opportunity to bathe into warm hot springs.
Riding 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in a rustic lodge in Sangalle

Day 10: Ride back to Cabanaconde
The ascent of the canyon begins early morning (5:00am). For the security of both riders and horses, we climb mostly at a walk, often leading the horses on foot. The ascension takes about 3 hours. Upon your arrival at Cabanaconde, a car will pick you up to take you back to Yanque (2 hours’ drive) where you will retrieve your luggage and rest at your hotel for one final night.
Riding 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Yanque

Day 11: Transfer to Chivay
The morning is free for rest, with lunch (included) served at 11:30am at the hotel. At 12:30pm we will transfer to Chivay to catch a bus for a 6-hour journey through the Andes with an English-speaking guide.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight in hotel in Puno

Day 12: Lake Titicaca & Departure
Breakfast is served at 7:00am and followed by a boat trip (with an English-speaking guide) across Lake Titicaca for a visit to the magnificent Taquile island. From there you will continue your journey across the lake towards the famous floating islands of the Uros, one of the first inhabitants of Peru. Finally, we will return to Puno around 4:00pm (hotel and meals not included). We suggest you take your return flight (not before 6pm) from Juliaca, which is 1 hour from Puno, in order to make the most of your last day. Return transfer to Arequipa is extra and depending on your departure time, you might not be able to visit Lake Titicaca.
Meals included: Breakfast

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Sample Itinerary: 8 day program - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
We will pick you up from Arequipa Airport and lead you the hotel downtown. This is a free day, depending to your arrival time, so you may decide to take a tour of the city and visit the convent of “Santa Catalina” with an English-speaking private guide (optional – extra cost).
Meals are not included on Day 1.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Arequipa

Day 2: Introductory Ride
Departure around 7:00 am in a tourist vehicle in the direction of Colca Valley. You will cross the “Salinas y Aguada Blanca” reserve where alpacas, llamas and vicuñas can be seen. After reaching the spectacular "Mirador de los Volcanes", at an altitude of 4910 meters (16000 ft) above sea level, we descend into the valley which has an average elevation of about 3500 meters (11000 ft). You will settle and lunch at a hotel in Yanque village.
In the afternoon, you will meet our famous Peruvian Paso horses and their “Chalan” (groom and horse guide). Next, you will begin your first horseback ride around the village up to the Colonial Mill and to a Chapel devoted to the Virgin of Chapi.
Riding 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 3: Ride around Yanque
In the morning, we start our ride to Coporaque village and its pre-Inca cemetery where the mummies of Collagua Lords were formerly safeguarded. You will have to dismount and climb a hill for 20min to reach the graves.
The ride continues to the ruins of Uyo-uyo, which was the former capital of the Collagua Natives, who once ruled the Valley. Along the way, you will also see the “Colcas”, a kind of hidden granary that gave the name to the river, and the "amphitheater" (farming terraces highly valued by the Incas to improve cultivation of quinoa, corn…). Afterwards, we go back to Yanque to savor a delicious lunch at the Hotel. Enjoy a relaxing 30min massage (included on this day). In the evening, you can do some stargazing (subject to weather conditions) with our Dobson type Telescope with a diameter of 45cm (18 inches). This is one of the biggest Telescopes accessible to the public in Peru. It allows you to look at various deep sky objects (globular clusters, nebulae, galaxies…) only visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Before observing the night sky, we screen a short 12min film in our Planetarium.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 4: Ride to Madrigal
We leave at 8:00am for a ride along the right bank of the Colca River, passing through beautiful landscapes. Native people achieved a great feat in creating arable lands on the mountain. They did so by inventing terrace cultivation and irrigating those terraces with an ingenious system of water channels. We will cross the villages of Ichupampa and Lari and eat a packed lunch on the way. Having reached Madrigal in the afternoon, our horses and their Chalan will stay there while a vehicle will drive you and your English-speaking guide back to Yanque. After about one hour by car, we will arrive at the Yanque Hot Springs for a relaxing swim.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 5: Chimpa's Hill Hike & Ride to Pinchollo
This is the start of the itinerant ride, for which you will need to pack a small luggage for 2 days. After an early breakfast (around 5:30 am), we will drive you by car for one hour to Madrigal. You will hike up Chimpa's Hill for 1.5 hours and at the top, you will find the restored ruins of an ancient Fortress of the Collagua Nation. From that vantage point, you will enjoy breathtaking views. It is the only place where one can see both sides of the canyon. If you are lucky, you might even see the majestic Condor in flight.
After descending, you will have lunch and finally get on your horse. You will ride to Pinchollo's Village after having crossed the Colca River across a lovely bridge.
Riding 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in a rustic cabin in Pinchollo (optional upgrade to 3 star Hotel accommodation)

Day 6: Hatun Infiernillo Ride
Breakfast 7:00am sets us up for our longest riding day to reach Pinchollo's Geyser. Climbing a hill, we will reach an elevation of 4450 meters (14600 ft) and be amazed by incredible views: high snowy volcanos, waterfalls, and most importantly the "Hatun Infiernillo" Geyser, which is active all year round.
Having ridden back to Pinchollo for lunch. You will have free time in the afternoon to rest and enjoy the indoor pool and Jacuzzi.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 7: Transfer to Chivay
The morning is free for rest, with lunch (included) served at 11:30am at the hotel. At 12:30pm we will transfer to Chivay to catch a bus for a 6-hour journey through the Andes with an English-speaking guide.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Puno

Day 8: Lake Titicaca & Departure
Breakfast is served at 7:00am and followed by a boat trip (with an English-speaking guide) across Lake Titicaca for a visit to the magnificent Taquile island. From there you will continue your journey across the lake towards the famous floating islands of the Uros, one of the first inhabitants of Peru. Finally, we will return to Puno around 4:00pm (hotel and meals not included).
Meals included: Breakfast

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2020 Available Extension to Cusco & Machu Picchu:
Day 1: Hotel in Puno (coming back from Lake Titicaca Tour)
Day 2: Transfer Puno-Cusco and visits (grouped in tourist bus) with accommodation in Cusco
Day 3: City tour of Cusco at 8am or 1pm (private tour) with accommodation in Cusco
Day 4: Visit of the Sacred Valley at 8am or 3pm (private tour) with accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Free day, visit of Machu Picchu (on your own). Transport, guides and meals are not included. Only includes: round trip train journey, Machu Picchu entrance fee, and the last Hotel night in Cusco)
Day 6: end of services after breakfast with transfer to airport included

Included: Bus Puno-Cusco, Entrance fees, private city tour and private valley tour, Return train ticket from Ollantaytambo-Aguas Caliente, 3 nights Hotel in Cusco (3 stars with breakfast), and 1 night in Puno and Aguas Caliente, transfer Bus Station Ollantaytambo Cusco and transfer to the airport

Not included: lunches and dinners, bus from Aguas Caliente to Machu Picchu and back & guide in Machu Picchu.

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Non-Riders are welcome to join! Please inquire for more information.

                                                Arequipa area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	74	73	73	75	75	74	74	75	75	76	75	75
Average Low Temperature (°F)	53	53	53	51	49	48	47	48	49	50	50	52
Average High Temperature (°C)	23	23	23	24	24	24	23	24	24	24	24	24
Average Low Temperature (°C)	12	12	11	11	9	9	9	9	10	10	10	11
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	4	5	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Though sunny during the day, it can also get quite cold at night -- which is not unexpected, since Chivay is higher than Cusco!
The Colca Valley is lush and green after the heaviest rains from January to March, but most of the rest of the year it is arid and dusty.

Dry season (mid April to mid November)
Temperatures usually fall at night and reach 15-20°C during the daytime.

Rainy season (end of November to end of March)
The changes in temperature are less dramatic as the overcast sky impedes the penetration of the sun’s rays and the heating of the atmosphere during the day.

Tour operator supplies: riding helmet and saddlebags (for water bottle, fruit, and chocolate bars).

What to bring:
- sunglasses,
- sunscreen (UV 60 minimum),
- brimmed hat,
- hiking shoes,
- riding boots,
- headlamp,
- personal medication,
- waterproof raincoat (above all during rainy season from December to April),
- mosquito repellent,
- swimsuit,
- towel,
- lightweight sleeping bag (silk liner).

Mornings and nights are fresh (in rustic cabins) because of the altitude, while days are hot and sunny.

For nights spent in rustic cabins, you should only take the necessities for these days. Please bring a small bag (max 3kg) for your toilet kit and spare clothing- we will tie it behind your saddle. Your suitcases and bags will stay at Yanque Hotel, no luggage is carried.

Average ratings from 8 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date jon watt 9/22/2017 mary phillips 7/7/2017 nicole anke tenholtern 6/19/2016 amy demint 9/6/2015 callie meiners 12/19/2013 doug ferro 11/17/2013 phil bethke 9/10/2012 sabine balmer 8/5/2011

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
You will be staying in 3 to 4 star hotels except for the nights spent in Pinchollo, Llahuar, Sangalle and San Juan de Chuccho, where you will be accommodated in fully catered hiking lodges (in Pinchollo: supplement for an accommodation in a 3 star hotel: 30usd per person).

12-day trip accommodation itinerary - subject to availability
Night 1: Hotel in Arequipa
Night 2, 3, & 4: Hotel in Yanque
Night 5: Cabin in Pinchollo
Night 6: Hotel in Cabanaconde
Night 7: Cabin in Llahuar
Night 8: Cabin in San Juan de Chuccho
Night 9: Cabin in Sangalle
Night 10: Hotel in Yanque
Night 11: Hotel in Puno

8-day trip accommodation itinerary - subject to availability
Night 1: Hotel in Arequipa
Night 2, 3, & 4: Hotel in Yanque
Night 5: Cabin in Pinchollo
Night 6: Hotel in Yanque
Night 7: Hotel in Puno

Hotel in Arequipa 
This Hotel offers 30 guestrooms appointed with heating, plasma TV, an individual safe and a private balcony. Each room features bathrooms with a shower, a bathtub and bathrobes. Wi-Fi is available at this property.

Hotel in Yanque
Featuring a new indoor pool, a garden and an on-site bar, this rural hotel is surrounded by wild nature: all the rooms boast views of the mountains. Each room has its own private bathroom, hot water and heating facilities. Sauna facilities and massage sessions are available for an extra fee. Guests can unwind reading a book from the library. Bikes can be rented to explore the surroundings. The property owns a Dobson 45 cm Telescope for star watching, and guests are offered access to the Planetarium and Astronomy Observation Centre for an extra fee.

Hotel in Cabanaconde
Comfortable rooms with cozy rustic style-decor and mountain views are offered in this hotel. All rooms are ensuite and feature a shower. Facilities include a garden, a terrace and two desktop computers with Internet access for guest use at the lobby.

Hotel in Puno 
The hotel is located just a few steps from the Plaza de Armas, one block from the pedestrian Calle Lima where shops, banks and restaurants are located. It features comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi access. All rooms are decorated with wooden furniture and feature private facilities as well as air conditioning, cable TV, and coffee making facilities.

Hotel in Cusco
Set in a charming house with a garden and a terrace overlooking the city, this hotel offers heated rooms with cable TV, and breakfast. Free WiFi access is available in common areas. All rooms have private bathrooms with hairdryers, and telephones.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is not mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.


Meals
Full board during the ride from 2nd to 6th day on the 8-day trip and 2nd to 10th day on 12-day trip included.
Lunches during the rides will be boxed.

Water included during the horse ride except at restaurants (drinks not included).

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		traditional Peruvian
Horses:		Peruvian Pasos
Pace:		Paso Llama - Peruvian Walk. 5 to 6 hrs per riding day. | Walk |
Level:		(3.5 to 5 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Age:		Min 10	Max 77
Weight:		Max 200 lbs
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 6 riders

Horses
Our horses are purebred and crossbred « Paso Peruano » horses, cold and surefooted mounts aged from 6 to 16 years old. This Peruvian breed was introduced by Spanish conquerors at the beginning of the 16th century during colonial period, and is nowadays protected as part of the cultural Heritage of the Nation. With its four beat lateral gait, called “Paso Llano”, the Peruvian Paso gives its horseman the smoothest ride in the world on any kind of ground.

Tack
All our saddles are traditional wood frames called « Montura de Cajón » covered with stitched leather called « pellonera ». The rings for the stirrups and cinch are covered with rawhide flaps. The back of the horse is protected by a woollen blanket and another leather blanket above ("carona"). Stirrups are made of wood or leather, wooden ones in pyramid shapes and often decorated with nickel, both with a closed front. Every saddle bears saddlebags to transport bottles of water, and your compact camera. All our horses are horseshoed because of rocky ground.

Staff
An Equestrian tourist English-speaking guide, and a Peruvian Spanish-speaking Chalan (stable boy and horse trainer) will lead you during the entire Horse ride, with a support vehicle between Yanque, Madrigal and Pinchollo.

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.