Peru: Discover the Sacred Valley on a Peruvian Paso

By: Maribel Estefanell Posted: 13/08/2021

In this article, we travel to one of the most iconic places in Peru – the Sacred Valley of the Incas – where we can enjoy a horse riding holiday with the ultimate riding horse, the Peruvian Paso.

Outstanding archaeological wonders, such as Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Peru has a wide variety of horse riding activities. Hidden trails and routes are an excuse to enjoy the natural beauty of the different geographical regions of this territory through Equestrian Tourism.

The Peruvian Paso Horse

The Peruvian Paso horse is national symbols and you will find them wherever Horse Riding Vacations in Peru are offered.

the Peruvian Paso is an exquisite combination of elegance and smooth motion, which allows for long rides without any impact on the rider’s body.

The characteristics of this breed

The Peruvian Paso is a medium-sized horse, 140 to 150 cm in height, and it has a strong thorax with a rounded, broad and deep chest. The skin is thin and smooth, and in its coat colour, almost all variations can be seen, but bay and chestnut are predominant.

To complete its morphological characteristics, we can mention its soft mouth and docile temperament. In this way, the animal’s spirit and strength are at the service of the rider, forming a perfect coupling – a figure of great beauty.

In this gait, known as broken amble, the legs of the same side are moved simultaneously, but the rear foot is set first on the ground and then, the front one, creating a 4-beat movement on lateral leg pairs.

This special gait, also called "paso llano", produces a soft and rhythmical movement. Thus, the centre of gravity of the horse stays almost motionless, providing a comfortable and gentle gait, which is fiery and proud at the same time.

The Peruvian Paso Horse is rightly known as “The Best Saddle Horse in the World”.

Riding holiday operators in the Sacred Valley

The following is a selection of three riding holiday operators that organize horseback riding expeditions in Peru, where you can explore the Sacred Valley on the back of a Peruvian Paso.

Hacienda del Chalán

Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, they offer half-day, full-day and multi-day horseback rides with the renowned Peruvian horses.

The hosts at Hacienda El Chalan are Yojan and Karina V. Boza.

Karina is from the Netherlands. She has studied nursing and worked as a volunteer in many developing countries such as Romania, Ethiopia, Israel, Sri Lanka, Russia, China, Brazil and Peru.

Together, they face two challenges that are the basis for their activity. One of them is breeding this magnificent horse and the other is conducting horseback tours in Peru.

They aim to promote the beauty of these amazing Andean landscapes and, in turn, prove why this is the best saddle horse in the world and the most suitable breed for equestrian routes and trails of all difficulty types, without causing adverse effects on the rider’s body.

Their horseback rides

These are some of the horseback riding expeditions that Hacienda del Chalán has to offer. In all these rides, there are up to 10 riders per group and they only use Peruvian horses.

They offer many more rides and you can choose more than one. They will advise you according to your adventure wishes and the time you want to spend here.

Sacred Valley

• Route: Paucarbamba – Urubamba – Yucay – Huayllabamba – Urquillos – Calca – Lamay – Qoya – Taray
• Ride duration: 2 days and one night

You visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the main attractions of this international tourist destination in a different way and with a different rhythm, appreciating and experiencing the Incan culture in its purest form.

Recommended for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.

Huaypo Lake

• Route: Paucarbamba – Salinas – Maras – Ttiobamba – Chekoq – Mahuaypampa – Huaypo – Moray – Mirador Del Valle – Hacienda Del Chalán
• Ride duration: 2 days and one night

An alternative ride in the same Sacred Valley of the Incas.

It starts on the flat terrain of the valley climbing steep cliffs towards Salinas and Maras.

Andean Identity

• Route: Paucarbamba – Moray – Comunidad De Misminay – Maras – Salinas – Hacienda
• Ride duration: 2 days and one night

Andean Observatory

• Route: Paucarbamba – Piso De Valle – Salinas – Comunidad De Misminay – Laguna De Huaypo – Huayna Qolqa – Ttio Bamba – Maras – Hacienda
• Ride duration: 3 days and two nights

A ride around the rock formations and mountains that surround the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the entrance hall to the majestic Andes Mountain Range.

Rocky Mountain

• Route: Paucarbamba – Piso De Valle – Salinas – Comunidad De Misminay – Valle De Anta – Montañas Rocosas – Huaylla Qocha – Mahuaypampa – Maras – Mirador Del Valle – Hacienda
• Ride duration: 4 days and three nights

Rocky trails climbing up the immense surrounding formations.

A challenging route where riders and horses are alone in pebble paths with stops that are necessary to recover your energy and marvel at the scenery.

Chinchero

• Route: Paucarbamba – Piso De Valle – Salinas – Misminay – Laguna De Huaypo – Chinchero – Wayna Qolqa – Ttio Bamba – Maras – Mirador – Hacienda
• Ride duration: 4 days and three nights

A ride along old roads that time was not able to erase, at 2,800 metres above sea level. Here you can appreciate ancestral places that seem frozen in time.

You will cross the suspension bridge of Paucarbamba, see a lush eucalyptus forest and admire one of the largest Incan cemeteries in the Sacred Valley.

In addition to the horseback riding expeditions, they organize hiking tours where you can discover the different towns and Incan archaeological sites in the valley.

For further information about their tours, their horses and their Equestrian Tourism service, please go to their web site: https://www.haciendadelchalan.com/

Perol Chico

Located between Cuzco and Machu Picchu, Perol Chico offers riding programs for riders of all ability levels.

They offer a varied portfolio of exclusive horse riding adventures. Their programs exquisitely combine culture, history and breathtaking scenery in an unforgettable equestrian journey for the privileged few.

In this part of the Peruvian Andes, you can find some of the most spectacular scenery and vistas in the world. They are endless kilometres of hidden trails, narrow paths and ways in immense open spaces for riding – none other than the ancient Inca roads.

This company was established in 1996, when Eduard van Brunschot, , the founder, bought some farming land and a couple of Peruvian horses. He soon discovered that the Peruvian Paso was the ultimate riding horse: unrivalled in terms of endurance and comfort.

He became the pioneer of Equestrian Tourism in Peru.

Accounts of Perol Chico’s unique riding expeditions have been published in many well-known horse magazines and equestrian web sites.

In fact, National Geographic selected Perol Chico’s Sacred Valley Ride as being one of the top 10 horseback rides in the world.

The stables of Perol Chico are home to some of the finest and best-trained Peruvian Paso horses in the country. All horses are pure bred and registered at the Peruvian studbook association (ANCPCPP).

Equestrian tours

Perol Chico's rides and multi-day excursions are suitable for intermediate to advanced riders who can appreciate well-trained, sensitive and forward-going horses.

Before each ride, they take their time to introduce their superb breed, explain and teach their riding style, evaluate rider's ability, match each rider with the right horse and discuss safety on the trails.

The guides at Perol Chico are friendly and professional (often the owner), they speak English and there is another group coordinator and a 4x4-support vehicle on every tour. As the guides are locals, they have knowledge on native plants, animals and traditions.

The maximum group size for all their rides is kept small, at only 7 riders.

There is a weight limit for riders that visit them. To ensure the welfare of their horses there is a strict weight limit of 85 kg / 13.5st / 187 pounds. There are scales at the stables and riders may be weighed prior to the ride setting off. Riders exceeding their weight limit may be excluded from the ride.

Different riding levels are accepted but not all their rides are suitable for all riders.

These are some of their rides:

• The Sacred Valley Ride (11 days – 10 nights)
• The Pancho Fierro Ride (7 days – 6 nights)
• The Monasterio Ride (3 days – 2 nights)
• The Posada del Inca Ride (2 days – 1 nights)

During the rides, guests are treated to delicious regional meals, using fresh and local ingredients wherever possible and accommodation is offered at excellent hotels selected for their local flavour, colonial architecture, comfort and good locations.

When can I go on one of their rides?

The rides from their ranch in the Sacred Valley of the Incas run from mid-March until mid-November.

Peru's seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Summer in Peru is from December to February and winter from July to September.

The climate in the Sacred Valley is clearly differentiated by two seasons, the dry season from April to November and the rainy season that begins around mid-November and ends in March.

During the rainy season, from mid-November until mid-March, they do not offer multi-day rides because the trails high in the mountains can become too slippery and dangerous.

In this season, they offer day rides, if the weather allows. Therefore, you can take a different tour each day, Mobile or Star Modality – the rides leave from the ranch in the morning and you go back to it in the evening to rest.

Get more details on their tours for your horseback riding vacations in Peru on their website: https://www.perolchico.com/

Salineras Ranch

Salineras Ranch is located only about one kilometre from the famous Salineras de Maras, in the small village of Pichingoto alongside the Urubamba River, and only about 4 km from Urubamba, the largest town in the Sacred Valley.

The best views of Peru are from the saddle and here you will see why at Salineras Ranch, the enjoyment, comfort and security of your ride is their top priority.

The Salineras team is comprised of people of different nationalities and ages, who have chosen Peru to learn and experience new things.

In alignment with their collaboration values, they partner with different members of the local community, which ensures a plural vision and respect for the natural environment that surrounds them in each task or service they perform.

They offer three spacious and charming accommodations, which guarantees a lot of privacy for your next horse riding holidays.

Salineras Ranch offers breathtaking mountain views, an incredible organic garden, and the unique opportunity to experience a variety of outdoor activities and adventures.

They offer guided horseback, biking and trekking tours.

Their horses

Without a doubt, their horses are Peruvian Paso as in all the rest of Peru.

. Their horses are an important part of the family and are free to roam around the ranch. This makes them very social animals and keeps them in shape, which is highly beneficial to their health and the safety of the rider that visits this ranch.

The slogan around here is "Happy horses, happy trails".

Their horseback rides

They provide a selection of routes for all abilities and will help you choose the right option. Before your first adventure, they will introduce you to their horses and riding style to ensure you feel confident before setting off.

All their equestrian trails and tours are day rides. Riders can choose as many as they want. They leave from the ranch in the morning and return in the evening to rest.

Salineras, Maras and Moray Ride

An unforgettable way to experience three important attractions of the Sacred Valley with stunning views throughout the day, and especially during lunch break (picnic style lunch included).

There is an extended version of this ride, where riders can enjoy gallops and canters in different moments of the tour, indicated by the riding guide.

Recommended for advanced riders.

River Ride

On this relaxing ride off-the-beaten-path and along the river that runs through the Sacred Valley, you will have the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and visit the ancient rural community of Pichingoto.

Recommended for beginners and intermediate riders.

Pumahuanca Ride

A magical uphill-downhill ride - through lush Andean high forest, along a cascading stream, to the ruins of a residence of an Inca princess - ending with a Peruvian feast served in the ranch dining room.

Recommended for adventurous beginners and intermediate riders.

There is also an extended version for advanced riders.

Pinchingoto Ride

This is a tour of the beautiful ranch neighbourhood and the river valley that, for the Incas, had great importance due to its extraordinary agricultural wealth and beauty.

According to their worldview, the Milky Way was a mirror image of the river, which you will ride along. Recommended for beginners.

Lares Community Overnight Adventure

This ride to the community of Lares passes through the glacier lakes of the Pumahuanca Valley and includes a magical night camping in the mountains.

During the tour, you also visit the Salineras Salt Mines, Maras and Moray along the way.

Suitable for intermediate riders and above.

To learn more about them, their particular work philosophy, their tours and their work team, please go to their web site: https://www.salinerasranch.com/

/ Photos: www.perolchico.com, www.haciendadelchalan.com/es www.salinerasranch.com /

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling the world on horseback?

Argentina is a country with a long-standing tradition of horses. Exploring the country on horseback is something unique – a highly recommended experience. In our eBook "Discover Argentina, the Land of the Gaucho, on Horseback" you will find our options to enjoy Argentina on horseback.

~

THIS COULD ALSO BE INTERESTING

~

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION? LEAVE A COMMENT