Horseback Riding Vacations in Peru

Peru: “The Land of the Incas”

Peru is located in the western part of South America and shares its borders with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile.

Its main attractions are the archaeological heritage of pre-Columbian cultures and the centre of the Inca Empire, the colonial architecture and its natural resources, a paradise for eco-tourism.

Built on the foundations of its Pre-Hispanic past, Peru’s capital, Lima, is a cosmopolitan city that stands out for the colonial architecture of its Historic Centre, its exquisite cuisine and its modern districts.

Peru is a multicultural country, full of tradition. Peruvian gastronomy is considered among the most varied in the world; some examples include ceviche, pachamanca or the traditional pisco – its national cocktail.

Geography of Peru

The territory is divided into 3 areas: the Coast, the Andes Mountain Range and the Amazon Rainforest.

The Coast is a narrow strip that stretches along the Pacific Ocean. The Peruvian coast is a desert, one of the most arid in the world.

The Andes Mountains is the “youngest” and longest mountain range in the world with 7,500 km. It extend from Cape Horn, in the southern part of Chile and Argentina, to the Caribbean Sea, in Venezuela, crossing several countries.

The Andes areas of Peru are:

• Cordillera Blanca (White Range) in the centre of the country, 300 km northeast of Lima.
• Cordillera Volcánica (Volcanic Range) in the Arequipa region.
• Cordillera Oriental (Eastern Range) in the Cusco region.
• Altiplano (High Plain or Collao Plateau) with Lake Titicaca, an immense high plateau.

The Amazon rainforest is the region that has the most biodiversity and the largest number of endemic species on earth. It occupies 60% of the Peruvian territory.

The Amazon River, which is not only the longest river in the world, but also the one with the largest drainage system. Like most rivers in Peru, the Amazon changes its name depending on the regions it crosses.

Fauna and flora

Peru is synonymous with nature and is one of the ten most biodiverse countries in the world. It has more than 200 protected natural areas.

It is home to more than 800 species of birds and over 10% of reptiles, mammals and fish existing on the planet. It also has 3,500 varieties of orchids.

As regards its fauna, some endemic animals include the South American camelids, of the same family as camels and dromedaries. There are two domesticated species, llama and alpaca, and two wild species, vicuna and guanaco.

In the jungles, we can find wild animals such as jaguars, pumas, large snakes, alligators, wild boars, macaws, parrots and a wide variety of birdlife.

Must-see places in Perú

Thanks to a long history defined by major ancient civilizations, Peru is home to more than 5000 archaeological sites.

The most visited is the Inca citadel of Machu Pichu, located in the Andes Mountains and perched above the Urubamba River Valley. It is called “The Lost City of the Incas” and is considered the best example of Incan architecture.

Other sites you can explore are the ruins of Chan Chan, the largest city in pre-Columbian America; the Nazca lines, enigmatic geoglyphs or “ground drawings” that can be seen from the air, and the fortress of Kuélap and its natural surroundings.

Peru’s culture is alive with ancient Inca traditions, which are mixed with the subsequent Spanish colonization. This can be seen in the architectural features of many Peruvian cities such as Lima, Cuzco, Arequipa or Trujillo.

A special mention must be made to the city of Cuzco, with ancient cobblestone streets, grandiose baroque churches and the remnants of Inca temples. Besides, this city also serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Travelling around Peru on the back of a Peruvian Paso

The typical horses, the Peruvian Paso horses, are national symbols and you will find them wherever Horse Riding Vacations in Peru are offered.

Is an equestrian jewel that dates back to the Viceroyalty of Peru; it is the result of five hundred years of natural and human-directed selection. Their genes combine traits of the Berber horse: the resistance and tendency to amble; the Andalusian horses gave them their proud way of moving and the elevation of the forehands.

What makes this breed different from other horses breeds is its natural four-beat, lateral gait, the paso llano: This elegant gait is performed when the horse lifts the front and hind legs on the same side.

The Peruvian horse is known as one of the “best horses to ride”.

Due to its smooth ride, the Peruvian horse is perfect for trail riding and to watch it is a worthy spectacle.

In Peru, not only will you have the opportunity to ride a Peruvian Paso, but you can also visit a ranch where they breed and train them.

Riding holiday operators in Peru

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays has selected 3 Equestrian Tourism outfitters in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you can experience an unforgettable horseback riding vacation.

Hacienda del Chalán

Located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, they offer different equestrian routes, all on Peruvian Paso horses, well trained, easy to ride and energetic.

Your hosts are Yojan and Karina V. Boza, are breeders of Peruvian Paso horses.

Their riding options

They offer short and multiday rides. The number of participants per ride ranges between 1 and 10 – and always with Peruvian Pasos.

The short rides start and end at the hacienda and include a professional guide, who will show you the different areas of the Valley.

At the moment, they offer 10 horseback tours, ranging from a two-day ride in the Sacred Valley to a 6-day adventure through the Condor Canyon.

Long rides include:

• Peruvian Paso horses, well trained and cared for
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Professional guide / experienced rider
• Nurse and first aid kit, oxygen tank
• Vehicle for your assistance
• Riding helmet, raincoat, saddle bag

For more information about these tours, go to their website: www.haciendadelchalan.com.

Perol Chico

Located between Cuzco and Machu Picchu, Perol Chico has gained a perfect reputation as the main operator for riding holidays in Peru.

Maintains a high standard regarding the professionalism in horse care, lodging, protection of the environment and the personalized attention they offer to their guests.

Founded in 1996 by Dutch-Peruvian Eduard van Brunschot, the prestigious ranch is home to some of the finest Peruvian Paso horses, well-trained and conditioned for long-distance rides at high altitude.

The prestigious Perol Chico offer outstanding riding vacations and adventures of several days for experienced riders.

They also offer a special and private full-day Riding Course for up to a maximum of 4 riders. The program is suitable for beginners, but also for more advanced riders interested in learning more about our horses and the classical Peruvian riding style.

Its horses

The stables at Perol Chico are home to some of the best-trained Peruvian Paso horses. All horses are purebreds and registered at the Peruvian association ANCPCPP.

Its horseback tours

This part of the Peruvian Andes offers some of the most spectacular sceneries and views in the world with ancient Inca trails to ride along.

The variety of exclusive horseback adventures that this company offers combines culture, history and impressive landscapes in an unforgettable riding vacation.

They offer 4 different programs:

• 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)

National Geographic chose your route "The Sacred Valley Ride" as one of the top 10 riding trails in the world.

Tailor-made rides can be arranged for private groups to meet personal interests and on your desired departure dates when possible.

For more information, go to their website: www.perolchico.com.

Salineras Ranch

Salineras Ranch is a private, sprawling refuge tucked away in the heavenly Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will have private access to paths into the Andes Mountains.

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

According to their values, they seek to collaborate with people in the local community and invite volunteers from around the world to join them and share their vision and passion for the ranch and daily life. Participate, learn and enjoy.

If you are willing to connect with Mother Earth in a unique natural environment, visit Maras' salt mines and collect your own salt, harvest vegetables from their organic garden, and learn about local people and their history.

Its horses

They are Peruano de Paso. They have expansive land to roam freely, allowing them to maintain their naturally social nature and keeping them in shape.

People here say, “Happy horses, happy trails”

Its horseback tours

They offer a variety of horseback tours for riders of all levels and they will help you find the right program for you.

At the beginning of your equestrian adventure, they show you their horses and explain you the riding techniques to make sure you are safe on your horse before the tour starts, although their horses are friendly and well trained.

The Ranch offers many different experiences on horseback.

They offer only centre-based riding holidays, riding out in different directions each day and returning to the ranch each night. The duration depends on the ride. They range from 2-hour rides to full 8-hour horseback treks.

Find out more about their rides and themselves on their website: www.salinerasranch.com.

The ancient capital of the Inca Empire invites us to rejoice in its cultural heritage and scenic beauty on our Horse Riding Holidays. Its landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks of the Andes to the depths of the Amazon, reinforce the connection with the natural world. Enjoy its gastronomic delights and colourful markets.

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.