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Sacred Valley Ride in Peru This ride takes you through an incredibly wide range of commanding scenery with a wealth of heritage and ancient lost cities, not to mention a vibrant living culture and an explosion of color. You will not only discover the magic of the Peruvian Paso horse, but also the grandeur of its native land. You are guided by Eduard van Brunschot, who is half Peruvian and half Dutch and whose horses you will be riding.
Your journey begins in the Sacred Valley, at the heart of the Andes between Cusco and Machu Picchu. This is one of Peru's most beautiful and atmospheric places. The dramatic scenery of snowcapped mountains, deep blue lagoons and spectacular flora and fauna makes the Urubamba Valley a wonderful place to ride. During your ride you enjoy panoramic vistas from the Altiplano, tours of remarkable Inca ruins and visits to remote Andean villages. It can take a while to become acclimatized to the altitude and the itinerary is planned accordingly. You have time to explore Cusco (3,338m) and also Machu Picchu, the capital of the Inca empire. This magical Lost City is one of the world's best known and most spectacular archaeological sites.
To enjoy the journey you should be a competent and experienced rider and above all happy to ride a forward-going horse and try out a new way of riding, Peruvian style. The riding takes place between 2600 and 4350 metres (8,530 and 14,275 ft). This is therefore a high altitude trip and some people can take longer to adjust to these heights than others. Adverse effects on blood pressure, digestion and energy levels are all possible and you should consult your doctor before undertaking this trip if you think the altitude could cause you a problem. Most people will just feel a little breathless when climbing stairs for example or when bending over to pick up something off the floor. As long as you take things easy on the first few days, then you should have no problems at all. On average you will be riding for five hours a day, though initially it will be less and on some days nearer the end of the ride you will be riding for the best part of seven hours a day. You will soon realize why the Peruvian Paso horse has earned itself the reputation of being the ‘cadillac’ of horses. You will enjoy a very smooth ride. Rising trot goes out the window as you cruise along the stunning Peruvian countryside either at walk or at the ‘paso llano gait’ (four beat lateral gait). The horses are exceptionally well cared for, strong, and even-tempered. They are treated like athletes, eat very well and are rugged up at night whilst on the trail.
The accommodation used on the ride, like the scenery, is varied and interesting. 9 nights are spent in small hotels with private bathrooms and two nights are spent under canvas. The hotels are very comfortable and unique, but not five star. You will eat like an Inca king! Breakfast, unless camping, is always enjoyed at your small hotel. It typically will consist of coffee/coca tea (normal tea is also available), fruit juice – usually more exotic than just orange or apple, bread rolls and jam and then you are usually also invited to order eggs, scrambled or fried. Chunks of melon, pineapple and papaya are normally also available. Lunch on the first couple of days is served at the ranch house at an enormous wooden table. You will always have three courses, all delicious and the servings are very generous. Once on the trail either a support vehicle meets you for lunch and you are issued with a tupperware full of goodies, maybe a succulent chicken breast or a cold pork chop with sweet potato and salad, or on a few days you take lunch with you in your saddle bags. Saddle bag lunches usually consist of two enormous and tasty rolls with different fillings. Fruit, cookies, wine and coffee/tea also usually available. Except on a couple of occasions, proper cutlery and crockery is used. Hand wipes/ wash are available before each meal on the ride. Full water bottles are also packed in your saddle bags everyday, so there is no need to bring your own.
Dinner is also three courses and you will be eating tasty regional cuisine. Dishes are made from fresh vegetables, local dairy products and good meat/ fresh trout etc. On some nights nearer the end of the ride you will also eat out at some of Urubamba’s excellent restaurants. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements will be accommodated with prior notice. At the end of each day’s ride you are always offered a little something to tide you over until supper. You will also be offered the traditional and national cocktail, the Pisco Sour, which is truly delicious. It is made from pisco, a locally produced white-grape brandy, blended with lemon juice, ice, egg white, sugar syrup and topped with bitters. If you don’t like it, then beer or wine is also available. Ride Price: $4,250, plus airfare. Dates: Arrive in Lima April 17. Depart Lima April 28. |
