Peru
Peruvian Paso Horseback Riding
Program Dates: April / May 2025
11 Days / 10 nights
Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
Trip Overview
The Peruvian Paso horse is a unique and highly valued breed, renowned for its smooth, four-beat lateral gait called the "paso llano." This distinctive gait sets the Peruvian Paso apart from most other horse breeds, offering a naturally comfortable ride, which makes it especially popular for long-distance riding.
Originating in Peru, the breed is deeply woven into the country’s culture, history, and traditions, and is considered a national treasure. This program has been carefully curated to allow participants to experience horseback riding on a Peruvian Paso horse while discovering some of Peru’s most treasured sights.
This program has been specially created for Equestrian Escapades based on their interest of horseback riding of Peruvian Paso horse, and learn more about Peruvian culture.
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1
FRIDAY: LIMA
Welcome to Lima. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
DAY 2
Saturday: LIMA
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Activities: Pachacamac Complex (Half Day)
Visit to the ancient adobe ruins of Pachacamac located about 40 km (25 miles) SE of Lima. The preInca temple dating from AD 100 was a place of pilgrimage, once covering 10 km2 (4 sq miles).
Built centuries before the Incas, Pachacamac is noted for its great pyramidal temples and for the remains of frescoes adorning its adobe walls. Following the expansion of the Inca Empire, Pachacamac became an important Inca administrative centre, while maintaining its status as a religious shrine.
The site also includes an on-site museum with an interesting collection of preHispanic relics. Later enjoy a delicious lunch of Creole cuisine in a hacienda and working stable for Peruvian Paso Horses. Located in Lurin valley only 30-minute drive from Lima Hacienda Los Ficus offers a performance of the Paso Horse including an introduction of its history.
Paso horses, a symbol of pride for Peruvians and a national heritage, are a natural breed of horses that walk with a special gait. Introduced to Peru from the Spanish the Paso Horse is widely regarded as the best saddle horse due to its incredible smooth ride.
Don’t miss the chance to ride on this 400-year-old breed. Lunch (Buffet) includes starters, main courses and desserts, Pisco sour welcome drink (alcoholic) or non-alcoholic Rest of the day at leisure to explore the vibrant city of Lima.
DAY 3
Sunday: LIMA - Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Activities: Walking Tour Cusco (2.5hrs Approx.)
Early in the morning transfer to the airport in Lima. Flight to Cusco (not included) Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the hotel. Time free to acclimatize to the altitude. This afternoon, we walk through the major sites of interest in Cusco, including San Pedro market.
DAY 4
Monday: Cusco - Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Activities: Chinchero weaving demo & Ollantaytambo Fortress (Full day)
This morning, we drive to the charming community of Chinchero, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We'll explore the remains of Tupac Inca Yupanqui's royal house, as well as a beautiful colonial temple built on Inca foundations.
We then join a local weaving family in their courtyard for an overview of the Andean weaving process. Chinchero is renowned for the production of textiles done on backstrap looms. We watch as wool is carded, spun, and dyed and learn about the different techniques used to create belts, ponchos and shawls.
Lunch at local restaurant in Ollantaytambo. A la Carte Lunch (A la carte) includes starter, main course and dessert.
Finally, we'll visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo where the Temple of the Sun (formed of six gigantic monoliths, whose total weight exceeds 50 tons) and the Terrace of the Ten Niches stand out.
DAY 5
Tuesday: Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Activities: Horseback Riding Introduction (Day 1)
Today, you will have the chance to meet the stunning Peruvian Paso horses, your guide will brief you on safety and horseback riding instructions. Based on pre- evaluation, you will be paired with a horse that suits your experience, preferences, personality, and weight class. The horses are well trained and cared for specimens of the Peruvian Paso breed.
You will see the neighbourhood, a beautiful section of the Sacred Valley. There are no popular tourist attractions on this route, which is why this is an unforgettable and peaceful way to experience rural life in the Sacred Valley. You’ll ride along the single dirt track that goes through the ancient village of Pichingoto to see the homes built into the side of the mountain like caverns, many of which are still occupied by Quechua people, descendants of the Incas, who are our neighbours and friends.
You will also pass by an old church and finally reach a beautiful open grassland with crops and natural pastures where you’ll spot farm animals wandering free surrounded by small swamps. Here, you’ll take a break for spectacular photos of the Sacred Valley, enjoying the splendour of the surrounding mountains. Finally, we start our return to the ranch where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, complemented by our national drink, the renowned Pisco Sour (includes juice and water). Local guide: bilingual, highly experienced, and assistant who are extremely knowledgeable about the area.
The support team will assist you at every turn. Optional workshop afterwards at the ranch: (Chicha de Jora workshop, where you learn how to make the beer of the Incas)
Route: River ride and Pichingoto
Average altitude Rancho: 8,924 feet masl (2,720 m)
Riding time: 3.5 hrs (including instructions, riding in the Ranch)
Weight limit: 80 kg (175 Pounds)
DAY 6
Wednesday: Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Activities: Horseback Riding (Day 2)
After breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to the Ranch. From there you’ll ride to the Archaeological Centre of Huayna Capac Palace. Then you will visit on foot the producer’s market which is only available on Wednesdays.
The producers from the areas surrounding Urubamba come down from the highlands and bring various products, even from the province of La Convención, which is the jungle region. It is an experience that engages all the senses, a shower of smells and colours.
Picnic lunch at Chichubamba (includes juice and water). Return to the ranch the same way. (13 km journey)
Optional workshop afterwards at the ranch: (Uchucuta workshop, where you learn how to make this favourite Peruvian chilli sauce)
Route: Rancho, market.
Average altitude Rancho: 8,924 feet masl (2,720 m)
Riding time: 4.5 hrs
Rest of the evening free to relax and recharge
DAY 7
Thursday: Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Activities: Horseback Riding (Day 3)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the ranch to begin today’s ride. You start by climbing with the horses and ride to the first point of Pumahuanca, then you continue continue to the Zona Artesanos.
You will have a picnic lunch at Artesanos (includes juice and water). Return to the ranch the same way (13 km journey)
Average altitude Rancho: 8924 feet masl (2,720 m)
Claro altitude: 10,994 feet masl (3,351m)
Artesanos altitude: 11,318 feet masl (3,450 m)
Riding time: 5 hrs Weight limit: 80 kg (175 Pounds)
Rest of the afternoon free to relax and recharge
DAY 8
Friday: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Activities: Full Day Machu Picchu (Guided Tour 2.5hrs)
Today you have an early start. After a brief breakfast you will be transferred to the train station. The train ride will take you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to Aguas Calientes town. Upon arrival, a shuttle bus takes you up the steep roads to the citadel's entrance.
For centuries, Machu Picchu remained undiscovered by the Spaniards until American explorer Hiram Bingham found it in 1911. On a guided tour, you'll experience the site's unique location and ingenious construction, making it one of the seven new wonders of the world. Your Machu Picchu ticket provides access to the classic circuit, which encompasses both the agricultural and urban sectors of the site.
Along the route, you'll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Inca quarry, the Sun Temple lookout point, the Sacred Stone, the storages known as Qolqas, the Temple of the Condor, and the Guard House.
Lunch at Café Inkaterra. Café Inkaterra is one of the restaurants of Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo and the one for visitors not staying at the hotel. The restaurant, located next to Machu Picchu train station, blends Andean food with contemporary cuisine. Cafe Inkaterra is situated under a traditional Amazonian palm-thatched roof and is decorated with local crafts. The decoration transmits the fusion of the two elements given in this place: Andean, Inca architecture legacy in the cloud forest.
Lunch (A la carte) includes starter, main course and dessert, complimentary water and tea/infusion Afterwards, train back from Aguas Calientes to Ollanta and transfer to the hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Altitude: 6,693 feet (2,040 masl)
Evening at leisure.
DAY 9
Saturday: Sacred Valley - Maras Salt Pans
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Activities: Horseback Riding (Day 4)
After breakfast you are transferred to the ranch, from there you will start your ride along a narrow track to the Salineras, passing the ancient salt pans that have been in use since Inca times. The local families still harvest salt from the mountain spring water using a traditional system.
These salt pans consist of a series of platforms where the salty water is carefully channelled through an elaborate irrigation system and left to evaporate in the sun. Your journey continues to the Church of Tiobamba, where you will have your picnic lunch (includes juice and water). Afterwards you continue the horse ride from Tiobamba to Huaypo Lagoon. Transfer back to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Average altitude Rancho: 8924 feet masl (2,720 m)
Salineras altitude: 9,744 feet masl (2,970 m)
Maras altitude: 10,498 feet masl (3,450 m)
Tiobamba altitude: 10,767 feet masl (3,382 m)
Huaypo altitude: 11,506 feet masl (3,507 m)
Riding time: 5.5 hrs
Weight limit: 80 kg (175 Pounds)
Rest of the afternoon free to relax and recharge
DAY 10
Sunday: Sacred Valley - Cusco
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Activities: Horseback Riding (Day 5)
Today marks our final day of breathtaking scenery, with plenty of opportunities for breaks and photo stops. Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Huaypo, where you will start your ride to the impressive terraces of Moray.
You’ll ride through several small villages, arriving in the early afternoon at picturesque place where a delicious lunch awaits. Farewell picnic lunch (includes juice and water) Horseback riding from Moray to Huayllahura, from there you will continue by foot to the Ranch (30 mins). After an amazing week, you will pay Homage to Mother Earth (a ritual that has been performed in centuries by locals and still is) before you head back to Cusco.
Huaypo altitude: 11,506 feet masl (3,507 m)
Moray altitude: 11,811 feet masl (3,600 m)
Huayllahura altitude: 9,186 feet masl (2,800 m)
Riding time: 6 hrs
Transfer to your hotel in Cusco. Evening at leisure to enjoy the charming city of Cusco for a night out! The itinerary is flexible, and adjustments may be made due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
DAY 11
Monday: Cusco - Lima
Breakfast at the Hotel, marking the end of your trip.
At the proper time transfer to the airport in Cusco. Flight to Lima (not included) Assistance at Lima airport for your international connection.
End of your journey!
Peru: Program pricing
NET Price per person in USD American Dollars sharing DOUBLE room:
Private Services
5 + 1 Tour Leader FOC
11 Days / 10 Night program – Standard 3*+
Pricing: $5,658
Single Room Supplement: $596
Private Services
5 + 1 Tour Leader FOC
11 Days / 10 Night program – Superior 4*
Pricing: $5,794
Single Room Supplement: $719
Private Services
6 + 1 Tour Leader FOC
11 Days / 10 Night program – Standard 3*+
Pricing: $5,404
Single Room Supplement: $596
Private Services
6 + 1 Tour Leader FOC
11 Days / 10 Night program – Superior 4*
Pricing: $5,551
Single Room Supplement: $719
Private Services
8 + 1 Tour Leader FOC
11 Days / 10 Night program – Standard 3*+
Pricing: $5,138
Single Room Supplement: $596
Private Services
8 + 1 Tour Leader FOC
11 Days / 10 Night program – Superior 4*
Pricing: $5,275
Single Room Supplement: $719
Peru: flights
Flights from Lima - Cusco - Lima from $250* per person
* Domestic flight current rates, subject to change for 2026
** Program prices not valid during Easter holidays, subject to increase.
Peru: Hotels
A selection of Hotels for your consideration
Services: Included with trip
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Private transfers from the Airport/to hotel, bus or train station or vice versa (with English tour escort)
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Accommodation based on Double rooms with TWIN beds in the selected hotel category
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Private services with English-speaking guides
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Entrance fees to the sites noted in the itinerary (important: the chronological order of visits in the itinerary may change to ensure the best operation)
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18 Meals as noted (10 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 4 lunches)
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5 Days Horseback riding experience with Peruvian Paso Horse in the Sacred Valley-Cusco. Includes: bilingual experienced professional guide and guide’s assistance, 4WD back up vehicle, logistics, picnic logistics (chairs, tent for picnic lunches, saddlebags, safety helmet) meals as specified
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Train ticket Ollanta - Machu Picchu - Ollanta in Vistadome Class (superior class)
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Return shuttle bus ticket to Machu Picchu
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Permanent assistance by our Guest Experience Department 24/7
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1 Free of charge for the tour leader (Emily White) in single room for the program above specified
Services: not Included with trip
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International flights
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Domestic flights (see separate cost above) applicable to Tour Leader as well
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Meals not mentioned in the description are not included
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Gratuities for guides, drivers, waiters, luggage porters
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Beverages during meals (unless specified in the itinerary)
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Early check in / late check out unless explicitly stated
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Personal items (horse riding gear: gloves, gaiters, windproof jacket, and riding trousers, horse riding boots)
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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QUOTES & RESERVATIONS
Our quotes do not imply the reservation of accommodation and services
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VERY IMPORTANT: AIRLINE RESERVATION CODE (PNR)
If flight tickets are not issued by Setours Handcrafted Journeys, we strongly request you to send us the PNR code ("Passenger Name Record" / Record locator - a code of 6 characters, which could be letters and numerical digits) of each flight reservation after tickets are issued. This is the fastest way to reach flight details and helps us coordinate the airport transfers optimally, especially important in the event of flight delays, cancellations, or short term changes by the airlines. Alternatively, you can send us a copy of the flight tickets and/or forward to us the confirmation email you got for each flight.
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Visiting MACHU PICCHU
Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are personalized and have to be pre-purchased with full passport details of the visitor. Once issued, these tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Each ticket is issued for a specific timeslot, during which you have access to enter Machu Picchu. For each timeslot there is a limited number of tickets allocated, which are sold first come, first served. The visit to Machu Picchu is restricted to specific circuits which you´ll need to follow. It is not possible to re-enter the ruins with the same entrance ticket. - Please note the ticket type and corresponding circuit quoted in your itinerary is subject to availability. For the full details of the rules including timeslots, alternative routes (e.g. Wayna Picchu) and more, please check the following link: Rules for visiting Machu Picchu
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TRAVEL INSURANCE
Although it is not mandatory to have travel insurance, we recommend purchasing a travel insurance to protect against any emergency during the trip. This information must be sent before arrival.
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PERURAIL BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE RESTRICTIONS
PeruRail has the following baggage allowance restrictions for passengers taking the train to Machu Picchu: Only 1 piece of hand luggage up to a maximum of 8 kg (17.6 pounds) and a total linear dimension of 157 cm (62 inches) per passenger is accepted. Please inform your clients in advance about this regulation so that they can prepare their hand luggage in case of an overnight in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley.
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TAX ON SALES (VAT) IN CASE OF RESIDENCY OR 'NO SHOW'
Non-resident travelers are exempt from VAT on accommodation. This will be verified by hotels at check-in. If you cannot provide proof of non-residency, VAT will be charged directly by the hotel. The same policy applies in the event of a no-show; we are required to charge VAT in addition to the room rate, even for foreign travelers, to comply with tax regulations.
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Vehicles in Cusco
Due to local regulations, only vehicles up to 15 seats are allowed to drive within the city center. Bigger groups will be divided in 2 or more vehicles depending on the total number of passengers. Due to parking restrictions, it can sometimes be necessary that travelers walk up to three blocks in order to get to their hotel/bus (without luggage).
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Early Hotel Departures
For pick up times before 07:00 am we cannot guarantee breakfast service. In such cases hotels do not consider a price reduction.
