Adventures in the Mountains, Peru
Horses
Type of horses:
Quarter Horses are used, Arabs and Thoroughbreds. Peruvian Pasos. All horses are picked from a pre-selected pool especially for each trip, according to their fitness at the time. The horses are specially trained for high altitudes and the rugged terrain. They are fitted with 'booties' to protect them and 'replacement' or back-up horses are taken on every trip. These horses are suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. Novices are welcome but they will have a specially selected type of horse and have direct assistance from a horseman
Nature of horses:
Forward going, strong, reliable, good natured and sure footed.
Height of horses:
14 - 16 hh
Weight limit:
90 kg
Tack type:
Two types of saddles are offered: Firstly, Uruguayan Endurance Saddles (assimilates and English-type) leather saddles. Secondly, American Endurance saddles (assimilates to Western-type) synthetic saddle
Weather
Current Conditions:
Clear, 7 C
Forecast:
Thu - Mostly Clear. High: 22 Low: 0
Fri - Mostly Sunny. High: 23 Low: 1
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Coastal Andes Ride
2010 price: £737 per person for a four day/three night programme based on shared accommodations in a twin, double or triple room.
Note: The requested single room supplement is £352.
Programme includes:
-Three nights lodgings.
-Meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages included, lunch from day one through to lunch on day four.
-Guides.
-Service charges and taxes.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Down the Coast Ride
2010 rates: The cost of this ride is £1378 per person for a six day / five night programme based on shared accommodations in a twin, double or triple room.
Note: The requested single room supplement for this ride is £208 extra.
Price includes:
-Five nights lodging
-Meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages included.
-Guides.
-All ground group transportation, service charges and taxes.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge Trail
2010 Price: £1749 per person for a seven day/six night programme based on shared accommodation in a twin, double or triple room.
Note: The requested single room supplement is £340 extra.
Programme includes: Six nights accommodation (5 nights in MLP lodges and 1 night in Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or similar in Aguas Calientes), meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages included are: Lunch and dinner on day 1, all meals day 2 to day 7 except dinner on day 7, guides, all ground transportation, including trains, service charges and taxes. **Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soft drinks are an additional charge. Rate does NOT include a mandatory entrance fee (instated July 2008) of US $50 per person to ride on the SalkantayTrail. Please note that this must be paid in cash on Day 1 of the ride.
Please note services start from collection from hotel @ 7 am on day one. You will need to arrive a day before your trip start date and arrange a hotel. Please ask the office for advice.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
For the horseback rider, this is the first and only operator of a Trans-Andean Lodge to Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu and will provide an exciting trip for all horse lovers, while maintaining the first-class service and accommodation that characterises this company.
It creates adventures for the avid horseback rider and allows them to experience much that Peru has to offer with the best service and accommodation. It has been created to allow guests to explore areas of the country along with experiencing elements of culture, adventure, fun and relaxation.
Most of all, important to all horseback riders, lots and lots of riding.
This breathtaking horse riding holiday takes you riding through stunning and varied scenery where you will experience riding along the foothills of the Salkantay Glacier, delight yourself with tasty 'Pachamanca' - a traditional Peruvian meal - and tops it off by visiting the mystical ruins of Machu Piccu and the famous site of the Inca fortress.
Due to the terrain, the altitude and the remote locations, a doctor will accompany the rides at all time.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The accommodation includes various nights lodging as detailed by the individual programmes. The lodges are all very comfortable. Some of the accommodation is luxurious with outdoor Jacuzzis. The crown jewel is the Salkantay Lodge located in the high Andean valley of Soraypampa at 3,850m/12,705ft above sea level. In addition to high-quality “Andean Cuisine” the Lodge offers an outdoor hot tub, cosy reading rooms, a bar/lounge and twelve well-appointed private double (or twin) rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers.
In all cases we recommend you spend the night before your trail in a hotel (Lima or Cusco, depending on your chosen trail). This makes all the difference in feeling rested for enjoying your trip. We can assist with hotel booking services in Lima in an array of 3 to 5 star hotels.
Hotels in Cusco:
We always recommend to stay at least two nights in Cusco (if your travel allows it) prior to your riding programme in order to acclimatise for your Lodge to Lodge ride. We can also help you with booking hotels in Cusco. This is ideal for exploring the city of Cusco and its surroundings, which have much to offer culturally and historically. Additionally, you can enjoy fine dining,
traditional shows, shopping, night-life, amongst other entertainment.
The food is excellent and includes plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat. You will have the opportunity to try out local Peruvian dishes. Lunch is often a picnic en route and dinners taken at the lodges will be delicious. Peru is said to produce the best organic coffee in the world
You will be able to try the traditional of Pachamanca which is famous for its cooking method. It consists of layering meat with hot stones and then covering the whole thing up to bake. The Pachamanca consists of a variety of meats (chicken, lamb, beef, pork and guinea pig) and vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes and yucca).
Activities
There are many activities you can enjoy depending on the programme you have booked. The culture and history of this wonderful country make this is a very exciting trip on and off the horse. There are many excursions and visits not to be missed.
A visit to a craft market, the famous Inca fortress, and guided City tour of Cusco, including Temple of the Sun, the main Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the bohemian district of San Blas can be arranged at an additional cost. Sightseeing at Machu Pichu is definitely not to be missed and a tour of Sacsayhuaman is another wonderful trip.
On the trails you may get a chance to go swimming in glacial lakes and hiking to Humantay Lake, there are many optional hikes. This is a great place for bird watchers but even those less enthusiastic may be excited to see the wonderful Andean Condors soaring above them.
At some of the lodges you may be able to relax a little and take advantage of spa treatments and yoga classes.
Further Details
Languages: Spanish, English
Health requirements: You need to be very fit and healthy, due to the high altitude and demands of the terrain
Age limit: 65 (if over we require a doctors letter)
Tuition: No
Included: As detailed by individual programmes
Not included: Flight, insurance, arrival night hotels (night before trail date to make early morning pick up), airport transfers.
Travel Information
International flights are to Lima, most international flights arrive into Lima airport either late at night (11pm) or early in the morning (5am).
Connecting flights to Cusco start at 6am. Mostly, booking a night at a Lima hotel (even for a few hours) makes all the difference in feeling rested for enjoying your trip. We can assist with hotel booking services in Lima in an array of 3 to 5 star hotels.
An internal flight is needed to Cusco airport from Lima for the Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge ride.
Hotels in Cusco:
We always recommend to stay at least two nights in Cusco (if your travel allows it) prior to your riding programme in order to acclimatise for your Lodge to Lodge ride. We can help you with booking hotels in Cusco.
Airport: Lima
Alternative Airport: Cusco
Programmes
Coastal Andes Ride
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This is an opportunity not only to see this wonderful country on horseback with experienced guides but also to take in some of the history and culture of this ancient civilisation - included is a tour of the city of Lima, a city full of friendly people, important historical sites, quality museums, and a variety of dining and entertainment establishments making it a very interesting place to visit. Please note services start from collection from hotel @ 7 am on day one. You will need to arrive a day before your trip start date and arrange a hotel. You will also need to spend a night in Lima on the last day of your trail (dependent on flight times). Please ask the office for advice. Day 1: You are picked up from your hotel in Lima at 7am, and driven for about four hours to the Viñak-Reichraming Lodge, south-east of Lima. We are welcomed with hot coca tea and lunch and we ride out in the afternoon along roads and mountain trails, getting used to our horses and the altitude and enjoying the Andean sunset on horseback. A short briefing is given before dinner to explain the activities of the trip to come. After your meal you are shown to your room where you will spend the night. Riding hours: Approx. three hours. Type of terrain: 30% mountain trails, 70% open roads. Type of riding: Walk, trot and canter. Day 2: You are taken to the stables to meet the horses and, after a quick briefing on the route, we begin our ride. Our American Quarter Horse and Arab crosses are bred and specially trained for high altitude riding over rough terrain. Our route is divided between mountain trails (approx. 70%) and open roads (approx. 30%). A picnic lunch awaits us near the town of La Florida and we are able to gallop along open roads during the ride home. We spend the night at the Viñak Lodge. Riding hours: Approx. four hours. Type of terrain: 70% mountain trails, 30% open roads. Type of riding: Walk, trot, canter and gallop. Day 3: You meet the horses early this morning at 7am, for a long day's riding over the mountains to the Iscaycocha Lagoon. This route is a dream for experienced riders, as the challenging terrain and long hours in the saddle enable you to really bond with our horses. Your route lies almost exclusively along mountain trails (approx. 95%) with very few open roads (approx. 5%), rising over 3200 feet to just over 14000 feet. You take a box lunch with you and eat by the side of a spectacular lagoon and return to the lodge by a similar route, arriving just in time for a quick soak in the jacuzzi before dinner. You spend the night at the Viñak Lodge. Riding Hours: Approx. ten hours. Type of Terrain: 95% mountain trails, 5% open roads. Type of Riding: Walk, trot, canter, gallop. Day 4: After breakfast you get ready to start the return back to Lima. On the way back, we will stop at El Piloto restaurant for lunch and then continue to your hotel in Lima, where you will be dropped off in the afternoon, leaving you some free time to explore the city of Lima on your own. Safety equipment is strongly recommended, such as helmets and back protectors. Helmets, back protectors and chaps can be rented at the beginning of the ride, subject to availability. Notice is required and a charge will apply. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate to advanced, you need to be very fit and healthy due to the high altitude and demanding terrain. You need to be balanced, secure and comfortable in all paces, including gallop.Beginners are welcome, but will be given a different type of horse and will receive direct assistance from a horseman. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Three days riding (between three - ten hours per day) |
| Departure dates: | Dates for 2010: April through till November, subject to availability. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Down the Coast Ride
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Experience breath-taking rides through local green fields and villages, before meeting at a secret location to ride through the dunes and down to the coast. Here you can ride where the sea meets the sand, enjoying canters and gallops.Please note services start from collection from hotel @ 7 am on day one. You will need to arrive a day before your trip start date and arrange a hotel. Please ask the office for advice. Six Days/five nights programme. Day 1: You are picked up from your Lima hotel at 7am and driven for about four hours to the Viñak-Reichraming Lodge south-east of Lima. You are welcomed with hot coca tea and lunch and you ride out in the afternoon along roads and mountain trails, getting used to the horses and the altitude and enjoying the Andean sunset on horseback. A short briefing is given before dinner to explain the activities of the trip to come. After your meal you are shown to your rooms where you spend the night. Riding Hours: Approx. three hours Type of Terrain: 30% mountain trails, 70% open roads Type of Riding: Walk, trot, canter Day 2: You are taken to the stables to meet the horses and, after a quick briefing on the route, you begin your ride. The American Quarter Horse and Arab crosses are bred and specially trained for high altitude, riding over tough terrain. The route is divided between mountain trails (approx. 70%) and open roads (approx. 30%). A picnic lunch awaits you near the town of La Florida and you are able to gallop along open roads during the ride home. You spend the night at the Viñak Lodge. Riding Hours: Approx. four hours. Type of Terrain: 70% mountain trails, 30% open roads. Type of Riding: Walk, trot, canter, gallop. Day 3: You meet the horses early this morning, at 7am, for a long day's riding over the mountains to the Iscaycocha Lagoon. This route is a dream for experienced riders, as the challenging terrain and long hours in the saddle enable you to really bond with our horses. Your route lies almost exclusively along mountain trails (approx. 95%) with very few open roads (approx. 5%), rising over 3200 feet to just over 14000 feet. You take a box lunch with you and eat by the side of a spectacular lagoon and return to the lodge by a similar route, arriving just in time for a quick soak in the jacuzzi before dinner. You spend the night at the Viñak Lodge. Riding Hours: Approx. ten hours. Type of Terrain: 95% mountain trails, 5% open roads. Type of Riding: Walk, trot, canter, gallop. Day 4: Today you are driven to Ica and to the Huacachina Oasis (about a four and a half hour drive), a place abounding in myths and legends. The most famous tells of a woman whose heart was broken due to the death of her loved one, a respected Inca General. She came to the area, which at that point only contained trees, but as she wept, her tears filled the lake. Today it is said that at night you can sometimes still hear her cries. After lunch at the hotel you are driven to the hacienda in Ica and ride out for the whole afternoon among the vineyards and mango and avocado plantations of Ica. This ride is an ideal opportunity to get acquainted with your spirited horses, as the route leads mainly along flat roads and stretches of sand, ideal for long canters! Apart from enjoying the horses, you can marvel at the fertility of Ica, as the vineyards and plantations seem to be at odds with the mountainous sand dunes visible on the horizon in every direction. We end the ride at the hacienda and then return to the Huacachina Oasis and spend the night here. Riding Hours: Approx. four hours. Type of Terrain: Mostly flat countryside. Type of Riding: Walk, trot, canter. Day 5: After breakfast you hop into dune buggies for a thirty minute drive through the dunes to a secret spot where you meet your horses. You then begin your four hour ride down the dunes to the sea. As you reach the ocean you see local fisherman at work on the waves. You then turn inland across flat plains ideal for long gallops, stopping for a box lunch en route. You leave your horses with their transport and get back in your buggies for the thirty minute drive back to the oasis, where you spend the night. Riding Hours: Approx. four hours. Type of Terrain: Sand dunes and flat beach/plains. Type of Riding: Walk, trot, canter, gallop. Day 6 : Today we are taken to Ica airport where you board a light plane and are flown over the mysterious Nazca Lines. During your flight we see such renowned shapes as the Monkey, the Astronaut, the Hummingbird and the Spider, among many others. After landing, you have lunch at the hotel in Ica and are then transferred back to Lima (about a four hour drive). You are transferred to Lima airport for your flight home, or onwards to Cusco. Safety equipment is strongly recommended, such as helmets and back protectors. Helmets, back protectors and chaps can be rented at the beginning of the ride, subject to availability. Notice is required and a charge will apply. |
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| Accommodation: | Varies from private lodges to hotels, all to a high standard. |
| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate to advanced, you need to be very fit and healthy, due to the demands of this ride and the high altitude. You need to be balanced, secure and comfortable in all paces, including gallop. Beginners are welcome, but will be given a different type of horse and will receive direct assistance from a horseman. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Five days riding, varying from 3 - 10hrs per day. |
| Departure dates: | Dates for 2010: 9th August, 30th August, 20th September, 10th October. Special requests: Dates can be arranged from April through to November for the minimum of 4 people, subject to availability. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Machu Picchu Lodge to Lodge Trail
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Experience the history and culture of the Machu Picchu lodge to lodge ride. Please note services start from collection from hotel @ 7 am on day one. You will need to arrive a day before your trip start date and arrange a hotel. You will also need to spend a night in Cusco on the last day of your trail (dependent on flight times). Please ask the office for advice. Day 1 : After an early breakfast, guests will be picked up at 7am from their hotel in Cusco by an MLP guide, and taken to the Salkantay Lodge and Adventure Resort (SLAR) in Soraypampa. On route we will take a short break to visit the Inca ruins of Tarawasi near the town of Limatambo (approx. 1.5hrs from Cusco). After leaving Limatambo, we pass through the mountain village of Mollepata where we stop for a short coffee break before ascending a winding mountain road to the Coronilla Ranch. Here after a short period of familiarisation, we will begin our ride to Soraypampa. This is a good opportunity for guests to acclimatise and enjoy a calm and beautiful 3-4hr trek on their first day. The SLAR takes its name from the majestic peak at the head of the valley - the "Salkantay", the second most sacred peak in Inca mythology and, at 20,600 ft, the highest in the region. After a warm welcome by our friendly staff, guests will be shown to their rooms and have time to wash and relax. The first afternoon is spent at leisure to adjust to the altitude, taking advantage of the outdoor jacuzzi or just walking in the beautiful surroundings. An evening briefing by the fireplace is followed by aperitifs and dinner. Riding Hours: Approx. four hours Type of Terrain: Open roads, some steep ascending trails Type of Riding: Walk, trot, canter, gallop Note: Lunch is a picnic lunch on route. Non-riders will be transferred directly to the Lodge. Day 2: Today you ride out for three hours in the surrounding area of Soraypampa to visit the Humantay Lake, fed by glaciers far above on the slopes of Humantay. A short walk of about thirty minutes is necessary in order to reach the lake, but the view is well worth it and those brave enough can go for a swim. This activity is excellent for acclimatisation. You return to the lodge for lunch, after which you have the option to ride out again for around three hours in the surrounding area, or guests may choose to trade the glacial swim for a relaxing soak in their outdoor jacuzzi. You spend the night at the Salkantay Lodge and Adventure Resort with gourmet food and warm, comfortable beds. In the evening, the guide will brief the trekking party on gear and the itinerary for the next four days. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are taken at the Lodge. Riding Hours: Approx. three hours Type of Terrain: Open roads, some steep ascending trails and open fields Type of Riding: Walk, trot, canter Non-rider activity: Hike to Humantay Lake. Day 3: Today you continue your ride (about four - five hours) towards Machu Picchu, riding up the Rio Blanco valley and circling Humantay opposite Salkantay. In the process you reach the highest part of the ride, a pass at 4500 metres (14,800 ft) where you keep your eyes open for Andean condors, common to the area. At the pass you stop to take in views of snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba Range in every direction, the south face of Salkantay towering above you. From the pass you continue your descent toward the Wayra Lodge (“Wayra”: wind; ‘the place where the wind lives’) your destination for the evening. A hot lunch is taken en route. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge. Riding Hours: Approx. four - five hours Type of Terrain: 80% steep trails and 20% open land Type of Riding: Walk, trot. Non-rider activity: transfer to Ollantaytambo. Day 4: Today you continue downhill above the Salkantay River, descending into the cloud forest, through increasingly verdant scenery. Upon arrival at Collpa Lodge you are greeted with a Pachamanca (subject to availability; traditional underground stone cooking). This traditional meal is famous for its cooking method, which consists of layering meat with hot stones and then covering the whole thing up to bake. After observing the uncovering of the Pachamanca, which consists of a variety of meats (chicken, lamb, beef, pork and guinea pig) and vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes and yucca) you enjoy your meal. Collpa Lodge is located on an open promontory at the confluence of three rivers. The outdoor jacuzzi has almost panoramic views of lush green mountains. You spend the afternoon relaxing or walking in the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Riding Hours: Approx. three hours Type of Terrain: Steep trails Type of Riding: Walk, trot Non-rider activity: Day free in Ollantaytambo. Day 5: Today you head down the Santa Teresa river valley, through banana and passion fruit orchards and coffee plantations. The coffee grown here is said to be one of the best organic coffees in the world. Along the way you stop for a picnic lunch. Afterwards, you continue your ride (a total of around five hours) to the beginning of the Llactapata Inca Trail, which is where you say goodbye to your horses. A short thirty-minute walk through an avocado orchard brings you to Lucma Lodge. You arrive in time to allow for exploration of the small village of Lucmabamba and possible meeting with members of the local community. Riding Hours: Approx. five hours Type of Terrain: Steep trails and some open roads Type of Riding: Walk, trot, canter Non-rider activity: Transfer by train and vehicle to Lucma Lodge Day 6: Today you are transferred to the train station i order to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu town. Those who wish to can hike this distance instead. (The guide confirms guests' preferences the night before.) Description of optional hike: You leave the lodge around 9am and head uphill for around two hours towards Llactapata pass (2600 metres/8500 feet). After heading downhill for about ten minutes you come upon the recently restored Llactapata Ruins from where you also have a distant but very special view of Machu Picchu from the southwest, a perspective that few tourists get to enjoy. You walk another ten minutes or so to your lunch spot where you enjoy a picnic lunch with the same view of Machu Picchu. You then descend to the Vilcanota River through bamboo forests, orchards and coffee plantations, a descent of between two and three hours. Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu, is a short train ride away and you check into your hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest. The whole group spends the night in Aguas Calientes. Day 7: Today you have a very early start in order to make the thirty-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu and arrive before sunrise. You then enjoy a private guided tour of the city, followed by several hours in which you are free to explore the ruins by yourselves. Afterwards you return to Aguas Calientes by bus for lunch and then take the afternoon Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo (about an hour and a half), where you are transferred by car to Cusco (about one hour) and your hotel. You spend the night here. Please note it is strongly recommended that you bring your own safety equipment, such as helmets and back protectors etc as these are not provided for the trail. |
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| Accommodation: | Varies from private lodges to hotels, all to a high standard. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: |
Intermediate to advanced. You need to be very fit and healthy, due to the high altitude, demanding terrain and optional hike on day eight. Beginners are welcome, but will be given a different type of horse and will receive direct assistance from a horseman. |
| Type of ride: | 5 days riding ranging from three to five hours. |
| Total riding time: | Trail |
| Departure dates: | Dates for 2010: 17 August, 7 September, 28 September, 18 October. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |