“Off the beaten ride to Machu Picchu”
3 Day Off-The-Beaten-Path Horseback Riding Tour to Machu Picchu in Peru
Cusco - Peru
Peru Horse Riding Tour
Your trip begins with a dream of visiting Machu Picchu. The dream comes alive during a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the ultimate off-the-beaten ride along the Ancascocha Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Key information
- Rider Weight Limit: 176 pounds / 80 kilograms
- Horse Height Range: 12 hands
- Tack Type: Western tack
- Horse Breed: Peruvian
Meet the instructors
Alfredo
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Highlights
- 3 days of horse riding
- Ride the off-the-beaten-track in the highlands of the Sacred Valley
- Indigenous Quechua culture, fragile ecosystems, Inca ruins, and Andean wildlife
- Behold vistas of incredible landscapes
- 2 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
- Transportation
Skill level
- Beginner
Styles
3 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: Spanish
Group size: 2-8 participants
Airport transfer available:
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (US$ 20 per person)
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (US$ 20 per person)
Accommodation
During this tour, you will camp for one night and sleep in an Aguas Calientes three-star hotel on the other night. The toilet facilities along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu have been improved both in infrastructure and in quantity and quality along the route, so a portable chemical toilet is not necessary for Wari Adventures due to sanitation issues with the staff in charge.
Camsite equipment
- Eureka high mountain tent, which is waterproof and thermal, for up to four people, but for comfort, it is only used for two people
- Air mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, camping tables, and chairs
- Tableware
- Bathroom tent or portable toilet
- First aid kit (alcohol, bandages, medication for altitude sickness, oxygen water, band-aids, oxygen tank, cotton, rescue ropes, etc.
- Two walkie-talkies per group
Program
Daily itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Killarumiyuq - Yanacocha - Ancascocha
On the first day, Wari Adventures will pick you up from Cusco or Sacred Valley of the Incas. They will coordinate with you before the horse riding to Machu Picchu. Transfer from Cusco to the starting point of riding. After an hour of the journey, you will stop at the sacred Inca Killarumiyuc (in the Quechua language) or Moonstone sanctuary. It is an ancient temple dedicated to the deity of femininity. The site is not only an age-perfect design but also includes areas of cultivation systems and the moon cult became a sacred area for the people of the Andes.
After seeing the agricultural experimental center, you will continue to the village of Ancawasi (3331 meters above sea level). Then you will drive 25 minutes to Pumapata. You start horseback riding to Machu Picchu on a wide path north, above the west bank of the river called Sambor. You will observe beautiful valleys and mountains, and you will see Yanacocha Lake. Then you will ascent for 30 minutes to the most amazing spot Rainbow Mountain. Finally, you will reach the lunch spot in the wide valley of Quenqomayu and then ride for two hours to the campsite.
- Distance: 10 kilometers
- Riding hours: five hours
- Low altitude: 3,331 meters or 10,928 feet
- High altitude: 4,572 meters or 15,000 feet
- Campsite altitude: 3,950 meters or 13,803 feet
Day 2: Ancascocha - Camicancha - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu
After a delicious breakfast, you will start your horseback riding in Machu Picchu. You will descend gradually through potato fields, Incan aqueducts, and native trees of Chachacomo. This is a landscape of pastures and big fields. On the way, you will find indigenous Peruvian villages that still keep the Inca's ancient traditions regarding agriculture, religion, music, language, culture, and others. This trail is known for its abundance of Huakani or Masdevallia Orchids. If you are here when they are flowering, you will delight in the sight of their brilliant, deep pink to magenta blooms.
After crossing many little footbridges, you will reach the community of Camicancha (2800 meters or 9,186 feet), where you will take a tourist van. Then you will continue downhill, crossing the Urubamba River, and finally arriving at the famous Sun Temple in Ollantaytambo. You will have time to explore the village and the temple before taking the train that will take you to Aguas Calientes (2040 meters above sea level) in the afternoon. Once you get to Aguas Calientes, you will check in to your hotel where you will spend the night.
Day 3: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
You will get up early to enjoy the sunrise at Machu Picchu, eat breakfast, and take the bus towards the Inca ruins. You will have a guided tour that will take approximately two to three hours, and then you can climb Huayna Picchu. After you finish your visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes. You can enjoy amenities like lunch in the city, and later in the afternoon, you will take the train back, Perú Rail - Expedition. Upon arrival in Cusco, the transfer will be waiting to take you on a private van to your hotel. End of the adventure.
Note
Although Wari Adventures does their best to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for several reasons beyond their control, including strikes, weather, natural disasters, and terrain conditions. Sometimes, these conditions may demand them to deviate from the original schedule, so they will provide the best available alternative options. And you will have a great experience of it.
About the tour
This is an exploration of a sacred haven of the Incas as much as a physical, cultural, and spiritual journey of transformation. The pristine natural beauty envelops you throughout three days of the trip and takes you through 10 unique ecosystems and will inspire you to challenge yourself, as you navigate changing altitudes (even a 4,572-meter or 15,000-foot mountain traverse) and varied terrain.
Along the route, you encounter picturesque hamlets populated by indigenous families, who maintain centuries-old traditions, while you simultaneously witness environmental and social initiatives created to maintain the integrity of their culture and improve the quality of life. The innovative organic Andean cuisine and mountain-luxury amenities help to restore both body and mind as you continue your adventure, following in the footsteps of the Incas. This is your journey, a chance to create your own amazing story. Welcome to the off-the-beaten ride to Machu Picchu.
Wari Adventures' highly trained guide will meet you at your hotel to review the final details and ensure you are ready and excited for the adventure ahead. Ride the off-the-beaten-track in the highlands of the Sacred Valley - some of the best trekking in Peru to reach Machu Picchu. Experience indigenous Quechua culture, fragile ecosystems Inca ruins, and spot Andean wildlife like the majestic condor. Behold vistas of incredible landscapes providing endless photo opportunities. Expert-led off-the-beaten-track trekking holiday in Peru. Direct and official local tour operator based in Cusco, managed by locals.
Wari Adventures team
- Professional tour guide fluent in English, Quechua, and Spanish specializing in hiking, with many years of experience in the Mountains and trained in first aid and rescue. He will attend the first day to the last day of the walk, leaving you at the hotel.
- Professional chef, assistant cook, and waiter to assist passengers. The team studied at a Gastronomy College and have a lot of experience cooking along with this Machu Picchu horse riding.
- Muleteers to carry the equipment needed for the campsites as they will be with you from the beginning of the trek
- Horses to carry personal belongings from passengers up to eight kilograms
Criollo horse
Criollo horse is called a horse breed that is distributed throughout South America, Central America, and North America. In the countries of the continent, it has been developing in different ways and especially in Peru. The Criollo horse is the feature breed of the Andes of Peru and each year there are more people who own them, use them for hard farm work, or enjoy their leisure time.
The Criollo horse is considered a hard resistance horse, famous for the marches of resistance that are held in Argentina and Uruguay. It is a horse for work in any field but can be used as a riding horse for leisure riding so it is a very versatile horse. A great companion to crossings, his character is friendly and always ready to listen to his rider. Sometimes, it is quite territorial because remember, this breed grows up in nature. He is pretty energetic and friendly with humans, especially with kids.
Levels
This tour is organized for all travelers and does not demand good physical condition because there are no hard activities to do. This package is dedicated to families.
Instructors
Alfredo Huari
Alfredo developed a special interest in exploring the mountains, learning as much as he could about the native plants, animals, and local customs. He loves learning about the plants that local people use to make medicines, shampoos, and dyes for textiles. His story begins a long time ago with a dream of visiting Machu Picchu from a different perspective riding Peruvian horses and hiking through Andean communities.
Location
The tour will take place in Peru.
Entrances for the riding to Machu Picchu
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Citadel
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain (in case there is no longer available when you are booking, Wari Adventures will include Machupicchu Mountain instead)
Food
During the Machu Picchu horse riding tour, you will have access to various food. Dishes rich in calories, vitamins, and proteins will provide the energy you need for the trek. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served daily, and you will also receive snacks and hot drinks like infusions in the afternoon, all included in the price.
Along with your breakfast, you will receive a cup of coca tea, which will help you adjust to the mountain's cold air. Wari Adventures will provide water every day during the entire trek in Peru. They can also accommodate special requests such as vegetarian meals, diabetic diets, and allergies. These requests must be made during the booking process. They want to emphasize that their professional chefs have elaborated their menu.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Organic
- Pescatarian
- Lactose Free
- Whole food
- Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
- Excursion to Huayna Picchu Mountain - 75 USD per person (please request when booking your trek)
What's included
- Horse riding lessons
- Briefing 1 day before the holiday
- 2 nights accommodation
- Daily meals
- Pick up from the hotel in Cusco by tourist bus
- Train tickets in Vistadome from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes with snacks and leaving from Aguas Calientes in the afternoon
- Bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
- Bus pick up from the train station in Ollantaytambo to the hotel
- A team during the program
- Entrances for the rides to Machu Picchu
- Campsite equipment
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Lunch and dinner on the last day
- Tipping for the guides, porters, and other staff
- Travel insurance
- Personal tent (30 USD, only for individual travelers)
- Vistadome train (50 USD per person)
- Hiram Bingham train (380 USD per person)
- Additional night in Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu Mountain (75 USD per person)
How to get there
Recommended Airports
CUZ
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
255 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 20 per person
Arrival by airplane
Please book your flight to arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). Transfer from and to this airport is available upon request at an additional cost of 20 USD. You will coordinate the pick-up times with the group leader and they will do this from your hotel, lodging, and Airbnb, for which you must provide the exact address and reference. The pick-up time is usually at 5:00 a.m.
The return from the city of Machu Picchu requires absolute punctuality for the transportation organization, for which they will provide all the return details. They buy the train tickets usually for 2:55 p.m., so you can arrive at 7:00 p.m. in the city of Cusco, considering the time delay due to traffic in the city of Cusco. The return includes transportation and transfers. They will be pending any change or delay in transportation and train services.
Airport: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport
Airport transfer available:
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (US$ 20 per person)
Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.
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