Colca Canyon Explorer Ride on Peruvian Pasos Arequipa Peru The natural beauty of the region provides a panoramic view of volcanoes, blue sky, glaciers, and villages of the Andes, all of which have been proudly preserved by the Collaguas and Cabanas people. The Andes house the oldest churches in Peru. We hope you will appreciate the quality of life lived by the Incas in the heart of the Andes. The Peruvian “Paso” Horse is known in the equestrian world to be the most even tempered horse around the globe. It is a strong, noble, faithful, gentle and obedient horse. The program of Horseback Ride into the Colca Canyon and Valley offers the opportunity for every horse lover to have an unforgettable experience. You will feel closer to nature than you ever have been before. Highlights: - Spectacular views of the deepest canyon in the world - Stunning Andean landscape featuring volcanoes, everlasting snow and small villages - Genuine adventure combining the cultural wealth of Collaguas and Cabanas Nations with the colonial charm of some of the oldest churches in Peru - Riding to the geyser “Hatun Infiernillo” (14.500 feet) Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Ride with Gaited Horses Meeting: Arequipa Airport: Arequipa Transfer: Arequipa airport to hotel Riders: Min 2 riders Max 6 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up from Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP) in Arequipa on Day 1 according to your arrival flight.
Tour ends in Puno. Transfers from Puno to Juliaca airport or Arequipa airport can be arranged at extra cost.

The programs below can be changed due to unexpected events beyond our control.

Sample Itinerary: 10 day program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
We will pick you up from Arequipa Airport and lead you the hotel downtown. This is a free day.
Meals are not included on Day 1.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Arequipa.

Day 2 (Monday): Arequipa Visit
In the morning, you go on a guided visit by foot of Arequipa city center (including the beautiful Santa Catalina convent). You will then enjoy a lovely lunch in a typical restaurant (picanteria) before heading to the Sillar quarries. Finally, it is time to head back to your accommodation.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch 
Overnight stay at Hotel in Arequipa

Day 3 (Tuesday): Introductory Ride
Departure around 7:00 am in a tourist vehicle in the direction of Colca Valley. You will cross the “Salinas y Aguada Blanca” reserve where alpacas, llamas and vicuñas can be seen. After reaching the spectacular "Mirador de los Volcanes", at an altitude of 4910 meters (16000 ft) above sea level, we descend into the Colca valley which has an average elevation of about 3500 meters (11000 ft). You will arrive at your hotel in Yanque in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will meet our famous Peruvian Paso horses and their “Chalan” (groom and horse guide). Next, you will begin your first horseback ride around the village up to the Colonial Mill and to a Chapel devoted to the Virgin of Chapi.
Riding 2-3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 4 (Wednesday): Ride around Yanque
In the morning, we begin our ride to Coporaque village and its pre-Inca cemetery where the mummies of Collagua Lords were formerly safeguarded. You will have to dismount and climb a hill for 20min to reach the graves.
The ride continues to the ruins of Uyo-uyo, which was the former capital of the Collagua Natives, who once ruled the Valley. Along the way, you will also see the “Colcas”, a kind of hidden granary that gave the name to the river, and the "amphitheater" (farming terraces highly valued by the Incas to improve cultivation of quinoa, corn…). Afterwards, we go back to Yanque to savor a delicious lunch at the Hotel.
Around 4pm, enjoy a relaxing 30 min massage at the hotel Spa (included on this day).
In the evening, you can do some stargazing (subject to weather conditions) with our Dobson type Telescope with a diameter of 45cm (18 inches). This is one of the biggest Telescopes accessible to the public in Peru. It allows you to look at various deep sky objects (globular clusters, nebulae, galaxies…) only visible from the Southern Hemisphere. Before observing the night sky, we screen a short 12min film in our Planetarium.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 5 (Thursday): Ride to Maca
We leave at 8:00am for a ride along the left bank of the Colca River, passing through beautiful landscapes. Native people achieved a great feat in creating arable lands on the mountain. They did so by inventing terrace cultivation and irrigating those terraces with an ingenious system of water channels. We will cross the villages of Achoma and Maca. Our horses and their Chalan will stay in Maca while a vehicle will drive you and your English-speaking guide back to Yanque, where you will enjoy a late lunch at the hotel (around 3 pm). Then, we bring you to the Yanque Hot Springs for a relaxing swim.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 6 (Friday): Morning Ride to Madrigal & Chimpa Fortress Visit
Early breakfast (around 5:30 am) and transfer to Maca where we meet our riding companions. Today, we will cross the Colca river to reach Madrigal village. We leave the horses at the foot of the Chimpa fortress and start our ascension on foot. After about 1.5 hours, we reach the summit and explore the ruins of the old fortress. An incredible panorama awaits with amazing views over the two sides of the Colca Canyon. If we are lucky, we might even see the majestic condor.
Then, it is time to make our way down before being transferred back to Yanque. The horses will stay with the Chalan at the foot of the Chimpa fortress.
Riding 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 7 (Saturday): Colca Valley Ride
Around 8 am, we are transferred back to Madrigal to meet the horses. We continue our ride through the Colcal Valley, making our way towards Lari and IchuPampa.
After about 5 hours in the saddle, we reach Pinchollo, where our horses will overnight. The riders are transferred back to Yanque to relax at the hotel.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 8 (Sunday): Pinchollo's Geyser
Breakfast at 6:00am and departure for Pinchollo. Today, we ride to Pinchollo's Geyser. Climbing a hill and following a stream, we will reach an elevation of 4450 meters (14600 ft) and be amazed by incredible views: high snowy volcanos, waterfalls, and most importantly the "Hatun Infiernillo" Geyser, which is active all year round.
Then it is time to ride back to Pinchollo, where the horses will overnight once more. Guests are transferred back to their hotel in Yanque.
Riding 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Yanque

Day 9 (Monday): Transfer to Puno
Free morning to enjoy the swimming pool, and at 11:45am departure by group tourist bus to Puno (arrival in Puno at 6pm).
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Puno

Day 10 (Tuesday): Lake Titicaca & Departure
Breakfast is served at 7:00am and followed by a boat trip (with an English-speaking guide) across Lake Titicaca for a visit to the magnificent Taquile island. From there you will continue your journey across the lake towards the famous floating islands of the Uros, one of the first inhabitants of Peru. Finally, we will return to Puno around 4:00pm (hotel and meals not included). We suggest you take your return flight (not before 6pm) from Juliaca, which is 1 hour from Puno, in order to make the most of your last day. Return transfer to Arequipa is extra and depending on your departure time, you might not be able to visit Lake Titicaca.
Meals included: Breakfast



EXTENSION 1 - COLCA VALLEY
You can choose to do more riding in the Colca Valley before going to Lake Titicaca.

Day 9 (Monday): Callalli to Sibayo
Breakfast at 7:00 am and departure to Callalli, ancestral village where the castles of Callalli are located. You will see natural formation of volcanic rock and visit of the archaeological site of Mollepunko (first signs of domestication of Lamas and Alpacas represented in the rocks). You will then ride for about 4 hours before spending the night in a rural cottage in the village of Sibayo.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Cottage in Sibayo

Day 10 (Tuesday): Sibayo to Canocota
After breakfast, departure for the village of Canocota (5.5 hours). On the way, observation of the flora and fauna along the Colca River.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Cottage in Canocota

Day 11 (Wednesday): Canocota to Yanque
This morning, we ride to Chivay (3 hours). Along the Rio Colca, we encounter sone hot springs. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Yanque

Day 12 (Thursday): Ride to Lamparashi
Today, we visit the archaeological site of Lamparashi, crossing the village of Ichupampa. We enjoy a breathtaking view of the Colca Valley on our way back to Yanque (5 hours of horseback riding). 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Yanque

Day 13 (Friday): Transfer to Puno
It is time to say goodbye to the horses. You will take a group tour bus to Puno, where you will spend the night.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch 
Overnight at Hotel in Puno

Day 14 (Saturday): Lake Titicaca & Departure
Breakfast is served at 7:00am and followed by a boat trip (with an English-speaking guide) across Lake Titicaca for a visit to the magnificent Taquile island. From there you will continue your journey across the lake towards the famous floating islands of the Uros, one of the first inhabitants of Peru. Finally, we will return to Puno around 4:00pm (hotel and meals not included). We suggest you take your return flight (not before 6pm) from Juliaca, which is 1 hour from Puno, in order to make the most of your last day. Return transfer to Arequipa is extra and depending on your departure time, you might not be able to visit Lake Titicaca.
Meals included: Breakfast



EXTENSION 2 - CUSCO & MACHU PICCHU

Day 1: Hotel in Puno (coming back from Lake Titicaca Tour)
Day 2: Transfer Puno-Cusco and visits (grouped in tourist bus) with accommodation in Cusco
Day 3: City tour of Cusco (private tour) with accommodation in Cusco
Day 4: Visit of the Sacred Valley (private tour or small group) with accommodation in Aguas Calientes
Day 5: Free day, visit of Machu Picchu (on your own). Transport, guides and meals are not included. Only includes: round trip train journey, Machu Picchu entrance fee, and the last Hotel night in Cusco.
Day 6: End of services after breakfast with transfer to airport included



Non-Riders are welcome to join! Please inquire for more information.

                                                Arequipa area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	74	73	73	75	75	74	74	75	75	76	75	75
Average Low Temperature (°F)	53	53	53	51	49	48	47	48	49	50	50	52
Average High Temperature (°C)	23	23	23	24	24	24	23	24	24	24	24	24
Average Low Temperature (°C)	12	12	11	11	9	9	9	9	10	10	10	11
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	4	5	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Though sunny during the day, it can also get quite cold at night -- which is not unexpected, since Chivay is higher than Cusco!
The Colca Valley is lush and green after the heaviest rains from January to March, but most of the rest of the year it is arid and dusty.

Dry season (mid April to mid November)
Temperatures usually fall at night and reach 15-20°C during the daytime.

Rainy season (end of November to end of March)
The changes in temperature are less dramatic as the overcast sky impedes the penetration of the sun’s rays and the heating of the atmosphere during the day.

Tour operator supplies: riding helmet and saddlebags (for water bottle, fruit, and chocolate bars).

What to bring:
- sunglasses,
- sunscreen (UV 60 minimum),
- brimmed hat,
- hiking shoes,
- riding boots,
- headlamp,
- personal medication,
- waterproof raincoat (above all during rainy season from December to April),
- mosquito repellent,
- swimsuit,
- towel,
- lightweight sleeping bag (silk liner).

Mornings and nights are fresh (in rustic cabins) because of the altitude, while days are hot and sunny.

For nights spent in rustic cabins, you should only take the necessities for these days. Please bring a small bag (max 3kg) for your toilet kit and spare clothing- we will tie it behind your saddle. Your suitcases and bags will stay at Yanque Hotel, no luggage is carried.

Average ratings from 9 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date paul olson 11/19/2024 jon watt 9/22/2017 mary phillips 7/7/2017 nicole anke tenholtern 6/19/2016 amy demint 9/6/2015 callie meiners 12/19/2013 doug ferro 11/17/2013 phil bethke 9/10/2012 sabine balmer 8/5/2011

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
You will be staying in 3 star hotels except for the nights spent in Llahuar, Sangalle and San Juan de Chuccho, where you will be accommodated in fully catered hiking lodges.

10-day trip accommodation itinerary - subject to availability
Night 1 & 2: Hotel in Arequipa
Night 3-8: Hotel in Yanque
Night 9: Hotel in Puno

14-day trip accommodation itinerary - subject to availability
Night 1 & 2: Hotel in Arequipa
Night 3-8: Hotel in Yanque
Night 9: Lodge in Llahuar
Night 10: Lodge in San Juan de Chuccho
Night 11: Lodge in Sangalle
Night 12: Hotel in Yanque
Night 13: Hotel in Puno



Hotel in Arequipa 
This Hotel offers 30 guestrooms appointed with heating, plasma TV, an individual safe and a private balcony. Each room features bathrooms with a shower, a bathtub and bathrobes. Wi-Fi is available at this property.

Hotel in Yanque
Featuring a new indoor pool, a garden and an on-site bar, this rural hotel is surrounded by wild nature: all the rooms boast views of the mountains. Each room has its own private bathroom, hot water and heating facilities. Sauna facilities and massage sessions are available for an extra fee. Guests can unwind reading a book from the library. Bikes can be rented to explore the surroundings. The property owns a Dobson 45 cm Telescope for star watching, and guests are offered access to the Planetarium and Astronomy Observation Centre for an extra fee.

Hotel in Puno 
The hotel is located just a few steps from the Plaza de Armas, one block from the pedestrian Calle Lima where shops, banks and restaurants are located. It features comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi access. All rooms are decorated with wooden furniture and feature private facilities as well as air conditioning, cable TV, and coffee making facilities.

Hotel in Cusco
Set in a charming house with a garden and a terrace overlooking the city, this hotel offers heated rooms with cable TV, and breakfast. Free WiFi access is available in common areas. All rooms have private bathrooms with hairdryers, and telephones.

Room Occupancy
There are no single supplements for solo travelers during the 10-day program.
If you choose the 14-day program and the extension in Cusco, a single supplement fee might apply (inquire at time of booking).



Meals
The 10-day package includes all meals from Day 3 to Day 8. On the first day, no meals are included and on the second day, only breakfast and lunch are included. On Day 9, breakfast and lunch are included and on the last day only breakfast is included.

The 14-day package includes all meals from Day 3 to Day 12. On the first day, no meals are included and on the second day, only breakfast and lunch are included. On Day 13, breakfast and lunch are included and on the last day only breakfast is included.

During the extension to Cusco, only breakfasts are included.

Lunches during the rides will be boxed.

Water is included during the horse ride except at restaurants (drinks not included).

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		traditional Peruvian
Horses:		Peruvian Pasos
Pace:		Paso Llama - Peruvian Walk. 5 to 6 hrs per riding day. | Walk |
Level:		(3.5 to 5 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Age:		Min 10	Max 77
Weight:		Max 200 lbs / 90 kg
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 6 riders

Horses
Our horses are purebred and crossbred « Paso Peruano » horses, cold and surefooted mounts aged from 6 to 16 years old. This Peruvian breed was introduced by Spanish conquerors at the beginning of the 16th century during colonial period, and is nowadays protected as part of the cultural Heritage of the Nation. With its four beat lateral gait, called “Paso Llano”, the Peruvian Paso gives its horseman the smoothest ride in the world on any kind of ground.

Tack
All our saddles are traditional wood frames called « Montura de Cajón » covered with stitched leather called « pellonera ». The rings for the stirrups and cinch are covered with rawhide flaps. The back of the horse is protected by a woolen blanket and another leather blanket above ("carona"). Stirrups are made of wood or leather, wooden ones in pyramid shapes and often decorated with nickel, both with a closed front. Every saddle bears saddlebags to transport bottles of water, and your compact camera. All our horses are horseshoed because of rocky ground.

Staff
An Equestrian English-speaking guide, and a Peruvian Spanish-speaking Chalan (stable boy and horse trainer) will lead you during the entire Horse ride, with a support vehicle between Yanque, Madrigal and Pinchollo.

Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, travelling as tourists for stays of up to 90 days, except:

1. nationals of Latvia and Romania who do require a visa.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

2. A business visa is required for all nationals if the purpose of the visit is business. Any business-related unpaid work can be made on a tourist visa. Upon arrival in Peru, the business visa holder must register at the Dirección General de Contribuciones for taxation purposes. Business visa holders can remain in Peru for 90 days. If wishing to extend the visit, an application must be lodged with the Dirección General de Migraciones.

Nationals applying for a tourist visa require a bank statement showing a minimum balance of £1,000 and a mini statement taken from a cash machine on the date of application. Nationals applying for a business visa require a bank statement showing a minimum balance of £1,200 and a mini statement taken from a cash machine on the date of application.

All nationals are advised to check with the Peruvian Consulate prior to departure to obtain current details of any documentation which might be required. Postal visa applications are not accepted unless submitted through a travel agency.

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist and Business: £19.20. Costs are subject to change according to exchange rates.

Validity

Up to 90 days.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses for details.

Working Days Required

At least 24 hours; longer if authorisation from the immigration office in Lima is required.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No/2
Australian	No/2
Canadian	No/2
USA	No/2
Other EU	No/1/2
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.