Andean Villages Ride

Introduction
Cusco Peru
This short riding tour lets you explore beautiful villages and lesser known Inca sites around the Sacred Valley. You will also ride to the stunning Huaypo lagoon and the surprising church of Ttiobamba.

During the ride, you will sleep in charming local communities, learning more about the local way of life. 

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride where nights are spent in different locations.

Description
You will be accommodated in small hotels and lodges. Please, note that facilities are usually shared.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Guesthouse in Misminay
Night 2: Lodge in Huaypo lagoon
Night 3: Hotel in Chinchero



Guesthouse in Misminay
You will be accommodated in a simple but comfortable private rooms.

Lodge in Huaypo lagoon
These charming domes have great views over the lagoon. Usually, each dome has one bedroom and one bathroom.

Hotel in Chinchero
You spend the night in a small hotel with comfortable bedrooms and hot showers.

Casa Andina Hotel in Cusco (optional extra night)
This charming hotel is ideally located in the heart of Cusco. It offers 93 comfortable and elegantly decorated rooms, each equipped with a safety box, heating, coffee kit, TV, free Wi-Fi access and a private bathroom with hairdryer. Check-in starts at noon.

Casa Andina Hotel in Urubamba (optional extra night)
This beautiful hotel located in the Sacred Valley provides rooms that feature cable TV, heating, ensuite bathroom and free Wi-Fi access. The hotel has a small garden where guest can relax in the evening.

Room Occupancy
In case we are unable to find you a roommate, a single supplement fee might apply. Please, note that accommodation for single travelers are not guaranteed at all locations.



Meals
All meals are included in your package from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on the last day.

All your meals are prepared by our cook who follows along the tour with our support vehicle (transporting suitcases).
The food served features Peruvian and international cuisine.

The meals are served buffet style so everyone can choose what they want to eat.

Plenty of drinking water will be provided during the rides.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with advanced notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding



For the protection of all participants, the ride leader reserves the right to prevent anyone from riding who displays insufficient ability, or whose behavior endangers the safety of other riders, themselves, or the horses. No refund will be made to a participant who is rejected for any such reason, or who is unwilling or unable to complete a tour.

Horses
We have 20 Peruvian Paso horses which are known for their smooth gait and elegance. We have horses with different temperaments that can cater to all levels of rider.
The Peruvian Paso Horse transmits its unique smooth gait to its purebred foals. No artificial devices or special training aids are necessary to enable the horse to perform the “Paso llano”, that provides a ride of incomparable smoothness.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Ride to Misminay
This ride begins at a height of 2,828 meters above sea level in the town of Paucarbamba, where our hacienda is located. Upon your arrival at our facilities (around 9 am), you will receive instruction and recommendations before the tour.
We should start riding at about 10 am. We will cross a wooden suspension bridge and continue along the valley floor on the right bank of the Vilcanota River. The eucalyptus trees that grow on the banks of the river will be our witnesses until we reach one of the largest Inka cemeteries of its time, located on the cliffs of the town of Yanahuara.
Shortly after crossing the town of Yanahuara, we will arrive at the suspension bridge of Tarabamba, where we register to enter the Salinas de Maras. The path to the Salinas is rocky, narrow and steep, which is why we go slowly until we reach the salt complex. There, we will dismount and take a walking tour of the complex.
Then, it is time to get back in the saddle and ride uphill to the beautiful Andean town of Maras, where we will enjoy our first lunch with a view of the Chicón and San Juán snow-capped mountains.
After lunch, we ride along a picturesque bridle path that will lead us to the town of “Misminay”, where our hosts will receive us in the ancestral style.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Misminay

Day 2: Misminay to Huaypo lagoon
After breakfast at about 9 am, we ride downhill to the Moray view point. This place played a very important role in its time. We will stop for lunch in an open field around noon.
The afternoon ride will take us to the Huaypo lagoon, where we will settle in some very comfortable domes with a view of the lagoon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Lodge in Huaypo lagoon

Day 3: Huaypo lagoon to Chinchero
Today, we will ride to Chinchero. We should arrive there in time for lunch (around 1 pm).
In the afternoon, we will visit the historic center and learn more about ancient textile techniques .
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Chinchero

Day 4: Last Ride
After breakfast, we will ride towards the community of Machu Qolqa, from where the towns of Urquillos, Huayllabamba, Yucay and Urubamba can be seen. Then, the Catholic temple of Ttiobamba built in the 16th century and the stone doorways of Maras await us.
We will enjoy a last lunch in Maras before riding back to the valley floor until finally arriving at the Hacienda. We expect to arrive back at the hacienda for 5:30pm.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Note: If you wish to extend your stay in Peru, we suggest to sign up for the Machu Picchu Mountain Lodges Ride.

Rates and Dates for Andean Villages Ride

Dates Note: It is possible to arrange tours for private groups on request (private group fee applies)

Other Info
Meeting: Urubamba
Airport: Cusco
Transfer: Cusco or Sacred Valley

Climate:
                                                Cusco area