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Ride World Wide, Staddon Farm, North Tawton, Devon, EX20 2BX. |
| South America | Peru | ||
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General Description
The legendary ruins of Machu Picchu, fabled lost city of the Incas, and pure-bred Peruvian Paso horses, the mount of the Conquistador. A magical combination. Starting from a farm in the heart of the Sacred Valley at about 8,500 feet, the rides follow a route across the Urubamba River, up through mountain pasture where smiling Quecha Indian children herd sheep and cattle, to highland terraces and small, mountain villages, where the horses' hooves echo on ancient cobblestone roads. Nights are in comfortable lakeside camps with breathtaking views of the snow-covered volcanic peaks or in charming hotels close to some of the world's most remarkable ruins.
The Sacred Valley Ride is run between April and November and includes a day to visit both Machu Picchu and Cusco, capital of the ancient Inca empire. For those with less time a short 3 night Ollantay Ride starting and ending in Cusco is another option and 9 night Pacific Rides from Arequipa to the Pacific coast are also possible for groups.
Summary
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Riding: 4-7 hours a day. | ||
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Horses: Pure bred Peruvian Paso Horses. | ||
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Pace: slow to moderate with unique Paso gait. | ||
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Riding ability: intermediate riders and above. | ||
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Weight limit: 90 kg (14st 2lbs). | ||
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Accommodation: 3* & 4* hotels, local inns and camps. | ||
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Group size: max 8. |
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2008 Dates: |
Sacred Valley Ride: Pacific Coast Ride: on request for groups between November & March Ollantay Ride on request for 2 or more between April and October. |
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Season: |
April to November (Pacific Ride possible November to March) |
Horses and Riding
The horses are pure bred Peruvian Paso horses, a unique breed, laterally gaited from birth, which makes them an extremely comfortable ride. They are forward going, sure-footed and responsive to ride. They are trained to neck rein and are generally used to a lighter contact with the mouth than most English horses. Average height is around 15.2hh and they are a medium build, similar to the Andalucian horse. They are ridden in hand made Peruvian tack which is a result of over 400 years of tradition and is shaped by the need for comfort over long distances and difficult terrain. Groups are normally limited to a maximum of 8 guests.
Hours: There is usually 4 to 7 hours riding a day, with some with breaks for rests, lunch and sightseeing.
Pace and experience required: To take part in these rides you need to be a reasonably experienced rider. You should be comfortable, secure and in control on a well schooled horse at the walk, trot and canter and used to riding in open country and over varied terrain. You should have a reasonably good level of general and riding fitness.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in 3*, 4* and 5* hotels when in Quito, Cusco and Yucay. Other nights are in 3* camps which are set up en-route (except in June and July when there is no camping). Hotel rooms have private bathrooms.
Rates & Travel
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Rates 2008: |
(assuming a minimum of 6 guests) |
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Sacred Valley Ride (11 nights) - £2385 per person | |
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Rates include - all riding, guiding and equipment, 11 nights twin accommodation, meals, some drinks and collection from and return to Lima airport as a group on day 1 / day 12. | |
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Rates exclude - international flights to Lima, dinner on day 1 and 11, airport transfers at other times, personal medical insurance (compulsory), drinks at hotels, any visa fees and personal items such as tips, laundry etc. |
Travel
The meeting point for the Sacred Valley Ride is Lima (Peru's capital). There are
flights to Lima from London with Iberia via Madrid, or via Caracas with Avianca, and also with several US airlines via the States - usually day flights,
arriving Lima in the evening. For flights from London budget around £550 to £650 economy return (fares vary with the airline and season). Meeting
point for the Monasterio Ride is Cusco.
Itinerary in Brief - (Sacred Valley Ride)
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Day 1 |
Arrive Lima. Met and driven to a 3* hotel in the Miraflores area of Lima. Overnight in the hotel. |
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Day 2 |
You will be collected and driven to the airport for a short flight to Cusco arriving mid-morning. A drive of about an hour to a charming hotel in Yucay, a small town in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. A ten minute transfer to the ranch where the horses are based, then lunch with your host and a demonstration of classic Peruvian riding. Dinner and night at the hotel in Yucay. |
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Day 3 |
Breakfast and a relaxing morning to help you acclimatise. In the afternoon visit the ruins and village of Ollantaytambo. Dinner and night in the hotel in Yucay. |
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Day 4 |
Breakfast then set off riding, crossing the Urubamba river and climbing away from the river valley to the terraces of Moray and on to Lake Huaypo where horses spend the night. Drive back to the hotel in Yucay for dinner and the night. |
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Day 5 |
Ride on across the altiplano (high plains) with magnificent views of snow capped mountains and lakes surrounded by wild flowers, passing smiling Quechua children driving their sheep and cattle. Ride on to the town of Chinchero, with its massive Inca wall and to Lake Piuray. Overnight in a hotel close by. |
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Day 6 |
Breakfast and set off towards Cusco, passing small farms and shepherd huts. Dinner and night at a hotel in Cusco, a lively city with a legendary nightlife. |
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Day 7 |
The day free to explore Cusco to raft the Urubamba river or relax at your hotel. Night at a comfortable hotel in central Cusco. Own arrangements for lunch and dinner. |
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Day 8 |
Breakfast and meet the horses again just outside Cusco. Ride north today, following the old Inca highway to Calca, passing herds of llamas and alpacas along the way. Camp close to Lake Qoricocha at about 14,000 feet. |
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Day 9 |
From Lake Qoricocha head northeast back towards the Sacred Valley. Passing several villages and the ruins of Tejhuasi, ride on to the new camp, set up on the shores of Lake Huaypo. |
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Day 10 |
Breakfast and the final day’s ride, descending to the Sacred Valley and arriving at the stables in the afternoon. A celebratory pisco sour before dinner and the night at the hotel in Yucay. |
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Day 11 |
Take the early morning train from Urubamba to Machu Picchu. A full day to see the incredible ruins, discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Return train to Urubamba in the late afternoon and transfer to the ranch for a farewell dinner. Night in Yucay. |
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Day 12 |
Transfer to Cusco airport for a flight to Lima. Onward journey from Lima. |
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Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions |
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