Price
$210
Duration
5 hours
Description
A magical ride along a cascading stream, on a rocky mountain trail in the lush high Andean forest. Our destination is Incan ruins that you’ll have all to yourself.
We pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco/the Sacred Valley to bring you to the foot of the Pumahuanca mountain (elevation of c.10,500 feet), one of the most attractive ravines in the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, your guide will brief you on safety and horseback riding instructions, and then introduce you to your horse.
We’ll ride uphill for about an hour and a half through the Pumahuanca Valley, previously considered the private garden of the Inca kings because of its astounding natural beauty. No wonder one of the last Inca kings built a private residence for his daughter here! The abundant vegetation here provides an excellent ecosystem for birds and native vegetation, which we will enjoy and learn about first-hand. We have lots of fun facts about llamas, which we may also encounter on this route. Once we get to the ruins, we’ll take a break, stretch out, walk to the stream, and enjoy the magnificent views while hydrating and snacking on a special cereal bar. We’ll then return along the same trail, riding for another hour and a half. where our private vehicle will be ready to take you back to your hotel in the Sacred Valley or Cusco.
Our guides: bilingual, highly experienced, local riders who are extremely knowledgeable about the area. Our support team will carry your gear; and assist you at every turn, from door-to-door.
Our horses: well-trained and cared for specimens of the Peruvian Paso breed or Creole Horses.
Pick-up time: varies depending on the location of your accommodation. Should you be staying in Cusco, our driver will pick you up at 7:00 am. Should you be in the Sacred Valley, pickup will be at 8:00 am.
Time spent in transit: (all times are approximations, depending on road and traffic conditions)
Cusco – Trailhead/Pumahuanca: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Urubamba - Trailhead/Pumahuanca: 15 minutes
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Pumahuanca - Salineras Ranch: 20 minutes*
Salineras Ranch - Cusco: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Salineras Ranch - Urubamba 15 minutes
Total duration of tour: Approximately 6 hours including lunch* (does not include time in transit to/from your hotel)
*We highly recommend including lunch after the ride.
Options
For a better experience, we recommend adding lunch or dinner (transport to the ranch included).
- Daily Menu: lunch OR dinner – add $25 per person (special promotion)
- 4-Course Meal: lunch OR dinner – add $60 per person (special promotion)
Sweet Break: Chocolate or banana cake served with ice cream, Peruvian fruit, and coffee or tea – add $13 per person (special promotion).
Sandwich: Cheese, avocado, or chicken sandwich on sourdough bread, with side salad from our organic garden – add $15 per person (special promotion).
This ride can also be combined with any of the workshops we offer at the Ranch for a full-day experience: Chocolate Workshop, Coffee Workshop, Chicha Workshop and/or Adobe Workshop.
Start time
To avoid the mule caravans servicing the Lares Trek, we start this ride early - 8:30 am. If you are coming from Cusco, pick up is at 7:00am. If you are staying in the Sacred Valley pick-up will be at 8:00am.
Altitude
Pumahuanca: 3,200 m.a.s.l. / 10,499 feet.
Inca Racaqniyoc Ruins: 3,750 m.a.s.l. / 12,304 feet.
Distance
9 kilometers - 5.6 miles
Level
All levels will enjoy the ride. Our guide will adapt the rhythm for you.
Type of horse
Peruvian Paso / Creole Horse
Included
A bilingual guide and guide’s assistant(s)
Snack: bottle of water and a special cereal bar
Safety helmet
Round-trip private transportation from the place you specify to any place within Cusco or the Sacred Valley
Not included
Gratuities for guides
What to bring
Sunblock and Sunglasses
Long-sleeved shirt, preferably in light color (for sun protection)
Wide-brimmed hat or sun shield ball cap
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
Rain jacket and a mid-layer fleece
Long comfortable pants or jeans
Insect Repellent
Weight-limit
70 Kg/154 lb
