Price
$90 - $83
Duration
2 hours
Description
In this off-the-beaten-path adventure on horseback, you will take in a treasure of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the magnificent Salineras salt mines.
The ride starts at Salineras Ranch, located between the Vilcanota River and the Salineras mountain. Upon arrival, your guide will brief you on safety and horseback riding instructions to then be introduced to your horse.
We set off by going up an ancient, steep path for 30 minutes with a stunning view of over 4000 salt ponds: the legendary Salineras salt mines. We’ll make our first stop at this point, so you can have an even more privileged view of the impressive ponds - all of which will be enhanced by our guide’s expert explanation of salt harvesting.
Then, we continue the ascent to finally reach the splendour of the Maras platform. From there you will have an astonishing view of the mountains and gorges surrounding our region. You will ride through high-altitude cornfields enclosed by multicoloured mountains.
From the cornfields and still on horse, we commence the descent back to the Ranch where you will also have a privileged view of the Vilcanota River. We arrive at a very special stone connected with spirituality - you’re welcome to approach it and feel the connection with your own beliefs. For the safety of the riders and that of the horses, we continue the descent hiking down a steep path for about 20 minutes. Our horses, extremely familiar with the route, will go unleashed leading the way. Along the trail, you will get to see our vast private pasture, which is just a piece of the breathtaking scenery. It’s desirable that you are in good physical condition and geared with good hiking shoes for this last part of the adventure. Back at the ranch, we'll have snacks and beverages waiting for you.
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.
Time spent riding: approximately 1.5 hours
Time covering Salineras salt mines: approximately 30 minutes
Downhill hiking time: approximately 20 minutes
Price per person: US $90, for groups of 4 or more US $83 per person
Options
For a better experience, we recommend adding lunch or dinner.
- 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
This ride can start anytime during the day. We recommend starting the ride in the morning (10am) or after lunch (2pm).
Altitude
Salineras Ranch (starting point): 2,720 m.a.s.l. / 8,924 feet
Salineras salt mines: 2,970 m.a.s.l. / 9,745 feet
Maras Platform: 3,127 m.a.s.l. / 10,260 feet
Distance
6,64 km (1 km walking) - 4.13 miles (0.6 walking)
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 the entrance ticket to the salt mines
Refreshments (nuts/dried corn and local seasonal fruit juice)
Safety helmet
Not included
Transport (The Ranch is located close to the city of Urubamba in the Sacred Valley. This is approximately 1 hour drive from Cusco or Pisac, and 15-30 minutes from Sacred Valley hotels. We offer a private transportation service to and from our Ranch and recommend this option for the most comfortable and efficient journey. See more about transportation and prices.
Gratuities for guides
What to bring
Good walking shoes
Sunblock and Sunglasses
Long-sleeved shirt, preferably in light color (for sun protection)
Wide-brimmed hat or sun shield ball cap
Rain jacket and a mid-layer fleece
Long comfortable pants or jeans
Weight-limit
80 kg / 175 pounds - Good physical shape is required.
