Experience special moments on horseback, visiting a treasure of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, along  with the locals. This is an off-the beaten path and away-from-the-crowds adventure. Our bilingual guides are locals knowledgeable about the area and dedicated only to your group, and our horses are exceptional: well trained and well-cared-for specimens of the Peruvian Paso horses. 

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The ride starts at the Salineras Ranch, located just outside the town of Urubamba, in the Sacred Valley. Here you will receive horseback riding and safety instructions and have the opportunity to get to know your horse. 

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We will start the ride by going up an ancient steep path for 40 minutes to the Salineras salt mines. Along the route where you will have a spectacular view of the thousands of beautiful salt ponds, and will encounter the local owners of the pools going to or from work, which you wouldn’t get to see with the bus tours. 

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Once at Salineras, we will enter the site on foot, and observe the fascinating and ancient process of pink salt collection and harvesting up close. We will observe how the members of the community extract the salt using ancient techniques that that date back to pre-Inca times. You’ll have a chance to try and, if you wish, buy the salt produced at the site. 

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After the visit, we will return along the same trail to our ranch. Back at the ranch, we’ll have exotic local fruits and refreshing beverages waiting for you.

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Start time:

This ride can start anytime during the day. We recommend starting the ride in the morning (10am) or after lunch (2pm).

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Level: Intermediate riders and beginners comfortable riding uphill

Riding Distance: 4 kilometers in total (round trip: Ranch - Salineras - Ranch)

Time spent riding: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Time on guided tour of the site (on foot): 45 - 60 minutes
Total duration of ride/tour: Approximately 2 hours

Altitude:

Salineras Ranch (starting point): 2,800 m.a.s.l. / 9,186 feet. 

Salineras salt mines: 3,221 m.a.s.l. / 10,567 feet

Group size: minimum of 2 

Weight limit: 82 kgs / 180 pounds

Type of horse: Peruvian Paso or Creole Horse

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Price per person: US $94, for groups of 3 or more US $90 per person

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Included: 

• Entrance ticket to the Salineras Maras

• Snack (seasonal fruits and drinks)

• A bilingual guide and guide’s assistant(s)

• Safety helmet

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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

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Optional upgrades, and our recommendations:

• After the ride we recommend having lunch or dinner in our beautiful Ranch dining room.

  • Prix-Fixe 4-course Lunch OR Dinner - add $80 per person

  • Light Lunch: Cheese, avocado, or chicken sandwich on sourdough bread, with side salad from our organic garden - add $40 per person

  • Sweet Break: Chocolate or banana cake served with ice cream, Peruvian fruits, and coffee or tea - add $10 per person.

• Each ride and workshop can be conducted as private (only for your group) for an additional fee.

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We recommend you 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

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