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Last Update: 06 Aug 2010

Riding Holidays | Peru

Think of Peru and images of the high Andean mountains, Inca trails, Machu Picchu, Alpacas and ponchos immediately spring to mind. It is an incredibly diverse country with a long history, a distinct cuisine and complex geographical landscape. From the coastal desert in the south, to the wilds of the Amazon rainforest in the east; the mountains of the Sacred Valley, to the metropolis that is Lima, Peru is a truly captivating and beautiful destination.

Horses were originally brought to Peru by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th Century. Iberian and Central American stock were mixed with Barb horse bloodlines. These horses were bred primarily for comfort transversing long distances, producing the incredible Peruvian Paso breed we known today. On holiday here you can ride a Peruvian Paso (Paso Peruano) horse, enjoying its calm but spirited nature. These horses are incredibly well-schooled, fit, fearless, tough and have tremendous stamina. You may never want to ride an ‘ordinary’ horse again!

The wonders of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail are well known, but Peru has even more to offer than simply this lost citadel in the Andes. If you have time take a boat out on to the sparkling waters of Lake Titicaca, wander along the streets of the White City of Arequipa, trek through the Amazon in search of sloth and tapir, experience the colonial architecture and grand museums of Lima and explore the valleys, glaciers and tiny villages of the Central Highlands.

A riding holiday in Peru allows you to see this amazing country from a different perspective; on horseback you are welcomed with a smile and a wave! Discover narrow mountain passes with spectacular views all around you, journey through small villages at the fabulous Paso Ilano gait, explore the magic of Cusco and Machu Picchu, camp high up in the Andes in a beautiful, remote spot, stay at impressive hotels in Cusco and comfortable guesthouses in Urubamba, see the vibrant colours and experience the rich history of this wonderful land.