HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR - 4 DAYS

ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco- Sacred Valley - Ñaupa Iglesia - Perolniyoq
Ride into the Andean Highlands
You will be transferred from Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas in Wari Adventures' private transportation. After a 25-minute journey, you will explore the spiritual Inca Ñaupa Iglesia (ancient church). There, you will find an Inca cross of Andean called Chakana. After seeing the sacred place, you will continue to the village of Llama Pintayoq (in the Quechua language) or Llama painted. You will see pre-Inca paintings on the rock. Then, you will continue up the valley for 25 minutes until the starting point of your trek. Hence, you will meet the Wari team and start trekking on the horses.
You will start horseback riding to Machu Picchu from the small village. You will observe beautiful valleys, mountains, archaeological ruins, and the impressive Inca city of Perolniyoq, once we get to the falls, you’ll have the opportunity to cool off in the falling water or stay on the side and purifying into the water. Then, you will ascend for 30 minutes to the lunch spot before going to Rayan village (3,750 meters above sea level), the village where you will spend the night. You will also have the opportunity to participate in the daily life of the local people.

Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
Steps: 19,440 approx steps
Riding Hours: 5 – 6 hours
Lowest Altitude: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft
Highest Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
Elevation Gain: 900 m
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2: Perolniyoq –Sun gate - Inca Quarry.
Crossing the High Mountain Pass
After breakfast, you will continue horseback riding to Machu Picchu. You will ascend to the head of Chancachuco valley. Here, you will be able to see the Inca aqueduct carved out of the cliffs to take water from Chancachuco Valley to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which is miles away. Later on, you will reach your final step at Rainbow Pass (4,340 meters above sea level). From this pass, you will descend along the hidden valley and narrow trail.
In this part of the path, you will be hiking for 45 minutes. Finally, you will reach the Intiwatana, the sun gate. This temple is located at the highest point in the area. This area was important to the Incas for making astronomical observations and for planning the agricultural year. From there, you will have a breathtaking view of Nevado Veronica (5,682 meters). There, you will enjoy the sunset and the view of the Urubamba River. Hiking 30 more minutes from Inti Punku we’ll reach our next campsite called Inca Quarry.

Distance: 14 km / 13.6 miles
Steps: 22,680 approx steps
Riding Hours: 6 – 7 hours
Lowest Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
Highest Altitude: 4,300 m / 14,107 ft
Elevation Gain: 700 m
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging


Day 3: Inca Quarry - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu
From the Andes to the Cloud Forest
Today’s adventure gets us to Cachicata for about 45 minutes by the downhill section of the trail. Cachicata a main Incan rock quarry located 5 miles away from Ollantaytambo, was a place where the ancient Incan stone cutters carved and polished the rocks to build the Temple of the Sun in Ollantaytambo, at this place our Trek Leader will deliver a great history about this place. After the place exploration, we’ll continue riding down to the Sacred Valley of the Incas for 2 hours and 30 minutes where Ollantaytambo town is located. Today we’ll have our last lunch at a restaurant in Ollantaytambo town, as well as you will have a chance to explore the cobblestone streets of this town before taking the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. In the afternoon, we’ll take our train to Aguas Calientes Town (Machu Picchu Pueblo) upon our arrival we’ll make our check-in at the hotel.

Distance: 8 km / 4.9 miles
Steps: 12,960 approx steps
Riding Hours: 4 – 5 hours
Lowest Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,561 ft
Highest Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,139 ft
Elevation Loss: 1,700 m
Difficulty: Moderate

Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Sunrise at Machu Picchu
You will get up early in the morning in order to enjoy the sunrise at Machu Picchu. Then, you will eat breakfast and take the bus to the Inca ruins. There, you will have a guided tour that will take approximately two to three hours and then you can climb Huayna Picchu. After you finish your visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes. In the city, you can enjoy amenities like lunch, and later in the afternoon, you will take the train back to Cusco with the Perú Rail – Expedition. Upon arrival in Cusco, your transfer will be waiting to take you on a private van to your hotel. This is the end of the adventure.

Distance: 4 km / 2.4 miles
Steps: 6,480 approx steps
Hiking time: 3-5 hours total
Minimum altitude: 2040 m / 6692 ft
Maximum altitude: 2720 m / 8924 ft
Duration: Full day
Elevation gain: Approx. 680 m / 2230 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

• Briefing
• Transportation
• Pick up from the Hotel in Cusco by tourist bus to Paropiso.
• Train ticket on Expedition Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
• Bus transfer from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu and back.
• Train ticket on Expedition service from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Pick up from the train station in Ollantaytambo on the bus and transfer to the hotel.
• You will be accompanied by your guide on your return from Aguas Calientes.
• Accommodation
• Camping for 2 nights.
• One night of accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Camping Team - Horseback Riding Tour ir Machu Picchu
• Our camping team is the heart of your adventure. Each member plays a vital role in ensuring your Andean journey is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. We work with experienced local professionals who know the mountains intimately and are deeply committed to providing top-quality service.
• Professional Guide
• Your guide is a certified tourism professional, fluent in English, Spanish, and Quechua, with extensive experience leading horseback riding and trekking expeditions in the Andes.
• Specialized in Andean history, archaeology, flora and fauna, and living cultural traditions.
• Certified in first aid, mountain rescue, and high-altitude emergency response.
• Responsible for coordinating all logistics, ensuring safety, and managing group dynamics.
• Offers daily briefings, cultural insights, and detailed explanations about the landscapes and the significance of visiting Machu Picchu.
• We accompany you from the first day of the tour until your transfer back to your hotel.
• Your guide is not only a leader but also a storyteller and cultural ambassador, sharing the Andean worldview and local traditions throughout the entire journey.
• Professional Chef and Kitchen Team
• Our culinary team consists of a professional chef, a kitchen assistant, and trained service staff who prepare high-quality meals in remote mountain environments.
• Experience in high-altitude cooking.
• Specializing in combining traditional Andean ingredients with international cuisine.
• Committed to strict hygiene and food safety standards.
• We carefully prepare balanced meals rich in protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins to maintain your energy levels.
• Furthermore, we create dishes with impeccable presentation, making each meal a pleasant and unforgettable experience, even in the heart of the mountains.
• Muleteers and Horsemen
• Our muleteers and horsemen are local experts with extensive experience who have worked in the Andes for many years.
• They are responsible for the care, feeding, and well-being of the horses and mules.
• They ensure that all equipment is properly secured and transported safely between camps.
• They prepare and organize the camp before the arrival of guests.
• They monitor the condition of the trails and assist with any logistical needs along the route.
• Their in-depth knowledge of the mountain terrain and weather conditions is essential for the smooth running of the expedition.
• Transporting Equipment and Belongings
• To ensure your comfort during the trek:
• The mules carry all the camping equipment, cooking utensils, and shared supplies.
• Each passenger can carry up to 8 kg (17 lb) of personal belongings in a duffel bag provided by us, which the mules will carry.
• This system allows you to travel comfortably with just a lightweight backpack containing essentials such as water, sunscreen, a camera, and personal items.
• Entrance to Machu Picchu Citadel.
• Campsite equipment on the Horseback - Riding To Machu Picchu Tour
• Food on the Horseback - Riding To Machu picchu
• We ensure the food on the horseback-riding tour is very varied and full of vitamins and proteins to provide all of the energy needed for the trek.
• The food on the trek includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you will also get snacks and hot drinks like herbal teas in the afternoon. At breakfast, we’ll always offer you a cup of coca tea to help you adjust to the altitude and cold mountain air.
• We will provide water every day during the entire horseback-riding tour.
• We can also accommodate special requests such as vegetarian or vegan meals, and dishes suitable for diabetics and people with food allergies. These special requests must be made at the time of booking. We would like to emphasize that our professional chefs create the menu themselves and it’s always adjusted to include seasonal crops and fruits.

What's Not Included

• Lunch and Dinner on the last Day are not included.