RIDE WORLD WIDE. PERU The Sacred Valley of the Incas 2018

Transcription

1 RIDE WORLD WIDE PERU The Sacred Valley of the Incas 2018 Ride Information Sheet These rides explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru using pure-bred Peruvian Paso horses, as were used by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century and a remarkable breed known for its wonderful, velvet-smooth gait. The Sacred Valley is the famous route between Cusco, the oldest city in South America, once the capital of the great Inca Empire, and the fabled ruins of the lost city of Machu Picchu and rides venture up to altitudes of about 4,350 metres (14,300 feet) passing through remote mountain villages and the spectacular mountain landscape of the high Peruvian Andes. As you ride you will see local Quechua Indian children herding flocks of sheep and goats, campesinos ploughing their terraced fields in the traditional way and an array of impressive ruins that date back hundreds of years to the Inca Empire. The itinerary includes a visit to the magical, never forgotten Machu Picchu, every bit as magnificent as you imagine. Your guide on all rides is Eduard van Brunschot a Dutch-Peruvian who has lived in Peru for more than 15 years and has been training horses for over 25 years. He is a great believer in the use of gentle and empathic methods and gave up his life as a business man in Holland to indulge his love of Peru and passion for the Peruvian Paso. His European background, combined with his local knowledge, years of experience and relaxed good-humour, make him an excellent companion and guide. Eduard is also keenly aware of the responsibility of tourist organisations in areas such as the Sacred Valley, to exert a minimum impact on the environment whilst promoting local cultures and traditions. He has carefully developed his rides to ensure guests a wonderful insight into the culture and history of Peru, as well as a great sense of adventure, good food and comfortable accommodation. Dates The 10 night Sacred Valley Ride is run between April and mid October from the set dates listed at the end of this Information Sheet. Rides can also be arranged on request for private groups. Please contact us to check dates / availability.

2 [2] Horses The horses used are pure-bred Peruvian Pasos, owned, in many cases bred and all cherished by Eduard. The Paso horse originates from the Andalucians brought to South America by the Spanish in the 16th century and with blood-lines preserved and isolated for over 400 years, the breed is now one of the purest in the world. Pasos are gaited horses with a natural 4 beat lateral gait - a unique characteristic that was developed and has been preserved through selective breeding. This makes them probably the smoothest and most comfortable riding horse in the world (the isolation and preservation of the characteristic Paso gait has been referred to as the greatest triumph of managed genetic selection ever achieved ). Typical Peruvian Pasos are usually between about 14.2hh and 15.3hh, are deep-chested with strong hindquarters and a medium build, similar to a stocky Arab (Paso Fino horses, a different breed developed in and around the Caribbean, Central and other parts of South America, are smaller and much lighter in build). They are also renowned for their terrific brio meaning energy, spirit and desire to please! Eduard normally keeps about 15 Paso horses on his ranch in the Sacred Valley, all stallions or geldings (the breeding mares are usually kept at another farm). They are all in excellent condition, fit, happy and a responsive, athletic and extremely well-schooled ride - about as far removed from many people s preconceptions of thin, overloaded mountain horses as you can get! Riding The Sacred Valley Ride includes 6 days riding, with between about 3 ½ and 6 hours in the saddle a day and also an introduction to the horses and riding technique on the first day. Riding days are broken up with rests for lunch and there may also be places where the going is rough or difficult when you will be asked to get off and lead your horse. The horses are ridden in traditional and elaborate eruvian tack, its shape and style developed for comfort when riding long distances and over difficult terrain. Tack is all hand-made and the bridles, which have Pelham bits with a single rein, are made from a double layer of hand-woven rawhide. The saddles feel like a comfortable cross between a deep-seated dressage saddle and a Western saddle and have traditional Peruvian wooden box stirrups. Leather saddle-bags are provided for carrying picnic lunches and any small personal items you may want during the day. Rides are run for a minimum of 2 and usually a maximum of 6 riders plus guide(s). There is a strict weight limit of 85 kgs / 13 ½ stone on all rides (there are scales at the stables!) Your guide reserves the right to weigh riders on arrival. Anyone exceeding the weight limit may not be allowed to ride (no refund will be made). Pace The riding is mostly at high altitude, sometimes over rough terrain and is mostly at a walk or the unique Paso gait with a few chances to canter. Where the Paso gait is used, the horses cover the ground easily and very smoothly giving a wonderfully, energetic and comfortable ride. The speed of the Paso gait varies - paso Llano is faster than a normal walk (about 10 to 12 kms an hour) and there is a faster, accelerated gait called sobreandando ( very fast ). As a rough guide, Eduard aims to ride for about a third of the time at paso Llano, the most comfortable speed and one horses can maintain for hours, but this always depends on the weather, ground conditions, as well as ability, experience and adaptability of the group. If riders have never ridden a gaited horse before, this is not always possible. There are some opportunities for short canters but cantering is not really the forte of the Paso horse. There will be detailed demonstration of how to ride at the Paso gait at the beginning of the trip.

3 [3] Riding Experience Rides are aimed at riders of at least a good intermediate level who are comfortable, secure and well balanced at all paces. Although the riding is not fast, some of the horses are quite spirited and to ride at the Paso gait you need a good understanding of how to collect your horse and how to use your seat. To join the rides you should therefore be a reasonably experienced, sympathetic rider who is relaxed and well balanced in the saddle. You should also be used to riding up and down hills, over rugged, varied terrain and fit enough to cope with several hours a day in the saddle. It is also important to be fairly fit generally - much of the going is at a high altitude which is a strain initially for most people. Although the itinerary is carefully planned, starting slowly to help acclimatisation and with riding days broken up with a rest day, a good level of general fitness is important. Terrain The ranch in the Sacred Valley where the horses are based is at about 2,800 metres (8,860 feet), Cusco is at about 3,338 metres (10,900 feet) and you climb up to about 4,350 metres (14,300 feet). The going itself varies from ancient, partially paved or cobblestone roads (Inca roads also called Qhapaq Ñan ) through small mountains villages, dirt tracks and narrow, steep mountain paths that can be rocky and rough, to wide open grass covered altiplano and sandy plains close to the lake shores. Accommodation Accommodation is in carefully selected hotels which are good quality (equivalent to 3-4* and 4-5* standard) and chosen for comfort, local or colonial character or special setting. Most nights are spent at the Posada Del Inca in Yucay, a boutique hotel with around 60 rooms, in a building that was formally a monastery with lovely gardens. For the three nights in Cusco, the Hotel Costa Del Sol is normally used. There are around 70 rooms, some of which are in a 17th Century mansion with a lovely arched patio. Bedrooms are twin or double bedded and have private en-suite bathroom, usually with loo and shower (rather than bath). Single rooms can be arranged for a supplement. Meals A great effort is made with meals so you can sample the tasty regional cuisine. Breakfast is eaten at your hotel and is usually buffet style. Lunches are usually a picnic (sandwiches, perhaps chicken, salads and fruit or a sweet pudding). Dinners are at your hotel or in local restaurants where there is normally a choice of at least 3 menus, specially selected by Eduard. All meals are included except lunch in Machu Picchu and meals on free days in Cusco. Soft drinks are provided with picnics but bar bill / drinks at hotels are extra. Vegetarian and other special diets will be catered for as far as possible with prior notice - please let us know of any specific requirements on your booking form.

4 [4] Safety Eduard guides the rides personally, accompanied by a second guide / back up rider if the group is quite big. He carries a satellite telephone for emergencies and generally takes an extra horse as a spare in case one goes lame along the way. A 4WD vehicle is available for support if required with other 4WD vehicles available at the ranch if necessary. Weather Peru s climate varies widely, ranging from tropical in the foothills and rain forest, to arctic in the highest mountains of the Andes. In the Sierra area of Cusco and Machu Picchu, the temperature ranges seasonally from about 5 to 21 degrees C (40 to 70 ºF). Rainfall is usually scanty, but there are heavy rains in the jungle and mountains between December and mid March. Rides are generally not run during these months as the going in the Sacred Valley can be wet and slippery. In Cusco, which is in the south-eastern Sierra, annual rainfall averages about 81.5 cm (32 in). What to bring We will send you a clothing list with suggestions of what to bring when you book. Example Itinerary The following is an example of the Sacred Valley Ride itinerary although please note that it is only an example and your guide has discretion to alter the day-by-day arrangements should the weather, riding ability of the group or other local conditions require. Day 1 - Met in Cusco on arrival at the airport. You will be transferred to Hotel Costa del Sol near the centre of this beautiful historical city (check-in is usually 12 noon). It is important that you relax today and take things very slowly in order to acclimatize. Own arrangements for lunch & dinner. Night at the Hotel Costa del Sol (or similar).

5 [5] Day 2 - Breakfast and you will then be met from your hotel and driven about 1 ¼ hours to a hotel in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you will spend the next four nights. The charming hotel is perfectly located between Cusco and Machu Picchu and only 5 km from the stables. The Sacred Valley is lower than Cusco and the descent today helps with altitude acclimatisation. Arrive at the hotel and settle into your rooms before a short drive to the ranch where horses are based. Your host, Eduard van Brunschot Vega, will give an informal briefing about the ride ahead, the horses and the safety guidelines on the trail. A relaxing BBQ lunch then meet the horses, a demonstration of Peruvian riding, perhaps a short lesson and chance to familiarise yourself with the traditional Peruvian riding gear. An informal briefing about the Peruvian Paso horse, before returning to the hotel to freshen up and then meet for dinner at the ranch or a local restaurant. Night Hotel Posada del Inca in the Sacred Valley. (B,L,D) Day 3 - Breakfast at the hotel before a short drive to the stables. Saddle the horses and mount up, heading along old and forgotten paths that take you to the top of the cordillera Vilancota. The trail is little used and the first part is a steep climb up narrow mountain paths, surrounded by the rich flora of the area, such as the Molle or Pepper tree (the Incas once used the resin to embalm mummies), the Sauco with its delicious purple fruit, the Cantutas (the flower of the Inca ) and many more. Reaching the top of the mountain you stop to take in the stunning scenery and let the horses rest. After a drink and snack you mount up again and ride downhill along lush trails, through privately owned land arriving to meet the backup team in a secluded valley. Enjoy a delicious al fresco lunch - perhaps fresh local trout - before mounting up once more and heading back to the ranch, arriving at about Transfer back to the hotel for showers before dinner at a local restaurant or at the ranch. Night at the Hotel Posada del Inca or similar. (B,L,D) (Riding time: approx. 4 to 4.5 hours. Altitude: 2,800-3,550 m / 9,190-11,650 ft.) (B,L,D) Day 4 - Today you will visit the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu - first boarding the train at Urubamba for a 2 ½ hour journey which is spectacular! Since its discovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911, this Inca citadel has captivated minds and hearts of all who visit. Take lots of film as it s every bit as magnificent as you will have imagined. New regulations have recently been introduced to limit numbers of visitors on the site. There are now two entrance times, morning from to 12.00, and afternoon from to Eduard will plan to book the group onto the afternoon shift (depending on availability) which works best with the train schedule and to allow you to have a relaxed morning at the hotel. Tickets have to be booked well in advance, and once booked the name and time slot cannot be changed. In the late afternoon train back to Urubamba arriving about 7 or 8pm. Dinner at the ranch and then transfer to Hotel Posada del Inca or similar for the night (B,D)

6 [6] Day 5 - A leisurely breakfast before a short drive to the stables. Saddle the horses and set off riding, crossing the Urubamba River by a bridge across and passing Pichingote, an old Andean village. Continue along the river to Salinas, a series of salt pans that date back to Inca times and are still used by the locals to extract salt from mountain spring water. The salt pans consist of a series of platforms where the salty water is channelled through an impressive irrigation system, then left to evaporate in the sun. Climbing past the saltpans, away from the river, you ascend around 850 m / 2,800 ft to reach the altiplano of the Andes. The climb usually takes about two hours, at an easy pace because the change of altitude will not only affect the horses! Once at 3,550 meters (11,400 ft.) you will be surrounded by stunning scenery and the snow-capped mountains of Chicon, Veronica and Pitusuray. You continue riding to Maras, a typical Andean village with a beautiful 400 year old colonial church and here you will meet the back up team for a picnic lunch. After lunch you will visit the ruins of Cheqoq. Here the Incas constructed fascinating cold-storage depots (pre-hispanic refrigerators) to conserve the agricultural products of the region. Cooling of the products was achieved by using a system of wind tunnels to circulate the air and a network of water -channels to circulate the cold water from a nearby mountain spring. Continue riding to the lonely church of Tiobamba where the horses will remain for the night. Meet the vehicles and drive back to the hotel Posada del Inca then dinner at a local restaurant or at the ranch. Night at the Hotel Posada del Inca or similar. (Riding time: approx. 4 hours. Altitude: 2,800-3,550 m / 9,190-11,650 ft.) (B,L,D) Day 6 - Breakfast and then at about the vehicle will arrive to take you back to meet the horses. Ride on following primitive trails across the altiplano where the scenery of snow-capped mountains, wild flowers and beautiful mountain lakes, is spectacular. You will meet smiling Quechua Indian children with their herds of sheep or cattle and campesinos ploughing fields with oxen and wooden ploughs in the traditional way who may perhaps share a chicha (their traditional maize drink) with you. Just before Chinchero stop for a delicious picnic lunch - on a clear day the views are tremendous. After lunch mount up, riding first to Lago Piuray, then on in the direction of Cusco, passing small villages, stopping at one of these to leave the horses with the grooms. If time allows, a visit to the ruins of Chinchero (if there is no time to visit Chinchero today then this will be scheduled for the morning of Day 8). At Chinchero you have the chance to visit a textiles workshop and see a demonstration of ancient techniques of spinning, dying and weaving wool. The beautiful fabrics are still made in the same way as they would have been made in Inca times. Transfer to the historic city of Cusco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America and the former capital of the great Inca Empire. For the next two nights you will stay at the very comfortable Hotel Costa del Sol located near the Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco's archaeological centre. Own arrangements for dinner (your guide will recommend a restaurant). (Riding time: approx 4 to 5 hours. Altitude: 3,500-3,800 m / 11,650-12,470 ft.) (B,L)

7 [7] Day 7 - Today is free to relax, to wander the streets of Cusco, visiting the numerous churches, cathedrals and museums, shopping and generally absorbing the atmosphere. According to Inca legend, Cusco was founded around 1200 AD by Manco Capac and Mama Occlo. Manco Capac selected the site when the golden staff given to him by his father, the Sun, sank into the earth and disappeared. The Spanish initially tried to raise the Inca buildings to the ground, but soon realised that because of the quality of their construction, it was easier to re-use the Inca foundations for their own buildings. For this reason you can still see many of the original Inca walls throughout Cusco. It is now a vibrant city of some 300,000 inhabitants, the vast majority of whom are native Quechua Indians. Despite being a major tourist destination, both for its own treasures and as a jump-off point for the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Cusco has managed to hold onto its own distinct flavour. It is great place to be for a day. Overnight Hotel Costa del Sol in Cusco. Own arrangements for lunch & dinner. (B) Day 8 - After breakfast at the hotel, you will be at about 9.15 (you need to be ready with your luggage which will driven back to the Sacred Valley while you are riding). Transfer back to meet the horses and grooms where you left them and then set off along old Inca trail with spectacular views - this is one of the most beautiful days. The scenery is breathtaking, with impressive views of the many snow-capped mountains and the altiplano. Herds of llamas and alpacas are often seen grazing. Some sections of the route are without trails and your guide will have to find the best way to traverse the mountains, but the Paso horses cope well with steep and difficult terrain. Continue climbing until you reach the highest point of the ride, a pass at 4,350 m (14,275 ft.) with a lovely view of the small, shallow Lake Quellacocha. From Lake Qoricocha, the ride heads northeast in the direction of the Sacred Valley. Ride down from the altiplano into the valley of Umaspampa on a zig zag trail for about 2 hours. During the descent you have to lead your horse for about 15 minutes to cross some rocky ground. Close to the village of Umasbamba you leave the horses in the caring hands of the grooms and transfer by vehicle to the Hotel Posada del Inca where the night is spent. Dinner at a local restaurant or at the ranch. (Riding time: approx. 5 to 6 hours. Altitude: 3,300-4,350 m / 10,820-14,275 ft). (B,L,D)

8 [8] Day 9 - Breakfast, return to the horses setting off on another stunning ride. From the village of Umaspampa you ride to the villages of Cuper Alto and Cuper Bajo, arriving in the afternoon at an abounded church near the village of Chinchero where you stop for lunch. To reach this place we have to take a trail that used to be a beautiful paved side road from Inca times. Some parts of this road are still intact and have sub terrain water channels for irrigation and drainage with paved grades to get to higher levels. Much of the riding today is along trails that are part of the great Inca Empire s road system, the Qhapaq Ñan. The Inca road network was one the greatest engineering feats ever undertaken in the New World, rivaling the Roman road system in the Old World. The 30,000 km network linked Cusco, the Inca capital, to the empire s far-flung domains in Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina and Chile. The Qhapaq Ñan is part of the World Heritage List of Unesco. For more information about the Qhapaq Ñan: After lunch another beautiful takes you to the village of Huaynacolca, high on top of the mountains that surround the Sacred Valley of the Inca s. The horses will stay here for the night. Transfer by car to your hotel in the Sacred Valley where you can fresh up before dinner at a local restaurant or at the ranch. Overnight Hotel Posada del Inca in Yucay. Dinner and night. (Riding time: approx. 5 to 6 hours. Altitude: 3,800-3,550 m / 12,470-11,650 ft.) (B,L,D) Day 10 - Collected after breakfast for the last day of riding first stopping at the pottery shop of the renowned ceramicist and artist Pablo Seminario. Pablo is a local legend amongst Cusqueños, he invented a new form of ceramic artwork that integrates abstract modern styles with traditional Incan and pre-incan ceramic techniques and designs. Continue to Huaynacolca to meet the horses and set off riding along the old Inca road high above the Sacred Valley. You pass farmland and the small village of Santana before arriving back at the village of Maras. From Maras continue inland to arrive at a beautiful courtyard of an old house, that according locals is bewitched. Here Maria and the back up team will be waiting with drinks and a delicious lunch. After lunch mount up again and follow a trail with great views of the Urquillos Valley arriving once more at the village of Maras. From Maras you continue the descent into the Sacred Valley, passing the salt mines again, and arriving back at the ranch at around Celebrate your safe return with a traditional Pisco Sour before enjoying your last dinner at the ranch or at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Hotel Posada del Inca in Yucay. (Riding time: approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. Altitude: 3,550-2,800 m/11,650-9,190 ft.) (B,L,D)

9 [9] Day 11 - Early morning transfer to Cusco airport for your onward flight to Lima or onward journey. (Driving time is 1 ¼ hours to Cusco followed by an hour s flight - earliest possible departure time for your international flights from Lima is 17.00). (B) Dates 2018: Sacred Valley Ride (10 nights) 15th to 25th April* 8th to 18th June 19th to 29th August 10th to 20th May 15th to 25th July 6th to 16th September 27th May to 6th June 5th to 15th August 23rd September to 3rd October *10% discount applies 7th to 17th October Other dates on request for groups PRICES 2018: Please note that due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, ride rates are quoted in US dollars. The sterling price will be the equivalent sterling rate using the USD/sterling exchange rate in force when you book/pay. The Sacred Valley Ride - USD 4750 per person sharing (single supplement USD 790) INCLUDES all riding, guiding and equipment, 10 nights twin accommodation, meals (except dinner in Cusco on Days 1, 5 and 6, lunch in Cusco Days 1 & 6, and lunch at Machu Picchu on Day 4) entrance fees to Machu Picchu and other sites visited as part of the set itinerary and transfers from / to Cusco. The rate EXCLUDES international flights to Cusco and taxes, personal medical / travel insurance (which you must have), visa fees, your bar bill, lunch and dinner in Cusco & lunch in Machu Picchu, personal items such as telephone calls etc, optional activities and any tips you wish to leave.

10 [10] Single rooms - Please also note that if you book alone, you will need to pay the supplement for a single room. This will be charged on all single bookings but if you are booking alone and are prepared to share a twin room with another rider (of the same sex) please let us know and we will see if there is someone to share with you. If we find you a sharer we will refund the supplement - although we cannot guarantee to find a sharer as it depends on another guest on the ride wishing to share a room. Flights and Travel The meeting place for the Sacred Valley Ride is at Cusco airport on the morning of the first day. This night is spent in Cusco so arrival time is flexible (check in at the hotel is not usually before 12 noon). On the final day you are driven back to Cusco to arrive late morning. Your return international flights on this day should depart Lima after at the earliest to allow time for the domestic flight to arrive. There are several different options for flights from London to Lima usually via Europe (eg with Iberia via Madrid or KLM via Amsterdam) or Sao Paulo or another South American city. From Lima there are regular internal flights to Cusco. Prices generally start from around 750 per person economy return, but can be over 1000 in peak season (eg August). Please call if you would like further information on flights or a quote (our ATOL number for flight bookings is 6213). Extensions to your trip If you would like to spend extra days in Lima, Cusco or elsewhere in Peru before or after riding please let us know. We can organize one day / one night sightseeing extensions in Lima with accommodation and an English speaking guide, and longer visits to other areas such as the Peruvian jungle. Please call us if you would like suggestions. General visa and health information (NB this is a brief outline - further information will be sent to you if you make a confirmed booking) Visas If you hold a full British Passport and are visiting Peru for a holiday only and staying less than 60 days you do not need to arrange a visa in advance. Health The London Hospital for Tropical Diseases recommends Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A. Rabies and Hepatitis B may also be recommended in some cases. A Yellow Fever certificate may be required on entering Peru if you are coming from a tropical African / South American country. If you are travelling on in Peru, eg. to the jungle, after the ride you might need additional inoculations or to take Malaria tablets - you should in any case consult a health professional for further and more detailed advice. (DRAFT 03/03/2018)