Trails Through the Sacred Valley

The next leg of your journey provides some much-needed relaxation before your arduous five-day horse ride and challenging hike through Machu Picchu. 

Transfer to the beautiful Urubamba Valley for two days basking in the tranquil amenities at your luxury hotel and spa situated in the shadow of the Andes. While here, explore the many colorful native markets in Urubamba and attending a special Peruvian Paso Horse Show, a magnificent spectacle and a great introduction to your horse-led adventure through Peru.

Then continue on to Cusco and your luxurious accommodations in a restored 16th century Carmelite convent. Explore Cusco and its surrounding landmarks, both with a guide and on your own, before embarking on your luxury Sacred Valley horseback riding adventure.

Finally, meet your horse at Coronilla Ranch, a short drive from Cusco through Inca ruins and mountain villages. After a short period of familiarization with the team and the horses, begin your five-day horse ride through the Sacred Valley. Along the way, stop at various vantage points, enjoy warm lunches, and stay at the multiple havens. Indeed, this exciting adventure of surprising comfort that takes you along the ancient Salkantay Trail, the road less traveled to the lost city of the Incas. The route winds through the Cordillera Vilcabamba, a spectacular Andean mountain range, before plunging into forested canyons.

Spend evenings at enchanting mountain lodges, soaking in the Jacuzzis, enjoying aperitifs around the fireplace, and tasting light, traditionally Peruvian dinners full of ingredients that provide energy and satisfaction after your demanding daily rides. Highlights of your adventure include swimming in the glacier-fed Humantay Lake and hiking to the “Chakana” to witness an offering to Mother Earth by a local Shaman. Additionally, ride through Salkantay Pass with panoramic views of the Vilcabamba Range, and descend into the cloud forest of the Salkantay River. Finally, pass through orchards and coffee plantations along the Santa Teresa River Valley.

Horseback Riding Details

• Seasonality: Available April through October
• Amount of riding: 5 days / 4 to 6 hours per day
• Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
• Type of tack: Choice of American and English Endurance saddles
• Riding accommodation: Mountain lodges
• Non-riding accommodation: Luxury boutique hotels and spa lodges
• Age minimum: 12
• Weight maximum: 196 lbs.

Say farewell to your horse at the beginning of the Llactapata Inca Trail, which leads to a distant but spectacular view of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.

As such, a scenic train ride will carry you to Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu. Rest at your luxury hotel before exploring the Machu Picchu Sanctuary and its many ruins with your private guide.

You will eventually return back to Cusco via luxury train for a final overnight before your departing flight onward.