 Ten-day rideItineraryThe itinerary may change depending on the weather at the time and other local conditions. Day 1. Lima
Day 2. Lima to Arequipa After breakfast return to Lima airport for a 40-minute flight to Arequipa. Arequipa has been awarded UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage of Mankind classification. It is located at 2,325 m in the Desert Mountains of the Andes. The weather in Arequipa is dry and sunny all year long. Day temperatures reach between 20 and 25 ºC (about 70-75 Fahrenheit). The wet season (December to March) is characterized by the presence of clouds in the afternoon and some scarce precipitation. In winter (June, July), temperatures are somewhat lower and can go down to 5ºC (40 ºF) at night. With about 4,000 hours per year of sun exposure, Arequipa truly deserves its title of “city of the eternal spring”.
Day 3. Ride through the desert
After the demonstration you have the opportunity to have a go yourself - and it’s only natural to feel a little nervous prior to mounting these magnificent and highly responsive horses!! Once you have been matched with your mount, set off at around 10:30am on your adventurous riding expedition through the unforgiving terrain of the desert. Today you will ride for approximately 5 hours at a slow pace, as at midday especially the intense heat of the sun requires stamina from both riders and horses. Although most of the ride is over flat surfaces, some dunes with very loose sand must be climbed. As a safety measure it is important to carry as much water as possible, so there is limited space in the saddlebags. Please understand that lunch will therefore be fairly simple. At around 5pm you arrive at the campsite, which offers basic accommodation and facilities due to its isolated location. The back-up 4x4 vehicles will carry plenty of water for the horses and for personal consumption for the evening, but there will be no showers.
After breakfast mount your horse for another day of riding through the desert. Meanwhile, back-up vehicles and staff will travel to the next destination to set up camp. The scenery will change from wide open desert plains to high dune ranges and sandy passways. The horses cover an impressive amount of ground when ridden at the Paso Llano gait, and you cannot fail to be amazed by their stamina and above all, the comfortable ride they offer. At midday when the sun is at its most fierce, there will be a long break for lunch. Today, ride another 5 to 6 hours and cover about 40 km before arriving at the next campsite. After dinner you should sleep well, exhausted but content with the knowledge that you have been crossing one of Peru’s most isolated deserts, surrounded by a lunar landscape that few have set eyes on. Day 5. Arrival at the Pacific Ocean Today’s ride starts early at about 7.30am, to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures. Cross the last of the ever-rising sand dunes ahead, riding for around 5 to 6 hours. There will be a few challenging climbs and in some instances you may have to lead the horses for a short distance.
In the evening experience a roaring campfire as you recount the stories of your adventure across the desert.
Today the horses will need to rest, and so will you! For those who still have the energy, the day is easily filled with activities such as snorkeling, fishing, canoeing or hiking. Others might opt for a few hours of relaxation on the beach. After lunch, bid your horse farewell and leave the beach behind you. Set off on a 3-hour boat trip to the Port of Matarani; from here it is a 1 hour drive to your hotel in Arequipa. Dinner and overnight in Arequipa. Day 7. Arequipa to Cusco and the Sacred Valley Transfer to Arequipa airport after breakfast for the spectacular one hour flight over the Andes which arrives mid-morning in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco (altitude 3,338 m/10,952 ft.). For the rest of the day you have the opportunity to explore this historical town. Visit Cusco Cathedral or some of its churches; go shopping or visit some museums. In the late afternoon leave Cusco and after a one hour drive, arrive at your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Dinner at Perol Chico ranch. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. Day 8. The Sacred Valley After a leisurely breakfast, you will take the short drive to Perol Chico ranch. After a short ride briefing, mount your horse and set off in the direction of Urubamba. Just before reaching Urubamba, you will take the trail through a narrow valley that leads you to the eastern side of Cordillera Vilcanota. Here you will stop for lunch at a trout hatchery; you will have the opportunity to catch your own trout for lunch and see it being prepared. After lunch, follow a lovely trail alongside the Volcanota River to Urquillos. You will leave your horses at Hacienda Falabella and then transfer back to your accommodation in the Sacred Valley. Hacienda Falabella is run as an ecological farm and as well as producing potatoes, vegetables and fruit, it is also known for growing the famous ‘maiz blanco’, the finest corn in Peru. Later on in the afternoon there will be the chance to visit the ceramic workshop of Pablo Seminario, a famous local artist. In the evening have dinner at a good restaurant in Urubamba. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. Riding time: approximately 5 hours. Day 9. Machu Picchu Your day starts early, as you catch the 7:00am train from Ollantaytambo to the ruins of Machu Picchu. The experience of visiting Machu Picchu is not limited to the ruins themselves; the train journey is one of the most spectacular in the world. The Ollantaytambo train brings us to Machu Picchu an hour before the main tourist train arrives from Cusco. Since its discovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911, Machu Picchu has captivated the hearts and minds of the modern world. Take plenty of film, as this is every bit as magnificent as you have imagined. In the afternoon take the train back to Ollantaytambo, arriving at about 6:30pm. Dinner is at the ranch and you have a last chance to sample Pisco Sours. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. Day 10. Cusco - Lima After breakfast transfer to the Cusco airport for the 1-hour flight to Lima. The driving time is one hour, followed by a one-hour flight. The earliest possible departure time from Lima is 17:00pm. The itinerary is flexible. Changes may occur due to weather and other unforeseeable circumstances. PriceTrip price 2010:
Price does not include the domestic airfares LIMA-Arequipa, Arequipa-CUSCO and CUSCO-LIMA (total: US$ 480/Net.). Single supplement: The price for each ride is based on shared occupancy. If you are traveling solo and wish to share accommodation, we will make every effort to find a roommate (always of the same gender). If you are willing to share and no roommate materializes, then the customary single supplement will apply. A single supplement is always applicable for participants who specifically request single accommodation. The price of the trip includes transfers to and from the airport in Lima, Arequipa and Cusco, all meals and soft drinks (except in Lima on day 1, lunch at Machu Picchu on day 9 and lunch in Cusco on day 7), guides, horses, tack, all trip gear and camping equipment (except sleeping bags), land travel, entrance fees to the ruins, train tickets, bus and entrance fee to Machu Picchu and all accommodation (including 5 nights in comfortable hotels). Not included are: internal flight Lima-Arequipa-Cusco-Lima (US$ 480/Net.), airport taxes, dinner in Lima on day 1, lunch in Cusco on Day 7 and lunch at Machu Picchu on Day 9, alcoholic beverages, sleeping bags, gratuities, optional activities, personal expenditures and travel insurance. There is a US$ 31 airport tax for international departures from Lima, and a US$ 6 airport tax for domestic departures (at the time of writing this itinerary). Dates 2010:
Note: private departure dates also available for minimum of 4 persons. MEETING POINTClients will be met upon arrival at the Lima International Airport on day 1. You will be taken to the Hotel Ariosto by the hotel shuttle bus. Due to the transfer back to Arequipa’s or Cusco’s airport and the flight to Lima on the last day of the itinerary, do not schedule a departure flight prior to 3 pm on the final day. RIDER REQUIREMENTSBe comfortable in the saddle for five to seven hours. Weight limit: 200 pounds / 90 kg  HORSES AND TACKThe horses are locally bred Peruvian Pasos. This breed dates back to the colonial era of Peru and originates from the Spanish Andalusians. A symbol of their historic and noble past, Peruvian Paso horses are bred for their grace, spirit, and intelligence. These horses like to amble, moving fore and hind limbs on the same side at the same time, unlike other equine breeds that typically move diagonal limbs at the same time. During the ride you will experience the Paso llano gait. The horses are well cared for, strong, and even-tempered. The tack utilized is very traditional and demonstrates refined Peruvian craftsmanship. The hardwood hex stirrup and the guarnicion, or tailpiece, are unique elements of the Peruvian tack. The saddle is a box saddle and has a deep seat. ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALSThe ride combines 5 nights in quaint hotels with private bathrooms, 2 nights of basic camping and 2 nights in rustic beach cabanas. While on the Peruvian Odyssey, guests are treated to wonderful meals representing tasty regional cuisine. Dishes are made from fresh vegetables, dairy products, and fresh fish. Most meals are included in the trip price, with the exception of dinner in Lima on day 1 and lunch on day 7 (Cusco) and 9 (Machu Picchu). Vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Perol Chico with requests. EXPENSESThe price of the trip includes transfers to and from the airports in Lima, Arequipa and Cusco, all meals and soft drinks, guides, horses, tack, all trip gear and camping equipment (except sleeping bags), activities such as snorkeling, fishing, canoeing or hiking on day 6, land travel, train, bus and entrance fee to Machu Picchu and all accommodation. Not included are: internal flight Lima- Arequipa- Cusco- Lima, airport taxes, alcoholic beverages, sleeping bags, gratuities, optional activities, personal expenditures and travel insurance. There is a US$ 31 airport tax for international departures from Lima, and a US$ 7 airport tax for domestic departures. RESPONSIBILITIESGuests are responsible for having an adequate, valid insurance policy including cover for all the sporting activities that they are likely to participate in. Appropriate medical insurance is obligatory. It is understood by Perol Chico that guests are in a suitable condition to partake in a riding tour, are not riding against any medical advice and that guests know of no reason why they should not be participating in such a tour. Guests will be required to sign a waiver of liability at the start of the tour. DOCUMENTS AND CURRENCYCurrently, only a passport and round-trip ticket are required for entry into Peru if the stay is for 90 days or less. Immunizations are also not currently required for entry. However, we recommend that clients consult a physician for their own personal needs. In order for us to make the hotel and internal flight reservations, we will need your passport number, your name as it appears on the passport, and your nationality. The currency used most often in Peru is the Nuevo Sol (plural soles). The easiest currency to exchange is US dollars. Other currencies are only exchangeable in major cities and at a high commission. Money can be changed in banks, casas de cambio, first-class hotels or with street changers. Casas de cambio are usually the easiest places to change money. Street changers, who loiter near banks, never offer better rates than the best bank rate and have been known to cheat travelers so are best avoided. Rates vary from place to place but not significantly, unless you try to change money at a hotel which charges high commission. Travelers' checks are changed at a slightly lower rate than cash. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but credit cards attract an 8% commission unless you are using it for a cash withdrawal (in Peruvian currency) from a bank. ATMs (Visa and Plus system are most widely recognized) are now the best way to withdraw money in Peru. Either dollars or soles can be withdrawn from most ATM’s, and your bank will often offer the best possible exchange rate on soles withdrawn on a US dollar account. SUGGESTED PACKING LISTSince you will be riding through the desert, temperatures are hot during the day and cool at night. Lightweight clothing worn in layers is therefore recommended. Dinners are very informal; there is no need to bring special attire. In addition to casual, comfortable clothing, the following specific items are recommended: Riding pants/jeans Riding boots (due to the nature of our stirrups it is also safe to ride in hiking boots) Riding gloves Riding helmet (recommended) and wide-brimmed sun hat Light, long-sleeved shirts for sun protection (three) Scarf/bandana – useful for protection against the sun and dust. Warm Jacket Lightweight Rain Jacket Comfortable boots for walking and light shoes for wearing at the end of the day Swimwear Sunglasses (essential in the desert – good quality, wrap-around type recommended) Lip balm Sunscreen (30-50 spf) Insect repellent Toiletries (including wet-wipes, facial wipes etc) Waist pouch Camera Torch Sleeping bag Towel Additional passport photos Copy of passport To see our photo gallery of the Peruvian Odyssey please click here The Posada del Inca Ride - Two-Day
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After you have settled in your hotel, you have time to explore some of the highlights of Arequipa: the famous convent of Santa Catalina and the Museum Santuarios Andinos UCSM to see the mummy of Juanita, a 500 year old Inca mummy of a 12 to 14 year old girl. Juanita the Ice Maiden was discovered in 1995 by anthropologist Johan Reinhard and his Peruvian climbing partner Miguel Zarate. She was remarkably preserved throughout the five centuries. According to Reinhard, the mummy weighed approximately 80lbs when found, and they came to the realisation that due to the heavy body mass, the flesh must have been frozen. This is an extraordinary discovery because it allows biological tests to be run on the lung, liver, and muscle tissue, revealing new insights on Inca health and nutrition. It is believed that the Ice Maiden was in fact a sacrifice to the mountain gods, and was then buried by the Inca priests atop Mount Ampato (20,700 feet). Lunch, dinner and overnight in Arequipa. 
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Day 4. Ride through the desert
In the afternoon arrive at your final destination: Caleta San José, a small, privately-owned cove at the shores of the Pacific. No land vehicle is able to reach this secluded beach, so all essentials are transferred by boat. Tonight you will be guests of Don Gonzalo, who has constructed very picturesque cabaña-style accommodation, in the style of Robinson Crusoe (very basic shared accommodation). The cool ocean will beckon you for an invigorating swim to celebrate your arrival, and afterwards you can relax in a gently swaying hammock while dinner is prepared for you.
Day 6. Pacific coast to Arequipa 