The Amazon is the richest and most-varied biological reservoir in the world, and the Andean highlands include the Andes mountain range, which is the longest continental mountain range in the world.
Horse Tours Club provides incredible horse riding holidays in Peru where you can see the mountains and forests in one of the best ways out there: a unique equestrian experience. You’ll be able to trot along the Andean Paradise trail or search for condors in canyons on your horseback riding trip.
Equestrian History and Culture in Peru
When you travel to Peru, you’ll find a distinct history and culture surrounding horses. Spanish conquistadors brought horses to South America, arriving in Peru in 1531 with Francisco Pizarro when he began his conquest of the Inca Empire.
Horses back then were used primarily for transportation and breeding stock. Horses in the north needed to be able to cross plantations, which often took days, and horses in the south needed to be able to cross the arid deserts in between settlements. Horses with smooth gaits and good endurance were perfect for both cases.
Peruvian Horses
The Peruvian Paso horse is the most well-known in the country. This breed originated in the northern Peruvian regions. Its ancestry goes back to three breeds—the Jennets, Barb, and Andalusian—each breed providing desirable traits for the Peruvian.
The Paso is a light saddle horse with a smooth ride due to its natural gait which is called the paso llano. These horses have a powerful yet elegant build, medium-sized with a deep chest and heavy neck and body. They have a gentle nature and are excited to please their riders.
What You’ll Do on Your Horse Riding Holiday in Peru
There are so many wonderful sights in Peru, from Machu Picchu to Cusco, and you can see it all on your vacation.
Take a tour through the Sacred Valley, which is just north of Cusco and not too far from Machu Picchu. The valley is home to stunning Incan sites, including the citadels of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, along with hiking and riding trials.
Here you can visit the Huaypo Lagoon, known for its incredibly clear waters and great fishing. Or discover the Salineras de Maras or Maras salt mines, which date back to pre-Inca times. The salt ponds here are owned by local families and have been passed down for generations.
See the Moray archeological site, which is made up of circular terraces that descend as they move inward. You can also uncover the history of a pre-Inca cemetery nestled in the beautiful mountains.
Or ride to the gorgeous Perolniyoq waterfall, a hidden gem that’s about 328 ft (100 m) tall, and sleep in a tent between the stunning mountain peaks. Along the way visit rural communities where you can learn about the local way of life.
And of course, you can’t visit Peru without seeing Machu Picchu. This famous 15th-century Inca citadel is located on a 7,970-foot (2,430-meter) mountain ridge. Machu Picchu is commonly called the “Lost City of the Incas”. It was built around 1450 for the emperor Pachacuti, but it was abandoned about 100 years later when the Spanish conquest came to Peru.
With Horse Tours Club you can plan the perfect trip. We offer worldwide horse riding tours, ensuring quality and safety for our customers. Book your Peruvian horseback riding tour through Horse Tours Club today!
