Horseback Riding Tours in Peru - Page 2

Inclusions vary depending on the tour type (half-day rides, full-day rides, or multi-day expeditions):

• Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
• Well-trained Peruvian Paso horse and riding helmet
• Meals and drinks on longer tours (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, coca tea, and daily drinking water — often featuring organic Andean cuisine)
• Muleteers and support team on multi-day trips

The following are typically not included: private transfers, Boleto Turístico entrance fees, sleeping bags, optional activities (e.g., Huayna Picchu), and personal riding gear.

Prices may be lower for larger groups (for example, a reduced per-person rate for groups of six or more). Always check the specific inclusions for your tour or contact the tour provider for details.

For short rides, we recommend bringing:

• Sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Reusable water bottle
• Camera
• Extra cash
• Insect repellent
• Long pants
• Closed-toe boots or shoes with a small heel
• Layered clothing

For multi-day or high-altitude tours, please also bring:

• 20–25 L daypack
• Trekking or hiking boots
• Hiking pants
• Moisture-wicking T-shirts
• Sets of underwear and socks
• Wool hat
• Windproof fleece or warm jacket
• Sleeping bag (rated to –10°C or available for rent)
• Toiletries, towel, and toilet paper
• Snacks
• ISIC card (for student discounts)

Please avoid bringing jewelry or valuables. Helmets are provided. Dress in layers to adapt to changing Andean weather conditions.

We recommend wearing:

• Long pants (jeans or hiking pants are preferred)
• Closed-toe shoes or boots with good grip and a small heel
• Long-sleeve or moisture-wicking shirts
• Rain jacket or poncho (essential during the rainy season, December–April)
• Sun hat and a warm hat for colder conditions

Please avoid loose clothing and bringing valuables on the ride.

On short tours, food is often not included or limited to light snacks.

On multi-day tours, full board is provided and typically includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon snacks, hot herbal infusions (including coca tea to support acclimatization), and daily purified drinking water. Meals feature innovative organic Andean cuisine prepared by professional chefs.

Vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, and other special dietary requirements can be accommodated. Please notify us of any dietary needs or allergies at the time of booking.

Horseback riding tours in Peru are generally very safe when operated by reputable providers. Tours are led by qualified local guides, often with university-level training, and supported by experienced muleteers on longer expeditions. Calm, well-trained Peruvian Paso horses are used, and established operators maintain strong safety records.

On multi-day or remote tours, emergency protocols are in place, and access to medical support is available when needed. Safety is always a priority, and guests are expected to follow their guide’s instructions, particularly when riding at high altitude.

Many tours operate at elevations between 2,800 and over 4,000 meters (for example, Cusco is approximately 3,400 m, while the Sacred Valley is around 2,870 m). To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, we strongly recommend allowing at least one to two days for acclimatization before your tour.

During acclimatization, it’s best to rest, stay well hydrated, eat light meals, avoid alcohol, and consider drinking coca tea, which is commonly used in the region to support adjustment to altitude.

Common symptoms may include headache, dizziness, or nausea. If symptoms become severe, descending to a lower altitude is essential. Travelers with existing health concerns should consult a medical professional before booking. Tour providers typically offer altitude guidance—be sure to ask for specific recommendations for your itinerary.

Tours are conducted on Peruvian Paso horses, a world-renowned breed known for its exceptionally smooth paso llano gait, which eliminates bounce and makes riding comfortable even over long distances. These horses are elegant, sure-footed in mountainous terrain, and known for their calm, reliable temperament, making them suitable for riders of all experience levels.

Tours are led by professional, accredited guides—many of whom are graduates of university or technical programs in Cusco—and supported by experienced muleteers on longer expeditions. As local experts, the guides have extensive knowledge of the terrain, culture, and safety conditions along the route.

Cancellation policies vary by tour provider. A common policy is as follows:

• Full refund for cancellations made more than 35 days before departure
• 50% refund for cancellations made 34 to 16 days before departure
• No refund for cancellations made 15 days or less before departure

In many cases, date changes may be possible with advance notice. Always review the specific cancellation policy at the time of booking, as terms can vary by tour and operator.

Not at all. Many tour operators offer gear rentals, such as sleeping bags, often available for approximately $5 USD per day at local offices in places like Cusco or Arequipa.

Availability and rental items may vary, so be sure to confirm with your tour provider in advance which equipment can be rented.

Yes, travel insurance is strongly recommended. Be sure your policy covers adventure activities such as horseback riding, high-altitude travel, and emergency medical care.

Most tours do not include travel insurance, so guests are responsible for arranging their own coverage.