Peruvian Odyssey ride, Peru

Wild and Exotic sample itinerary for the Ride to the Pacific in Peru 

Day 1: Lima. On arrival into Lima airport you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Ariosto, which is centrally located in Miraflores. If time allows you can visit museums, shop in Miraflores or visit Barranco, a romantic and Bohemian district in Lima with a variety of nightclubs.

Day 2: Lima -Arequipa. After breakfast you will be transferred to the Lima airport for the 40 minute flight to Arequipa.

After we have settled in our hotel, we 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 realization 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 After we have settled in our hotel, we explore some of the highlights of Arequipa: the famous convent of Santa Catalina and the then buried by the Inca priests atop Mount Ampato (20,700 feet). We have lunch and dinner in Arequipa. Overnight Hotel: Libertador (5 star hotel)

Day 3: Ride through the desert. We leave our hotel at 8 am this morning for a 1¼ hour's drive to the stables in La Joya. On arrival at the ranch you will be given instruction and a display of Peruvian equitation by your host Eduard, and also by his Peruvian Chalan (horseman), José. After the demonstration you'll have the opportunity to have a go yourself. Once riders are matched with mounts, we set off for our adventurous riding expedition through the unforgiving and unexplored terrain of the desert.

Today you will ride approx. 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 our safety priority is to carry as much water as possible, there is limited space in the saddlebags, so please understand that lunch will be fairly simple. At around 5pm we arrive at our campsite, which offers basic accommodation and facilities due to its isolated location. Our back-up 4x4 vehicles will carry plenty of water for the horses and for personal consumption.

Day 4: Ride through the desert. After breakfast we mount our horses for another riding day through the desert. Meanwhile, our vehicles and staff will transfer and set up camp at our next destination. The scenery will change from wide open desert plains to high dune ranges and sandy passways.

Our 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, we will take a long break for lunch. Today we will ride another 5 to 6 hours and will cover about 40 km's before we arrive at our next campsite.

After dinner you will sleep like a baby, exhausted but content with the knowledge that you have been riding the smoothest riding horse in the world - the Cadillac of all horses - and 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. We will start our ride at about 7.30 am, to take advantage of the milder morning temperatures. Today we will have to cross the last of the ever-rising sand dunes ahead. There will be a few challenging climbs and in some instances we may have to lead our horses for a short distance, but they are tough, intelligent animals and will do most of the job for us.

In the afternoon we arrive at our 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. We are the guests of Don Gonzalo, who has constructed very picturesque cabaña-style accommodation, in the style of Robinson Crusoe (very basic private rooms). 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: Relax at the beach. Today the horses will need to rest, and so do we! 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 day of relaxation on the beach. In the evening we will enjoy a roaring campfire, good company, and dine on fresh seafood as we recount the stories of our adventure across the desert.

Day 7: Ride and boat trip along the Pacific coast. After a satisfying breakfast there is an optional morning ride of 3-4 hours to explore some nearby beaches and spot marine life. After lunch we bid our horses a fond farewell and leave the beach for an exciting 3 hour boat trip to the port of Matarani. From here it is an hour's drive to Arequipa, where we settle in our hotel and later go out for dinner. Overnight Hotel Libertador (5 star hotel) in Arequipa.

Day 8: Arequipa - Cusco. After breakfast you are transferred to the airport. The awesome one hour flight over the Andes arrives mid-morning in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco (altitude 3338 m/10,952 ft.). For the rest of the day you will have the opportunity to explore this charming and historical village. In the late afternoon we leave Cusco and after a one hour drive arrive at the Lodge K'uychi Rumi in the Sacred Valley. Dinner is at the restaurant Huacatay in Urubamba.

Day 9: Machu Picchu. Our day starts early, as we catch the 6 AM train from Urubamba 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 Urubamba 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 we take the train back to Urubamba, arriving at about 7 pm. Dinner is at one of Urubamba's famous restaurants, and we have a last chance to sample Pisco Sours. We overnight in one of the private cottages at the K'uychi Rumi Lodge.

Day 10: Cusco - Lima. After breakfast transfer to the Cusco airport for the 40 minute flight to Lima.

Notes:

The cost of this itinerary for the 10 day / 9 night itinerary is based on a minimum of 6 persons and a maximum of 9 guests on the ride. The itinerary is suitable for intermediate / advanced riders.

The price of the trip includes transfers to and from the airports in Lima, Arequipa and Cusco, all meals and soft drinks (except in Lima, Machu Picchu as explained above), 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 (trip extension) and all accommodation.

The cost does not include flights (international or internal flight Lima - Arequipa - Cusco - Lima), airport taxes, alcoholic beverages, sleeping bags, gratuities, optional activities, personal expenditures and travel insurance. There is a US$ 28 airport tax for international departures from Lima, and a US$ 6 airport tax for domestic departures.

There is a single supplement charged for those not willing or able to share. 

Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic's terms and conditions, a copy of which will be enclosed with your booking form.

Wild and Exotic fact sheet and clothing list for the Peruvian Odyssey

Accommodation: The ride combines 5 nights in quaint hotels with private bathrooms, 2 nights of basic camping and 2 nights in rustic beach cabanas. 

Clothing list: Since 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 trousers / 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

Currency: 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.

Expenses: The 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.

Horses and Tack: The 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.

Meals: 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.

Medical: Immunizations are not currently required for entry. However, we recommend that clients consult a physician for their own personal needs

Meeting Point: Clients 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 Requirements: You must be comfortable in the saddle for five to seven hours, be comfortable at the walk, trot and short canters, Be able to ride up and down steep hills.

Responsibilities: Guests 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.

Visas: Currently, only a passport and round-trip ticket are required for entry into Peru if the stay is for 90 days or less.

Weight limit: 200 pounds / 90 kg

Please contact Wild and Exotic Ltd for more information including itinerary, prices and latest availability Tel: +44 (0)1439 748401 Email info@wildandexotic.co.uk