5 Day Ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Horseback Riding Trek: An Immersive Peruvian Adventure

Embark on a 5-day horseback riding trek along the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Explore the Andean highlands, witness Incan constructions, and encounter llamas, alpacas, condors, and wild horses. Experience a unique adventure and interact with local villagers on this off-the-beaten-path journey.

Duration: 5 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

SACRED VALLEY - ÑAUPA-IGLESIA - CHILLIPAHUA

Sacred Valley - We’ll pick you up from your accommodation in the Sacred Valley in our private transportation for a 30-minute journey to the Inca site of Ñaupa Iglesia (Quechua for Ancient Church). This mysterious site boasts a an Inca cross known as a chacana perfectly carved into an enormous rock. From here, we will continue to the village of Llama Pintayoq , and is named after the enigmatic pre-Inca paintings on a rock near the village which we’re going to visit. After this, we’ll quickly reach the starting point of our trek where we’ll set off on a wide path northward on the west bank of the river called Huaracondo. We’ll cross beautiful valleys, mountains, archaeological ruins to reach impressive Inca village of Watta, an important pre-Inca fortress that dominates the a peak of 3,855 meters (12,650 feet). After exploring the site, we’ll descend on our horses for 30 minutes to the lunch spot before going to the community of Chillipahua.

Naupa Iglesia - Ñaupa Iglesia (Quechua for Ancient Church). This mysterious site boasts a an Inca cross known as a chacana perfectly carved into an enormous rock.

INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCE IN THE COMMUNITY OF CHILLIPAHUA

CHILLIPAHUA - ANCASCOCHA

Lake Ancascocha - After a delicious breakfast in the village of Chillipahua, it’s time to say goodbye to its inhabitants and to resume our horseback riding adventure to Machu Picchu. We will climb gradually along potato fields, Inca aqueducts and native chachacomo trees. You’ll love the surrounding landscape of pastures fields clinging to the steep slopes and red mountains. After passing a few more traditional highland communities, we’ll reach Accoccasa Pass (4,425 masl/14,500 ft). Here we will enjoy a breathtaking view of the immense, snowy peaks completely surrounding you. On the other side of the pass, we’ll follow a flat trail used by indigenous shepherds to descend to Qenqo Mayu Valley. We will have a break from riding to tuck into a delicious, organic lunch. Soon after this, we’ll reach our campsite near Ancascocha lake (4,150 masl/13,600 ft), opposite the striking glaciers of the Huaynay mountain range.

ANCASCOCHA - INCA QUARRY - OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES

Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo - After breakfast, we will continue horseback riding towards Machu Picchu. We will go up to the of Chancachuco Valley from where we will follow a narrow trail downward for about 45 minutes. This will lead us to the enigmatic Intiwatana, the Sun Gate, strategically located by the Incas to make astronomical observations and plan the agricultural activities for the year. we will continue riding down and reach Cachicata. Then we will continue downhill, crossing the Vilcanota River and finally arriving at the famous Sun Temple in Ollantaytambo. We will have time to explore the village and the temple before taking the train that will take us to Aguas Calientes. Once we get to Aguas Calientes, we will check in to our hotel where we will spend the night before the big day when we will get to explore Machu Picchu!

Aguas Calientes - Aguas Calientes is a town in the Urubamba River Valley, in southeast Peru. It’s known for its thermal baths and as a gateway to the nearby Inca ruins of Machu Picchu

Lake Ancascocha - A nice village in the middle of mountains.

AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

Machu Picchu - We will get up early to enjoy the sunrise over Machu Picchu, tuck into a hearty breakfast, and take the bus towards up to explore one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We will have a guided tour that will take approximately 2 to 3 hours. Some of the highlights of this marvelous place are the Sun Dial (Intihuatana) and the Temple of the Condor and the views of the mountains covered by high jungle vegetation surrounding this amazing fortress. After we finish our visit of the archeological complex, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to have lunch or do some last-minute souvenir-shopping, and later in the afternoon, we will take the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo. Here, you’ll be picked up by our private van to take you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. The tour may be over but the experience will stay with you forever!

Aguas Calientes - Aguas Calientes is a town in the Urubamba River Valley, in southeast Peru. It’s known for its thermal baths and as a gateway to the nearby Inca ruins of Machu Picchu

Cusco - Cusco, a city in the Peruvian Andes, was once capital of the Inca Empire, and is now known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture.

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Bus travel to and from Machu Picchu
  • Three meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Horseback riding with professional guides and equipment
  • Four-night accommodation: 3 nights camping, 1 night hotel
  • Tea and coffee available
  • Round-trip train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
  • High-quality camping gear including tents, air mattresses, and portable toilet
  • Complimentary bottled water and snacks
  • Inclusive of all fees, taxes, and Machu Picchu entrance
What's Not Included
  • Travel insurance
Additional Information

Experience Peru on a one-of-a-kind horseback adventure! Visualize riding through the striking Incan architecture, amidst the panoramic vistas of the snow-dusted Veronica Mountain, across the breathtaking Andean highlands and untamed terrains. Behold the splendid red mountains and observe animals like llamas, alpacas, condors, and wild horses that populate the region. In Inca heartland, feel liberated to gallop across the seemingly infinite pampas of the Qenqo Mayu valley. This horse trek to Machu Picchu deviates from the regular paths, creating extraordinary opportunities to connect with local villagers in the small communities encountered along the journey. Relish the matchless experience of horseback riding to Machu Picchu!

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Leannak327
Jun 21, 2024
Exceptional Customer Service - The customer service at Azzeki.com is exceptional. I had a few queries about my order, and their team was quick to respond and very helpful. It's clear they prioritize their customers.
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September 2024
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