Paso Peru

The thrilling gaited Peruvian Paso horse is at the heart of a desert crossing expedition that we can offer you in close collaboration with two top local breeders, members of the National Association of Peruvian Paso Horse Owners and Breeders, who provide the horses and tack for the expedition.
Over a century ago, a visitor to South America wrote: "Horseback riding is a vigorous form of exercise except in Peru, where breeders have managed a triumph over nature. They have created a horse which moves by means of a very smooth amble. These horses are greatly sought-after, for to ride one is much the same as being seated in a chair." This is, in short, the horse with the smoothest of all gaits, as you will find out when you join this riding expedition exploring a remote and seldom visited part of Peru.
During this trip you also get to learn about the ancient civilizations that occupied these areas by visiting many of the most important archaeological sites that lie along a route that starts in the middle of wild and deserted grasslands. We ride from one oasis to the next and through fertile valleys and on to the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
From Ica to Nasca, you explore the South Peruvian coast, with its amazing and wonderful landscape and discover a universe full of archaeological treasures that include the famous NASCA LINES.
During seven days, you ride along a specially selected route from Ocucaje to Cahuachi, the biggest mud brick archaeological site on the South coast of Peru. From 16th century Haciendas to our comfortable camps, you can enjoy the local Chalane traditions and Peru's finest gastronomy. This special trip allows you to become totally immerse in the authentic Peru and share in its traditions.

ITINERARY

Day 2 * Callango - Chiquerillo 5-6 hour ride
After breakfast, we leave for our first day of the desert ride, following the Ica valley southwards. After crossing the Chiquerillo canyon and its amazing pinkish, bluish and golden sands, we arrive at La Bruja hill to discover Miocene (12 million year old) vertebrate fossils of gigantic size. These paleontological treasures are located up on the hills in the middle of the desert and thus are out of reach for most travellers to Peru. After the visit we spend the night in camp.

Day 3 *Callango - Samaca Chico 5-6 hour ride
After breakfast, we ride down to Ullujaya along the Ica river through wonderful pampas and sandy areas. We spend the night in camp placed in an oasis near Samaca Chico.

Day 4 * Samaca Chico - Boca del rio 3-4 hour ride
We ride from Samaca Chico to Boca del Rio, where the Ica River discharges it's waters into the Pacific Ocean. After having crossed steep mountain lined sandy areas and having ridden through huarangos, espinos and other coastal forest, we reach a long and wide beach, home to thousands of sea birds. The afternoon allows you to enjoy the beach and its diversified fauna. Night in camp.

Day 5 * Boca del Rio - Montegrande, 5-6 hour ride
After breakfast, we ride 10 kms of yellow dune beach to reach Puerto Caballa, a fishing village and an old harbor. Once we leave the ocean behind and pass over high pampas, we get to an escarpment overlooking the verdant valley of the Rio Grande, here we spend the night in camp.

Day 6 * Montegrande - Coyungo, 4-5 hour ride
We ride up north east of the Rio Grande valley to enter into the depths of a huge canyon, surrounded by multi-coloured rocks. After lunch, we follow the river along old Inca, Paracas and Nasca cemeteries to Coyungo where the camp awaits.

Day 7 * Coyungo - Cahuachi - Nasca, 6-7 hour ride
In the morning, we reach the Rio Nasca valley, one of the Rio Grande's ten tributaries. This is the territory of the ancient Nasca civilization. We cross the mountains that part both valleys following an old Inca path that links the ocean to the hinterland. This path was used in the past by the chaskis - the Inca empire runners. We ride along Nasca valley, through its small-holdings, across its grasslands, its huarango forests until we get to Cahuachi, Nascas great ceremonial site, the biggest on the Southern coast that was entirely built with mud bricks.
Thanks to the ongoing excavation project, you can enjoy the restored Great Pyramid and, depending on the moment, you may have the chance to see archaeologists at work. After the visit, we ride another hour to the camp where we leave the horses. You then drive to the Hacienda Majoro de Nasca, now a hostel, for your dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 8 * Nasca
In the morning, we do a flight over the famous NASCA LINES. After lunch, the tour is over and you continue your travels. End of itinerary.

Trip summary

Group price guide per person from 8-2 riders

Quality horses
Fast riding pace
Accommodation standard

Dramatic scenery
Sunny weather
Cultural interest