If you are a true equine aficionado and would like to explore the beauty of the Sacred Valley on the back of a healthy, well cared for horse, we would recommend checking out Hacienda El Chalan! You’ll find it snuggled right in between the towns of Urubamba and Ollantaytambo. With numerous packages, ranging from 2 hour rides rides to six day treks, it’s easy to find the perfect ride for you. While they have a couple trips for beginners, the more rugged and mountainous terrain caters to those with intermediate to advanced riding skills. While not action adventure in the traditional sense, the cliff edged paths are not for the faint of heart. If you have limited to no experience with horses, but would like to get out of your comfort zone, we would recommend the day trip to Ollantaytambo. This takes you to one of our favorite spots in all of the Sacred Valley, and follows a flat path along the riverbed of the Urubamba river. It is sure to please! For those with some experience under their cowboy/girl belt, and haven’t already made it up to the Maras Salt mines, this is an excellent way to check out one of the Sacred Valley’s treasures. While the ATV tours have stopped driving the cliff edge route, Yohan will take you through the back door, up the narrow mountainside paths to this ancient wonder. For those up for a full day ride, you can opt to see both the ruins of Moray and Maras! For a more extensive full day ride, try the new Huaypo Lake route with stops along Maras and the (for advanced riders only). For those with advanced skills we also recommend taking one of Hacienda Del Chalan’s multiple-day rides. These adventures are filled with long days of riding, but provide an unfiltered look at the traditional agricultural life in the Sacred Valley.
Hacienda del Chalan is a family run company consisting of Yojan and Karina, and their two-year-old heiress. Karina provides the warm, comforting, touch, while taking caring of the planning before you embark. Not to mention as a professional nurse in her previous career, you are in good hands, should anything occur. While Yojan is the knowledgeable and firm trail guide, accompanying you along the way. When not guiding visitors, he is also a championship contending horse rider in local competitions. Your companion for the trip will be a sturdy Peruvian Paso horse, known for their world-renowned gait, sure to provide a smooth ride. Karina and Yojan, having some 30 years of experience with horses and have chosen the biggest and strongest available, more than capable of carrying you on some of the longer journeys. We were very pleased to find that not only do they provide adventurers through the valley wilderness, but additionally use their horses for animal therapy with disabled children of the region. Riding through the Sacred Valley on horseback was a one of a kind experience, and gave us a brand new perspective on the traditional life of the locals! Riding past heards of donkeys, wandering bulls, and flocks of sheep is something we will truly never forget. For more information on available rides and rates, head to www.haciendadelchalan.com
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