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Frequently Asked Questions

 

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Why choose Perol Chico?

At Perol Chico, the welfare of our horses always comes first. Our horses are our most valuable assets, and their well-being and health are essential to us.

Caring for horses in this part of the Andes is a costly endeavour. With little to no rainfall for seven months of the year, good grazing and quality forage are scarce. To ensure our horses have a constant supply of nourishment during the dry season, we purchase tons of high-quality alfalfa. In addition to providing the best possible food, we prioritize continuous training and care for our horses.

During the wet season (mid-November to mid-March), the trails high in the Andes can become slippery and hazardous, which limits our riding season to just 7 to 8 months each year.

Because of these challenges, we maintain a small, well-managed equestrian operation and herd size, ensuring that we can provide the highest level of care for our horses at all times.

 

Why Peruvian Paso horses?

Our horses are strong, agile, and well-suited for trail riding. A proud part of our country’s cultural heritage, they are the perfect size for mountain terrain—not too big, not too small—and are known for their stamina, smooth gaits, and warm-blood characteristics. For centuries, Peruvian horses have been selectively bred to serve as exceptional travel companions, capable of covering long distances year after year.

At Perol Chico, we are proud to have some of the finest purebred Peruvian Paso horses, carefully chosen from respected bloodlines. Our horses are registered with the National Peruvian Paso Horse Studbook Association (ANCPCPP).

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What is the rider's weight limit?

To ensure the welfare of our horses, there is a strict rider weight limit of 85 kg/13.5st/187 pounds (dressed for riding).

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Can we gallop on your rides?

Rides in the Sacred Valley are at high altitudes where little oxygen is in the air. Our horses are in excellent shape and well adapted to high altitudes, but their lungs and heart still have to work very hard to recover after a gallop. More speed means that the horse requires more oxygen. If you were to run up a hill at these altitudes, you would experience how hard work that is and the recovery time needed after only short distances.

Gallops are fun on flat terrain, but high in the Andes, nothing is flat. There will be moments where we speed up just for fun, but overall, the terrain and altitude do not offer good conditions for long and fast gallops. Riding high in the mountains on challenging terrain requires more technical riding skills.

In our blog 'High Altitude Rides', we explain in more detail the impact of high altitude on horses. 

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What level of riding skills should I have for your rides?

Our rides are suitable for intermediate to advanced riders, though this can vary depending on the individual. We've had less experienced riders who performed exceptionally well, and highly experienced riders who found it challenging to adapt to a different riding style. What's most important is that participants feel confident riding a forward-moving horse and are in control at all paces in the open countryside. Riders should be able to maintain a straight, deep, and balanced seat (with flexibility in the hips) and should be comfortable using subtle riding aids to guide the horse—no pulling on the reins, but rather riding from your seat with soft, gentle hands.

If you're unsure about your riding level, feel free to contact us. We're happy to arrange private riding lessons before your ride to help boost your confidence.

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How big are the groups on your rides?

Safety is crucial, so the maximum group size for all our rides is kept small, at only 6 riders. Two experienced trail guides always accompany the rides for extra safety. We also have a backup team and a 4x4 vehicle to support the ride.

 

Can you ride a horse to Machu Picchu?

No, you can not. The state-owned Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is integral to a National protected areas system. The boundaries of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu are clearly defined within the protected area (several thousand acres). Horses and pack animals are not allowed on the Inca trails in this area.

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When is your riding season?

During the rainy season in the Andes, from mid-November until mid-March, no multi-day rides are offered because the trails high in the mountains can become too slippery and dangerous. The safety of horses and guests always comes first at Perol Chico. December and January are usually the wettest months in the Andes. The seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Summer in Peru is from December to February. Winter is from July to September. During the daytime, the temperature hardly fluctuates in summer or winter. Only at night, the temperature drops significantly, depending on the altitude, in wintertime.

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Contact us if you have any questions or want to know more. We are happy to answer all your questions.