Peru’s Machu Picchu Ride

“This trip changed my life!” – that’s what most clients say. You will ride on an ancient Inca trail, only accessible on foot or by horseback. Seeing the plains and high mountains offers you not only a firsthand experience with the lovely... 

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Intermediate
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March to December
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7 Days
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Cusco
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Peru
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12 Members
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Luxury Lodge

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All meals included

Overview

  • Trip Details

    “This trip changed my life!” – that’s what most clients say. You will ride on an ancient Inca trail, only accessible on foot or by horseback. Seeing the plains and high mountains offers you not only a firsthand experience with the lovely Quechua people and the ancient Incan traditions, but an intimate portrait of life and travel on the Inca Trail as well as a tour of the ancient city of Machu Picchu.


    During the ride you will pass through lush valleys, cross gurgling streams and pass between the peaks of Humantay and Salkantay mountains, the highest elevation on the ride rounding out at 15,000 feet. You’ll see Quechua villages, llamas, alpacas and if you look up, the mighty condor.


    The horses are Peruvian Quarter Horses and you will find them to be the only suitable mount for this rugged terrain. Each night your accommodations on the ride are in private, well appointed luxury eco lodges.


    Dates: Available on request from March 2 onward. 2 person minimum to confirm – ask us for dates already confirmed to join an existing group!

    2026 Rates: Low Season: March 1-31, Nov. 1-Dec. 14: $4,495.00 USD per person sharing

    High Season: April 1-Oct. 31, Dec. 15-31: $5,695.00 USD per person sharing


    Hiker (same route) sharing a room with a non rider:  $5,099.00 high season, $3,795.00 low season)


    2027 Rates: Low Season: March 1-31, Nov. 1-Dec. 14: $4,750.00 USD per person sharing

    High Season: April 1-Oct. 31, Dec. 15-31: $5,990.00 USD per person sharing


    Hiker (same route) sharing a room with a non rider:  $5,390.00 high season, $3,990.00 low season)


    (Single Supplement: 50% of total trip price listed above. If you are willing to share a room and we cannot find a same sex roommate for you, the fee is reduced to 25%)


    See the video HERE!


    For more info on this ride, download the brochure HERE!

  • Itinerary

    Day 1: Cusco to Soraypampa

    7:00 AM Cusco pickup; drive to Tarawasi Inca ruins and Mollepata for a coffee break.

    Drive to Coronilla Ranch to board horses and begin a 3–4 hour ride to Salkantay Lodge & Adventure Resort (SLAR) at Soraypampa (6,270 m / 20,600 ft peak).

    Afternoon at leisure for altitude adjustment and outdoor jacuzzi; evening fireplace briefing, drinks, and dinner.


    Day 2: Humantay Lake & Soraypampa Ride

    3-hour morning ride toward Humantay Lake, followed by a 30-minute hike to the water (optional swim).

    Return to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon option: 3-hour trail ride or relaxing in the jacuzzi.

    Evening gear and itinerary briefing; overnight at SLAR.


    Day 3: Salkantay Pass to Wayra Lodge

    5-hour ride up the Rio Blanco valley and around Mt. Humantay to Salkantay Pass (4,500 m / 14,800 ft).

    Enjoy views of the Vilcabamba Range and look for Andean condors.

    Hot lunch en route, then descend to Wayra Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.


    Day 4: Cloud Forest & Collpa Lodge

    Descend along the Salkantay River into verdant cloud forest, passing local villages and vibrant orchid varieties.

    Arrive at Collpa Lodge for a traditional Pachamanca (underground stone-cooked meal).

    Afternoon at leisure enjoying the outdoor jacuzzi views, orchid garden, or nearby walking trails.


    Day 5: Santa Teresa Valley to Lucma Lodge

    5-hour ride through fruit orchards and organic coffee plantations along the Santa Teresa River valley.

    Picnic lunch before reaching the Llactapata Inca Trail, where you bid farewell to the horses.

    30-minute walk through an avocado orchard to Lucma Lodge; afternoon exploration of Lucmabamba village.


    Day 6: Lucma to Aguas Calientes

    Standard: Van transfer to the train station for the ride to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town).

    Optional Hike: 2-hour uphill hike to Llactapata Pass (2,600 m / 8,500 ft) and ruins offering distant views of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then a 2–3 hour descent through bamboo forests to the Vilcanota River for a short train ride to Aguas Calientes.

    Overnight stay and dinner in Aguas Calientes.


    Day 7: Machu Picchu Exploration to Cusco

    Early morning bus ride to Machu Picchu for sunrise.

    Private guided tour of the citadel followed by free time to explore independently. (Note: Get your passport stamped at the site entrance if desired.)

    Return by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch, take the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hrs), and transfer by car to Cusco (1 hr). Evening lodging in Cusco at your discretion.


  • What's Included

    • 6 nights accommodation
    • 6 days riding/touring
    • All meals
    • House selection of beer, wine and spirits
    • Horse and all tack
    • Luggage transfers
    • Entrance to and tour of Machu Picchu
    • Train ticket to Cusco at end of the ride
    • All local taxes
    • Gratuities for staff at the lodges

  • What's Not Included

    • Airfare
    • Travel Insurance
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Gratuities for the guides (Suggested per guest at $10-$20/day for the lead guide and $5-$15/day for the assistant)
    • Massages
    • Laundry services
    • Permits for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains

Reviews

Fran & Tricia Y.

The 5-day Inn to Inn Ride on the Salkantay Trail was amazing. The guides, horses, lodges, and support staff were outstanding. Adding an extra day at Machu Picchu is highly recommended!


Penny F.

Everything was exceptional—from the fit horses and incredible lodges to the wonderful food and staff. Their generosity of spirit, horsemanship, and concern for safety made the experience fun, inspiring, and authentic.


Pam & Francois

This was one of the safest treks we’ve been on. Our guide, Antonio, was a terrific horseman, and the horses were the fittest and happiest we’ve seen. We returned home changed in the best ways.


Julie R.

I had the time of my life! With a small group, a fantastic guide, and an extra night in Machu Picchu during the Winter Solstice, every detail—from the food to the scenery—was well worth the wait.


Amber H.

Every detail of this ride is ideal. From warm tea, hot tubs, and gourmet local food to galloping through fields beneath the Andes, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience on horseback or on foot.


Diane L.

An incredible trip where every detail of the journey was unforgettable. Guides Guido and Ricardo took great care of us, adjusting speeds and helping with high-altitude sections so we could fully enjoy the sacred cultural moments and breathtaking views.


Valerie C.

Mountain Lodges is the most organized outfit I’ve worked with; everything ran like clockwork. The lodges, gourmet meals, wonderful guides, and fit, well-cared-for horses went above and beyond my expectations.


Janette S.

Guido was a fantastic guide, and the lodges were gorgeous destinations in their own right. The gourmet meals and service were five-star, and the horses were very well cared for. Riding was definitely the best way to trek!


Carolyn O.

Our 5-day ride through the Andes was the journey of a lifetime. The endurance saddles were comfortable, the horses were fit and surefooted, and the eco-lodges provided hot tubs, spas, and gourmet meals. The staff, guide Antonio, doctor, and grooms ensured we were safe and happy throughout our cultural and scenic adventure.


Annie H.

A dream-come-true, life-altering trip! Our guide was amazing and took great care of me when I had altitude sickness.


Jennifer G.

A wonderful, memorable week. Guide Antonio and the wranglers were professional and great company. The remote lodges are smoothly run, the food and horses are fantastic, and the positive impact on the local community is deeply moving.


Anne & Jim L.

A fantastic trip for adventurous riders. The lodges, fit horses, and guide Antonio were first-rate. The four-mile hike was challenging, but spending a second day at Machu Picchu and climbing Wayna Picchu was well worth it.


F.I.

The ride offered the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Exceptionally well-organized with excellent horses and challenging terrain, this trip is highly recommended for experienced riders.


Pat B.

An outstanding, fun, and safe trip of a lifetime! Guides Antonio and Yuri were professional and engaging. Pro tip: bring sturdy riding/hiking boots, a trekking pole for the lake hike, and prepare your legs beforehand. It was absolute perfection.


From   $5,695  per person

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FAQ's

  • What is included in the tour price?

    Tour prices typically include accommodation, guided activities, transportation during the trip, and some meals. Exact inclusions may vary depending on the itinerary.

  • Can I customize my itinerary?

    Yes. Most of our trips can be tailored to match your interests, schedule, and travel style. Just let us know your preferences and we’ll help design the perfect adventure.

  • Do I need travel insurance?

    Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and adventure activities.

  • How many people are in a tour group?

    Group sizes are usually small to ensure a more personal and immersive experience. The exact number may vary depending on the expedition.