Perol Chico

07/02/2025

End of a Cycle: Nearly 30 Years of Horseback Rides in the Sacred Valley

At Perol Chico, we’ve had the privilege of offering unforgettable horseback riding experiences in the Sacred Valley for nearly 30 years. Our rides, set against the backdrop of ancient Inca terraces, have allowed visitors to deeply connect with the region’s culture and beauty. However, with the Chinchero Airport expected to open by 2026, we face a devastating blow. The airport will bring noise, increased traffic, and urbanization, making it impossible for us to continue operating in the Sacred Valley.
We are also concerned about the government’s push for mass tourism, especially when Machu Picchu is already overcrowded. This development could further strain the Sacred Valley’s delicate environment and heritage.

We want to reassure our loyal clients that Perol Chico will continue to offer our cherished rides throughout 2025 and possibly into mid-2026 for small groups and private parties. We are committed to giving you the opportunity to experience the Sacred Valley on horseback one last time before the airport’s impact alters the landscape. After that, we’ve already begun offering new coastal horseback riding experiences in Arequipa, a region rich in stunning landscapes and colonial charm, perfect for the same immersive rides that made our Sacred Valley journeys so special.

As Don Quixote once said, "Más dulce es el camino que la posada"—“The journey is sweeter than the destination.” With this in mind, we are excited to offer new riding opportunities across Peru, from coastal rides in Arequipa to expanding our adventures in other regions. Peru is so much more than Machu Picchu, and we want to show our clients the hidden gems and natural beauty our country has to offer.

Additionally, starting in 2025, our Sacred Valley ranch will be under construction as we remodel it to offer exclusive tourist accommodations.

Though the Chinchero Airport signifies the end of an era, our passion for offering exceptional riding adventures across Peru continues. We look forward to welcoming you to new, beautiful destinations and continuing to share our love for this incredible beautiful country.

Eddy

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas! Wishing you joy, peace, and beautiful moments this holiday season.

We're thrilled to share the newly updated edition of our book The Peruvian Paso Horse. 📚🐴

In his book 'The Peruvian horse', the owner of Perol Chico delves into the mesmerising universe of the Peruvian Paso horse, detailing his love for equestrian travel, the art of riding and the importance of safeguarding Peru's National horse breed. The author's passion is evident throughout, making t...

31/10/2024

Start the new year with an amazing ride along the Peruvian Pacific desert coast, far from the madding crowd. Watch the sunset at a secluded beach lodge while enjoying a delicious Pisco Sour in good company. Embark on a private boat trip to explore the amazing marine life. An unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. Join us on our 8-day Humboldt Ride in Arequipa, January 4-11, 2025. It's summertime in Peru!

Perol Chico's eight-day coastal ride is a unique opportunity to explore and discover Arequipa's beautiful countryside and the Pacific coast on horseback.

03/07/2024

Peruvian saddles: luxury comfort and fine craftsmanship.

06/05/2024

Sacred Valley Ride, April '24

19/04/2024

Introducing JDS Amadeus, our new gelding from excellent bloodlines (grandson of CCC Señor del Valle). Amadeus was born and raised in Arequipa and won many prizes in the show ring. He is incredibly smooth, very well-trained, energetic and offers 'the ultimate ride'. We are very happy and proud to have him in our stables. 😊

15/04/2024

Our new leather saddlebags.
We always have a support team & vehicle that can bring anything you want during a riding day. We meet them 3 times a day: at the start, during lunchtime and at the end of the day. It allows us to ride and travel ‘light’ during the day, carrying only the most essential stuff behind our saddles. Our new saddlebags are designed to have enough space for two bottles of wine on each side (or whatever you want) without disturbing the movement of the horse. On top of the saddlebags, you can tie your jacket, a woollen poncho or both. Handcrafted by Peruvian artisans.

29/03/2024

"The mountains are calling."

Looking forward to our new riding season and adventures high in the Peruvian Andes, the Land of the Incas.

26/02/2024

The Rolls-Royce of horses.

The main function of the Peruvian horse is called ‘pisos’, comprising its harmonic, fluent and almost stylistic movements, and the ability to execute the perfect four-beat lateral gait. The idea is for the horse to cover as much ground as possible in the most effective, economical way; that is with the least possible steps, and minimal effort and vertical impact for the horse and rider. To achieve this the horse should be able to take long strides and deliver strong impulsion or driving force from its hind legs and hind quarters (the motor). It is because of its natural 4-beat lateral gait and conformation that the Peruvian Paso can take those long strides and reach far under its body mass. A ‘trotting’ horse or horse that moves in diagonals is unable to do this because its front leg on one side is in the way.
In a normal walk, our horses are faster and use fewer steps to cover ground than most other breeds, because of their long strides.

From Eduard's book "Peru's best kept secret".

18/02/2024

Enriching equestrian travel high in the Andes and along Peru's beautiful Pacific coast. The horse of the conquistador, the Land of the Incas, history, culture, the best food in South America, and so on. How can you not love Peru?

09/02/2024

Update:

Perol Chico has been offering horseback riding vacations and adventures from our ranch in the Sacred Valley for almost three decades. Over the years, this part of the Peruvian Andes has become a prime destination for tourists visiting South America, with the main attractions being Cusco and Machu Picchu. However, our country has so much more and so many other beautiful places to offer.
We are excited to expand our horse riding activities and adventures beyond our current location and bring the beauty and hidden marvels of other parts of Peru to our guests.

For our rides in Peru, we partnered with our long-time friend Claudio Cavallero, who owns a prestigious horse breeding operation in Arequipa with a herd of nearly 100 horses. Francesca, Claudio's daughter, is in charge of the family ranch.
In the past (between 2009 and 2014), Perol Chico organised several horse riding expeditions in the desert of Arequipa with Claudio's support. Claudio is a true horseman, a great organiser, and a family man. His knowledge of Arequipa's culture and traditions, the best places to visit and how to get things done is impressive.

Eduard and Claudio are re-joining forces with one common objective: offering the most incredible and unforgettable horse riding adventures and experiences in Peru.

21/01/2024

"Horse riding is not just travelling a distance on horseback. It is a time of reflection, balancing the mind and creating a unique bond with our horse. It ends up being a spiritual and artistic experience to live the emotion and pleasure of being in contact with nature from which the city distances us so much."

- Mariano Cabrera Ganoza

16/01/2024

NEW RIDE: The Humboldt Ride
Named after the most influential naturalist, explorer and father of environmentalism, Alexander von Humboldt, our new 8-day coastal ride offers a unique opportunity to explore and discover Arequipa's beautiful countryside and dramatic coast on horseback. Ride with us along forgotten smuggler trails that weave through stunning landscapes along the Pacific coast, and explore and discover some of the hidden natural wonders of Peru.
https://www.perolchico.com/humboldt-ride