Horseback Riding Near the Saqsaywamen site.
The Horse Ranch Above Cusco
Climbergirl Riding the Slowest Horse on the Planet
Pretty Views!
Group Picture. We met a Peruvian family while we were up there, so we included them in our picture.
Super nice Selfie at Qoricancha
On Friday, we decided to do a half day of horseback riding and hiking, up in the foothills above Cusco. It was near the Saqsaywamen cultural site, so we got the opportunity of walking around this ancient Inca sacred place. While on the horses, we had 2 horse handlers accompanying us, but they did not guide us around the ruins. So, it was up to us to explore while on foot!
Andrew giving a thumbs up, after he mounted his horse.
Larisse jumping up into the saddle. She has a fear of horses, so I thought it was especially brave of her to try riding for the day!
Getting that leg over the top of the horse is tricky! Now, she’s ready to ride!
Taking a Selfie on a Horse is not easy.
Larisse starting to relax after we’ve been riding for about 15 minutes. We started our ride by climbing up a very steep and cobble laden, muddy path. It was very challenging for the horses and we went really slow (3mph).
After riding for 30 minutes, we stopped at the Saqsaywamen Ruins to explore. The horses grazed, enjoying their 30 minute lunch break!
Andrew Helping Chrissy to dismount. It was even trickier dismounting, since the stirrups were really super small.
I’m about ready to dismount and not looking forward to it.
I forgot to bring my hiking shoes, so with the open toed Chacos, it was a bit nervy being around the horses. We used to have a horse when I was younger. Once, our horse almost stepped on my foot while I was wearing flip flops and I had a bruise on my foot for about a month.
My scruffy but mellow Peruvian Horse.
There were many narrow slotted caves to explore.
I went into some of them; when I could see a light at the other end. I didn’t have a headlamp…
Having fun exploring the area.
The pretty pastures by Saqsaywamen
Nice day to be out riding!
Taking a little break and wondering about the crags in the background. Climbing, anyone?
Saqsaywamen Sacred Temple
At the end of the horseriding tour, they dropped us off in a different village than the one we started in and we were supposed to be picked up there. Uriel told us to be looking for a minivan. When we arrived there was a guy in a car and no minivan. He approached us and said the name of the girl from the horse ranch, but none of us knew that she had arranged the ride (we were expecting Uriel was the one who did that). So, there was a mass confusion about it and we didn’t want to just jump in a taxi if it wasn’t the right one…plus we had already paid for the ride as part of the day trip!
Eventually, we got it sorted out…and made it back to the hotel room. When I got back, Dennis was ready to go out for a walk, so we headed to Qoricancha.
Dennis at Qoricancha
Avenue Del Sol from Qoricancha
The Courtyard of Qoricancha
Fun in the Qoricancha Art Musuem!
Qoricancha Courtyard
In the evening we went to Paddy’s Irish Pub for some fun. We tried a Sacred Valley micro brewed espresso stout. Delicioso! At 11,156 ft, it’s the highest altitude, 100% Irish owned pub on the planet!
Tags: Cusco, Horseback Riding, Paddy's Irish Pub, Peru, Qoricancha, Saqsaywamen