Cabalgatas Horseback Riding

Location:
Lima, Peru

Horseback Riding

By Kris Dreessen

Visitors to Lima who want to explore ancient ruins, sandy beaches and the Peruvian countryside can do so in a traditional way—riding a Peruvian paso horse. Pasos are pure descendants of the steeds Spanish conquistadors brought to the Americas 400 years ago and are a great source of national pride today. Known for their unique gait, pasos seem to kick their feet to the side instead of to the front. It's an uncommon sight in the horse world, and purely Peruvian. Cabalgatas, in the Mamacona stable complex outside Lima, will suit everyone up, from novices to experienced riders, for a trail ride through the Pachacámac ruins. Begun in 200 A.D., Pachacámac was expanded by the Wari tribe and then incorporated into the Inca empire. It's the closest major archeological site to Lima. Riders tour the Templo del Sol (Temple of the Sun) and Palacio de Mamacuña (House of the Chosen Women) and other sun-drenched remains before heading along tree-lined dirt roads. Riders pass several small ranches where foals and horses graze. A long stretch of deserted beach is the final destination. Seagulls soar overhead as the horses wade through the surf, ankle to knee deep. Beginners may want to hang on because more frisky horses may break into gallop. Before the bump becomes too breathtaking, the guides will easily rein the horses back to a walk. Except for the occasional rumble of a truck passing on the highway behind, riders are alone. The entire trail ride is about three hours long, but the time on the beach seems endless because the sand goes on and on. Trail riding at Cabalgatas is an authentic paso experience. Watching the Cabalgatas guides prepare the horses and cool them down after the tour is a glimpse into the real cowboy life. Cabalgatas riders compete in the National Paso Horse tournament, which is conveniently held right on Mamacona grounds every April. Go at the right time and you've got a front-row seat to the country's most heralded paso competition. Breeders from all over Peru strut their stuff, decked out in traditional white pants and shirts, hats and serapes. You can hang out right where the competitors warm up, watch the action in the tournament ring and hobnob with owners and spectators alike.

Getting There
The easiest way to reach Cabalgatas stable is by taxi, to Mamacona, 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Lima. The Mamacona entrance is before the entrance to Pachacámac ruins. Look for the shield that says Asociación del Caballo Peruano de Paso.

Price Description: A three-hour trail ride that includes a tour of the Pachacámac ruins by horseback and the beach is $55, if booked directly with Cabalgatas ($65 if you book through a travel agency). Paso demonstrations for groups at additional costs.

Contact Information:
Phone: 51-1-9837-5813 / 9507-8444 (cell phones)
Fax: 51-1-221-4591
E-mail: informes(at)remove-this.cabalgatas.com.pe
URL: www.cabalgatas.com.pe