Horseback Riding in Lima, Peru

As an American from Oregon one thing I have missed a lot since I traveled abroad was horseback riding.  Now granted I'm originally from Portland which makes me a city boy but I have always enjoyed the times that I would travel with my family to Eastern Oregon where we would go horseback riding.  For those who enjoy or are hardcore fans of horseback riding will soon discover living in Lima, Peru that there aren't many options for said activity.

There are two places that I know of in Lima that offer horseback riding one is called Cabalgatas and it is located near Pachacamac just outside of Lima (heading south).  Cabalgatas offers horseback riding on the famed Caballo de Paso or Peruvian Paso Horse, and offers several packages based on how long the trip is and where it goes.  It's a great place for those visiting Peru who would love the opportunity to on some great horseback trips with the extra cash to spare, however it becomes a little too pricey for those living and working in Lima.  That's where the alternative comes into play!  The other location for horseback riding called Los Caballos, is located just a few minutes from Chorrillos and can be found on the Panamericana Sur Hwy. just a few meters from the wildlife reserve Pantanos de Villa.  As you drive past Los Pantanos de Villa you will see a side road that runs parallel to the highway (this is called Av. Prolongación Huaylas), now on weekends you will see the horses just grazing alongside the road.  Parking is available on the street and the horses can be rented for vary reasonable rates.  For a half hour I was charged S/. 15 and for the hour it was S/.25 which is miles away in comparison to the US dollar rates charged at Cabalgatas.  The owners also offer lessons to those new to horseback riding and it is included in the fee!  You are then guided through a trail that leads towards the beach, the trip takes about a half hour roundtrip.  While the view wasn't 100% spectacular the ride was great since you are allowed to ride at your pace or experience which can be fun especially when bringing a horse into a gallop along the beach.  The owners are friendly which is another plus.

Photo of Owner of "Los Caballos", Mario Ayarza

For those with a good amount of money to spend Cabalgatas might appeal more to you (though I personally find it a bit too expensive), and for the rest who just want to have fun horseback riding but don't want to spend a lot of money then Los Caballos will suffice. Here is a review of Cabalgatas that was done by Viva Travel Guides which also has directions on how to get there: LINK

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

Los Caballos:
Contact Information:
Phone: 51-1-988889662 or 51-1-993283039
Address: Av. Prolongacion Huaylas 21, 600 Alt. Puente Villa - Chorrillos
Open: Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays - Monday-Fridays with previous appointment