Paso Horse Exhibition Tour

FULL DAY WITH PERUVIAN CAMELIDS AND PASO HORSE EXHIBITION

The Peruvian Paso horse exhibition is not merely an equine event; it is a vibrant celebration of national identity, a display of centuries-old tradition, and a testament to one of the most unique horse breeds in the world. Officially recognized as a "Cultural Heritage of the Nation" by the Peruvian government, the Peruvian Paso is a source of immense national pride, and its exhibitions offer a captivating glimpse into Peru's rich history and culture.

A Legacy of Comfort and Elegance

The breed's history traces back to the Spanish Conquest in the 16th century, when conquistadors introduced Iberian horses, including the Andalusian and the naturally ambling Jennet, to South America. Isolated by Peru's coastal deserts and the Andes mountains, selective breeding over 400 years perfected a horse known for an exceptionally smooth, four-beat lateral gait called the paso llano. This unique movement, which involves no vertical bounce, made the horses ideal for long journeys across rugged terrain without tiring the rider, and it remains their defining characteristic today.

The Spectacle of the Exhibition

Peruvian Paso exhibitions are captivating spectacles where these noble animals and their riders, known as chaláns (horsemen), showcase their skill and elegance while dressed in traditional attire. The horses perform their signature paso llano, distinguished by a graceful, outward rolling motion of the forelegs called termino.

A highlight of many shows is the synchronized performance with the marinera, a traditional Peruvian courtship dance. A female dancer, handkerchief in hand, performs alongside the mounted chalán and horse, moving in rhythm with the music in a beautiful display of harmony between human and animal.

Major Events and Experiences

Key events include the prestigious National Peruvian Paso Horse Competition held annually at the Mamacona stables near Lima, and the International Peruvian Paso Horse Festival in Trujillo, which coincides with the Marinera Festival. These events are week-long cultural extravaganzas featuring competitions, regional cuisine, and Creole music, attracting both locals and tourists.

Beyond the large festivals, haciendas like Los Ficus and Dpaso offer daily tourist exhibitions, allowing visitors to learn about the breed's history, witness their unique gait up close, and even experience a ride themselves. The incredibly smooth ride is often recommended for people with back or hip problems, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for many.

Program:

You will be driven through a scenic landscape to the Urubamba Valley, the "Sacred Valley of the Incas". On the route, stop at Awana Kancha and discover the beauty of South American camelids, guanacos, llamas, vicuña, and alpacas, and an exhibition of traditional Andean textile art.

Afterward, transfer to the Wayra Ranch and Restaurant in the Sacred Valley, where you will enjoy a Peruvian Paso Horse demonstration.

Led by horse trainers or “chalanes”, Peru´s distinctive Paso horses demonstrate their flowing gait and graceful motion to the rhythm of “la marinera”, the national dance of Peru. Lunch will be served at Wayra Ranch and Restaurant.