Peru Trip Question

[Barbsw39]

Looking forward to our Peru trip in July I have a question for those who have been on this ABD before. Did you do any extra activities through the
Sol y Luna Lodge? It mentions the option of booking activities through the hotel if interested. My DH is interested in Paragliding and my DD in horsebackriding. Wondering your experience and if you felt like it was worth doing. It does not seem as though there would be enough time to work in these extras but I guess there must be. Any info appreciated.

[kjd469]

You have a completely free afternoon on one of the days at Sol y Luna, so there's plenty of time for extra activities. We did the horseback riding and it was one of the best experiences of the whole trip. They have these special Peruvian horses that kind of glide along, even when your galloping, so they're super-smooth. They take you through small villages and into the mountain...a very unique and picturesque ride. It was well worth the price, and everyone agreed it was fabulous. They only have about 8 horses, so the group size is limited and it's first come, first served. I'm not sure what your daughter's riding ability/experience is, but I felt this was a trip for exerienced riders. The total riding time was around 3 hours with a small break in the middle. You will love the trip...it is truly amazing - so much so, that we're repeating it again in June!

[sjlsk8r]

Agreed. We also did the horseback riding and enjoyed it!

[kristilew]

Another vote for the horseback riding! It was a highlight of the trip for us. Among many cool sights, we got to peak over the walls of a little village and see cilantro being harvested by hand.

I agree with kjd about experienced riders, in that this was far more of a real ride and less of a typical nose-to-bumper boring tourist trail trudge. However, my daughter, 10 at the time, is not a real rider and did fine. The leader watched us all ride around the barn area for awhile then made some horse switches accordingly. He also checked on everyone frequently through the ride.

I will say, I was in such a no-cash mode of thought that I didn't think to bring any with me on the ride. But tips for these extra activities are not included in your ABD guide tips, so you will want to have something to give your ride leader at the end of the ride. Luckily, another person in our group had thought of this and lent me some money! Just a head's up for you.

[Barbsw39]

Thank you all for the info! I love that I can ask a question and get answers from people who have actually been on the trip. The heads up about the tip is helpful. I can see myself forgetting about it as well. Based on the comments I'll definitely be looking into the horses more I have read through some of the trip reports, but if there is anything else I MUST know please tell me! All info is appreciated

[Boardwalk_bride]

Does anyone know if the Peru trips are offered around the same time frame every year? (And if there always seems to be an adults trip in October)? I know 2013 dates are not out yet, but I like to plan my vacations far in advance!

Thanks!

[pipch]

Hi there - we did the Peru trip last year and just to offer another alternative view we found little free time. If you choise to remain with the group there was an optional trip to a pottery studio (kids had a balst made their own pottery in a room on their own) and then walk through the town (whole trip free) which we all really enjoyed and then on the other afternoon the kids had a Peruvian group game which they all loved and played for hours, so we hardly had any spare time.
Naturally if you wish to ride you don't need to partake in these activities but just wanted you to be aware there are things to do and you won't be sat in a hotel room.

[WeLoveABD]

Originally Posted by pipch

Hi there - we did the Peru trip last year and just to offer another alternative view we found little free time. If you choise to remain with the group there was an optional trip to a pottery studio (kids had a balst made their own pottery in a room on their own) and then walk through the town (whole trip free) which we all really enjoyed and then on the other afternoon the kids had a Peruvian group game which they all loved and played for hours, so we hardly had any spare time.
Naturally if you wish to ride you don't need to partake in these activities but just wanted you to be aware there are things to do and you won't be sat in a hotel room.

We did the pottery studio tour--our kids loved that place! Mini-zoo in the back, some of the kids did their own clay projects and the items available for purchase were many, varied and reasonably priced. The one thing I did do on my free time one evening was a massage at the Sol y Luna lodge (in the same building that housed a small exercise room). It was great! There were enough things to do--and a decent amount of down time to just enjoy the environment of the hotel grounds--that you won't be bored!

[deepakins]

Oh! no man i don't have any idea about it ...

[Barbsw39]

Just saw these new responses to my question. Thanks for a different point of view. I actually have not booked the horseback riding yet so they may be booked by now anyway. I'm putting it on my to do list for tomorrow to contact hotel and ask a few questions.

[sjlsk8r]

I wouldn't be too concerned about it being booked. We waited until we arrived at Sol y Luna and had no problem getting a reservation.

[smep013]

If you like art and picking out items for your house to remember your trips... go to the artist's studio (pottery tour). Semanario was such a nice man and we picked up quite a few things for our home! :-)