Horseback riding in Huaraz: Cordillera Negra mountain views

The two mountain ranges face each other across the valley, and you ride between them.

Horseback riding on the slopes of Cordillera Negra near Huaraz, a six-hour activity with hotel pickup, public minivan transfer to the trailhead at Yungar, an experienced horseman, and return transport to town. You climb the black mountain's slopes on horseback, stopping at the highest point for lunch while looking across at Cordillera Blanca to the east. Children from age 6 are welcome. Groups of five or more get a guide assistant.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horse riding with mountain views

• Pick up from hotel in Huaraz
• Walk to public minivan to Yungar
• Arrive at horse ranch
• Start horse ride up Black Mountain
• Enjoy views of Cordillera Blanca
• Stop for box lunch at highest point
• Return horse ride to Yungar ranch
• Take public minivan back to Huaraz
• End of service

The experience

What makes this ride different is the geography: Cordillera Negra and Cordillera Blanca sit across from each other, and the trail climbs the western slope so you're riding toward the eastern range the whole way up. You start the morning with pickup from your hotel in Huaraz, then walk to the public minivan that runs to Yungar, where the horses are kept. The guide meets you there and you mount up to begin climbing.

The ride takes you up the hillside of the black mountain, and as you gain elevation the view across the valley opens: Cordillera Blanca rises on the far side, and in the late afternoon the sunset light hits those peaks. You'll reach the highest point of the ride and stop for lunch there (bring a box lunch with you, there are no restaurants on the trail). After eating, you descend the same way back to the ranch at Yungar, then board the public minivan for the return to Huaraz on your own. Bring water, a sun hat, and light pants. The altitude and sun exposure are real.

An experienced horseman travels with you and knows how to handle emergencies. If your group is five or more, a guide assistant comes along as well. Children must be with an adult, and kids from age 6 can ride. The horses come equipped and ready. You don't need riding experience beforehand.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Huaraz.
• public minivan transfer to and from the trailhead at Yungar.
• horses equipped and ready to ride.
• an experienced horseman throughout the activity.
• a guide assistant for groups of five or more.
• return transport to Huaraz.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (10 to 85 years) · Child (6 to 9 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Peru Bergsport

Is this one for you?The minivan transfer from Huaraz to Yungar and back means you don't need a car or a driver. You join the public transport that locals use, which settles the logistics if you're staying in town without wheels.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 9 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

How do I get from my hotel to the horses?

Hotel pickup is included in the morning, then you walk to the public minivan station in Huaraz and ride it to Yungar, where the ranch is located. The return minivan runs back to Huaraz downtown, and you walk from there to your accommodation.

What's the view like from the top of the ride?

Cordillera Blanca sits across the valley to the east, and you see it throughout the climb. At the highest point where you stop for lunch, the mountain range fills the view, and in late afternoon the sunset reflects off the peaks.

Do I need to bring my own lunch?

Yes, you'll need to prepare a box lunch to bring with you, since there are no restaurants on the trail. Water, a sun hat, and light pants are also essential.

How long does the whole activity take?

The activity runs six hours total, including the minivan transfers from and to Huaraz, the ride itself, and the lunch stop at the top.

What if something goes wrong during the ride?

An experienced horseman travels with you and is trained to handle emergencies. Groups of five or more also have a guide assistant present.