Horse-riding holidays: four of the best Machu Picchu on horseback, Peru Travelling to Machu Picchu is always going to be an extraordinary experience, but why not crank it up even further by doing it on horseback? Equestrian Escapes" 10-day trips, with plenty of departures between April and December 2014, are an amazing way to explore the ruins of this Inca empire. The tours are for groups of six to eight and are accompanied by a horse-trekking guide, a cultural guide and a doctor. The trip includes about five days of riding for up to five hours at a time, plus hikes on foot and plenty of opportunities to explore villages, towns and ruins, staying at world-class lodges along the way. You need to be at least an intermediate rider because the terrain can be challenging, but the horses, largely American Quarters, Arab crosses and thoroughbreds, are well trained and confident. From £2,575 per person, including accommodation throughout the trip, all meals on the trail, guides and wrangler's care for horses. International and internal return flights (about £800 and £160 respectively) and optional nights in Cusco and Lima are not included (01829-781123; equestrian-escapes.com).