Lima: Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers

Lima is a city, but this outing is the country side. You leave town, ride out to Casa Hacienda Los Ficus, then spend a few hours with Peruvian Paso horses in a working-style hacienda setting. The show is tied to northern Peru dance, so it feels less like a tourist performance and more like local culture meeting horsemanship.

I love how the day is built around two things people actually care about: the horse training and skills exhibition, and the food that follows (farm vegetables, native potatoes, and a Pisco sour). I also like the small group setup, max 15, so you are not stuck watching everything through three dozen shoulders.

One possible drawback is the time tradeoff. The drive can be long, and the day still only lasts about 5 hours. Also, double check the early part of the plan, because the schedule lists Pachacamac ruins, and at least one booking reportedly did not include it on the day.

Key highlights worth booking for

• Casa Hacienda Los Ficus, a classic Lima-region hacienda stop built for horse show time
• Short personal ride, with a professional rider staying with you
• Chalanes plus Marinera Norteña, paired with the Paso horses skills display
• Two departure options, morning with lunch or afternoon with appetizers and open bar
• Farm-forward lunch, with roasted chicken, native potatoes, stewed beans, and Pisco sour
• Small group cap (15 people), plus the chance to get real answers from guides like Alejandra (also seen as Alexandra)

Getting to Casa Hacienda Los Ficus, and why the drive matters

This tour is timed like a proper half day. You start in your hotel lobby with pickup in the morning or afternoon, then you head out by private minivan or SUV. One review described the ride as over an hour each way, so plan your expectations accordingly, especially if you are tight on schedule in Lima.

Here is the point of the drive: once you arrive, the setting changes fast. You go from city streets to hacienda grounds where horses are part of daily life. The guide greets you in colorful native costume, and that helps the day feel like more than a quick photo stop.

If you are prone to motion sickness, take the usual precautions. The route is long enough that you might appreciate it. Also, bring a light layer. Even when Lima is warm, rural afternoons can feel cooler once you are outside.

Morning vs Afternoon: farm lunch or open bar appetizers

This is not a one size fits all tour. You choose between a morning or afternoon departure, and the vibe changes.

Morning option, tour plus lunch

In the morning, you get the full sequence: tour, exhibition, and a set lunch. The lunch is described as roasted chicken, vegetables from the farm, native potatoes, stewed beans, and a traditional Pisco sour. Dessert is included too, which is a nice detail because it keeps the meal feeling complete rather than snacky.

If you like clear structure, morning is the easy choice. You can settle into the day, enjoy lunch at the hacienda, then return to Lima while there is still time left.

Afternoon option, exhibition plus open bar

Afternoon shifts the focus. You still do the tour and exhibition, but you add appetizers and an open bar with alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. That can be great if you are traveling with friends and want a more relaxed, social feel.

If you do not drink alcohol, you are not stuck. The open bar listing includes non alcoholic drinks as well. Still, if you are planning dinner right after, afternoon may lead to a slower pace because people often linger.

One more practical note: the afternoon plan can run right into late afternoon return. One timeline example had pickup at 11:15 and drop off around 16:00, so check the departure time you select, especially if you need to be back for a cruise shuttle.

The hacienda walk, Paso breeding lessons, and your short ride

Once you are at Casa Hacienda Los Ficus, the core of the visit begins with a walking tour. This is where you learn how Paso horses are bred and raised, and it helps you understand what you are about to see in the exhibition. The guide point is not just facts. It is context, like how training steps connect to the horse skills you will watch next.

Then comes the part that many people book for, the chance to ride a Paso horse. You take a turn, and you are accompanied by a professional rider. That is important. You are not thrown into a solo situation with a horse that expects you to know what you are doing.

The reviews back this up with warm comments about the staff and the facility. One highlight was how friendly the horses seemed in the stables. Another was that the host stayed focused on supporting the riders as they showcased the beauty and athleticism of the Paso horses.

What I would prepare for as a rider: it is a ranch experience, not a show ring. Wear comfortable closed shoes, keep your phone handy for photos when it is safe, and listen carefully to the instructions before you mount.

The exhibition show: chalanes, Marinera Norteña, and Paso horse skills

After the tour and riding, you move into the exhibition. This is where the day earns its name as a premium Paso horse show.

The program pairs the horses skills with dance of the chalanes and Marinera Norteña. In plain terms: you are watching horsemanship and rhythm together. The chalanes role shows up through coordinated movement with the horses, while Marinera Norteña brings the cultural side through dance style associated with northern Peru.

One review called out how the guide kept the explanation connected to the riders and the horses. Another praised the facilities and the way the exhibition matched the training stages you learned about earlier.

If you think you only came for the animals, you will still probably enjoy the full cultural package. The dance is not random background. It is part of how the show communicates local tradition.

And yes, it is beautiful to watch. Paso horses are known for a distinctive, elegant way of moving, and seeing it in a purpose-built performance setting makes the difference.

Lunch at the hacienda: why the meal is more than included

A lot of tours slap on lunch like an afterthought. This one is built around a real farm meal.

The morning lunch description is specific: roasted chicken, farm vegetables, native potatoes, stewed beans, plus dessert. You also get a traditional Pisco sour. That combo matters for value. It means you are not paying for a ticket and then eating something that tastes like it came from a vending machine.

One review singled out tiny potatoes with a yellow dipping sauce served before the display. Another said the lunch was one of the best meals of the trip. That is exactly the kind of detail you want when you are leaving Lima for hours and giving up your own time.

If you are choosing afternoon, you do not get the same plated lunch set described for the morning. You do get appetizers and an open bar instead. So your food priorities should decide which option fits you better.

As always with any alcohol included, pace yourself. It is easy to overdo it when the setting feels festive.

Price and value: what $149 includes and what to watch for

At $149 per person for about 5 hours, you are paying for a few things that add up quickly if you tried to DIY them: hotel pickup and drop off, live entertainment, the ranch activities, and either lunch with dessert plus drinks (morning) or appetizers plus open bar (afternoon).

The group size matters here. With a maximum of 15 travelers, you have a better shot at actually engaging with staff and getting guidance during the ride. You also avoid the feeling of being herded.

A detail to note: pickups from Lima Jorge Chávez Airport, Port of Callao, and nearby hotels in the Callao area may carry an extra cost of US$15 per person, paid directly to the guide or driver if required. If you are starting from the airport or cruise port, confirm this before you go, so there are no last minute surprises.

Also keep in mind the tour has a minimum age of 18. If you are traveling with family, this one is adult-only.

Finally, the tour is offered in English and includes a mobile ticket. So for many visitors, it is an easy, low-stress way to experience Paso horses without arranging anything yourself.

The Pachacamac ruins stop: nice on paper, confirm on the day

The itinerary lists a stop connected to Pachacamac ruins and includes an admission ticket included line. But one review noted that Pachacamac did not happen even though it was indicated when hiring the tour, with the local agency describing it as an error.

So here is my practical advice: before you head out, ask your operator to confirm exactly what you will do first, and how much time that ruins stop actually gets. If Pachacamac is skipped, you still have the hacienda show and horse experience, which is the main attraction anyway. Still, it is worth aligning expectations so you do not feel shorted.

Who this Lima Paso horse show is best for

I think this tour fits best if you are one of these:

• A horse lover who wants more than just a quick glance, with a ride and a structured explanation
• Someone who wants cultural context, chalanes and Marinera Norteña alongside the horses
• Travelers who value good lunch and included drinks rather than hunting for food later
• Groups who like small caps, max 15, and a smoother ranch experience

It may be less perfect if you hate long drives. Also, if your schedule is ultra tight for a cruise shuttle, choose the departure time carefully and plan your return buffer. In one review, staff and the driver Victor were attentive about getting people to a port bus in time, which suggests they can be careful. Still, you should treat timing as your responsibility too.

Should you book this Paso horse show with lunch and transfers?

If your priority is Paso horses in a real ranch setting, this is a strong pick. The mix of walking tour, short ride with professional support, and an exhibition tied to chalanes and Marinera Norteña hits a sweet spot: you learn something, you watch something, and you do something.

I would book it if you want included meals with local ingredients, and you like the idea of either a lunch focused morning or an afternoon with appetizers and open bar. The small group cap also helps a lot with comfort.

Skip or at least double check if you are sensitive to long travel time, or if the Pachacamac ruins stop is a must have for you. Ask for clarity on what the first stop includes on your specific day, and you will feel confident.

FAQ

How long is the Lima Premium Peruvian Horse Show?

It lasts about 5 hours.

Is there a morning and afternoon departure?

Yes. You can choose a morning or an afternoon departure time.

What is included in the morning option?

The morning option includes the tour and exhibition plus lunch, including roasted chicken, vegetables from the farm, native potatoes, stewed beans, dessert, and a traditional Pisco sour.

What is included in the afternoon option?

The afternoon option includes the tour and exhibition plus appetizers and an open bar with alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is there an extra fee for airport or Callao area pickup?

For pickups and drop offs from Lima Jorge Chávez Airport, Port of Callao, and nearby hotels in the Callao area, there may be an extra cost of US$15 per person, paid directly to the guide or driver if applicable.

Is the tour for adults only?

Yes. The minimum age is 18, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.