Casa Hacienda Los Ficus, Andean Highlands Travel Guide

Discovering the Hacienda

Casa Hacienda Los Ficus stands as a beacon of Peruvian equestrian tradition in the lush Lurín River valley of Pachacamac, approximately 34 kilometers south of Lima. This working hacienda specializes in the breeding and showcasing of the **Caballo Peruano de Paso**, celebrated worldwide for its uniquely smooth, four-beat gait that allows riders to sip tea without spilling. Visitors arrive to verdant grounds dotted with ancient ficus trees, organic gardens yielding fresh produce, and expansive stables housing horses from newborns to champion adults.

Equestrian Excellence and Shows

The heart of the experience unfolds in the arenas where expert chalanes demonstrate the horses' grace. Guided tours reveal the breeding process, from pasture-raised foals to fully trained performers adorned in luxurious tack and traditional attire. Spectacular shows highlight the horses' natural elegance, synchronized movements, and the riders' skillful harmony, often accompanied by live explanations of the breed's 500-year history rooted in colonial Spanish imports and Andean adaptations. Short rides offer guests a personal taste of this 'smoothest horse in the world.'

Gastronomic Delights

Post-performance, diners gather for a multi-course Peruvian feast emphasizing organic, farm-to-table ingredients. Menus feature appetizers like pisco sour or chicha morada, native potato varieties with huancaina sauce, tender chicken or fish mains, flavorful rice dishes, fresh salads, and desserts such as tocino del cielo. The cuisine celebrates Peru's biodiversity, blending coastal seafood influences with highland staples in a communal dining hall overlooking the grounds.

Cultural and Natural Immersion

Beyond horses and food, the hacienda immerses visitors in rural Peruvian life. Stroll through organic farmlands, learn about sustainable pastoreo rearing, and witness daily rhythms in a desert oasis setting. Proximity to Pachacamac archaeological ruins makes it a perfect complement for day trips combining pre-Incan history with living heritage. Open daily with lunch seatings at 12:30-14:30 and 16:00-18:30, it's a tranquil retreat fostering connection to Peru's soul.