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Beautiful horse ranch located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco, Peru

Peru
Last activity : 24 Apr 2025

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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
9 Apr 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
35
Email verified

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Availability

2025

Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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What's this?

Details

Description
Run by a small group of friends, this “big house” is a place where we seek to live in touch with the environment and our community. We have an organic garden that provides us with delicious veggies, and we eat as local as possible, we enjoy fruits from the valley and drink tea and coffee from our land in the jungle of Peru. We have a good relationship with the local community, which we maintain by helping the village children with their homework and giving out veggies from the garden when we have extra produce.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
...
...
What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will learn about the Incas and the Sacred Valley and enjoy its beauty every day. We are located near many of the top tourist attractions of the Cusco region and in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

You will learn about organic farming. We have a beautifully terraced organic garden.

Enjoy the incredible night skies, we are at nearly 2,700 meters altitude (9,000 feet) and have no light pollution, so milky way is visible almost every night.

Learn to prepare delicious Peruvian dishes.

Living at the ranch also offers full Spanish immersion. Even though we understand and speak some English, volunteers can help us improve it, and in return we are happy to help volunteers with improving their Spanish.
Help
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We kindly ask you to read our calendar before requesting for information.

WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO RECEIVE VOLUNTEERS WITH VAST EXPERIENCE IN:

- HORSEBACK RIDING (WEIGHT LIMIT: 160 lbs)

- PERMACULTURE.

- ARCHITECTURE (COUNTRY-STYLE HOUSE DESIGN AND BIOARCHITECTURE)

At the moment, we are able to welcome volunteers for long stays only, minimum 2 to 3 months.

Must be comfortable living in nature.

------------

This volunteering opportunity comes with the following benefits:

- Room and half board: accommodations in the volunteer cabin (shared room and bathroom), we will provide with a
kitchen, cooking utensils and ingredients for two meals per day to prepare breakfast and lunch.

- Beautiful location in the heart of the sacred valley, half way between Cusco and Machu Picchu.

- Great opportunity to practice and learn Spanish as the whole ranch staff are Spanish native speakers.

- Great opportunity for horse and nature lovers.

Please be aware that:

- You will have access to our WiFi for personal use after working hours.

- Phone use is not permitted during working hours.

- Please note that it’s important to hold a basic command of Spanish, so you are able to communicate with us and help
us.

- We don't provide dinner.

- We are not able to receive couples or families with children.

- Accident and health insurance will be required.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Accommodation
The ranch offers beautiful, peaceful, and comfortable accommodations, and well-structured environment.
As a volunteer, you will stay in a shared room.
Phone use is not permitted during working hours.
What else ...
The ranch is located on a privileged area, fifty acres surrounded by majestic mountains, and very close to many archaeological sites. Over here in the Sacred Valley there's a lot to see and do, from the many Incan ruins to the beautiful cities of Cuzco, Pisac, Maras, Chinchero, etc. It is easy to travel between all these different areas using buses, collectivos, taxis or moto-taxis. Hiking and adventure sports opportunities abound.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two

Host ref number: 811943953742

Website Safety

Feedback (23)

12 Sep 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Alfredo)

Querido Alfredo, que bueno saber que tu experiencia en el Valle Sagrado fue tan especial. La energía de este lugar y las conexiones que se crean con personas como tú, Alfredo, son lo que hace que nuestro trabajo sea tan gratificante. Nos alegra mucho que hayas aprendido y disfrutado tanto durante tu tiempo aquí. ¡Siempre serás parte de la familia… read more

(Excellent )

29 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer (Alfredo) for host

Experimentar la vida en el valle sagrado con pablo y todo el impresionante equipo que colabora ahi es magico. La energia del valle es hermosa y el rancho tiene mucho que aportar a cada humano. Aprendi y conoci gente muy interesante. Recomiendo realmente este lugar a cualquier alma que quiera experimentar un lugar con una rica cultura en todos los… read more

(Excellent )

6 Jul 2023

Left by Workawayer (Ella) for host

Before arriving at the ranch, I didn't have the slightest idea of the tranquillity and joy that I was going to find here and it's thanks to the wonderful team !! We took part in a range of activities across social media management and tasks with the horses, but we always felt part of the family and enjoyed getting involved with every area of ranch… read more

(Excellent )

10 Jun 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Clemence)

Clemence, dear Clemie for us, is a very committed and dependable girl who was always the first to offer her help even if it was not her area. She excelled at every task we assigned to her and was always willing to go the extra mile staying longer if needed be. Her glowing personality brightened our days during her stay at the ranch.… read more

(Excellent )

6 Feb 2023

Left by Workawayer (Clemence) for host

I’ve spent an amazing time at the Ranch and I would recommend you to visit this beautiful place only if you plan to stay more than 2 months and if you are proactive and autonomous when it comes to helping and working. I was in contact with Pablo before Peru started its political crisis and I still decided to come. It was one of the best decisions… read more of my life because the ranch is like an oasis. Pablo helped me get here safely so that I could enjoy Peru in the most secure way possible.

The Ranch is located in the Sacred Valley, about 1h30 from Cusco. The Sacred Valley hosts some of the most beautiful landscapes of Latin America and I would recommend you to do hikes around Lares, Urubamba, Pissac… The Ranch is 10 minutes walking from Las de Maras, an amazing Inca site used to produce salt. If you ever need to buy something there is a tiny shop in front of the ranch or you can take a moto taxi to Urubamba for 6 soles.

Working at the ranch, you should expect to wake up early and be consistent in your work but you will be rewarded for the work you provide ! I was picking up horse poop from 6 to 7am, and then working on the website as well as cooking for everyone, cleaning and working outside on various tasks. Indeed, you will evolve as a family and you will have your own tasks. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and require help when needed. Pablo, Carlito, Iriana and Juan Carlos are always willing to help ! Once your tasks are finished you will be able to go on hikes in the area, go horseback riding if you have the experience and most importantly enjoy delicious meals prepared by Juan Carlos. Depending on the number of hours you are willing to work between 5 to 7 hours a day, you will be provided with 2 or 3 meals a day but the lunch is almost always prepared by Juan Carlos during the weekdays ! If you are curious don’t hesitate to give a hand to everyone because everybody at the ranch has something to teach and knowledge to transmit.

It is important to volunteer more than 2 months at the Ranch because you will be joining an ecosystem and to make the most of it, you must understand how everything and everyone are interrelated. It is better for any volunteer to take the time and opportunity to spend time with the 5 dogs and 8 horses, learning their names, playing with them, as well as discovering the different plants and animals that live around the ranch.

(Excellent )

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Accuracy of profile:
(4.7)

Cultural exchange:
(4.9)

Communication:
(4.8)

12 Sep 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Alfredo)

(Excellent)

29 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer (Alfredo) for host

(Excellent)

6 Jul 2023

Left by Workawayer (Ella) for host

(Excellent)

10 Jun 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Clemence)

(Excellent)

6 Feb 2023

Left by Workawayer (Clemence) for host

(Excellent)

8 Sep 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Audrey)

Audrey is a very hard-working girl, with the ability to understand and capture in graphic design everything we comment on in a modern way and with great professionalism... for which we are very grateful... Thanks!

(Excellent)

23 Jul 2022

Left by Workawayer (Audrey) for host

It was my first volunteering and it was for me a very good experience. I stayed two weeks here with Pablo and his team (family 🤗). Everything is done at the ranch to feel good and especially for the stay to look like us as much as possible. Beyond the kindness of everyone, Pablo really makes us understand, gets impregnated and sees the Sacred… read more

(Excellent)

8 Sep 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Maria)

Maria is a very sensitive, hard-working, respectful girl, an artist 🎨 with the ability to mix them with graphic design... a reliable person in every way...

(Excellent)

10 Apr 2022

Left by Workawayer (Maria) for host

After my 2 months stay at the ranch I left this place full of gratitude. The ranch is located in an indeed breathtaking location, perfect to make a small tours in the Sacred Valley during your free days (you will manage to have a 1 day MachuPicchu trip from there). Still, it's a little bit remote, hidden in a local community so do use this… read more

(Excellent)

28 Apr 2022

Left by Workawayer (William) for host

I had a really great time here at the Ranch. From the get go, Pablo and Head Chef Juan Carlos were very warm despite my limited ability to speak Spanish and were often patient when I tried to formulate sentences (Pablo also speaks very good English).
Every day is different: I gained valuable experience acting as a host to English-speaking… read more families, which was a true pleasure. I was also tasked with helping write blurbs for the website, which gave me a fantastic insight into the world of marketing - something I don’t think I would’ve been able to do in the UK as a first job.

You do have to work hard at the ranch, whether that’s helping handwash the dishes or waking up early to serve breakfasts; however, Pablo and the team look after you EXTREMELY well and your downtime is equally respected.
The demands of the ranch are such that you need to be quite flexible with your working hours. Where for some weeks I would be needed for more days, I’d consequently receive more free meals or be able to have more days off afterwards, where I could travel and spend the money I had saved on food at the ranch.

That’s another point: the food is genuinely amazing!! I learned how to prepare ‘Lomo Soltado’, and I was also able to join guests with the ‘Pachamanca’ ceremony where a mixture of organic meats, fish and vegetables are cooked on hot stones.

The ranch’s vision is also great, with Pablo focussed on providing a great future for the community’s children and the environment by investing profits into local projects.
To stay in a place seeking to not only preserve but celebrate local and national histories was a true privilege - I was told by a visiting travel agent that I’d definitely lucked out with this job. 8 weeks later, I can definitely attest to this.

I would say that if you are thinking of coming and cannot speak Spanish well, the limited connectivity (there are some wifi cafes in town) means that you need to be secure in your own company. With this said, I was lent a guitar and was able to explore the many BEAUTIFUL hikes surrounding the ranch, which kept me busy.
As my first time living alone, this was a safe, familial environment which allowed me the freedom to develop both independence and resilience. The community are also very friendly and I enjoyed playing football with the kids on a few occasions.

I want to stress that this ranch is like a family: Pablo would always ask how I was and check in on me whilst I was away, making sure I was safe.
If you’re open-minded and flexible, you’ll build up a great working-relationship with the rest of the team. I will definitely stay in touch.

(Excellent)

14 Jan 2022

Left by Workawayer (Olivia) for host

Este fue mi primera experiencia con WorkAway, y es inolvidable. Este lugar es muy especial y tan hermoso, la naturaleza es increible y los caballos son preciosos, tambien los cocinados y los otros empleados quien trabajan aqui. Estar preparado para quedar en un lugar un poquito mas lejos de una ciudad, definitivamente es remoto y no hay WiFi.… read more

(Good)

3 Mar 2020

Left by Workawayer (MathildeF98) for host

My past 2 months at the ranch have been an amazing experience! Working with horses and with the amazing team, which ended up being my new family has been so enriching. Here we eat tasty organic food made with love from a good cook and you have an great place to stay (aka I slept like a baby). Don’t get me wrong, the work is hard, waking up early… read more

(Excellent)

20 Sep 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Branka & Pool)

No podemos decir que fue una voluntaria, fue más... fue una persona que se ganó el cariño, respeto y agradecimiento de todos en el Rancho, es una persona excepcional !!!

Nos ayudó a perfeccionar nuestros procedimientos, nuestros manuales para operaciones, nuestra web y fue una excelente guía en cabalgatas a campo traviesa y ni se diga de la gran… read more

(Excellent)

16 Aug 2019

Left by Workawayer (Branka & Pool) for host

This ranch is an incredible place! The horses are sweet and well behaved, the people are warm and friendly, and the food is delicious and organic. Seeing the milky way every night before going to sleep and waking up surrounded by the incredible mountains in the Sacred Valley simply can't be beat. This is an ideal place for horse people.

I… read more applied because I love riding horses but did not really know what to expect. It wasn't clear to me if I could ride here, or if I would be gardening and teaching English. I ended up becoming a horseback riding guide and did that happily for 5 months! My original commitment was two months, but I extended it to 5 months!

The application process was a bit more elaborate than standard workaway gigs, and the time commitment requirement (at least 2 months) originally was a concern for me. But having become a part of this ranch family, I can see why this is needed (to learn about horses and trails here one needs time) and how staying in one place for a while has many benefits.

In practical terms, this ranch gives you full room and board, you get to eat delicious Peruvian food prepared by a chef two times a day. For dinner, you can eat leftovers or you can cook using the provided ingredients. As previous volunteers noted, workdays can be long. But for me - a long day of riding is a good day. The accommodations are rugged, in a separate cabin outside the ranch, the bedroom is shared with other volunteers, and the bathrooms are now functional.

If improving your Spanish is one of your goals, this is a wonderful place. I found that traveling and moving every few days was exhausting and wasn't providing me the opportunity to practice and improve my Spanish because I was surrounded by foreigners who spoke English, and/or was having only brief conversations with Spanish speakers. Here I “have to” speak Spanish with my coworkers so my ability to understand and be understood has improved heaps.

The accommodations are in a shared cabin, with other volunteers, just outside of the ranch in a very quiet village, but near a larger town, and with great connection to Cusco, where I spend much of my free time when I need the city vibe. For hikers or bikers, this is also heaven and one can spend every weekend hiking a different stunning trail or visiting Incan ruins. The ranch is also close to Machu Picchu. As a guide you will also have an opportunity to learn a lot about the Inka history and to interact with riders and guests staying at the ranch, sometimes spending many hours with them which is a great opportunity to meet interesting people from all around the world.

And the horses - some are pure bred Peruvian Paso horses and they are soooo comfortable. Most of the rides are 6+ hours long and I love spending many hours in the saddle. The trail rides are so incredibly beautiful and fun that we consistently receive five-star reviews on all the main travel review sites.

Thank you Ranch family! What a wonderful experience! I would highly recommend it to all potential volunteers.

(Excellent)

12 Aug 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Kieran)

Kieran volunteered on our ranch for nearly two months and did a great job at a variety of important tasks. His most significant contribution is a wonderful promotional video he created for our ranch along with a whole library of great photos. All of this required that he learn a lot - and quickly - about our ranch, the horses, Inka history, and… read more

(Excellent)

29 Jul 2019

Left by Workawayer (Kieran) for host

Working on the ranch was one of the most unique and brilliant experiences I have had while travelling. One of the first things Pablo told me when I arrived was that everyone there is a family, and over almost two months my new family came to mean so much to me (I was originally only going to stay for three weeks, but it's so hard to leave !).… read more

(Excellent)

19 Aug 2018

Left by Workawayer (Sergio) for host

my first experience as a workawayer and it was unforgetable.
They are an amazing group of people, pablo takes care of everything and always worried about to make you feel like home. Juancarlos and carlos always teach and take care of you. And the rest of the team; claudio, abraham, guillermo, eloy and sayda are definitly the best… read more

(Excellent)

10 May 2018

Left by Workawayer (Katie) for host

So much more than just a regular workaway….. I spent a truely amazing two months volunteering on the ranch, and what an experience it was. When I first arrived it was still the rainy season and I was the only volunteer ( bit of a shock at first!) I passed the first week working in the fields with the men and it’s certainly true what the previous… read more

(Excellent)

10 May 2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Katie)

Our sweet and smart Katie

We are so sad to see Katie go! She was a delight to have out on the ranch and really became a part of the family. She was a great all around worker, assisting with horses, cooking, hosting guests, and helping with the general ranch labor. Katie went above and beyond the work expected of her. She was up early every day… read more

(Excellent)

29 Mar 2018

Left by Workawayer (Nelly) for host

My time at the Ranch was a little bit strange... I spend like 2 weeks in February. We were 4 volunteers and we didn't have so much things to do. There was no client, so it was our job to find what to do to be useful (so different to all yours feedbacks !! We were so surprising !). The place is wonderful and the staff so nice, for sure !
A really… read more

(Good)

7 Jan 2018

Left by Workawayer (SeppeDC) for host

I had a great 3-week stay in the ranch! The location is just marvellous, in a tiny community where everyone knows one another and is considered all family. The way this self-sustainable farm works was very intriguing. Almost all of the food is self-grown and fresh, and Juan's dishes are just the best! ;) the water used in the ranch also comes from… read more

(Excellent)

18 Dec 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (SeppeDC)

Estimado Seppe, te ganaste el cariño y agradecimiento de todos, eres una persona educada, respetuosa y trabajadora... Te agradecemos por las magnificas fotos, vídeos y también por las recomendaciones sobre la cámara que deberiamos comprar y clases de fotografía... Te deseamos todo lo mejor y éxitos en tu negocio fotográfico "Y porque no"… read more

(Excellent)

16 Oct 2017

Left by Workawayer (Jenny) for host

Amazing experience! Wish I had the time to stay longer than 1 month. It's hard work and you will be tired but you'll also have plenty of fun. The local staff are great, good way to practice your Spanish too.
Main duties were cooking, cleaning, helping with guests, feeding horses, cleaning up alot of manure, saddling up the horses for rides and… read more

(Excellent)

5 Oct 2017

Left by Workawayer (Hélène) for host

Waaahh...it was such an experience in the ranch, I will never forget it.
The work is quite intense, you have to work hard. Everyday work was very diverse : equestrian guide, cooking, cleaning, feeding horses, cleaning horse poop, gardening, welcoming the guests, taking pictures for the new website...
You will have a great time there especially if… read more

(Excellent)

4 Oct 2017

Left by Workawayer (Anthony) for host

That's an incredible project located in an incredible place BUT you will have to work very hard there.
If physical work is not your "cup of tea", then don't go: I once got 7 blisters in one hand and my back got blocked once too..!
Nevertheless, I stayed 4 months there instead of 2 because of the wonderful team, the peruvian cuisine and the general… read more

(Excellent)

5 Jul 2017

Left by Workawayer (Melanie) for host

Info notice: Exchange was cancelled at last minute

(Host cancelled stay at the last minute)

5 May 2017

Left by Workawayer (Bryanna) for host

Though I only got to spend a 2 weeks here, my time at the Ranch was incredibly eventful! I was lucky to get to go on many horseback rides with guests which was a life changing experience. Riding through the fields, Maras, and Moray on beautiful Peruvian horses and learning about the history of the Sacred Valley from Pablo was the highlight of my… read more

(Excellent)

5 Jan 2017

Left by Workawayer (Kelvin & Paula) for host

Wow where to start?! We spent around 5 weeks at the ranch and what a wonderful experience it was for us. Our expectations were exceeded in every aspect, from how beautiful the surroundings are to how challenging but rewarding the work was. If you're looking for hard work and hard play, this is the place to be! As we didn't have any previous horse… read more

(Excellent)

3 Jan 2017

Left by Workawayer (Josep Maria & Eduard) for host

We've spent 5 weeks volunteering here and I can tell that after this experience I'm not the same person anymore. Let me explain myself a little bit: this ranch is not Heaven on earth, you'll need to work hard and the tasks are not about laying under the sun and seeing the clouds passing by. During our weeks here, we've been digging in the garden,… read more

(Excellent)

5 Dec 2016

Left by Workawayer (Kevin) for host

The ranch was an absolute blast! I can honestly say that every day was something different for 4 weeks and that made it a very memorable experience. Some days the work is very demanding so if you do not like to work hard or getting blisters on your hands, this is not the place for you. If you do like to work, you will LOVE it here. My week… read more

(Excellent)

10 Nov 2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Julien & Andrea)

Hola,
Muy buenas personas muy responsables, educados y trabajadores, recomendamos esta pareja al 100%
Ellos viajan con Diego que es una maravilla de perro no molesta en nada y quedamos muy sorprendidos de lo educado que era.

Les deseamos todo lo mejor estimados Julien & Andrea.

(Excellent)

22 Sep 2016

Left by Workawayer (Morgan) for host

The ranch is a truly beautiful place. If you like working outdoors and are interested in exploring the Sacred Valley, it's a great place to stay and make new friends. The other volunteers are really what make this place special. In addition, the groceries that are provided are very fresh. I got very lucky (I have about 13 years of horseback… read more

(Very good)

14 Sep 2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Morgan)

Great volunteer, hard-working, quick learner, dedicated horse rider, amazing tour guide and animal lover, Morgan, you are always welcome back!

(Excellent)

14 Sep 2016

Left by host for Workawayer (PJ)

Great volunteer, hard working, quick learner, dedicated animal lover and a good friend of everyone in the community, PJ, you´re always welcome at the Ranch!

(Excellent)

14 Sep 2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Mada & Dovy)

Great volunteers, hard-working, helpful and eager to learn! Helped us a lot at the Ranch and they are always welcome to come back here.

(Excellent)

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Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Peru Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in South America Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Cusco Farmstay Peru Last minute Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Peru

Beautiful horse ranch located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco, Peru

Profile information

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Last replied

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Find your perfect host

Availability

Details

Description

Types of help and learning opportunities

UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Help

Languages spoken

Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

Can host digital nomads

Space for parking camper vans

How many Workawayers can stay?

Feedback (23)

Photos

Feedback