A Genuine Review of the 2025 Show of Peruvian Paso Horse & Marinera with Lunch

So, you are probably looking for an authentic experience just outside of Lima, and, honestly, this show is something quite special. You head out of the city, and in a way, the modern world sort of fades behind you. The thing about this particular tour is that it combines a few very important pieces of Peruvian coastal culture all in one afternoon. Actually, you get to see the famous Peruvian Paso horses, watch a really passionate Marinera dance, and then eat a traditional lunch. It’s a full package that, to be honest, feels very complete. We went with some expectations, but what we experienced was, you know, far more personal and warm than a simple tourist show. Right from the start, you just get this feeling that you’re a guest at someone’s family home, not just another ticket holder, which is a really great feeling to have.

A Grand Welcome at the Hacienda

Okay, so arriving at the hacienda is really the beginning of the whole thing. Basically, these haciendas are these big, beautiful country estates, often with a lot of history. The moment you step onto the property, you kind of notice the shift in atmosphere immediately. For example, it’s quieter, filled with the sounds of the countryside and maybe some gentle music playing in the background. We were, as a matter of fact, greeted with a Pisco Sour, which is Peru’s national cocktail. You get to sip it while walking around the grounds, and it’s a pretty nice way to begin. Honestly, the hosts are incredibly welcoming; they seem genuinely happy to have you there. It’s almost like they’re inviting you into their own personal space, which makes everything feel very relaxed and not at all rushed. The buildings themselves are, you know, often painted in warm colors, with old wooden beams and pretty courtyards full of flowers. So, you definitely feel transported to a different time and place.

The Main Event: The Graceful Peruvian Paso Horses

Now, the real reason you are here is, of course, the horses. The Peruvian Paso is not just any horse; at the end of the day, it’s a national treasure. The most amazing thing about them, seriously, is their walk. It’s this incredibly smooth, four-beat lateral gait called the paso llano. Basically, when you watch them, it’s like they’re gliding or floating over the ground; their backs stay so steady that a rider could hold a full glass of water and not spill a drop. Anyway, the show starts with riders, called “chalanes,” who come out in these really beautiful, traditional outfits—white shirts, wide-brimmed straw hats, and ponchos. They demonstrate the horse’s unique abilities, and you just get a sense of the deep connection between the rider and the animal. It’s a very proud and elegant presentation, not a circus act. Frankly, the control and partnership are just incredible to witness up close. You can see how years of tradition have, like, gone into preserving this special breed and its riding style.

The Dance of Seduction: Marinera Norteña

So, just when you think the horse show has peaked, they introduce the Marinera Norteña. This part is honestly just as captivating. In short, the Marinera is a traditional dance that tells a story of courtship. A woman, barefoot and dressed in a beautiful, flowing white dress, dances with a handkerchief. And her partner? Well, it’s one of the chalanes, still mounted on his magnificent Paso horse. It’s almost like a dance between three partners: the man, the woman, and the horse. You know, the horse seems to be a part of the choreography, stepping delicately and turning in sync with the music and the dancer. The whole performance is, sort of, full of flirty glances and graceful movements. At the end of the day, it represents a really romantic part of Peruvian culture. You just watch the handkerchiefs waving, and it’s this really beautiful dialogue without words. It’s a really moving thing to see happen right in front of you.

A Taste of Peru: The Lunch Experience

Alright, after all that wonderful performance, you are definitely ready to eat. The lunch that is part of the experience is, as a matter of fact, a perfect way to round things out. Typically, it’s a buffet-style meal, which is great because you get to sample a little bit of everything. For instance, you will likely find classic Peruvian dishes like Lomo Saltado (a beef stir-fry), Ají de Gallina (a creamy chicken dish), and, of course, fresh Ceviche. You just know that it’s all prepared with a lot of care. This is a very good opportunity to explore Peruvian flavors if you haven’t already. It’s all very flavorful but not intimidating for people new to the cuisine. The setting for lunch is also, you know, usually very pleasant—often outdoors under a covered patio where you can still enjoy the hacienda’s atmosphere. Seriously, it’s a very relaxed and social part of the day, where you can chat with fellow travelers or your hosts.

Practical Tips and What to Expect

Okay, so a few quick thoughts to help you prepare. You should definitely wear comfortable clothes. The vibe is pretty relaxed, so there’s no need to dress up too much. Because you are often outdoors, a hat and sunglasses are a really good idea, especially on a sunny day in Lima. You will obviously want to take photos, and the setting is beautiful, but, you know, just be mindful of not getting in the way of the performers or horses. Sometimes, at the end of the show, there are interactive moments. For example, they might invite a few guests to try a few steps of the Marinera or even take a short ride on one of the Paso horses.

Honestly, if you get the chance to sit on one of these horses, you should just do it. Feeling that super-smooth gait for yourself is something you won’t forget.

At the end of the day, the entire experience is designed to be enjoyable and accessible, so you can just relax and take it all in. Just be open to the experience and the warmth of the people.

Key Takeaways from the Experience:

• You get a very genuine and personal cultural show, not a huge, impersonal production.
• The Peruvian Paso horses are truly special, and their smooth gait is almost unbelievable until you see it.
• The Marinera dance between the woman and the rider on horseback is, honestly, a highlight full of grace and storytelling.
• The buffet lunch offers a really fantastic and delicious introduction to classic Peruvian dishes.
• The whole afternoon just feels like a warm invitation into a piece of Peru’s coastal heritage.

Read our full review: Peruvian Paso Horse Show Review Full Review and Details

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