Horseback Riding Mystic Tour Temple of the Moon & Chacan Mountain

Ride beyond the city for a change of pace. This three-and-a-half-hour outing combines gentle horseback riding, Inca sites, mountain views, and a close look at the countryside around Cusco. I especially like the well-trained horses and the personal guiding from Gabriel and his team. I also like that hotel transfers, riding gear, and snacks are included, so the $65 price covers more than just time in the saddle.

The main consideration is altitude and weather. Cusco’s mountain climate can shift quickly, and the trail may include rough ground, thorns, or uneven paths. You do not need riding experience, but you should be comfortable spending several hours outdoors and dressing for changing conditions.

Key points to know before you book

• Beginner-friendly horses: The horses are described as calm, well trained, and matched to each rider’s experience.
• A useful half-day outing: At about three and a half hours, the ride fits neatly into a Cusco morning or afternoon.
• Temple of the Moon visit: You get more than a scenic ride, with time to learn about an important Inca site and local traditions.
• Strong guide presence: Gabriel, Grimaldo, Juan, and the ranch team are praised for clear explanations, good humor, and close attention to safety.
• Cusco views from above: The ride reaches viewpoints with broad views over the city and surrounding mountains.
• Pack for mountain weather: Bring a rain jacket and wear long trousers, since weather can change and trails may have thorny plants.

Why this ride works so well in Cusco

Cusco offers no shortage of major archaeological sites and demanding day trips. You can spend hours on a bus to Rainbow Mountain, rise before dawn for a long trek, or walk from one colonial church to the next. This horseback outing gives you something different: a slower way to reach nearby Inca sites while keeping the city within reach.

I like the balance here. You ride through the countryside, stop to hear about the Temple of the Moon, and continue toward Chacan Mountain or a scenic mountain viewpoint. It is not a full-day expedition, and that is part of its appeal. You can enjoy the mountains without sacrificing an entire day of your Cusco schedule.

The experience is also built for mixed ability. Several riders with little or no horse experience found the horses easy to handle. Riders with more ability were not simply left behind, either. Gabriel is praised for recognizing different skill levels and adjusting his support accordingly.

Hotel pickup makes the morning easier

Round-trip transport from your Cusco hotel is included. That matters because the ranch is outside the city center, and arranging your own transport can add a layer of uncertainty to a short tour. The drive to the ranch is described as quick, leaving more of your time for the ride itself.

There are morning departures at 9:00 a.m. and afternoon departures at 1:00 p.m. I would choose the morning if you want the rest of the day free for Cusco museums, markets, or a relaxed meal. The afternoon option works well after a slower morning in town.

The experience lasts about three hours and thirty minutes, though the exact pace can depend on the group. The maximum group size is 20 people. That is not an especially tiny group, but the hands-on nature of the ranch and the repeated praise for personal attention suggest that the guides remain involved rather than simply leading from the front.

Meeting the horses at Gabriel’s ranch

The horses are one of the strongest reasons to consider this ride. The horses are described as being in good shape, calm, well cared for, and well trained. That is especially important if you are nervous, have not ridden in years, or are trying horseback riding for the first time.

You receive protective equipment before setting out. The horses are assigned according to experience, which can make a real difference. A beginner needs a steady animal that responds predictably, while a more experienced rider may appreciate a horse with a little more energy.

I would still keep your expectations realistic. Riding is physical, even when the horse is gentle. You may feel it in your legs and back, and rough paths can be tiring. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and anyone unsure about riding should tell the guide at the ranch rather than trying to appear more confident than they feel.

One particularly encouraging detail is the repeated attention to horse care. The business is family owned and operated, and the staff are described as caring for the animals properly. That gives the outing a more personal feel than a large commercial operation where horses can seem like equipment.

Riding the old Inca routes

The route follows ancient Inca trails and passes through countryside near Cusco. You are not simply circling a fenced riding area. The horse gives you a way to move between archaeological and natural points without making the entire outing a hard walk.

The pace appears suited to sightseeing rather than speed. The experience is described as a gentle ride, with time to learn about the area and stop for views. You may get the chance to trot, depending on your ability and the guide’s judgment, but this is not sold as an adrenaline ride.

That makes it a good fit for people who want a cultural outing with a little adventure. You can sit back, watch the scenery change, and listen to explanations about Inca culture. The countryside also offers a welcome contrast to Cusco’s stone streets and busy central squares.

Wear long trousers. One rider specifically advised bringing them because of thorns along the trail. Closed shoes are a sensible choice, although the supplied information does not specify a required type of footwear.

Temple of the Moon: the cultural heart of the tour

The Temple of the Moon is the main named stop. It is an archaeological site connected with Inca beliefs and local religious traditions, and the guide explains its history and meaning during the visit.

The value of this stop depends heavily on the guide. Stones and carved surfaces can be easy to overlook when you do not know what you are seeing. Gabriel is praised for explaining the site in a lively way, connecting what remains to Inca culture, folklore, and the area where he grew up.

I like that the visit is not separated from the ride. You arrive on horseback, then explore the site with context before continuing through the countryside. That combination makes the ancient place feel connected to the surrounding hills rather than isolated as a quick photo stop.

Some outings include discussion of a Pachamama temple or other historic points nearby. The exact stops can vary, so you should think of the Temple of the Moon as the core site and the additional points as part of the wider route rather than guaranteed separate attractions.

Chacan Mountain and the views over Cusco

The route also heads toward Chacan Mountain, where the setting becomes as important as the riding. The views over Cusco are repeatedly praised, with several riders describing the high viewpoints as breathtaking.

This is a strong choice if you want photographs of the city from a different angle. From the mountain paths, you can look back toward Cusco while seeing more open countryside around you. The views also give you a better sense of how the city sits among the surrounding mountains.

The scenery is not merely a backdrop. It changes the mood of the outing. A morning of walking through urban Cusco can feel crowded and busy. Here, the ride offers quiet stretches, open views, and a slower connection with the area.

The word mountain should not make you picture a technical climb. The supplied details describe a horseback route with scenic viewpoints, not a mountaineering challenge. Still, you should be ready for altitude, uneven trails, and weather that may change without much warning.

Snacks add a welcome pause

Snacks are included, and some riders describe enjoying a light meal or snack at the top of the mountain before returning. This is a small detail, but it improves the rhythm of the tour. You get a natural pause after the ride and time to enjoy the view without rushing straight back to the ranch.

Do not book this expecting a full restaurant lunch. The included food is described as snacks or a light meal, so bring any extra food you may need if you have a particular diet or get hungry easily. No dietary details are provided, so it is sensible to ask the operator before departure if that matters to you.

Choosing between the 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. rides

The morning ride leaves at 9:00 a.m., while the afternoon ride leaves at 1:00 p.m. Both options last about three and a half hours, and hotel transport is included.

I would choose based on the rest of your itinerary:

• Pick the morning departure if you want a free afternoon in Cusco or prefer to finish outdoor activities earlier.
• Pick the afternoon departure if you want a slower start, have a morning city activity, or would rather ride after breakfast and an easy walk around town.

The tour operates in all weather conditions. That means you should not assume the ride will be postponed for light rain. A rain jacket is one of the most useful items you can pack, especially because mountain weather can shift suddenly.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, the price is reasonable for a three-and-a-half-hour guided activity that includes hotel transfers, a bilingual English-Spanish guide, protective equipment, a horse, and snacks.

The value improves if you are staying in central Cusco and would otherwise need to arrange transport to the ranch. You are also paying for a small-group style of guiding, horse preparation, site explanations, and local knowledge, not just saddle time.

It may not be the best choice if your only goal is a long, fast horseback ride. The duration is moderate, and much of the experience is about scenery and history. But if you want a practical half-day outing that combines riding with archaeology, the price makes sense.

The activity is often booked about 21 days in advance. That does not guarantee it will sell out on your dates, but it is a useful sign that you should not leave it until the last minute, especially if you need a particular departure time.

How the guides shape the experience

Gabriel is the name most closely associated with the ranch and receives praise for being friendly, funny, attentive, and good at explaining local history. Grimaldo and Juan are also mentioned as caring guides who helped riders feel comfortable and explained the temples clearly.

That range of feedback matters because a horseback trip can become awkward if the guide is distant or gives only basic instructions. Here, the guide appears to play several roles: horse handler, riding instructor, local historian, photographer, and host.

Some riders also appreciated having their pictures taken. This is not listed as a formal inclusion, so you should not treat photography as guaranteed. Still, it suggests that the team pays attention to the experience beyond simply moving the group from one stop to the next.

The guide is bilingual in English and Spanish. That is important at the Temple of the Moon, where the cultural explanation adds much of the value.

Who should book this horseback ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want calm horses and patient instruction.
• Couples or families looking for a shared half-day activity near Cusco.
• Solo visitors who want a guided outing without committing to a long trek.
• History lovers who want archaeological sites explained in person.
• Anyone who wants mountain views without another pre-dawn departure.
• Riders who care about animal welfare and want a ranch described as family run and attentive to its horses.

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike animals, have difficulty sitting on a horse for several hours, or want a demanding riding route with sustained fast movement. The tour is gentle and sightseeing focused.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The supplied details do not give a minimum age, weight limit, or specific mobility guidance, so ask the provider directly if any of those points affect you.

What to pack for the ride

Keep your packing simple, but prepare for the mountains:

• A rain jacket for sudden weather changes.
• Long trousers to protect against thorns.
• Comfortable outdoor shoes.
• Water and any extra food you may need.
• A camera or phone for the mountain viewpoints.
• Layers that you can add or remove during the ride.

Protective equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring riding gear. The tour operates in all weather, making clothing more important than fancy equipment.

Should you book it?

I would book this ride if you want a beginner-friendly outdoor activity that also teaches you something about Cusco and Inca culture. The combination of calm horses, personal guides, Temple of the Moon, mountain views, snacks, and hotel transfers gives the tour a lot of practical value.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to someone who has never ridden before. The horses are repeatedly described as steady and cared for, and the guides appear to take different ability levels seriously.

Book it if you want a relaxed half-day away from the city, not a hard-core riding expedition. Bring a rain jacket, wear long trousers, and reserve ahead if your dates are fixed. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours and thirty minutes.

What time does the tour depart?

You can choose a morning departure at 9:00 a.m. or an afternoon departure at 1:00 p.m.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transfer between your Cusco hotel and the ranch is included.

Does the tour visit the Temple of the Moon?

Yes. The Temple of the Moon is the main named stop on the route.

Is horseback riding experience required?

No. The tour is suitable for beginners, and the horses are assigned according to riding experience.

Are children allowed to join?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather changes?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so you should dress appropriately and bring a rain jacket.