Horseback Riding Tour to the Devil’s Balcony from Cusco

Leave the city, find the old trails. This four-hour horseback ride takes you from Cusco to Devil’s Balcony, with views, caves, eucalyptus trees, and Inca sites along the way. I like the calm, well-trained horses and the patient instruction for beginners. I also like the personal touch from guides such as Holger and Jorge, who add stories and local detail instead of simply leading you down a trail.

The $85 price is fair for a half-day outing because it includes hotel pickup, transport to the ranch, a guide, horse, saddle, helmet, muleteer, and water. The main point to consider is the mountain setting: trails can include dusty stretches, thorny brush, and steep sections, while rain can force a cancellation or date change.

Key points to know before you book

• Only about 15 minutes from Cusco: The Vieja Estancia Ranch is close enough for a simple morning or afternoon outing.
• Beginner-friendly horses: Guides give basic riding instruction, and calm horses suit people with little or no experience.
• More than a trail ride: You may stop at Inca sites, shrines, caves, and Temple of the Moon, depending on the route and timing.
• Devil’s Balcony is a natural and archaeological sight: A large rock frames a chasm, with a river running below and through a cave.
• Riding levels can vary: Walks, trots, and occasional canters are possible for suitable riders under the guide’s direction.
• Small groups help: The maximum group size is 15, though a smaller group may make the ride feel much more personal.

Why this short Cusco ride is worth your time

Cusco offers grand ruins and busy streets, but the best sense of the area often comes from getting just beyond the city. This tour does that without taking a full day or requiring a long transfer. You reach the ranch in roughly 15 minutes, mount up, and soon trade traffic for open views and rural paths.

I see this as a useful activity during your first few days in Cusco. You get fresh air and gentle movement rather than a hard trek, and the ride can help you get your bearings around the hills outside town. One direct benefit is that you do not need to arrange a taxi to an unfamiliar meeting point. Pickup and return transport from your Cusco hotel are included.

The outing has earned a 4.9 rating from 241 ratings, with 99 percent of customers recommending it. That record points to a very dependable experience, especially for the combination of friendly staff, good horses, and clear guiding.

Still, this is not a polished riding school or a private equestrian lesson. You are taking a guided trail ride in the Andes. Conditions can be dusty, the route may feel uneven, and your comfort will depend partly on your riding ability and the day’s weather.

Starting at Vieja Estancia Ranch near Cusco

The tour begins at Vieja Estancia Ranch, where the horses are kept and prepared for the ride. A staff member known as the muleteer goes along to help care for the animals, which gives the outing an extra layer of support. The ranch also has friendly farm dogs and a family-run atmosphere, details that make the start feel less like a bus depot and more like a working local operation.

You will be fitted with a saddle and safety helmet. Basic instruction is available, including how to control the horse and follow the guide’s directions. That matters if you have never ridden before, or if your last horseback ride was many years ago.

Several people with little experience felt comfortable because the horses were calm and easy to manage. One older participant, age 72, was also comfortable on the ride. Families with children under 12 have enjoyed the outing as well, though the provided information does not specify a minimum age, so ask the operator before booking for young children.

The horses are repeatedly described as friendly, well-trained, and well cared for. That is one of the strongest reasons to choose this particular ride. You are not simply handed a horse and sent off. The guides pay attention to different skill levels and help riders settle in.

Your weight must be no more than 200 pounds, or 90 kilos. Wear long pants, preferably jeans, because brush can scrape your legs. Closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes are recommended. A rain jacket is sensible if rain is likely, and sunglasses can help when dust rises from the trail. Leave jewelry and valuables behind.

The ride through eucalyptus trees and Cusco’s hills

Once you leave the ranch, the route gives you a different view of Cusco. The trail passes through eucalyptus trees and open areas with broad views back toward the city. This is not a wilderness expedition, but it offers a clear change of pace from central Cusco.

The horses generally move at a relaxed walk, which lets you look around and listen to the guide. Depending on the group’s ability and the guide’s judgment, you may also trot or canter. More experienced riders have enjoyed short faster sections, while beginners have felt safe staying at a slower pace.

That mixed pace is a real strength. An advanced rider does not have to spend every minute at a dull walk, yet a first-time rider is not expected to keep up with a fast group. Your guide decides what is suitable for the trail and the people in the saddle.

Some parts of the route include steep-ish climbs. This is where you should trust the horse and follow instructions, rather than leaning or pulling at the reins in panic. If you are uneasy, say so early. The guides are praised for patience, and the route can be handled by people with limited riding experience, but this remains an outdoor activity on uneven ground.

The scenery is the main reward during this portion. You see the slopes around Cusco, rural paths, trees, and archaeological places that are easy to miss from a car. I like that the ride connects the views with local history instead of treating the countryside as a backdrop.

Devil’s Balcony and the river cave

Devil’s Balcony, or Balcón del Diablo, lies behind the Saqsayhuaman archaeological center. It is both a natural formation and a place tied to the area’s older cultural remains. The main feature is a large rock with a dramatic opening and a chasm beneath it.

A river runs below the rock and passes through a large cave toward the other side. The opening creates the balcony effect, with the water far below and the rock framing the view. The setting is striking without needing much decoration from a guidebook.

The visit itself is listed as about 20 minutes, so do not expect a long archaeological tour at this one spot. The short stop is enough to see the rock, look into the chasm, and walk around the cave area. Some people cross through the cave, but that is not something you should assume is part of the standard ride. Follow the guide’s instructions and do not take risks near the drop or underground passage.

The site is now part of a park used for hiking, camping, walks, and excursions. That tells you something useful about the setting: it is an outdoor place, not a formal museum with railings and interpretive panels at every turn. Good shoes and care on uneven surfaces matter.

The spiritual side of the tour is also part of its appeal. Guides talk about ancient Inca temples and shrines, and some routes include time at an old temple or a quiet moment for reflection and meditation. If you want only a fast horseback loop, this may feel slower than expected. If you enjoy linking scenery with ritual and place, the stops add real value.

Inca sites, caves, and the Temple of the Moon

Devil’s Balcony is not necessarily the only point of interest. The ride can include other sacred places, caves, and Inca remains, including Temple of the Moon. The exact time available at each stop can vary with the group, the trail, and weather, so think of this as a horseback outing with cultural stops rather than a fixed ruins circuit.

This is where the guide makes the largest difference. Holger is praised for explaining the meaning of the sites, answering questions, and helping with photographs. Jorge is also noted for friendly service, clear English, and useful explanations about the ruins and surrounding area. Hector has been praised for his care with the horses and detailed talks about the sites and scenery.

Those names matter because the experience depends on more than the animals. A quiet cave or weathered shrine can be easy to pass without context. A good guide can point out why a place mattered, explain what you are seeing, and connect the old site to the hills around it.

The walking portions are worth noting. You will not remain in the saddle for the entire four hours. You may dismount to visit ruins, enter or inspect caves, and walk through archaeological areas. That breaks up the ride and makes the tour easier on your legs.

The tradeoff is simple: you need to be comfortable mounting, dismounting, and walking on natural ground. If you have mobility concerns, ask the provider for current route details before booking. The available information says most people can participate, but it does not give a detailed accessibility plan.

How the horses and guides shape the experience

The horses receive more praise than any other single part of the outing. They are described as gentle, comfortable, friendly, and well trained. Riders with no recent experience often settle in quickly because the animals respond calmly to basic direction.

The staff’s care for the horses is also visible at the ranch. People who pay close attention to animal welfare will appreciate that the horses appear well looked after and valued by the family-run operation. Of course, a short tour cannot tell you everything about stable practices, but the care shown during this experience is a positive sign.

The guide’s role goes beyond safety. You receive an introduction to riding, help with controlling the horse, information about Cusco, and explanations of Inca places along the route. English-speaking guides have been available, including Holger and Jorge, but it is sensible to confirm your preferred language when booking.

A small group is best for this kind of ride. The maximum is 15 people, which is manageable but not necessarily intimate. If the group is large, more time may be spent waiting for slower riders at narrow or steep parts of the trail. A smaller departure can feel almost private, as one solo rider experienced.

Price, timing, and what the $85 includes

At $85 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend four hours around Cusco, but the package is solid. You receive:

• Hotel pickup and return transportation from Cusco
• A professional guide
• Horse, saddle, and safety helmet
• A muleteer to help care for the horses
• Mineral or natural water
• Visits to Devil’s Balcony and other possible cultural sites

Transport adds meaningful value. You avoid negotiating a taxi, finding the ranch, and arranging a return ride after spending time in the hills. The included equipment also means you do not need to pack riding gear.

The duration is approximately four hours. That is enough time for transport, mounting, riding, walking, and sightseeing without consuming an entire day. I would leave room around the tour rather than booking a major timed attraction immediately afterward, since trail conditions and group pace can affect the finish.

This outing is booked, on average, 22 days ahead. That is a useful warning if your Cusco dates are fixed. The strong rating and limited group size can make popular departures fill early, particularly during busy travel periods.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Inside that window, you do not receive a refund. The tour also requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for poor weather or insufficient numbers, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to first-time riders, families with suitable children, couples, solo visitors, and experienced riders who want a scenic half-day rather than a demanding expedition. It works especially well if you want a break from museums and city walking but still want history built into the outing.

It is also a sensible choice while you are adjusting to Cusco’s altitude. The activity is described as low impact, and much of the ride is at a gentle pace. That does not remove the effects of altitude, steep ground, or sun, so take it easy and tell the guide if you feel unwell.

You may want a different activity if you dislike horses, are uncomfortable around caves or chasms, or want a long, fast ride with extensive cantering. The standard outing balances riding and walking, and the cultural stops are just as important as the time in the saddle.

Practical advice for a smoother morning

Wear long trousers and shoes that will stay secure in the stirrups and handle a short walk over uneven ground. Take a rain jacket when the forecast calls for a real chance of showers, and use sunglasses if dust bothers you.

Do not wear jewelry or carry valuables during the ride. Bring only what you need, including water if you prefer more than the supplied amount, though water is included.

Tell the guide your riding level before you set out. Beginners should not feel embarrassed, and experienced riders should not assume they will be allowed to canter wherever they like. The route and pace must work for the whole group.

If you want photographs, ask the guide when it is safe to stop. Holger, in particular, has helped riders take photos, but you should not handle a phone while the horse is moving.

Should you book the Devil’s Balcony horseback ride?

Book it if you want gentle riding, fine views, and Inca sites in one half-day outing. The well-cared-for horses, hotel transport, patient guides, and mix of riding with cave and ruin visits make the $85 cost reasonable.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to a nervous beginner or a family with mixed riding abilities. Experienced riders can enjoy brief faster stretches, while less confident riders can stay at a walk. Just pack sensible clothing, accept that weather may change the plan, and remember that Devil’s Balcony is a natural site requiring care near steep and rocky areas.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour to Devil’s Balcony last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours, including the ride, walking portions, sightseeing, and transportation between Cusco and the ranch.

Where does the horseback ride begin?

The ride begins at Vieja Estancia Ranch, located about 15 minutes from Cusco city.

Is the tour suitable for people with no horseback riding experience?

Yes. The tour is suitable for participants with little or no experience, and the guides provide basic instruction on controlling the horse. The horses are described as calm and well trained.

What is the weight limit?

The weight limit is 200 pounds, or 90 kilos.

What should I wear for the ride?

Wear long pants, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. Bring a rain jacket if rain is likely, and avoid jewelry and valuables.

What happens if the tour is canceled because of bad weather?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience begins.