Horseback Tour in cusco to Temple of the Moon & Hidden temples

Ruins, ridges, and a good horse make a fine Cusco break. This horseback outing takes you about 25 minutes beyond the city to the Andean countryside, where you ride toward lesser-seen Inca sites before leaving the horses to explore the Temple of the Moon on foot. It is a pleasant change from Cusco’s crowded central sights.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the fact that beginners are welcome. I also like the small-group setting, with a maximum of 15 people, and guides such as Holger, who has been praised for clear instruction, strong English, and thoughtful explanations of the area. The main drawback is that this is still a horseback ride, so you should expect a firm, sometimes jarring saddle and one or two sections that may feel steep or tense.

The listed price is $65 per person, a fair deal for transport, a horse, equipment, a guide, and about two hours in the hills. The ride suits many first-time riders, but children must be at least 8 years old, and the weight limit is 90 kilos, or 200 pounds.

Key points before you book

• The ride reaches quiet ruins behind Sacsayhuaman: You get away from Cusco’s central streets without giving up much of your day.
• The Temple of the Moon is explored on foot: You leave the horses for about 30 minutes to see this mystical site and recharge your energy.
• Beginners can take part: A short riding introduction and trained horses make this a reasonable first horseback outing.
• The pace can include a little speed: Some rides alternate between walking, trotting, and a short gallop, depending on the group and conditions.
• Hotel transport keeps the outing simple: Round-trip pickup from Cusco is included in a private car.
• Pack for changing weather: Wear long pants and closed shoes, and bring a rain jacket if rain is possible.

Why this short Cusco ride works so well

Cusco offers no shortage of major sights, but its busiest attractions can fill a whole day. This tour gives you a different view of the area in only about two and a half hours of scheduled activity. Add pickup and return time, and you may spend roughly three and a half hours from hotel to hotel.

That timing makes the ride useful on a packed Cusco schedule. You can place it between larger outings, use it as a lighter day after a long excursion, or book it early in your stay when you want to see the countryside without committing to a full-day trip.

The setting is the real draw. Once you reach the ranch, the city feels close but no longer dominates the view. You ride along high ground with views toward Cusco and pass Inca remains that receive less attention than the city’s headline monuments.

I like this kind of outing because the activity and the sites share the work. You are not simply driven to a ruin, given a short talk, and returned to town. You spend a good part of the tour moving through the hills, then pause to explore the Temple of the Moon properly.

Starting at Vieja Estancia Ranch

The riding portion begins at Vieja Estancia Ranch, operated by Horseback Riding Cusco. The company offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips, but this experience is the short version, with roughly two hours in the saddle.

You receive a saddle and safety helmet, and a muleteer accompanies the ride to care for the horses. That division is useful. The guide can focus on the route and explanations while the muleteer handles the animals and helps keep the group moving.

If you have little or no riding experience, expect an introductory explanation before setting off. The instruction has been praised for being easy to follow, including for first-time riders and families with children. You do not need to arrive as an accomplished equestrian.

Still, be honest with yourself about comfort around horses. The ride is beginner-friendly, not completely effortless. Sitting in a saddle for two hours can leave you sore, and the motion becomes more demanding when the horses move faster.

The horses have been described as well trained and in good health. That matters more than fancy tack or a dramatic route. A calm horse gives a nervous rider room to learn, and a reliable mount lets more experienced riders enjoy the scenery rather than constantly worry about control.

Walking the high ground around Cusco

The ride takes you into the countryside north of Cusco, with the route reaching ruins behind Sacsayhuaman. You can expect broad views from the ridges and a much quieter setting than you find in the city center.

The scenery is one of the strongest parts of this experience. You see Cusco from above and pass through open Andean country, with old stone remains appearing along the way. The appeal is not one giant monument. It is the combination of horse, trail, open views, and small archaeological sites.

The guide adds meaning to what you see. Holger has been singled out for his friendly manner, clear English, and explanations of the land and local history. His approach appears to focus on both the visible ruins and the spiritual importance people attach to the area.

That personal element can change the ride. Without context, a low wall or weathered stone may seem like a passing detail. With a guide pointing out what you are seeing, the route becomes more than a scenic horse ride.

Do not expect a fast-paced riding lesson or a long galloping expedition. The exact pace depends on the group, the horses, and the trail. Some participants have been allowed to trot and gallop a little, while others may spend more time walking. If speed is important to you, ask about the expected pace before setting out.

A 30-minute visit to the Temple of the Moon

At the Temple of the Moon, you leave the horses and walk around the site for about 30 minutes. The place is also known as Amaru Marca Wasi and is located on the north side of Cusco.

This stop gives the tour a welcome change of rhythm. After sitting in the saddle, you can stretch your legs and examine the stonework on foot. The guide explains the site and its spiritual importance, helping you see why it is often described as one of Cusco’s mystical attractions.

The short visit is best viewed as an introduction rather than a full archaeological tour. Thirty minutes is enough to look around, listen to the guide, and take in the setting, but not enough for a long, detailed study of every feature.

The spiritual tone may appeal to you if you enjoy places connected with local belief and ceremony. Some people describe the area as a place to pause and recharge. You do not need to share every mystical interpretation to appreciate the quiet setting and the chance to visit a site outside the standard Cusco circuit.

The ride also includes stops at other Inca remains along the route. The exact names and length of each pause are not specified, so think of these as brief archaeological encounters rather than a formal sequence of major ruins.

What the riding feels like for beginners

This tour is designed to accommodate riders with limited experience, and that is one of its best features. Families with children and groups of friends with minimal riding background have found the introduction helpful, while the horses have been described as steady and capable.

You should wear long pants, preferably jeans, because the saddle and stirrups can rub bare skin. Closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes are recommended. Avoid jewelry and valuables, which can catch on equipment or simply become a nuisance during the ride.

Bring a rain jacket if the forecast gives a significant chance of rain. Cusco’s weather can shift, and you will be outdoors for the riding portion. Bottled water is included, but you should still dress for sun, wind, and a sudden shower.

One point deserves extra attention: the weight limit is 90 kilos, or 200 pounds. This is not a minor note. If you are near or above that limit, confirm your eligibility before paying.

The minimum age is 8. That makes the outing possible for many families, but parents should consider a child’s balance, patience, and comfort around animals. The ride is suitable for beginners, yet a child who dislikes uneven motion may not enjoy two hours on horseback.

Pace, safety, and the one tense section

The horses know the route, but you still need to listen to the guide. One part of the so-called Mystical tour has been described as a little scary, with advance warning from Holger and horses that handled the section confidently.

That detail is worth knowing before you book. A guided mountain ride is not the same as sitting on a slow horse in a flat park. The route can include uneven ground, slopes, and views that make the height more noticeable.

You may walk for much of the ride, with a little trotting or galloping if conditions and group ability allow. A short faster section can be thrilling, but it can also feel jarring. If you are nervous, say so early. A good guide needs to know your comfort level.

The included safety helmet is important, especially for a first ride. The presence of a muleteer also adds practical support, since someone is assigned to the horses rather than leaving all animal care to the guide.

Why the $65 price is reasonable

At $65, this is not the cheapest way to see an archaeological site around Cusco. It is also not simply an admission ticket with a short walk. The price includes a horse, saddle, helmet, professional guide, muleteer, bottled water, private-car transport, and hotel pickup and return.

Transport is a major part of the value. You do not need to arrange a taxi to a ranch outside town or negotiate a return after the ride. The private car also keeps the transfer more direct than a large shared bus.

The tour works best if you value variety. For the price, you get an outdoor activity, countryside views, several ruins along the way, and a guided visit to the Temple of the Moon. If you only want a serious archaeological tour, you may prefer a dedicated ruins circuit. If you want a pleasant half-day with a memorable way to move between sites, this is stronger value.

The maximum group size is 15, which is not a private ride but is small enough to avoid the feel of a major coach excursion. The actual group may be smaller, and the small-group format helps the guide adjust explanations and riding advice.

Who should book this horseback tour

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a guided introduction
• Families with children aged 8 or older
• Couples seeking a countryside outing close to Cusco
• Friends who want a little adventure without losing a full day
• Visitors who have already seen central Cusco and want less familiar ruins
• Riders who enjoy scenery, quiet places, and a little history along the route

I would be more cautious if you have back, hip, or knee problems, or if you strongly dislike uneven motion. The tour data does not list medical restrictions, so you should judge your own comfort carefully.

It may also be a poor fit if you want guaranteed galloping. The ride can include a little trot or gallop, but the pace is not presented as a fixed feature. Group ability, trail conditions, and weather all matter.

Transport, timing, and weather planning

Round-trip transport from your Cusco hotel is included, using a private car. The scheduled activity lasts about two hours and 30 minutes, including the riding and the Temple of the Moon visit, but allow extra time for pickup and return.

One past account put the entire hotel-to-hotel outing at roughly three and a half hours. That is a sensible planning figure, especially if you have a meal reservation, train connection, or another timed activity afterward.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If you need to cancel for your own reasons, do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

The activity allows service animals, and most people can participate. Those points do not remove the need to consider the physical demands of riding, but they make the tour accessible to a broad range of participants.

My call: book it if you want ruins with a little motion

This is a strong choice for a short Cusco outing. The best features are the horses, the high views, and the quieter ruins, not a long formal lecture or a major archaeological complex.

Book it if you want a well-supported first ride, easy transport, and a look at the countryside near Cusco. The Temple of the Moon gives the trip a clear cultural purpose, while the trail keeps the experience active and scenic.

Skip it if you dislike horses, need a completely gentle ride, or want a full day devoted to major Inca sites. For everyone else, $65 buys a memorable change of pace, especially with a guide such as Holger and a route that gets you beyond the usual city circuit.

FAQ

How long does the horseback tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. This includes about two hours of horseback riding and about 30 minutes at the Temple of the Moon.

What is the price?

The price is $65 per person.

Is transportation from Cusco included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel to the ranch is included, with transport provided by private car.

Do I need horseback riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for participants with little or no experience, and an introductory tutorial is provided.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 8 years old.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The weight limit is 90 kilos, or 200 pounds.

What should I wear?

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

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.