Cusco: Half-Day Horseback Riding at Devil’s Balcony

Cusco’s rooftops fall away as you ride into the hills above the city. The destination is Devil’s Balcony, a natural rock opening with a river running beneath it, but the ride there is part of the pleasure: the route leaves the usual town streets behind for farms, local animals and broad views.

I like two things in particular: the horses are suitable for beginners, according to riders who arrived with little or no experience, and the guide explains both how to ride and what you’re seeing. The route also reaches places around Saqsayhuaman that are easy to miss on a standard city visit.

One consideration: this is a horseback outing, not a full-day archaeological tour. The half-day trip is centered on Devil’s Balcony and Lanlakuyoc. Don’t assume it includes the Temple of the Moon, which is associated with a longer tour.

At a glance

• A view above Cusco: Ride into the hills for a wide look back at the city and its surroundings.
• A natural rock formation: At Devil’s Balcony, a river passes through a cave beneath an opening in the rock.
• A beginner-friendly introduction: You get basic instruction, and horses are matched to your experience.
• A countryside route: Expect farms, local animal herds and trails away from the city center.
• A four-hour outing: Central hotel pickup and drop-off, guide, saddle, helmet and muleteer are included.
• A clear limit: The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or anyone over 200 pounds (91 kilograms).

Leaving Cusco for the ranch

The tour begins with pickup from a central Cusco hotel. Wait in the lobby or at the hotel entrance for your guide. From there, you travel to a ranch near Sacsayhuaman, where the horses and muleteer are waiting.

At the ranch, your guide gives a short introduction to controlling a horse and riding safely. Horses are selected according to your experience, so you don’t need to arrive as an accomplished rider. Several first-timers have found the horses calm and easy to follow, and guides help with getting on and off.

That does not mean you can switch off completely. You’ll still need to listen to instructions, keep your balance and be comfortable spending time in the saddle. Wear hiking shoes and long pants, and bring a small daypack for anything you need to carry. A safety helmet and saddle are provided.

The ride is broken into sections, with a short stop along the way. That helps make the outing manageable, especially if you haven’t ridden before. The full duration is about four hours, though the exact timing can vary with your riding experience and ability.

Following the trails above the city

Once you’re mounted, the route heads out through the countryside around Cusco. You pass farms and herds of local animals, then travel along trails that open up views of the city and surrounding hills.

This is the tour’s strongest contrast. Cusco can feel busy at street level, but on horseback you get a quieter look at the area beyond the center. You’re not just being driven from one archaeological stop to another. The route itself gives you time outdoors, with the city visible from above.

The first riding section is listed at about an hour. The pace and feel of the ride depend on your group and your comfort in the saddle. Riders with more experience may find the horse’s gait and trail riding especially enjoyable; beginners can focus on the scenery and following the guide’s directions. A guide may also point out local plants, animals and historical features as you go.

Guides who have led this route include Holger, Benny and Ogir, though you should not expect a particular guide to be assigned. The guide is an important part of the outing: beyond teaching the basics, they help make sense of the places you pass and can assist with photos at stops.

Seeing the rock and river at Devil’s Balcony

The main destination is Devil’s Balcony, also called Chacan. It lies on the back side of Saqsaywaman and is both a natural formation and a place associated with Inca use.

The feature is a large rock with a dramatic opening above a chasm. A river runs underneath it, passing through a substantial cave and emerging on the other side. The view from the rock opening gives the place its balcony-like character. Your guide stops here to explain the site and its setting.

The cave is said to have served as an Inca shrine. That connection gives the stop more meaning than a quick photo break, though the natural rock and the river remain the most immediate sights. You can get off the horse to look around, and the guide provides context before the group continues.

The ride to Devil’s Balcony is about 45 minutes in the route schedule, separate from the earlier countryside riding. Allow time at the stop to listen and take in the view. The terrain is not an indoor museum visit, so sturdy footwear is useful, and you should follow the guide’s directions around the rock and river.

This is a special stop partly because it feels removed from Cusco’s better-known visitor circuit. It is not a substitute for the major archaeological sites, but it offers a different encounter with the area: a striking natural formation, a small-scale look at Inca sacred use and a view into the countryside around the city.

Continuing to Lanlakuyoc

After Devil’s Balcony, the route continues to Lanlakuyoc. The schedule allows about an hour of riding for this section, followed by a 20-minute break. Your guide makes stops to explain the places along the way, so the ride is not simply a long stretch in the saddle.

The name Lanlakuyoc is included as a stop on the outing, but the tour details do not specify exactly what you’ll see there. Think of it as another point along the route where your guide can give local context, rather than booking on the promise of a particular monument or activity.

Some accounts of horseback outings in this area mention the Temple of the Moon, but that site is not guaranteed on this half-day tour. It is described as part of full-day trips. If seeing the temple is a priority, check directly with the operator before booking rather than assuming it is included.

After the break, you return to the ranch and then to Cusco. The final listed horse segment is brief, and the total outing includes transport as well as riding. Keep your schedule flexible around the tour, since its duration is approximate and can depend on the group’s riding skills.

What the $85 price gets you

At $85 per person, this is a fairly substantial half-day activity rather than a simple horse rental. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Cusco, an English- and Spanish-speaking guide, a saddle, a safety helmet and a muleteer. You’re paying for transport, instruction, local interpretation and a guided route, as well as the horse time.

That bundle can be good value if you want a guided outdoor experience and don’t have your own way to reach the ranch. It is less compelling if you’re only looking for a short ride, or if you want to spend the day visiting several major Inca sites. The emphasis here is the ride and the natural setting, with a few stops for historical explanation.

Travel insurance is not included. The tour offers a private group option, which may suit you if you prefer a more personal pace or have questions about riding as a beginner. Confirm the details and price for a private arrangement before booking.

Who will enjoy this ride

This outing suits you if you want to get beyond Cusco’s central streets without committing a full day, and if riding a horse sounds appealing even if you’re new to it. The calm horses and basic instruction make it accessible to many first-timers, while experienced riders can enjoy the trail and may have more confidence handling the horse.

It is also a good fit if you like scenery and local history in equal measure. The route offers views over Cusco, countryside riding and a stop at a natural formation with an Inca connection. You’ll get more from it if you’re curious about the area and willing to listen to the guide between rides.

It is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 200 pounds (91 kilograms). You should also be comfortable getting on and off a horse and spending a good part of the outing riding. The tour does not specify a minimum riding skill, but do tell the operator about your experience so the horse and instructions can be matched appropriately.

A few practical points before you book

Wear long pants and hiking shoes, and bring a daypack. A helmet and saddle are supplied, but travel or activity insurance is not. The pickup covers central Cusco hotels, so confirm arrangements if your accommodation is outside that area.

The tour is offered in English and Spanish, and private groups are available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is offered. Check the available start times when choosing a date.

The schedule is approximate. Riding experience affects the pace, so don’t plan a tight connection or another timed activity immediately afterward. And if the Temple of the Moon is the reason you’re considering the ride, verify that you’re booking the full-day version.

Should you book it?

Book this half-day ride if you want a manageable escape from central Cusco, enjoy being outdoors and are curious about Devil’s Balcony. The combination of a gentle introduction to horseback riding, open views and a little local history makes it a useful change of pace from museums and city walks.

Skip it if you don’t want to ride, need a guaranteed visit to the Temple of the Moon or are looking for a full archaeological circuit. For the right person, though, this is a distinctive way to see the countryside above Cusco without giving up the whole day.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The outing lasts about four hours. The timing is approximate and can vary depending on your experience and riding skills.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from central hotels in Cusco. Wait in your hotel lobby or at the entrance for the guide.

Can beginners join?

The tour includes a short introduction to controlling the horse, and horses are selected according to your experience. The activity details do not require previous riding experience.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes, long pants and a daypack. A saddle and safety helmet are included.

Does the half-day tour visit the Temple of the Moon?

The half-day tour focuses on Devil’s Balcony and Lanlakuyoc. The Temple of the Moon is associated with full-day tours, so confirm with the operator if you want to visit it.

Who should not book this activity?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 200 pounds (91 kilograms).