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

Just beyond Cusco, this horseback ride trades city streets and busy archaeological sites for open countryside, high ridges, and Inca ruins many visitors miss. The main draw is the mix: you spend about two hours on horseback, then leave the horses to explore the Temple of the Moon on foot.

I like two things in particular: the route offers a quieter way to see ruins near Sacsayhuaman, and the small-group format is intended to suit beginners as well as confident riders. Round-trip transport from your Cusco hotel also saves you the trouble of arranging your own way to the ranch.

One consideration: the ride can include trotting or galloping, which may feel thrilling but jarring, and a faster pace is not guaranteed. You’ll need to be comfortable around horses, wear long pants and closed shoes, and fit the 200-pound or 90-kilo weight limit.

• A short escape from Cusco: The ride takes you into the countryside without using up a full day.
• Two hours in the saddle: The main riding portion includes views of ruins and the surrounding high country.
• A walk at the Temple of the Moon: You dismount to explore Amaru Marca Wasi on foot.
• Beginner-friendly setup: A guide, safety helmet, and muleteer are included, and the minimum age is 8.
• Hotel pickup included: Private transport connects your Cusco hotel and the ranch.
• A firm weight limit: Riders must weigh no more than 200 pounds or 90 kilos.

A countryside ride close to Cusco

This is a good choice if you want a taste of rural Cusco without committing to a full-day excursion. One rider described feeling far from the city despite being only about 25 minutes away. That contrast is the point: Cusco remains close, yet the route takes you into quieter surroundings, with Inca sites along the way.

The total experience lasts about two and a half hours, with roughly two hours allocated to horseback riding and 30 minutes at the Temple of the Moon. Allow extra time for hotel pickup and return. One account put the full outing, including transport, at around three and a half hours, so it can fit into a busy itinerary, but it is not a quick one-hour activity.

The tour is operated by Horseback Riding Cusco, also described as Vieja Estancia Ranch. The provider offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day rides, while this outing is the shorter option. It is capped at 15 participants, a useful limit for an activity where the guide needs to keep an eye on riders with different levels of confidence.

Getting comfortable in the saddle

You do not need much riding experience to take part. The outing is described as suitable for people with little or no experience, and several riders with minimal experience felt comfortable after receiving explanations from the guide. A safety helmet and saddle are provided, and a muleteer accompanies the group to care for the horses.

Guides named in accounts of the ride include Holger, also spelled Olger in one account. He is described as friendly and good at explaining both how to ride and what the sites mean. The tour is multilingual, and English-speaking riders have found it possible to follow the explanations. Specific guide availability is not promised, so treat the names as examples rather than a guarantee.

The horses are described as well trained, and riders have been allowed to trot or gallop for parts of the route. That can add a thrilling change of pace, but it is also the part to consider carefully if you are uneasy on horseback. One rider found the faster stretch jarring. You can ask the guide about the pace, but the details of how much trotting or galloping you’ll do are not specified.

A few practical choices make the ride easier. Wear long pants, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. Leave jewelry and valuables behind. Bring a rain jacket if the forecast gives a significant chance of rain during the ride.

Visiting the Temple of the Moon on foot

The Temple of the Moon, also known as Amaru Marca Wasi, is the main named stop. It lies north of Cusco and is described as one of the city’s important mystical sites. You leave the horses here and walk around for about 30 minutes.

That change from riding to walking matters. You get time to look at the site without trying to manage a horse at the same time, and the stop gives the outing a clear archaeological focus. The tour description connects the visit with recharging your energy, a spiritual framing that may appeal to you if you’re interested in the way local sacred sites are understood. You can also simply appreciate the setting and the ruins without treating that idea as a requirement.

The stop is relatively brief, so don’t expect an extended archaeological visit. If you want to spend a long time studying every feature, this may feel rushed. The appeal is that the Temple of the Moon sits within a larger ride that also passes lesser-known ruins, rather than being the only purpose of the excursion.

Ruins, views, and a different pace

The ride includes stops at Inca ruins, including lesser-known sites behind Sacsayhuaman, according to accounts of the route. You’ll see the sites as part of a countryside outing rather than a formal visit to a major archaeological complex. That gives the experience a more relaxed feel, though it is not a substitute for a dedicated guided tour of Cusco’s best-known ruins.

The setting is a major part of the appeal. Riders describe views from high ridges overlooking Cusco, as well as a peaceful route through the countryside. The scenery and the chance to see ruins from horseback give the outing a different rhythm from walking through the city or taking a standard bus tour.

The guide’s interpretation can add useful context. Holger and Olger have been praised for explaining the history of the land and the meaning of the sites, including recent excavations. That kind of conversation can help you see more than stones along a trail. Still, the exact stops and length of time at each ruin are not detailed, so don’t book expecting a set sequence of archaeological lessons.

What the $65 price includes

At $65 per person, this tour bundles several practical elements: a professional guide, saddle, safety helmet, muleteer, bottled water, and round-trip private transport between your Cusco hotel and the ranch. That package helps explain the price. You are paying for an organized ride and transport, not just access to a horse.

The value is strongest if you want a guided countryside experience but have limited time or no easy way to reach the ranch. The short duration makes it easier to combine with other Cusco plans, while the pickup and drop-off spare you from arranging transport yourself. If you already have riding experience and your own way to the area, the bundled transport may matter less to you, but the guide and horse care remain central to the outing.

This is not the cheapest way to see nearby ruins, nor is it the best fit for someone who wants a long, challenging horseback trip. It is a compact activity that combines riding, scenery, and a short site visit. The tour is booked an average of 28 days ahead, so it is worth planning early if your dates are fixed.

Who will get the most from this ride

I’d consider this tour for couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with children aged 8 or older who are curious about riding. Family groups have been accommodated, including a family of five, and the experience is designed for participants with little or no experience. The maximum group size of 15 keeps it from being a private ride, but it is still a more contained outing than a large coach excursion.

It also suits you if you’ve already seen Cusco’s central sights and want a change of pace. You’ll get a countryside ride and a brief visit to a site with a spiritual reputation, rather than another long day of transport and formal sightseeing. Riders especially value the guide’s explanations, the horses, the views, and the calm atmosphere away from the city’s usual activity.

Think twice if you dislike horses, want a completely predictable riding pace, or have concerns about the weight limit. The horses may trot or gallop, and the faster movement can feel rough. The tour’s general suitability for beginners does not mean every rider will find the experience comfortable. If you are unsure, contact the operator before booking to discuss your riding experience and expectations.

Practical details before you go

Pickup and return transport from a Cusco hotel are included, with transport by private car. Confirmation is provided at booking, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The minimum age is 8, and riders must stay within the 200-pound or 90-kilo limit.

Weather can affect the outing. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. For other cancellations, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff follows local time.

Should you book this Cusco horseback tour?

Book it if you want a short, guided ride near Cusco, are open to sitting a horse, and like the idea of seeing quieter ruins before walking around the Temple of the Moon. The included hotel transport, beginner-friendly instruction, and small-group cap make it an easy activity to fit into a crowded itinerary.

Skip it if you want a long archaeological visit, dislike faster horse movement, or would rather explore the ruins entirely on foot. For the right person, though, this is a lively and memorable way to leave the city briefly and see a side of Cusco that can be easy to miss.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The ride and Temple of the Moon visit take about two and a half hours. Allow extra time for hotel transport. One account estimated roughly three and a half hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It is described as suitable for people with little or no riding experience, and a guide and safety helmet are included. The ride may include trotting or galloping, which can feel jarring.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 8 years.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight is 200 pounds or 90 kilos.

What should I wear?

Wear long pants, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. Bring a rain jacket if significant rain is in the forecast, and leave jewelry and valuables behind.

What happens if poor weather cancels the tour?

You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.