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

Ruins meet horseback adventure. This short Cusco outing takes you beyond the usual city circuit, riding through the countryside near Sacsayhuaman to the Temple of the Moon and lesser-known Inca sites. I like the small-group setting and the fact that round-trip transport, horses, helmets, a guide, and water are included. The main consideration is that riding can be jarring, especially during the faster sections, and the 90-kilo, or 200-pound, weight limit is firm.

I also like how easily this fits into a packed Cusco schedule. You spend about two hours on horseback, then leave the saddles for a half-hour walk around the temple, where the guide explains its spiritual importance. The ride is designed for beginners, but you should still wear long pants, closed shoes, and a rain jacket if wet weather is likely.

At a glance: what makes this ride worth considering

• Only about 25 minutes from Cusco: You can reach open Andean countryside without giving up most of your day.
• A two-hour horseback route: The pace includes walking and, when suitable, some trotting or galloping.
• Temple of the Moon visit: You dismount for a guided walk around one of Cusco’s mystical archaeological sites.
• Good for first-time riders: An introductory briefing, trained horses, and a muleteer caring for the animals help beginners settle in.
• Views from the hills behind Sacsayhuaman: The route gives you a different angle on Cusco and its surrounding ruins.
• Simple all-in price: At $65 per person, the package includes private-car transport, equipment, a guide, water, and the horse itself.

Why this is a smart break from Cusco’s stone streets

Cusco can fill your days quickly: cathedral, Inca walls, markets, museums, and major ruins. This ride gives you a change of pace without asking you to surrender a full day to a distant valley.

The ranch is close enough to Cusco that the entire outing may take roughly three and a half hours including pickup and return. The listed activity lasts about two and a half hours, with approximately two hours in the saddle and 30 minutes at the Temple of the Moon. That makes it useful on a morning before an afternoon plan, or as a lighter day between longer excursions.

I especially like the contrast. You begin with Cusco’s highland terrain, then move into quieter countryside where the city feels farther away than it really is. From the ridges, you may see ruins and broad views across the area around Cusco. The setting is not wilderness, and this is not a remote expedition, but it offers a welcome pause from busy streets and organized archaeological circuits.

The tour is capped at 15 people. That is not an intimate private ride, but it is small enough to keep the group manageable. A private car provides round-trip transport from your Cusco hotel to the ranch, which removes the need to arrange a taxi and find the property yourself.

Meeting the horses at Vieja Estancia Ranch

The horseback portion is operated through Vieja Estancia Ranch, which offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day rides in the Andes. For this particular outing, you spend around two hours on the horse, with the pace adjusted for the group.

If you have little or no riding experience, the introduction matters. You receive a saddle and safety helmet, and the guide helps you understand how to sit, steer, and handle the horse. The tour is intended for beginners, and children from age eight can participate, though every rider should be comfortable following instructions and staying balanced.

The horses have received some of the strongest praise connected with this experience. They are described as well trained and well cared for, and the staff gives attention to their condition. A muleteer travels with the group to care for the animals, an important detail on a highland ride where the horses are doing the work.

You should not expect a nonstop gallop. The ride alternates between walking and faster sections, depending on the route and the group. Some participants have been allowed to trot or gallop for a short time, which adds a real thrill. It can also feel rough and jarring, so keep your expectations sensible. A calm walking ride is more likely to suit a first-time rider who feels nervous, while an experienced rider may want to ask the guide what faster riding is appropriate.

The horses know the route, but that does not mean you can switch off completely. Listen closely to the guide, keep a steady seat, and leave jewelry and valuables at your accommodation. Loose or precious items have no place on a moving horse.

Riding the high ground near Sacsayhuaman

The route runs through the hills and countryside behind Sacsayhuaman, an area that gives you a different view of Cusco’s famous Inca remains. Instead of arriving at a major site by road and walking from one marked point to another, you approach the area at a slower pace, with the horse carrying you over the high ground.

This is where the experience feels most distinctive. You are not simply adding a horse ride to a standard sightseeing stop. The route links open scenery with archaeological remains, and the quiet stretches between sites are part of the appeal.

The views are a major reason to book. From higher ground, you can look toward Cusco and across the Andean countryside. Exact conditions depend on weather, but the ride is designed around scenic terrain, not an indoor stable or a short loop around a fenced field.

The experience also gives you a better sense of the area’s scale. Cusco’s ruins are not isolated decorations. They sit among hills, paths, fields, and rocky slopes. Seeing them from horseback helps connect the archaeological sites with the land around them.

There is a practical tradeoff. Rough ground, slopes, and faster riding can make the trip physically demanding in small ways. You may feel the ride in your legs and back afterward, even though the total duration is short. If you have serious mobility concerns or do not feel comfortable sitting on a horse for two hours, this may not be the best choice.

Temple of the Moon, a quieter archaeological stop

The Temple of the Moon, also called Amaru Marca Wasi, lies north of Cusco and is regarded as one of the city’s important mystical attractions. After the horseback section, you leave the horses and walk around the site with your guide.

The 30-minute stop is brief, but it changes the rhythm of the outing. You are no longer watching the trail from the saddle. You have time to stand among the carved stone and hear about the site’s spiritual meaning, including the idea of recharging your energy there.

This is not a substitute for a full archaeological tour of Cusco’s major sites. The visit is short, and the Temple of the Moon is less extensive than attractions that occupy several hours. Its value comes from atmosphere, location, and the chance to visit a place that many standard city itineraries leave out.

The guide adds much of the meaning. Holger has been praised for clear explanations, strong English, and an ability to connect the ruins with the land and local culture. He has also been described as friendly and attentive with first-time riders. Guides can change, so Holger should not be treated as guaranteed, but the experience is built around professional guiding rather than simply dropping you at the ranch.

Some accounts also describe stops at two Inca ruins along the ride. The exact sequence can vary, and the Temple of the Moon is the named archaeological stop, so you should confirm the day’s route if seeing a particular ruin matters to you.

How the pace feels for beginners and families

The tour suits people with limited riding experience better than a demanding multi-day equestrian trip. A briefing comes before the ride, and the horses are described as steady and trained. Families with children have used the experience successfully, and the minimum age is eight.

Still, beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. You must mount, sit upright, follow directions, and handle the motion of the horse over uneven ground. The faster sections can be exciting, but they can also be uncomfortable if you are not used to the movement.

I would choose this for:

• A first horseback ride in a scenic setting
• Couples wanting a short outdoor activity from Cusco
• Families with children aged eight or older
• Friends who want ruins and countryside without a full-day commitment
• Riders who enjoy a mix of gentle walking and occasional faster movement

I would think twice if you dislike animals, have difficulty with balance, or want a purely archaeological tour. You should also check the weight limit before booking. The maximum is 90 kilos, or 200 pounds.

The group maximum of 15 helps keep the ride organized, but it also means the pace cannot be tailored completely to one person. If one rider is nervous or another wants more speed, the guide has to balance the whole group.

What to wear for a comfortable ride

Your clothing will make a noticeable difference. Long pants, preferably jeans, protect your legs from rubbing against the saddle and brush. Closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes give you a safer footing than sandals.

Cusco weather can change, so bring a rain jacket if the forecast shows a meaningful chance of rain during the ride. The outing requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a date change or full refund, but a shower is still unpleasant if you arrive without protection.

A helmet is provided. Bottled water is included, which is helpful at Cusco’s altitude, though the tour details do not specify food or a meal. Plan to eat before or after the ride rather than expecting a lunch stop.

Leave jewelry and valuables behind. A horse ride is a poor place for dangling earrings, loose necklaces, or anything you would be upset to lose on a trail.

What the $65 price really covers

At $65 per person, this is a reasonable value for a short guided outing from Cusco. The price includes the horse, saddle, safety helmet, professional guide, muleteer, bottled water, private-car transport, and hotel pickup and return.

Transport is a meaningful part of the value. A cheaper-looking activity can become less convenient once you add taxis to a ranch outside the city. Here, the ride to the starting point and back is handled for you.

The experience also combines three elements: horseback riding, scenery, and archaeology. If you booked transport, a separate riding session, and a private visit to a lesser-known ruin, the total would likely involve more planning and cost. At the same time, this is not a full-day tour with meals or a long excursion into the Sacred Valley. You are paying for a compact half-day-style experience, not an all-purpose Cusco sightseeing package.

The strong 4.9 rating from 54 ratings and 98 percent recommendation rate support the idea that the tour delivers what it promises. The most praised features are consistent: kind and capable guides, horses in good condition, good instruction for beginners, impressive views, and the unusual mix of riding and Inca ruins.

Timing, pickup, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided at booking. Round-trip pickup is available from your Cusco hotel, with transport by private car to the ranch and back.

The activity itself takes about two hours and 30 minutes. Allow extra time for hotel pickup and return, with one account putting the full outing at about three and a half hours. Because the ride is short, it can fit into a busy itinerary, but do not schedule another important activity too tightly against it.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The stated minimum age is eight, and the weight limit is 90 kilos or 200 pounds.

Should you book the Temple of the Moon horseback tour?

I would book this if you want a short, active Cusco experience that combines scenery, horses, and archaeological sites. It is especially appealing when you have already seen the city center and want a quieter outing without spending a whole day away.

The best reason to choose it is the balance. You get two hours in the countryside, a half-hour at the Temple of the Moon, hotel transport, and a guide who can add context to the ruins. Beginners are welcome, and the horses have a good reputation for training and care.

I would skip it if you want a slow, strictly walking tour, cannot ride within the weight limit, or feel uneasy about trotting and galloping. Before you go, ask how much faster riding is planned and confirm the day’s archaeological stops. For everyone else, this is a practical and memorable way to see a quieter side of Cusco.

FAQ

How long does the horseback tour last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes. About two hours are spent horseback riding, followed by around 30 minutes walking around the Temple of the Moon.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $65 per person.

Is transportation from Cusco included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel to the ranch is included, using a private car.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is suitable for people with little or no riding experience. An introductory briefing is provided, and safety helmets and saddles are included.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is eight years old.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The 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 during the ride.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.