Horse Riding Chacan Mountain And Temple Of The Moon

The most appealing part of this Cusco horseback ride is its mix of Peruvian Paso horses and Inca sites. You leave the city behind, follow old trails toward the Temple of the Moon, and reach mountain viewpoints without committing to a full-day trek.

I like the careful horse matching and the relaxed pace. Gabriel’s ranch treats its horses as working animals and family, rotating them between rides rather than leaving them saddled all day. The other plus is the guide’s personal knowledge of local history, especially when you explore the temple and its underground passage.

The main limitation is time. At about three and a half hours, this is a short outing with a fairly compact riding loop. It suits a first taste of the countryside, but strong riders hoping for a long mountain ride may want more time in the saddle.

Key points to know before booking

• Peruvian Paso horses: The horses are described as calm, gaited, well trained, and matched to your riding ability.
• Temple of the Moon visit: The ride includes time at an Inca site, with some departures entering an underground tunnel.
• Chacan Mountain views: The route takes you into Cusco’s outskirts for mountain and city views.
• Gabriel’s personal approach: Gabriel guides many rides himself, with support from guides such as Sergio and Grimaldo.
• Easy half-day planning: Hotel to ranch transfers, safety equipment, and snacks are included.
• Small enough to feel personal: The maximum group size is 20, though some outings may have far fewer people.

Riding from Cusco toward the Temple of the Moon

This is not a polished show ride in a fenced arena. The point is to get out into the hills around Cusco, ride along ancient Inca routes, and reach places that are difficult to appreciate from a city bus or taxi.

The experience lasts about three and a half hours. You can choose a 9:00 a.m. departure or a 1:00 p.m. departure, with pickup and return transportation between your hotel and the ranch. That makes the tour easy to fit around a morning market visit, a museum, or an evening meal.

At the ranch, you receive riding equipment and a helmet before setting out. Snacks are included, but drinks are not, so bring water. The basic setup is practical rather than elaborate, which is exactly what you want for a short ride outside the city.

The horses are Peruvian Pasos, a breed known for a smooth, distinctive gait. Several riders with little or no previous riding experience found the horses easy to handle, and guides stayed close to children and less confident riders. Experienced riders may also be allowed to trot or move at a faster jog when conditions and ability make that sensible.

Gabriel’s Ranch and the horses

The strongest reason to choose this outing is the attention given to the animals. Gabriel’s ranch has been in his family for more than 100 years, and the horses are bred and trained there. The descriptions of the ranch repeatedly focus on calm, strong horses that are loved, healthy, and properly cared for.

That matters in Cusco, where horse welfare can vary between operators. The useful detail here is that the horses are rotated between rides instead of being kept saddled and tethered in the sun all day. You are supporting a local business that makes animal care part of its operating style.

Gabriel also appears to match horses to riders rather than putting everyone on the same type of mount. One rider was given a more energetic horse suited to their ability, while another rider changed horses when the first one would not respond well. That flexibility is reassuring, especially if you are new to riding.

The ranch is described as large and scenic, with views toward Cusco. You may have time to settle in with a snack before mounting. The exact amount of time at the ranch can vary, but the emphasis is on getting you comfortable and safe before the ride begins.

The Temple of the Moon is the tour’s main cultural stop

The Temple of the Moon is the most distinctive stop on this route. This Inca site sits outside the central tourist circuit and gives the ride a real purpose beyond scenery.

Your guide explains the site, its setting, and aspects of Inca culture and tradition. Gabriel is especially praised for connecting the history of the place with the surrounding land and local customs. Guides such as Grimaldo and Sergio may also lead the outing, depending on the day.

A particularly memorable part can be the underground tunnel associated with the temple. You should be prepared to leave the horses briefly and walk or climb through a confined area if that is part of your route. This is one reason to wear sturdy shoes rather than treating the outing like a casual photo stop.

The temple visit also slows the pace. You are not simply riding past ruins with a quick explanation. The group can stop for pictures and questions, and the guide may adjust the amount of time spent at places that interest you.

The trade-off is that this is still a short visit. If you want detailed archaeology or several major Inca sites, a dedicated Cusco ruins tour will give you more information. Here, the value comes from reaching the site on horseback and seeing it as part of a broader rural outing.

Chacan Mountain adds the views

The route also includes Chacan Mountain and viewpoints around Cusco’s outskirts. The setting changes quickly once you leave the city, with open mountain scenery and broad views back toward Cusco.

This part of the ride is less about a formal attraction and more about the feeling of being outside the city. You have time to see the countryside at a slower pace, take photographs, and watch the horses move along the trail.

The scenery is one of the main rewards for anyone who has spent several days among Cusco’s streets and museums. It gives you a different sense of the region, one shaped by highland paths, slopes, and Inca routes rather than colonial buildings.

Still, keep the tour length in mind. The ride is a short loop, not a full-day mountain expedition. One rider enjoyed the educational experience but wished there had been more riding and more places to see. That is a fair criticism if your main goal is extended horseback time.

A good choice for beginners and families

This tour works well for first-time riders because the horses are described as steady and well behaved. Riders with no prior experience were comfortable, and children were given close attention. One guide walked alongside an 11-year-old for the entire ride to help keep her safe.

That does not mean you should ignore basic caution. Horseback riding involves balance, movement, and changing ground conditions. Tell the guide honestly about your experience level, and use the safety equipment provided.

Families should also consider the age and confidence of each child. The tour has worked well for families with children and teenagers, but the ride is outdoors and may include uneven trails and a tunnel visit. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not provide a specific minimum age or weight limit.

The tour is also a pleasant fit for solo visitors. Some outings are private or nearly private, and riders have had room to ask questions, choose photo stops, and set a comfortable pace. Couples looking for a quiet half-day away from the city may appreciate the relaxed feel.

What the guides add to the ride

Gabriel is more than a person who leads the horses from the front. He shares information about Inca culture, Peruvian traditions, local history, and the horses themselves. That combination gives the ride more substance than a simple trail loop.

His family connection to the ranch also gives you a direct introduction to local horse culture. You can ask about the Peruvian Paso breed, how the horses are trained, and why the animals are rotated between outings.

Communication has also been a strength. Arrangements have included prompt replies and flexible help when flight or accommodation problems threatened to disrupt a booking. Pickup has been handled on time in several cases, including last-minute changes between morning and afternoon departures.

That said, the operation may feel informal. One outing ended with some confusion about who was returning to the city and who was continuing elsewhere. Another rider found the organization a little untidy, even while praising the guides and ride itself.

I would treat this as a family-run ranch experience, not a tightly choreographed corporate excursion. That can mean a warmer, more personal day, but it may also require a little patience at the beginning or end.

Price, group size, and what is included

At $65 per person, the tour offers reasonable value for a short half-day in Cusco. You are paying for the horses, guide, ranch access, hotel to ranch transfers, helmet and other protective equipment, snacks, and the visit to the Temple of the Moon.

The included transportation is important. Cusco’s outskirts are not always simple to reach on your own, and a hotel pickup removes the need to arrange a separate taxi to the ranch. The return transfer also lets you plan the rest of your day with less guesswork.

The group maximum is 20 people. That is not a guarantee of a 20-person outing, and some rides have been much smaller. A smaller group gives you more chances to ask questions and makes horse matching easier, while a full group could feel less personal.

Snacks are included, but drinks are not. Bring your own water, especially if you are still adjusting to Cusco’s altitude. The tour takes place outdoors, so sun protection and comfortable clothing are sensible, though those items are not listed as included.

The tour is often booked about 13 days ahead, but last-minute spaces have sometimes been available. I would still reserve in advance if the date matters, particularly during a busy visit to Cusco.

Timing, altitude, and practical comfort

The morning option begins at 9:00 a.m., while the afternoon option begins at 1:00 p.m. The morning ride gives you more of the day afterward. The afternoon ride may suit you better if you are arriving late, taking a slow breakfast, or building in recovery time after a long journey.

Cusco’s altitude is a real factor even on a short horseback ride. You are not walking the entire route, but you may still feel the height when mounting, walking at the ruins, or climbing into the tunnel. Take the pace seriously and tell your guide if you need a rest.

Wear trousers or other clothing that will be comfortable in a saddle. Shoes should be secure enough for walking around the ruins and uneven ground. Bring water, since drinks are not supplied, and keep your phone or camera easy to reach without compromising your grip.

Service animals are allowed, and the experience is near public transportation, although hotel transfers are included. Most people can participate, but exact arrangements for mobility needs are not provided, so ask the operator before booking if you have a specific concern.

Who should book this horseback ride

I would recommend it to you if you want a half-day activity that combines animals, views, and Inca history. It is especially suitable if you are a beginner, a family with older children, a solo visitor, or a couple looking for something less crowded than the main Cusco sights.

It is also a good choice if animal welfare affects your booking decisions. The ranch’s horse care, rotating schedule, and close attention to matching horses with riders are central strengths.

I would hesitate if your priority is a long, fast ride. The route is compact, and the main cultural stop takes time away from riding. You should also expect a family-run style of organization rather than minute-by-minute precision.

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses local time.

Should you book Gabriel’s Ranch?

Yes, if you want a personable introduction to riding in the Cusco hills, particularly if you are new to horses or care strongly about their treatment. The best features are the calm Peruvian Pasos, Gabriel’s local and equestrian knowledge, the Temple of the Moon, and the easy hotel transfer.

Book it with realistic expectations. You are getting a scenic three-and-a-half-hour outing, not an all-day trek across the Andes. For many people, that shorter format is its strength: you get fresh air, mountain views, a memorable ruin, and a taste of ranch life without giving up the rest of your Cusco day.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour takes place around Cusco, Peru, including the city’s outskirts, Chacan Mountain, and the Temple of the Moon.

What departure times are available?

Departures are offered at approximately 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. The tour includes transfer from your hotel to the ranch and back to your hotel.

Are riding helmets and safety equipment provided?

Yes. Protective equipment is included.

Are snacks included?

Yes. Snacks are provided. Drinks are not included.

What type of horses are used?

The tour uses Peruvian Paso horses described as well trained, calm, strong, and gaited.

Is a guide included?

Yes. A professional bilingual guide speaking English and Spanish is included. Guides named in the supplied information include Gabriel, Sergio, and Grimaldo.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.