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

Cusco’s Temple of the Moon is only about 25 minutes from the city, yet this horseback ride quickly leaves the traffic and tight streets behind. You follow high country paths past Inca ruins, open views, and quiet countryside before leaving your horse for a short walk around Amaru Marca Wasi.

I like two things right away: the ride fits into a half-day plan, and the horses are suitable for people with little or no riding experience. I also like the personal touch of guides such as Holger, who explain the history and warn you before any tricky section of trail.

The main drawback is simple: horseback riding can be hard on your legs and a little jarring when the horses trot or gallop. The ride also has a 200-pound, or 90-kilo, weight limit, and rain can lead to a cancellation.

Key points to know before you book

• Temple of the Moon is the star stop: Leave the horses and walk through this mystical site near Cusco.
• About two hours in the saddle: The ride includes countryside views, lesser-known ruins, and sections that may move beyond a walking pace.
• Beginner-friendly setup: A short introduction, helmets, saddles, a guide, and a muleteer caring for the horses are included.
• Easy half-day timing: The tour lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, with hotel pickup and return by private car.
• Small groups help: No more than 15 people join, which keeps the pace calmer than a large riding excursion.
• Dress for the trail: Wear long trousers and closed shoes with rubber soles, and bring a rain jacket when wet weather is possible.

Why this short ride works so well in Cusco

Cusco offers plenty of grand sights, but its busiest attractions can fill a whole day. This horseback tour gives you a change of pace without asking you to sacrifice much of your schedule.

The ride lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, though pickup, transport, and drop-off can make the full outing closer to three and a half hours. That makes it a useful choice for a free morning, a lighter afternoon, or a day when you want some time outside the city.

I especially like the contrast. You begin with transport from your Cusco hotel, then reach Vieja Estancia Ranch and trade the city for open Andean country. The ranch offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day rides, but this shorter route gives you a taste without committing to a full day in the saddle.

This is not a polished equestrian show. It is a guided ride through the hills, with ruins and broad views along the way. That gives the outing a more local, outdoorsy feel than a standard city tour, although you should still expect a planned route and a group pace.

Starting at Vieja Estancia Ranch

At the ranch, you receive a saddle and safety helmet before setting off. A short introduction helps first-time riders understand how to sit, hold the reins, and respond to the horse.

That basic instruction matters in Cusco. You may have ridden before, but high-country trails, uneven ground, and changing speeds call for calm handling. The tour is designed for beginners, and the horses are described as well trained and well cared for.

A muleteer travels with the group to look after the animals. This is a useful detail rather than a decorative extra. You can focus on the scenery and the guide’s explanations while someone has responsibility for the horses along the route.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is not an intimate private ride, but it is small enough to avoid the feel of a large procession. If your group has mixed ability, the beginner-friendly approach should make the outing less stressful.

The horses generally walk for part of the route. Depending on the group and conditions, there may also be opportunities to trot or gallop. That faster riding is exciting, but it can feel rough and jarring, especially if you are new to horses or have back, hip, or knee trouble.

You should listen carefully to the guide before any faster section. One account of the route describes a part that felt scary at first, but the guide gave a warning and the horses knew the trail. That is exactly the sort of moment when following instructions matters more than trying to look confident.

Riding above Cusco through the Andean countryside

The strongest part of the ride is the setting. Once you reach the hills behind the city, you can look back toward Cusco and see Inca ruins from above. The scenery gives you a sense of how the old city sits within the surrounding mountains rather than existing as an isolated historic center.

The route passes countryside and archaeological remains that many people miss when they stay on the main Cusco circuit. You are not simply riding in a fenced field. The scenery changes as the horses follow paths along the hills, with stops that connect the ride to the area’s Inca past.

The pace alternates between quiet walking and, at times, a more thrilling run. That mix works well for a short tour. Walking lets you look around and listen, while a brief faster section adds energy and makes the ride feel like an adventure rather than a slow transfer between sites.

Still, do not book this expecting a gentle sightseeing carriage ride. A horse’s movement can be uncomfortable, and the surface of a rural trail is unlikely to be perfectly smooth. Long pants are practical protection against the saddle and brush, while sturdy closed shoes help you keep your footing.

The views are a major reason to choose this tour instead of another indoor or city-based activity. You get a different angle on Cusco, with open high-country scenery and ruins placed in their natural setting. Bring your camera if you like, but leave jewelry and valuables behind, as recommended.

Temple of the Moon, a quiet stop near Cusco

After roughly two hours of riding, you leave the horses and walk around the Temple of the Moon. Also known as Amaru Marca Wasi, the site lies on the northern side of Cusco and is treated as one of the city’s mystical places.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough time for a guided look and a pause to take in the site, but not enough for a long archaeological visit. If you want a detailed study of every stone and carving, you will need a separate visit with more time.

What makes the stop work within this tour is the change from movement to walking. You have been watching the countryside from the saddle, and now you can slow down and pay attention to the rock formations and sacred feel of the place.

The tour description presents the Temple of the Moon as a place to recharge your energy. You do not need to share that spiritual language to appreciate the setting. It is a quieter and less expected stop than the biggest archaeological sites around Cusco, and the short walk gives the guide room to explain its cultural importance.

The ride also includes two stops at Inca ruins, according to the detailed account of the route. The precise names and timing of those additional ruins are not specified, so you should think of them as part of the countryside route rather than a substitute for a full archaeological tour.

This distinction helps set expectations. The tour is about combining riding, views, and a few historic places. It is not a full-day study of Inca architecture.

What the guide adds to the ride

A good guide matters here because the tour combines an outdoor activity with cultural context. You are not just following a horse ahead of you. The guide explains the land and the ruins, helps beginners feel at ease, and gives practical warnings on the trail.

Holger is specifically praised for his friendly manner, clear English, and ability to explain the history of the area. He has also helped first-time riders understand what to do, which can make a large difference during the first few minutes in the saddle.

Some of the most useful guidance comes at ordinary moments. You may need help adjusting to the horse, deciding how to sit during a trot, or judging a section of trail. A guide who speaks plainly and keeps an eye on the group makes the ride safer and more enjoyable.

The staff are described as multilingual and professional. That is helpful if your party includes people with different language needs, although the supplied information does not specify every language offered on each departure.

The tour’s cultural side also feels stronger when the guide treats the ruins with care. One account describes the guide as deeply connected to the land and respectful of newer archaeological work. That kind of explanation can turn a short stop into something more meaningful than a photo break.

Price, transport, and the value of a half-day outing

At $65 per person, the price is reasonable for a 2.5-hour guided outing that includes hotel pickup and return, private-car transport, the horse, saddle, helmet, muleteer, guide, and bottled water.

The transport is particularly useful in Cusco. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the ranch or work out how to return after riding. The private car also keeps the trip simple for families and small groups, especially when everyone is carrying jackets or day bags.

The value depends on what you want from a horse ride. If your main goal is a long, serious equestrian trek, this route may feel too short. If you want a memorable outdoor activity close to Cusco, with ruins and countryside included, the combination is stronger than the riding time alone suggests.

At around three and a half hours door to door, it uses much less time than a full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley or a distant archaeological site. You can pair it with other Cusco plans, but I would avoid scheduling a demanding activity immediately afterward. You may feel the ride in your thighs even if you are fit.

Bottled water is included, but you should still bring sun protection and your own extra water if you tend to drink often. The information provided does not state whether meals or snacks are offered, so do not count on food being part of the outing.

The tour receives a 4.9 rating from 54 ratings, with 98 percent recommending it. Those numbers point to a very strong experience, but the practical details matter more for your decision: you need to be comfortable around horses, able to ride for about two hours, and within the weight limit.

Clothing and comfort on the trail

Wear long trousers, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. Shorts and sandals are poor choices for a saddle ride, especially if the route includes uneven ground or brush.

Bring a rain jacket if the forecast shows a meaningful chance of rain. The activity requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. Cusco weather can change quickly, so a light waterproof layer is sensible even when the morning looks fine.

Do not wear jewelry or carry valuables during the ride. Loose items can catch on equipment or fall onto the trail. Keep your phone secure, and use a small bag only if it can stay firmly out of the way.

The minimum age is eight. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed according to the tour information. The 200-pound, or 90-kilo, limit applies, so check this before paying if it may affect someone in your group.

No special riding background is required. Still, beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. You will spend real time sitting on a moving animal, and a short practice session cannot remove every discomfort.

Who should book this horseback tour?

I would recommend it to couples, families with children aged eight and over, and friends who want something different from museums and ruins in the city. It also suits solo visitors who like guided outdoor activities and want company without joining a huge group.

It is a particularly good choice if you have only a few days in Cusco. You get fresh air, local scenery, a little speed, and a visit to the Temple of the Moon without giving up a full day.

Families should be honest about riding ability. The tour can handle beginners, and families with children have been accommodated, but a child who dislikes animals, tires quickly, or fears faster movement may not enjoy it.

I would think twice if you have significant back, hip, or knee pain, or if you strongly dislike uneven motion. The walking portion is short, and the ride is the main event. Also check the weight limit before booking.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and weather cancellations result in either another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Temple of the Moon horseback tour?

Book it if you want a short, active break from Cusco with good views and less familiar ruins. The strongest reasons are the close location, the small maximum group size, the beginner-friendly support, and the chance to ride at more than a walking pace.

Do not book it simply because you want to see the Temple of the Moon in depth. The site visit is only about 30 minutes, and the tour gives equal weight to the horse ride itself.

For most people who are comfortable on a horse, the $65 price is fair. You get transport, equipment, staff support, countryside riding, and a cultural stop in one compact outing. Pack sensible clothes, expect some soreness, and listen closely when the guide points out a tricky part of the trail.

FAQ

How long does the horseback tour last?

The activity lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. About two hours are spent horseback riding, followed by around 30 minutes at the Temple of the Moon. Hotel pickup and return can make the full outing longer.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $65 per person.

Is hotel transportation from Cusco included?

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

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for people with little or no riding experience, and an introduction is provided before the ride.

What is the minimum age and weight limit?

The minimum age is eight years. 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 rain is possible during the ride, and avoid jewelry or valuables.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.