Cusco: Devil’s Balcony Horseback Ride

Sacred caves meet open mountain views. This private four-hour ride offers a pleasant way to leave Cusco’s stone streets behind and see the countryside on horseback. I especially like the private format, which gives you a guide and horse trainer focused on your small party, and the chance to visit Devil’s Balcony, an unusual rock formation linked with Inca beliefs. The main thing to consider is riding time: one detailed review found that the horseback portion lasted about two hours, so this suits you best if the cultural stop and scenery matter as much as time in the saddle.

I also like that beginners are welcome and that the horses are described as well groomed. The views across pastureland, mountains, and open countryside are the strongest part of the outing. Still, the 90-kilogram, or 198-pound, weight limit is firm, and the ride is not available to children under eight or pregnant women.

Key points to know before you book

• Devil’s Balcony is reached through an ancient cave, a sacred place connected with Inca beliefs.
• The tour is private, with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide and a qualified horse trainer.
• The ride is suited to beginners and experienced riders, but children must be at least eight years old.
• Expect a countryside outing near Cusco, with sheep, alpacas, pastureland, and mountain views.
• The $139 price includes transport, riding gear, snacks, and hotel pickup downtown, which makes it more than a simple horse rental.
• The best photo spots may require a request, so tell your guide when you want time to stop and take pictures.

Leaving Cusco for Saqsayhuaman Ranch

Your morning or afternoon begins with pickup from your hotel in central Cusco, or at the front door of JW Marriott El Convento Cusco. Departures are scheduled daily at 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM.

If your hotel is outside downtown, choose the meeting-point option rather than assuming pickup is included. The ride to Saqsayhuaman Ranch is by private transport, so you avoid sorting out local taxis or trying to find the ranch on your own.

Once you arrive, you meet the guide and receive a short orientation. You are then introduced to your horse and fitted with the basic riding equipment, including a saddle and helmet. A qualified horse trainer is part of the outing, which matters if you have not ridden for years or feel uncertain about handling a horse.

The private setup should make the introduction calmer than a large group departure. You can ask questions, mention your riding experience, and tell the guide if you need a slower start. Beginners are allowed, but it is still wise to speak up about your comfort level before leaving the ranch.

Riding across pastureland near Cusco

The route takes you through scenic pastureland outside the city. You may see local people tending sheep and alpacas, with broad views toward the surrounding mountains.

This is not a polished equestrian show or a fast horseback adventure. The appeal is the change of pace. From the saddle, you get a closer look at the working countryside around Cusco, with the rhythm of the horse replacing the traffic and crowds of the city center.

I would expect the pace to be controlled rather than thrilling. That is good news for a first-time rider, and it gives you more chance to look around. If you are an experienced rider hoping to gallop across open ground, ask about the pace during your orientation. The published details describe a scenic guided ride, not a high-speed excursion.

The scenery earns much of the tour’s praise. One review called the views unbelievable and highlighted the expert guides and well-groomed horses. Another rider had not been on horseback for ten years but still described the outing as one of the best parts of a Peru trip. That is a useful clue: you do not need recent riding experience to enjoy this, provided you are comfortable with the basic physical demands of sitting in a saddle.

The route is also a good fit if you want an outdoor activity without giving up cultural context. Your guide explains what you are seeing and connects the countryside with Cusco’s past and local traditions.

Reaching the Devil’s Balcony cave

The main destination is Devil’s Balcony, a striking natural rock formation reached along the riding route. The site includes a cave formed thousands of years ago and regarded as sacred by the Incas.

The name suggests a dramatic viewpoint, but the important feature here is the combination of natural form and cultural meaning. Your guide explains the legends and history connected with the place, giving you more to consider than a quick stop for photographs.

You will ride toward the formation, then spend time visiting the cave and hearing about its significance. The exact amount of time at the site is not specified, so the balance between riding, stopping, and explanation can vary. In a private group, you have a better chance to ask questions or linger briefly than you would on a large scheduled coach tour.

Bring your camera, but do not wait for the guide to guess when you want a photo. One rider specifically wished for pictures at a missed viewpoint and advised asking at the places you want to photograph. That is practical advice in Peru, where guides may be focused on explaining a site or keeping the group moving.

The cave is likely to be the most meaningful part of the route for anyone interested in Inca traditions. If you only want hours of horseback riding, the excursion may feel too short. If you like pairing outdoor scenery with stories about sacred places, Devil’s Balcony gives the ride a clear purpose.

Snacks, return transport, and the four-hour schedule

After visiting Devil’s Balcony, you receive light snacks before returning to the ranch. You then take private transport back to Cusco.

The whole activity lasts four hours, including transportation, orientation, riding, the cave visit, snacks, and the return trip. That makes it easy to fit into a half-day in Cusco. The 9:00 AM departure leaves your afternoon open, while the 1:30 PM departure works well if you want a slower morning.

Keep your expectations realistic about the time in the saddle. The detailed feedback describes roughly two hours of horseback riding, with the remaining time taken up by transport, preparation, and the Devil’s Balcony visit. The exact duration may vary, but this is not an all-day ranch outing.

That shorter riding period can be a benefit. Horseback riding uses muscles you may not expect, especially at high elevation around Cusco. A half-day outing gives you scenery and fresh air without committing your entire day or leaving you sore before another major activity.

What the $139 price includes

At $139 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the countryside around Cusco. The price is easier to justify because the tour includes private round-trip transport, a bilingual guide, a horse trainer, a saddle, a helmet, snacks, and downtown hotel pickup.

A private group also changes the value. You are not paying only for a horse and a marked route. You are paying for help with transport, an introduction to the horse, guidance on the trail, interpretation at Devil’s Balcony, and a more personal pace.

I would compare it with the cost and effort of arranging a taxi, finding a ranch, renting a horse separately, and visiting the rock formation without a guide. The private transport and cultural explanation make this a more complete half-day outing.

The value is strongest for couples, families with older children, or friends who want an activity arranged from start to finish. It is less compelling if you are already an accomplished rider and mainly want a long, challenging ride. In that case, you may find the riding time too limited for the price.

There are also only two published reviews, both rated five out of five, so the praise is encouraging but not a large statistical sample. The specific compliments are consistent, though: beautiful views, capable guides, and well-groomed horses.

Is this suitable for beginners and families?

The tour is suitable for beginners and experienced riders. Children over eight can participate, and children are accompanied by a horse trainer.

That makes this a reasonable family option for an older child who is comfortable around horses. The minimum age is important because the activity is not designed for young children. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women.

The 90-kilogram limit, listed as 198 pounds, is another firm planning detail. The activity information also excludes people over 200 pounds, so if you are close to the limit, confirm your eligibility before booking rather than relying on a small difference between the two figures.

You should be comfortable wearing a helmet, sitting on a horse for an extended period, and walking around a natural site. No special riding background is required, but the tour is still a physical activity.

Clothing and what to bring

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily. Closed-toe shoes are required, and rubber or hiking boots are recommended.

Warm clothing is important because mountain weather can change quickly. During the rainy season, from December through March, bring rainwear. A dry morning does not guarantee dry conditions later, so a light waterproof layer is sensible.

Do not bring luggage or large bags. Pack only what you need for the half-day: a small personal item, water if you normally carry it, weather protection, and a camera. The provided information specifically rules out large bags, so leave suitcases and bulky daypacks at your hotel.

Comfort matters more than dressing for photographs. You will be riding, getting on and off a horse, and visiting a cave, so practical shoes and warm layers are the better choice.

How the private format changes the outing

The private format is one of the best reasons to choose this activity. You are not tied to the needs of a large mixed group, and you can ask the guide about the cave, the local countryside, or the traditions linked with Devil’s Balcony.

It also gives you a chance to discuss photographs. Since one rider missed a preferred photo location by not asking, make your wishes clear. Say when you would like to stop, especially if the view matters to you.

A private group does not guarantee that every stop will be long or that the route can be changed completely. The activity follows a set plan, and the horse trainer still needs to keep the ride safe. But the format should feel more personal than a standard group excursion.

The guide speaks English or Spanish. If you want detailed historical explanations, choose the language in which you can ask follow-up questions most easily.

The main strengths and limitations

The strongest part of the ride is the combination of scenery, horses, and cultural explanation. You get out of central Cusco, pass through countryside where sheep and alpacas may be present, and visit a place tied to Inca beliefs.

The horses also receive strong praise. Well-groomed horses make a real difference, especially for nervous beginners. A calm, well-cared-for horse can make the first few minutes far easier.

The main limitation is the length of the riding portion. If you picture four full hours on horseback, adjust that expectation. The total four-hour schedule includes transport, preparation, the cave, snacks, and the return journey.

Weather can affect the feel of the outing, too. The rainy season runs from December to March, and the advice to bring rainwear is not decorative. Muddy or wet conditions may make the ride less comfortable, even though the activity still operates.

Finally, the tour does not include pickup outside downtown Cusco. That is not a serious problem, but it requires attention when booking. Select the central meeting point if your hotel sits beyond the downtown pickup area.

Who should book this horseback ride?

I would recommend the Devil’s Balcony ride if you want a manageable half-day outside Cusco and like the idea of combining horseback riding with local history. It is a particularly good choice for beginners, couples, families with children over eight, and anyone who wants private transport and a guide.

It also suits you if you have not ridden recently. The review from a rider returning after ten years suggests that the experience is approachable, not reserved for regular equestrians.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a long ride with several hours in the saddle. You may find the roughly two-hour riding portion too brief for $139. I would also skip it if you are above the weight limit, pregnant, traveling with a child under eight, or carrying large luggage.

Should you book the Devil’s Balcony ride?

Book it if you want scenic riding, a sacred cave, and a private guide in one organized half-day. The cost is fair for the transport, equipment, trainer, snacks, and personal format, especially when you value convenience.

Before paying, confirm the pickup arrangement, check the 90-kilogram weight limit, and pack warm layers with closed-toe shoes. Ask your guide for photo stops, and remember that the tour is as much about Devil’s Balcony and the countryside as it is about riding.

If you want a long equestrian outing, choose something designed around extended time on horseback. For a first ride in the Cusco countryside with a clear cultural focus, this is a well-balanced option.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Pickup is available from hotels in downtown Cusco. If your hotel is outside downtown, use the meeting point at the front door of JW Marriott El Convento Cusco.

What time does the tour depart?

Departures are available every day at 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM. You should check availability for the starting time offered on your chosen date.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts four hours, including transport, preparation, horseback riding, the Devil’s Balcony visit, snacks, and the return to Cusco.

Is the tour private?

Yes. This is a private group experience with an English- or Spanish-speaking live guide.

Can beginners join the horseback ride?

Yes. The activity is suitable for beginners and experienced riders. A qualified horse trainer is included, and children are accompanied by a horse trainer.

What is the minimum age?

Children must be at least eight years old to participate.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The stated weight limit is 90 kilograms, or 198 pounds. The activity is not suitable for people over 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothing, warm layers, and closed-toe shoes. Rubber or hiking boots are recommended. Bring rainwear from December through March. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.