Horse Riding Chacan Mountain And Temple Of The Moon

See Cusco from the saddle. This 3.5-hour outing pairs horseback riding with the Temple of the Moon, Inca trails, mountain views, and a visit to a family-run ranch. I especially like the calm Peruvian Paso horses and the care given to matching horses with riding ability. Hotel transfers, helmets, snacks, and a bilingual guide also make this easy to fit into a busy Cusco schedule. The main limitation is the short route. One rider found it more like a brief loop than a full riding excursion, so serious equestrians may want more time in the saddle.

The tour costs $65 per person, a fair price if you value door-to-door transport, a small maximum group of 20, horse care, and personal guiding. I would not book it expecting a long, fast mountain ride. This is better suited to a relaxed half-day outing with cultural stops and scenery.

Key points at a glance

• Peruvian Paso horses: The ranch uses calm, trained horses, with several riders praising their smooth gait and gentle behavior.
• Temple of the Moon visit: The ride includes an Inca site, with time to hear about its purpose and enter an underground passage.
• Chacan Mountain views: The route reaches a mountain viewpoint overlooking the Cusco area and surrounding hills.
• Strong horse-care focus: Gabriel rotates the horses between rides rather than keeping them saddled all day, according to direct accounts of the ranch.
• Useful half-day timing: Departures are offered at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., with hotel, ranch, and hotel transfers included.
• Good for mixed abilities: First-time riders, families, solo riders, and experienced riders have all found the horses manageable.

Why this Cusco horseback ride feels different

Many horse rides near Cusco are sold mainly as photo stops with a short trot attached. This experience puts more weight on the horses, the guide, and the history of the places you visit.

Gabriel is the central figure here. He runs a family ranch with more than a century of breeding and horse experience, and his connection with the animals comes through in the way the ride is handled. The horses are described as Peruvian Pasos: strong, attractive, calm, and known for their distinctive gait.

That matters if you are nervous around horses. Several first-time riders felt comfortable because the animals behaved well and followed the guide closely. Families also found the horses suitable for children. One guide walked beside an 11-year-old for the entire ride to help keep her safe.

The pace is generally relaxed. If you already ride, you may be offered the chance to trot or move at a faster jog, depending on your skill and the horse assigned to you. That flexibility is useful, but you should make your comfort level clear before setting off.

There is also a clear cultural side to the outing. Gabriel and other guides, including Sergio and Grimaldo, explain Inca traditions, local places, and the meaning of the sites along the route. You are not simply led around a mountain while someone points toward a ruin.

From your hotel to Gabriel’s ranch

The included transfer takes you from your hotel to the ranch and back again. That is a real advantage in Cusco, where roads around the outskirts can be confusing and a short map distance does not always mean an easy journey.

Morning departures begin at 9:00 a.m. Afternoon rides leave at 1:00 p.m. The morning slot gives you more daylight and leaves the rest of the day open. The afternoon option works well if you want a slower start after arriving in Cusco or after a busy sightseeing day.

Communication before pickup has been praised as quick and helpful. One person was able to change from an afternoon ride to a morning ride the day before. Another booked on the same day after a different company cancelled and still received a prompt pickup.

That kind of flexibility is helpful, but do not treat it as guaranteed. The stated cancellation rule allows a full refund only when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that period are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

At the ranch, you receive protective equipment, including a helmet. Snacks are provided, but drinks are not included. Bring your own water, especially if you are riding at altitude and the sun is strong.

Choosing the right horse before the ride

The horse assignment is one of the most important parts of the experience. The guides aim to pair you with an animal that suits your size and riding ability.

This is particularly reassuring for beginners. Riders with no previous experience reported feeling secure, and the horses were described as obedient and easy to control. Some people barely needed to use the reins because the horses followed the guide.

Experienced riders can ask for a horse with more energy. One solo rider enjoyed being matched with an energetic horse that suited her skill level. Another was allowed to trot and move at a faster pace during the ride.

You should still be honest. If you are uncomfortable with speed, say so. If you want to trot, mention your experience before leaving the ranch. The tour is designed for a range of abilities, but good communication helps the guide make the best match.

The care of the animals is a major reason to consider this ranch. Direct accounts describe horses that are rotated between rides and not left saddled and tied in the sun all day. Several people noticed that the horses looked healthy and were treated as part of the family.

There is one important qualification. One rider felt that some horses were better cared for than others. That single concern does not erase the many positive accounts, but it is fair to keep it in mind. Animal welfare can vary from horse to horse, and you should look at your own mount before setting off.

Riding the Inca trails toward Chacan Mountain

Once mounted, you head into the hills outside central Cusco. The exact riding distance is not specified, and the route is described as a short loop rather than a long trail journey.

That is both a strength and a weakness. A shorter ride is easier for beginners, children, and people adjusting to Cusco’s altitude. You have time to enjoy the views, listen to the guide, and stop for photographs without spending hours in the saddle.

You will also avoid making this a pure riding test. The point is to combine horses, scenery, and archaeological sites. The route follows ancient Inca trails and reaches viewpoints around Chacan Mountain, with broad views back toward Cusco and the surrounding mountains.

The mountain setting is the visual highlight. The city appears from a different angle, and the open hills give you a welcome break from Cusco’s traffic and stone streets. One person described the ranch and its views as beautiful, while another called the ride one of the best parts of a week in Peru.

Do not expect a full-day trek through remote country. The total activity lasts about three and a half hours, including stops and the site visit. If you want hours of continuous riding, a dedicated multi-hour or multi-day horse trek would be a better fit.

Temple of the Moon: the cultural heart of the route

The Temple of the Moon is the clearest cultural anchor of the ride. You stop at this Inca site toward the end of the outing, hear about its history, and have time to look around rather than simply passing by on horseback.

The site is also memorable for its underground passage. One person specifically enjoyed entering a tunnel beneath the temple. If you do not like tight spaces, ask the guide what the visit involves before going inside.

This stop gives the ride more substance. You are not only looking at mountains from a horse. You are also standing at a place connected to Inca belief and construction, with a local guide to explain what you are seeing.

The guide’s role is important here. Gabriel has been praised for explaining Inca and Peruvian culture in a clear, personal way. Grimaldo was also singled out for his close attention and strong knowledge of the sites.

Expect the Temple of the Moon stop to be informative rather than long and formal. The experience is not presented as a large archaeological tour with a lengthy lecture. Instead, you get a personal explanation within a small outdoor outing.

Snacks, photos, and the small practical details

Snacks are included and are usually given at the ranch or near the beginning of the ride. They are a useful touch, particularly if you have not eaten recently. Drinks are not included, so bring water and any other beverage you need.

You will want your hands available for riding and photography. One account noted that snacks were carried in a bag and later left behind when the group went into a cave. That is a minor organizational issue, but it points to a useful tip: keep personal items compact and easy to store.

Wear clothing that can handle dust and contact with a saddle. Closed shoes are sensible, and long trousers will be more comfortable than shorts for a few hours of riding. A helmet is supplied as part of the safety equipment.

The route includes stops, so you are not expected to ride without a break for the full 3.5 hours. Still, horseback riding can leave your legs and back tired if you are not used to it. The short duration keeps the outing manageable.

Group size, guiding, and pace

The maximum group size is 20 people. That is not a tiny private ride, but it is small enough for the guide to keep an eye on different riding abilities.

Actual group size can be smaller. Some riders had a private or nearly private outing, while one family group included eight people with a wide range of skills. The guide adjusted the pace and horse choices to keep everyone comfortable.

This makes the tour a practical choice for families and mixed groups. A confident rider can enjoy a livelier horse, while a beginner can stay at a calm walking pace. Children and teens have received particularly strong praise, though the supplied information does not state a minimum age.

The ride is bilingual in English and Spanish. That makes the cultural explanations accessible to English-speaking visitors, while also keeping the experience rooted in the local setting.

One small weakness is organization at the end. A Danish-speaking rider found the finish somewhat confusing, with uncertainty about who was returning and who was continuing. Most transport accounts were positive, including on-time pickup and drop-off, but confirm the return plan before the final stop.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, this sits in a reasonable range for a guided half-day experience in Cusco. You are paying for the horse, protective equipment, a bilingual guide, snacks, and transfers between your hotel and the ranch.

The value improves if you are staying somewhere without easy access to the outskirts. A taxi to a ranch, horse hire, guide, and return transport could add up quickly, while the included transfer removes much of the planning.

The price is less attractive if your main goal is long-distance riding. The route is short, and one person wished there were more riding and more to see. You are paying for a combined cultural and scenic experience, not for maximum time on horseback.

I think the cost is strongest for first-time riders, families, and solo visitors who want a personal outing without arranging transport. It is also good value for anyone who places real importance on horse welfare and local guiding.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want calm horses and close guidance
• Families with children or teenagers
• Solo visitors looking for a personal half-day activity
• Couples wanting mountain scenery and a quieter day
• Riders who enjoy history and local explanations as much as the ride itself
• People with only a few spare hours in Cusco

I would think twice if you are an advanced rider seeking a long, fast route. The chance to trot or jog may be available, but the experience is primarily relaxed and sightseeing-focused.

Altitude is another practical point. The tour takes place around Cusco’s high mountain setting, and the supplied information does not promise an easy route for every fitness level. If you are newly arrived or feeling unwell, choose the gentler pace and tell the guide.

Should you book the Chacan Mountain horse ride?

Yes, if you want a friendly, manageable introduction to riding around Cusco, especially with an Inca site included. The strongest reasons are the well-regarded horses, Gabriel’s personal approach, the hotel transfers, and the chance to see the Temple of the Moon without joining a large bus tour.

Book it with realistic expectations. This is not an endurance ride or a full day in the mountains. It is a short, scenic loop with a cultural stop, snacks, and a guide who takes the horses and the people seriously.

For most visitors, that balance makes the $65 worthwhile. If you choose it, bring water, state your riding level clearly, ask about the return plan, and use the 9:00 a.m. departure if you want more time afterward for Cusco sightseeing.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the tour depart?

Morning departures are at 9:00 a.m., and afternoon departures are at 1:00 p.m.

What places does the ride visit?

The experience includes the Temple of the Moon and Chacan Mountain, along with views around the outskirts of Cusco and riding on ancient Inca trails.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Transfers from your hotel to the ranch and back to your hotel are included.

Are helmets and safety equipment provided?

Yes. Protective equipment is included.

Are snacks included?

Yes. Snacks are included, but drinks are not.

Is the guide bilingual?

Yes. A professional guide who speaks English and Spanish is included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. Most people can participate, and several first-time riders found the horses comfortable and manageable. The guides match horses and pace to different riding abilities.