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

Quiet trails await above Cusco. This horseback outing pairs Andean riding with the Temple of the Moon, lesser-seen ruins, and wide views near Sacsayhuaman. I like the short transfer from town and the fact that beginners are welcome. The main catch is the 90-kilo, or 200-pound, weight limit, and the ride can feel jarring when the horses move faster than a walk.

I also like the small-group format, with no more than 15 people, plus round-trip hotel transport. Guides such as Holger have earned praise for clear riding instruction and thoughtful explanations of local history. Just remember that this is an outdoor activity in Cusco, so rain can cancel the ride and high-altitude exertion may feel stronger than expected.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours on horseback: Ride through the countryside near Cusco, with walking, trotting, and, when appropriate, some galloping.
• Temple of the Moon stop: Leave the horses for a 30-minute walk around Amaru Marca Wasi, a mystical site north of the city.
• Good for first-time riders: A tutorial, helmets, saddles, and a muleteer caring for the horses help newcomers feel more secure.
• Short trip from Cusco: The entire outing takes about two and a half hours, with private round-trip transport from your hotel.
• Less-visited Inca sites: The route reaches ruins behind Sacsayhuaman and viewpoints that many standard city tours miss.
• Important limit: Riders must weigh no more than 90 kilos, or 200 pounds, and the minimum age is eight.

Why this horseback ride works so well from Cusco

Cusco is full of major sights, but a busy schedule can make it hard to fit in a longer excursion. This tour solves that problem neatly. The ride lasts about two hours, the Temple of the Moon visit takes another 30 minutes, and transport is included from your hotel in Cusco.

That makes it useful on a free morning or afternoon. You get out of the city without committing to a full day in the Sacred Valley or a long mountain trek. The ranch is close enough that one past booking took roughly three and a half hours from pickup to drop-off, including transport and riding time.

The setting changes quickly. Within a short drive, you can find yourself among open Andean countryside, old stonework, and ridgelines above Cusco. I like this contrast. You still have easy access to the city, but the ride feels far removed from its traffic and crowded streets.

The tour is also highly rated, with a 4.9 score from 54 ratings and a 98 percent recommendation rate. That does not guarantee a perfect outing for every rider, but it points to consistent strengths: friendly guides, calm horses, good scenery, and strong care for beginners.

Getting comfortable at Vieja Estancia Ranch

The riding portion begins at Vieja Estancia Ranch, operated by Horseback Riding Cusco. The company offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day routes, but this experience focuses on a shorter outing suitable for a packed Cusco visit.

Before setting off, you receive a basic riding introduction. That matters if you have never been on a horse or have only ridden a few times. The guide explains how to handle the reins and how to communicate with the horse, while the muleteer helps look after the animals during the trip.

You receive a saddle and safety helmet. Closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes are recommended, along with long pants, preferably jeans. This is practical advice, not dress-code fussiness. Jeans protect your legs from rubbing, and secure shoes are more useful than sandals around horses and uneven ground.

Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables during the ride. Loose items can become a nuisance, and the operator specifically advises leaving them behind. Bring a rain jacket if the forecast shows a meaningful chance of rain. Cusco weather can change quickly, and the experience depends on safe riding conditions.

The group can reach 15 people, though the small-group design is intended to keep the outing relaxed. A smaller group also gives the guide more time to watch inexperienced riders and explain what you are seeing.

What the two-hour ride feels like

The ride takes you through countryside near Cusco, with views toward Inca ruins and the surrounding hills. The pace can vary. You should expect stretches of walking, with opportunities to trot and, according to the conditions and the guide’s judgment, gallop for a short time.

That faster movement is one of the most exciting parts for confident riders. It is also the point where the ride can become rough. One account described the gallop as thrilling but a little jarring. If you are new to riding, do not feel pressured to go faster than you like. Tell the guide clearly if you want to stay at a walk.

The horses have been praised for being well trained and in good health. That is especially important on a route with uneven ground and changing speeds. Riders with little experience have felt comfortable after the introduction, and the horses are familiar with the route.

The views are a major reason to book. You see open Andean scenery, stone ruins, and elevated views over Cusco. From the back of a horse, you are not simply moving between stops in a vehicle. You have time to notice the quiet, the shape of the hills, and the relationship between the old sites and the modern city below.

The ride is not a demanding trek described in terms of steep climbs or technical riding, so I would consider it accessible to many beginners. Still, sitting in a saddle for two hours can tire your legs and backside. If you have little riding experience, expect some soreness rather than assuming the outing will feel like a casual city walk.

The lesser-known ruins behind Sacsayhuaman

The route includes Inca remains behind Sacsayhuaman, an area many standard Cusco tours do not cover in detail. These sites provide a quieter look at the stonework and sacred places around the city.

The value here is not only the ruins themselves. You get to see them as part of the countryside, rather than as isolated monuments surrounded by a packed viewing area. The guide adds cultural and historical context during the ride, helping you understand why the locations matter.

Guide quality makes a big difference on this part of the outing. Holger has been praised for his clear English, friendly manner, and strong understanding of the land and its history. Another account described him as especially helpful with first-time riders, giving instructions that were easy for both a beginner and a more experienced companion to follow.

The name appears as Holger in most of the available comments, with one reference using Olger. If you are told that Holger is leading your ride, expect a guide who combines riding instruction with explanations of the places along the route.

This stop also offers a change from Cusco’s best-known archaeological sites. You will not get the scale of a full Sacred Valley day trip, but you will gain a more personal look at smaller ruins and less familiar viewpoints. For many people, that quieter pace is the main appeal.

Walking through the Temple of the Moon

At the Temple of the Moon, also known as Amaru Marca Wasi, you leave the horses and walk around the site for about 30 minutes. The temple is located north of Cusco and is described as one of the city’s important mystical attractions.

The break from riding is welcome. You can stretch your legs, focus on the stone formations, and listen as the guide explains the spiritual importance attached to the place. The site is linked with the idea of recharging your energy, so the visit has a reflective feel rather than the quick photo stop found on some bus tours.

Do not expect a huge archaeological complex with a long route through multiple buildings. The stop is brief, and its appeal lies in atmosphere, setting, and meaning. The combination of rocks, old construction, and high-country views gives the visit a different mood from Cusco’s central churches and plazas.

The Temple of the Moon is also a good reason to choose this ride over a generic countryside horseback trip. You are not only riding for the scenery. The route connects the outdoor activity with a specific place of cultural and spiritual interest.

Wear shoes you can walk in comfortably. You will be on foot around the temple, and closed shoes are recommended for the ride as well.

What the $65 price includes

At $65 per person, this is a reasonable price for a short Cusco excursion that includes private transport from your hotel. You also receive a professional guide, horse, saddle, helmet, muleteer support, bottled water, and admission to the included sites.

The transport matters. You do not have to arrange a taxi to a ranch outside the city, negotiate a return fare, or work out how to reach the starting point. Private-car transport keeps the timing simpler and is particularly useful if you are traveling with family or a small group.

The value is strongest if you want three things in one outing: riding, countryside views, and archaeological sites. If you only want a longer horse ride, a full-day route may offer more riding time. If you want a detailed archaeological tour, a specialist site visit may give you more time at each ruin.

This is best understood as a compact experience rather than a full archaeological expedition. You pay for convenience, a guided ride, site access, and a change of pace from the city. For a half-day slot, that combination is appealing.

Who should book this ride

I would recommend it to adults and children aged eight or older who are comfortable around horses or willing to learn. It suits couples, families, solo visitors, and groups of friends. Families have found the format manageable, including groups with children.

First-time riders should feel encouraged, but they should also be honest about their comfort level. The horses are described as well trained, and the introductory instruction helps. Still, the possibility of trotting or galloping means you should tell the guide your limits before leaving the ranch.

It is a particularly good choice if you have already visited central Cusco and want a quieter half-day outdoors. It also fits well between larger activities, since the total outing can take around three and a half hours with transport.

You should skip it if you dislike riding, have difficulty sitting in a saddle, or do not meet the weight limit. The operator sets the maximum at 90 kilos, or 200 pounds. This is a firm practical condition, not a detail to overlook when booking.

Timing, weather, and simple preparation

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy offers some protection, but you should still avoid placing the ride immediately before an important flight or fixed appointment.

Wear long pants and closed shoes. A rain jacket is useful when the forecast gives a significant chance of rain. Bring water if you prefer more than the included bottled water, though a bottle is provided.

The operator confirms the booking at the time of reservation. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off uses local time.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. The stated minimum age is eight, and the maximum group size is 15.

The main strengths and the small compromises

The strongest part of this experience is the mix of activity and place. You get to ride through the countryside, pause at Inca ruins, and walk around the Temple of the Moon, all without spending a full day away from Cusco.

The guides are another clear strength. Holger receives particular praise for his English, riding instruction, warmth, and explanations of local culture. That personal attention can make the difference between a nervous first ride and an enjoyable one.

The horses also matter. Reports describe them as healthy and well cared for, which should be a basic requirement for any riding activity. Here, it appears to be an important part of the experience.

The compromises are straightforward. Two hours in the saddle is not a long riding expedition, and the Temple of the Moon visit lasts only 30 minutes. Faster riding can feel rough, the weather may cancel the outing, and the 200-pound weight limit excludes some people.

Should you book the Temple of the Moon horseback tour?

Book it if you want a manageable outdoor break from Cusco, especially if you are a beginner who likes the idea of riding past ruins and hills rather than spending another half-day in town. The short duration, hotel pickup, trained horses, and attentive instruction make it easy to fit into a busy visit.

I would choose it for the combination of quiet countryside, lesser-seen Inca sites, and the Temple of the Moon. I would not choose it if your priority is a long, advanced ride or extensive archaeological touring.

Wear proper shoes, pack a rain jacket, tell the guide how much riding experience you have, and be ready for a little saddle soreness. If those conditions suit you, this is one of the better short adventures you can add to a Cusco schedule.

FAQ

How long does the horseback tour take?

The experience lasts about two hours and 30 minutes. With hotel pickup and return transport, the total time may be around three and a half hours.

Where does the tour take place?

The ride begins at Vieja Estancia Ranch near Cusco and visits countryside areas near the city, including ruins behind Sacsayhuaman and the Temple of the Moon.

Is the Temple of the Moon included?

Yes. Admission to the Temple of the Moon is included, and you spend about 30 minutes walking around the site after leaving the horses.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The experience is suitable for people with little or no riding experience. An introductory tutorial, safety helmets, and guide support are provided.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is eight years old.

Is there a rider weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight is 90 kilos, or 200 pounds.

What should I wear?

Wear long pants, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. A rain jacket is recommended when rain is possible.

Is transportation from Cusco included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel is included in a private car.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can select another date or receive a full refund.