Cusco: Half-Day Horseback Riding at Devil’s Balcony

Cusco’s best views may be found away from its stone streets. This four-hour ride takes you above the city, through rural trails near Sacsayhuaman, and to Devil’s Balcony, a natural rock formation with a river running through a cave below. You get mountain air, old Inca sites, and a fresh look at Cusco without giving up half a day.

I like two things here. First, the horses are calm and well trained, which matters a lot if you are new to riding. Second, the route feels local: farms, herds, forest paths, and viewpoints replace the usual city tour circuit. The main drawback is that the ride is not ideal if you want a full archaeological tour, and the exact timing can change with your riding experience.

Key points at a glance

• Ride above Cusco: See the city from the mountain trails behind Sacsayhuaman.
• Visit Chacan: Reach Devil’s Balcony, a rock formation with a cave, river, and possible Inca shrine.
• Suitable for beginners: Horses are matched to your experience, and the guide gives basic riding instruction.
• Explore Lanlakuyoc: Stop at a less-visited site and hear about local Inca history and nature.
• Plan for a rural outing: Wear long pants and hiking shoes, and expect uneven ground when you walk near the sites.
• Good half-day value: At $85, the tour includes transport, guide, horse, saddle, helmet, and muleteer support.

Why this ride is a smart break from central Cusco

Cusco can fill your day quickly with plazas, churches, markets, and major ruins. I like this ride because it changes the pace. You leave your central hotel by vehicle, reach a ranch near Sacsayhuaman, and soon find yourself looking down over the city instead of moving through its crowded lanes.

The activity is less about speed and more about access. A horse lets you cover countryside trails that would take longer on foot, while the short stops give you time to walk around and listen to the guide. You may see farms, local animals, and small rural areas that are easy to miss from a taxi or tour bus.

The price is $85 per person. That is not the cheapest way to spend four hours in Cusco, but the cost includes central hotel pickup and drop-off, an English or Spanish-speaking guide, horse equipment, safety helmets, and a muleteer. For a private group, or for a first-time rider who wants close support, the package makes reasonable sense.

From your hotel to the Vieja Estancia ranch

Pickup is included from central Cusco hotels. Wait in the hotel lobby or at the entrance, and make sure the booking has the correct hotel name. One pickup problem was reported when the driver went to the wrong hostel, so I would confirm the address before the morning of the ride.

Your guide gives a briefing before you head to the ranch. At Vieja Estancia, you meet the horses and muleteers, receive a short introduction to handling the horse, and learn how to ride safely. The horses are selected according to your experience and comfort level, an important touch for anyone who has never ridden.

The supplied schedule allows about one hour of riding from the ranch before reaching the Devil’s Balcony area. Treat that as a guide, not a fixed promise. The total duration is approximate and can change with your riding skills, pace, and group needs.

Meeting the horses and learning the basics

You do not need to be an expert rider for this outing. Several first-time riders found the instruction clear and the horses gentle, while experienced riders appreciated that the horses responded well to commands. Guides including Holger, Ogir, and Benny have been singled out for patient instruction and careful help when riders mount or dismount.

That does not make the ride effortless. You will sit in the saddle for a good part of the outing, and the route includes hills and uneven trails. Even a calm horse cannot remove the need for balance, attention, and sensible footwear.

The horses have been praised for being well trained and well cared for. Some riders especially liked being able to ride a little faster at times, while beginners were kept with manageable horses. Follow the guide’s instructions rather than trying to set your own pace.

Riding the mountain trails above Cusco

Once mounted, you follow trails through the countryside behind Sacsayhuaman. The route passes farms and herds of local animals, then climbs and bends through open areas and forest. The main reward is the changing view: Cusco spreads below you, with the surrounding mountains and rural areas beyond.

This is a good choice if you want photographs. Guides have helped with pictures at viewpoints, and the open views give you several chances to frame the city from above. Bring a daypack, but keep it small enough that it does not interfere with riding.

The scenery is one of the strongest reasons to choose this activity. You see Cusco from a different angle, but the ride also gives you a sense of how quickly the city gives way to farms and rough trails. I would not book it only for the riding if you dislike horses or uneven ground. Book it for the combination of horses, views, and places that are not usually part of a standard city walk.

Reaching Devil’s Balcony, or Chacan

The main stop is Devil’s Balcony, also called Chacan. It lies on the back side of Sacsayhuaman and combines a natural formation with archaeological importance. A large rock splits around a chasm, creating a balcony or window over the river below.

The river passes beneath the rock through a large cave and exits on the other side. The cave formed thousands of years ago and was used as an Inca shrine, according to the tour description. Your guide stops here to explain the site rather than simply pointing out the view and moving on.

Take care around the edge and on the approach. The attraction is more than a lookout, so you will likely spend time walking and listening after dismounting. The short ride segment listed for the Devil’s Balcony area is about 45 minutes, but the stop itself may feel longer depending on the guide’s explanation and the group’s pace.

This is not Machu Picchu in scale, and it should not be sold as a substitute for the major Inca sites. Its appeal is different. Chacan joins geology, water, and Inca ritual use in one compact place, with far fewer formal-tour trappings.

The Lanlakuyoc stop and its quieter setting

The route continues to Lanlakuyoc, with another hour of riding listed in the schedule. You stop there for a guided visit, then have about 20 minutes of break time before returning toward the ranch.

The available information does not describe Lanlakuyoc in the same detail as Chacan, so I would treat it as a supporting stop rather than the main reason to book. Its value comes from the chance to see another local site and hear explanations about the area’s history, plants, animals, and geography.

Some outings in this area have included two Inca sites, and one rider specifically saw the Temple of the Moon. Do not assume that the Temple of the Moon is part of this half-day trip. One clear booking note says the temple is included on full-day tours, while this route names Devil’s Balcony and Lanlakuyoc. Ask the operator if that site matters to your plans.

What the pace feels like over four hours

The schedule breaks the outing into roughly one hour of riding from the ranch, 45 minutes around Devil’s Balcony, another hour toward Lanlakuyoc, a 20-minute break, and a very short final ride back to the ranch. Add pickup, instruction, stops, and the return to Cusco, and the full experience takes about four hours.

That structure keeps the activity from becoming one long saddle session. The stops let you stretch, walk, take pictures, and listen to the guide. I like this balance for a casual afternoon, especially after several demanding days at altitude.

Still, the title says half-day, not quick. Allow the full four hours and avoid booking a tight connection afterward. The duration can change according to your riding ability, so leave room in your schedule.

Guides, language, and group size

The tour operates in English and Spanish, with a bilingual guide included. The guide’s job goes beyond horse control. You can expect explanations about Inca sites, local plants and animals, geography, and the places along the route.

Past guide names include Holger, Ogir, and Benny. The strongest pattern in the feedback is patience: first-time riders received help, experienced riders received practical advice, and questions about history and the countryside were handled along the way.

A private group is available. That may be worth considering if your party includes a nervous beginner, different riding abilities, or people who want more time for photographs. A shared outing can still work well, but a private booking gives you a better chance of keeping the pace suited to your group.

What to wear and what to leave behind

Wear long pants and hiking shoes. Shorts can rub against the saddle or leave your legs exposed to brush, while ordinary city shoes are not a good match for rural trails and walking around the sites.

Bring a small daypack for water, sun protection, and a phone or camera. A helmet and saddle are included, as is muleteer support. The activity does not include travel or activity insurance, so arrange your own cover if that matters to you.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms. Those limits are stated conditions, not minor suggestions, so check them before booking.

Is $85 a fair price for this Cusco outing?

I see the value in the price if you want a guided activity with transport and equipment already arranged. A comparable self-planned outing would require finding transport to the ranch, arranging a horse, selecting a safe route, and locating someone to explain Chacan and Lanlakuyoc.

You also get a small-scale experience rather than a large coach excursion. That can make the ride feel more personal, especially if you choose the private option. The price is less attractive if you only want a short horse ride and are not interested in the archaeological stops or city views.

The free cancellation period is 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before building the rest of your day around it.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to you if you want to see Cusco from above, enjoy animals, and like the idea of a quieter route near major ruins. It works especially well for beginners because the horses are selected by experience and the guides provide an introduction before the ride.

It also suits experienced riders who want a scenic outing rather than a technical trek. You may be allowed to move faster at times, but this is still a guided route with stops and a mixed range of riding abilities.

I would think twice if you dislike heights, feel uneasy around horses, or want a tightly scheduled archaeological tour. The route is outdoors, the ground is uneven, and the plan may shift with the group. Also, do not book it expecting the Temple of the Moon unless the operator confirms that your chosen trip includes it.

Should you book the Devil’s Balcony horseback ride?

Book this tour if you want a different half-day in Cusco, with excellent views, calm horses, and a guide who can connect the countryside to Inca sites. The combination of Chacan, Lanlakuyoc, and mountain trails gives you more than a basic riding lesson.

At $85, it is best value for first-time riders, couples, and small groups who would appreciate hotel transport and personal help. Confirm your pickup address, wear long pants and hiking shoes, and keep your afternoon flexible. If you do that, this is a strong way to trade Cusco’s busy center for open trails and a memorable view from the hills.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour take?

The activity lasts about four hours, including pickup, riding, site visits, breaks, and the return to Cusco. The exact duration can change based on your riding experience and horse-handling skills.

What is included in the $85 price?

The price includes pickup and drop-off from central Cusco hotels, an English or Spanish-speaking guide, a saddle, a safety helmet, and a muleteer.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The guide gives you a basic induction, and horses are selected according to your experience. The activity is suitable for beginners, though you still need to follow safety instructions and manage uneven trails.

Is the Temple of the Moon included?

It is not guaranteed on this half-day route. The stated route includes Devil’s Balcony and Lanlakuyoc, and the Temple of the Moon has been associated with full-day tours. Confirm with the operator if you want to visit it.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes, long pants, and a daypack. A saddle and safety helmet are provided.

Who cannot take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people weighing more than 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms. Travel or activity insurance is not included.