Horse Riding Chacan Mountain And Temple Of The Moon

This three-and-a-half-hour horseback ride trades Cusco’s traffic for old Inca paths, mountain views, and the unusual chance to reach the Temple of the Moon on horseback. Gabriel’s ranch uses Peruvian Paso horses, and guides such as Gabriel, Sergio, and Grimaldo add local stories to the ride.

I like the care given to the horses and the easy hotel-to-ranch transfers. I also like that beginners and children can take part, with horses matched to riding ability and safety equipment supplied. The main drawback is that the ride is a fairly short loop, so experienced riders looking for hours in the saddle may want more.

Key points to know before you book

• Peruvian Paso horses: Calm, strong, gaited horses make the ride approachable for first-time riders.
• Temple of the Moon: The route includes an Inca site, with an underground passage described as part of the visit.
• Chacan Mountain views: You ride beyond the city for wide views of Cusco and its surrounding mountains.
• Beginner-friendly pace: Families and riders with little experience can participate, and guides can walk beside younger riders.
• Horse welfare matters: The ranch rotates horses between rides instead of keeping them saddled all day, though care may vary among individual horses.
• Simple half-day timing: Choose a 9:00 am or 1:00 pm departure, with hotel pickup and return included.

From Cusco streets to Gabriel’s ranch

The experience begins with pickup from your hotel, followed by a transfer to the ranch. That small detail saves you from arranging a taxi to an outlying stable, and it makes this a practical choice for a free morning or afternoon in Cusco.

At the ranch, you receive protective equipment, including a helmet, and snacks before or during the outing. Drinks are not included, so bring water. You will also meet the horse selected for you, based on your riding level and the guide’s judgment.

The ranch is associated with Gabriel, whose family has bred and trained Peruvian Pasos for more than a century. That family connection helps explain the personal feel of the operation. Gabriel is not simply handing you a horse and pointing toward a trail. He introduces the animals, answers questions, and gives basic guidance before the ride begins.

The horses are a major part of the appeal. Peruvian Pasos are known for a smooth, distinctive gait, and several horses are described as calm and easy to handle. A first-time rider may appreciate a horse that follows the guide closely and does not require constant rein work.

Still, do not assume every horse will suit every rider perfectly. One rider needed a change because the first horse was not responding well. The staff handled the switch, but it is a useful reminder to speak up at once if you feel uncomfortable. A good fit matters more than trying to appear experienced.

Riding the ancient paths toward Chacan Mountain

Once mounted, you leave the ranch and follow mountain paths around Cusco’s outskirts. This is not a polished riding arena or a short photo circuit. You are out in open country, with views toward the city and the mountains around it.

The route combines riding with several pauses. Gabriel or another guide explains the places along the way and allows time for photographs. The pace is generally relaxed, which helps families and less experienced riders enjoy the scenery without worrying about keeping up.

The ride also gives you a different angle on Cusco. From the city streets, the surrounding mountains can feel like a backdrop. On horseback, you move into them at ground level, along routes connected with the area’s Inca past. You get a sense of how much open country lies just beyond the historic center.

Chacan Mountain is the scenic high point of the outing. The exact amount of time spent riding around the mountain depends on the group and pace, but the setting gives you broad views and a welcome break from urban sightseeing. This is a good choice if you want nature without committing to a full-day trek.

The ride is not built around speed. Some experienced riders were allowed to trot or move at a faster jog, but that depends on the horse, the rider, and the guide. You should expect control and safety to come first. If you want a faster section, ask the guide rather than assuming it is part of the standard route.

Entering the Temple of the Moon

The Temple of the Moon is the cultural center of the ride. This Inca site is reached as part of the horseback route, and it gives the outing more purpose than a simple mountain ride.

The site includes carved rock and ceremonial spaces associated with Inca practice. The guide explains the setting and its place in local culture, so you are not left to guess what you are seeing. Gabriel is especially good at connecting the ruins with broader Peruvian traditions and the land around Cusco.

One of the most memorable details is the underground passage. The route has included a chance to enter a tunnel beneath the site, an experience that adds a little adventure to the history lesson. Conditions can be uneven, so follow the guide’s instructions and keep your hands free when possible.

The Temple of the Moon stop also breaks up the riding in a useful way. You can stretch, take photographs, and focus on the site without trying to admire ruins from the saddle. On some outings, the temple comes toward the end, giving the ride a strong finish before returning to the ranch.

Do keep the visit in proportion. This is one archaeological stop within a short riding tour, not a full archaeological excursion. If your main goal is a detailed study of Inca sites, dedicate separate time to Cusco’s major ruins and use this tour for its mix of horses, views, and a less formal site visit.

What the guide adds to the ride

The guide can make or break a horseback outing, and this operation receives especially strong praise for its personal approach. Gabriel is described as warm, flexible, and deeply interested in horses, Inca culture, and Peruvian traditions.

Sergio is also part of the guiding team, while Grimaldo has led rides and is noted for attentive explanations about the places along the route. Guide assignments may vary, but you can expect English and Spanish service.

The best part of the guiding is the balance between instruction and conversation. You receive help with the horse, yet the outing is not treated like a rigid procession. Guides answer questions, stop for photographs, and adjust attention to the group.

This is particularly helpful if you are riding for the first time. Children have been given close support, including a guide walking alongside an 11-year-old for much of the route. That does not mean every child will have the exact same arrangement, but it shows the level of care possible when the group needs it.

Communication before the tour is another practical strength. Aremika has been praised for quick, helpful replies, including when flight changes threatened a booking. You should still confirm your pickup details, especially if your hotel or apartment is difficult to find.

Horse care and the ethical question

For many people, horse welfare is the deciding factor when choosing a riding tour in Cusco. The ranch makes a clear effort to present the horses as working animals that are also part of the family.

The horses are rotated between rides rather than being kept saddled all day. They are described as healthy, calm, and well trained, and guides take care in matching horse and rider. That is important in a high-use riding destination, where equipment and rest can affect animal welfare.

I would still keep your eyes open. One less positive account felt that some horses were cared for better than others. That does not cancel the many positive signs, but it is fair to say the experience is not a guarantee of perfect conditions for every animal on every day.

You can support good practice by asking sensible questions at the ranch. Ask how long the horses work, tell the guide if the saddle feels wrong, and report any concern promptly. Do not reward speed or rough handling just because you want an exciting photograph.

The horses’ calm behavior is also valuable for safety. Several riders with no prior experience felt comfortable because the horses followed the guide and responded well. That is much better for a beginner than being placed on an unpredictable animal for the sake of a faster ride.

Who will enjoy this Cusco horseback tour

This outing suits beginners, families, couples, and solo visitors who want a few hours outside the city. You do not need a long riding background to take part, and the guides can provide support throughout the route.

Families should find the format manageable. Children and teenagers have enjoyed the ride, and the staff has shown care in keeping younger riders safe. Parents should still judge their child’s comfort around horses and outdoor riding. The tour is active, not a vehicle-based sightseeing trip.

Solo riders can also have a good experience. The outing may run with a small number of people, though the maximum group size is 20. A smaller group gives the guide more room to adapt the pace and answer questions.

Experienced riders may find the route too short. The tour lasts about three and a half hours, but that includes pickup, preparation, stops, the Temple of the Moon, and the return. It is better understood as a scenic cultural outing with horseback riding than as a serious equestrian expedition.

The morning departure at 9:00 am is useful if you want cooler-feeling early hours and a free afternoon. The 1:00 pm departure works well after a slow morning in Cusco. Pick the time that fits your schedule and energy, but remember that the ride takes place outdoors with little flexibility once the group is underway.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, the tour offers reasonable value for a half-day experience. The price includes hotel, ranch, and hotel transfers, a professional bilingual guide, protective gear, a horse, and snacks.

The transfers matter. A lower headline price can lose its appeal if you must arrange transport to a ranch outside the center. Here, the basic movement is handled for you, which makes the booking easier and reduces the risk of arriving late.

You are also paying for more than time on a horse. The outing combines local guiding, an Inca site, mountain views, and a ranch visit. If you value animal care and personal instruction, the price becomes more attractive.

The value is weaker if you want a long ride with several hours in the saddle. The route is a short loop, and the Temple of the Moon stop takes time away from riding. In that case, compare the tour with a longer private horseback outing before booking.

Snacks are included, but drinks are not. Bring your own water, and do not count on the snack bag being easy to carry during every part of the visit. One outing required leaving snacks with the horses before going into a cave area.

Practical details that make the day easier

You can book for either morning or afternoon, and confirmation is received at booking. The stated maximum is 20 people, though the group may be smaller.

Wear clothes that allow you to sit comfortably in a saddle. Choose closed shoes with a secure fit, and bring sun protection for the mountain setting. These are sensible riding precautions rather than special requirements listed by the operator.

Let the guide know your experience level before mounting. If you are new to horses, say so plainly. If you have ridden before and hope to trot, explain that too, but accept the guide’s decision based on the horse and trail.

Bring water because drinks are excluded. Keep your phone or camera secure, especially when moving over uneven ground or entering the tunnel. You will want photographs, but the ride is easier when both hands are available when needed.

The service allows service animals and is near public transportation, though the included hotel transfer is the simpler option for most people. Most people can participate, but anyone with a specific mobility, medical, or riding concern should confirm suitability 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 the cut-off uses local time.

Should you book Gabriel’s Ranch?

Book this tour if you want a personal, moderate horseback outing with Inca culture and mountain scenery, especially if horse welfare, hotel transfers, and beginner-friendly support matter to you. The Temple of the Moon and the views from the Cusco hills give the ride more substance than a basic stable loop.

I would choose the morning or afternoon ride based on your wider Cusco plan, and I would bring water and make my riding level clear at the ranch. I would also accept that the route is short and relaxed.

Skip it if your main goal is a long, fast trail ride or a detailed archaeological tour. For everyone else, $65 buys a useful half-day escape from the city, with well-handled logistics, a strong local guide, and a memorable way to reach the Temple of the Moon.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the tour depart?

You can choose a morning departure at 9:00 am or an afternoon departure at 1:00 pm.

What sites does the ride visit?

The route includes Chacan Mountain and the Temple of the Moon, reached along ancient Inca paths.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Transfer from your hotel to the ranch and back to your hotel is included.

Are helmets and other safety equipment provided?

Yes. Protective equipment is included as part of the tour.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Snacks are included. Drinks are not included, so you should bring your own water.

Can beginners and children join the ride?

Most people can participate, including riders with little or no previous experience. Families with children have taken part, and the horses and pace can be matched to the rider when needed.