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

Just outside Cusco, you can trade crowded streets for high Andean paths, old stone ruins, and wide views over the city. The ride reaches the Temple of the Moon, then leaves the horses behind for a short walk around this sacred site.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the fact that beginners are welcome. I also like the small-group setting, with room for no more than 15 people, and guides such as Holger who explain the history in clear English. The main drawback is that horseback riding can feel rough or tiring, especially when the group moves into a trot or gallop.

Key points to know before booking

• A short countryside escape: You are only about 25 minutes from Cusco, yet the route quickly feels rural and open.
• Two hours in the saddle: The main ride includes views, ruins, and changes of pace, with walking breaks at archaeological sites.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: You receive an introduction before setting off, and the horses are described as calm and well trained.
• A sacred stop on foot: You dismount at the Temple of the Moon for about 30 minutes of walking and explanation.
• Private transport included: Pickup and return from your Cusco hotel are handled by private car.
• Practical limits matter: The minimum age is 8, and the maximum rider weight is 90 kilos, or 200 pounds.

Why this ride works well from Cusco

Cusco can fill your day quickly with churches, markets, museums, and major Inca sites. This horseback trip fits into a busy schedule because the riding portion lasts about two hours, while the complete outing usually takes around three and a half hours from pickup to return.

That timing makes it useful on a free morning or afternoon. You do not need to give up an entire day, and you still get beyond the paved center of Cusco. The route heads toward the countryside behind Sacsayhuaman, where stone remains and mountain views replace much of the city traffic.

I especially like the change in pace. You are not rushing from one monument to the next. Instead, you sit high above the surrounding ground, follow the horse’s rhythm, and stop at sites that are easy to miss on a standard city tour.

The experience is not designed as a technical riding lesson. It is a sightseeing trip on horseback. That distinction matters. You should be comfortable sitting on a horse for a couple of hours, but you do not need advanced riding skills.

Starting at Vieja Estancia Ranch

The tour begins at Vieja Estancia Ranch, the local riding base used for half-day, full-day, and longer trips through the Andes. Your transport from Cusco hotel to ranch is included, using a private car rather than asking you to arrange a taxi or find the ranch on your own.

At the ranch, you receive a saddle and safety helmet. An introductory tutorial helps you understand how to sit, hold the reins, and respond to the horse. That briefing is important if you have little or no riding experience.

A muleteer accompanies the group to care for the horses. This gives the outing a more organized feel, since the guide can focus on the route and the sites while the muleteer looks after the animals.

The horses are presented as well cared for and trained for this type of excursion. Still, you should remember that no ride is completely passive. Even a gentle horse shifts, speeds up, and reacts to the ground beneath its feet.

The group size is capped at 15 people. That is not an intimate private ride, but it is small enough to avoid the feel of a large procession. If your party includes riders with different levels of experience, the guide can help keep the pace manageable.

Two hours through the hills above Cusco

The ride lasts about two hours and includes stops at Inca ruins along the route. You move through the hills near Cusco, with views that open toward the city and the surrounding high country.

The setting is one of the strongest reasons to book. You get the feeling of being in the Andean countryside without committing to a long trek or a full-day excursion. The route offers a different view of Cusco, one shaped by ridgelines, open ground, stonework, and distant mountain scenery.

The pace can change. Expect walking for part of the ride, with the possibility of trotting or galloping when conditions and group ability allow it. Some riders particularly enjoy this faster section, but it can be thrilling and a little jarring.

If you have never ridden before, tell the guide clearly. The tour is suitable for beginners, but comfort improves when the guide knows your limits. You can also ask questions during the opening lesson rather than trying to learn while the group is already moving.

The word suitable for beginners does not mean suitable for everyone. You need enough balance to stay on a horse and enough stamina to handle two hours in the saddle. If you have back, hip, or knee problems, think carefully before booking.

Finding the Temple of the Moon

The Temple of the Moon, also called Amaru Marca Wasi, sits north of Cusco and is one of the city’s important mystical sites. The visit lasts about 30 minutes and takes place on foot after you leave the horses.

This stop gives the outing more substance than a simple scenic ride. You are not only looking at old stones from the saddle. You have time to walk around the site, hear about its place in local history and belief, and pause in a setting associated with spiritual energy.

The site is less familiar to many visitors than Cusco’s major archaeological attractions. That makes it a good choice if you want something quieter and less routine. The guide also uses the stop to discuss the land and the meaning of the ruins.

The ground may feel uneven, so closed walking shoes are a must. You should also expect a short walk rather than a long archaeological tour. Thirty minutes is enough to get a sense of the place, but not enough for an extensive study of every feature.

Some routes connected with the mystical or higher ridge areas may feel slightly unnerving. The guide gives warnings when a section could be uncomfortable, and the horses are accustomed to the route. Even so, you should be honest about your comfort with heights, narrow paths, or steep ground.

The guides make a real difference

The guide most often identified with this experience is Holger, though the name also appears as Olger in some tour details. He is described as friendly, multilingual, and especially strong at explaining the history of the land and the ruins.

That matters because the ride itself is only half the experience. Without context, the sites could look like scattered stones along a trail. A good guide helps you understand why the Temple of the Moon matters and how these lesser-known remains fit into Cusco’s wider Inca setting.

Holger is also described as patient with first-time riders. His instructions are clear, and he warns the group before sections that may feel more difficult. That combination of riding help and cultural explanation is one of the tour’s biggest strengths.

Guiding quality can vary on any scheduled excursion, so I would not book this solely on the expectation of one named person. Still, the repeated mention of Holger gives you a useful sense of the kind of guide the operator aims to provide.

What the $65 price really covers

At $65 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want both horseback riding and a cultural stop. The cost includes professional guiding, helmet and saddle, a muleteer, bottled water, private transport, and round-trip hotel pickup from Cusco.

Transport is a key part of the value. You do not have to arrange a separate ride to the ranch, and the private car keeps the transfer simple. For a short outing, avoiding transport hassles can make a big difference.

You are also paying for a structured route and support for riders with limited experience. A cheaper independent horse rental might not include the same guidance, archaeological explanation, or transport.

The price does not turn this into a luxury experience. You should not expect a long gourmet meal, extensive time at several major archaeological sites, or a full day in the mountains. Think of it as a compact countryside trip with a riding focus.

Because the ride is only about two and a half hours including the Temple of the Moon visit, it works best when you value variety and convenience. Strong riders seeking a long, demanding route may find it too short.

What to wear and bring

Wear long pants, preferably jeans, to protect your legs from the saddle and brush. Closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes are recommended for both riding and the walk around the temple.

Cusco weather can change quickly. Bring a rain jacket if the forecast shows a meaningful chance of rain during the ride. The experience requires good weather, so rain can affect the schedule.

Leave jewelry and valuables behind. Loose items can be uncomfortable or easy to lose while riding. Bottled water is included, but you may still want a small amount of personal gear that can be carried safely.

The 90-kilo, or 200-pound, weight limit is firm enough that you should check it before booking. The minimum age is 8. Most people can participate, but anyone with mobility concerns should consider the riding time and the walking section together.

Service animals are allowed. The tour is not described as wheelchair accessible, so anyone needing specific mobility support should confirm suitability before paying.

Who should book this horseback tour?

I would point this tour toward families with children aged 8 and older, couples, friends, and solo visitors who want a short outdoor activity near Cusco. It also suits people who have never ridden but want more than a standard walking tour.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy open views, ruins, and a relaxed pace. The route offers a pleasant break from museums and city streets, while the Temple of the Moon adds a clear cultural reason for going.

It is also useful for a mixed group. Experienced riders may enjoy the chance to trot or gallop, while beginners can stay with the walking pace and receive help from the guide.

I would be more cautious if you dislike horses, have trouble with uneven ground, or want a polished, high-comfort excursion. Riding can be bouncy, and the terrain may feel demanding in places. This is an outdoor activity, not a quiet vehicle tour with perfectly smooth paths.

The high rating of 4.9 from 54 ratings and the 98 percent recommendation figure point to a consistently strong experience, especially in the areas that matter most here: horse care, guide quality, scenery, and support for beginners.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

The tour is often reserved about 28 days ahead, so booking early makes sense if your Cusco dates are fixed. Confirmation is provided when you book.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour period are not accepted for a refund.

Good weather is required. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund. This policy is helpful, but you should still avoid placing the ride on the only open slot in a tightly packed itinerary.

Should you book it?

Book this horseback tour if you want an easy half-day escape from Cusco, have at least a little interest in horses, and prefer lesser-known ruins to another crowded attraction. The combination of private transport, beginner instruction, Andean views, and the Temple of the Moon gives the $65 price a fair balance.

Skip it if you are uncomfortable on horseback, need a fully accessible outing, or want several hours of serious riding. For everyone else, this is a practical way to see the countryside, learn about a sacred site, and add a bit of motion to a Cusco visit without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

How long does the horseback tour last?

The advertised experience lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The horseback portion is about two hours, followed by roughly 30 minutes walking around the Temple of the Moon.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel to the ranch is included, using private-car transport.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The experience is suitable for participants with little or no horseback riding experience, and an introductory tutorial is provided before the ride.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 8 years old.

Is there a rider weight limit?

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

What should I wear for the ride?

Wear long pants, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. Bring a rain jacket if rain is likely during the ride.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time to receive a full refund. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.