Horse Riding Chacan Mountain And Temple Of The Moon

The special part of this ride is the chance to reach the Temple of the Moon on horseback, using old trails outside Cusco rather than spending another morning among city streets. Gabriel’s ranch uses Peruvian Paso horses, and the ride includes mountain views, Inca-era sites, a guide, snacks, and transport from your hotel.

I like two things here: the clear attention to horse care, with horses rotated between rides, and the personal guiding from Gabriel, Sergio, or Grimaldo. The main drawback is simple: the ride lasts about three and a half hours and follows a short loop, so experienced riders looking for a full-day trek may want more saddle time.

Key points to know before booking

• Peruvian Paso horses: The horses are described as calm, well-trained, gaited, and carefully matched to rider ability.
• Temple of the Moon visit: The route includes an Inca site and, according to one account, an underground passage near the temple.
• Hotel transfers included: Pickup and return to your hotel or accommodation make this easy to fit into a Cusco schedule.
• Good for beginners and families: Several riders with little or no experience felt comfortable, and children were given close attention.
• Morning and afternoon departures: Choose the 9:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. start, with the full outing lasting about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Small-to-medium group size: The maximum is 20 people, though some departures may be much smaller.

Riding Peruvian Paso horses outside Cusco

This is not a grand Andean expedition. It is a compact outing that gets you out of central Cusco and into the hills around the city. That makes it useful on a busy Peru itinerary, especially if you want a rural break without giving up an entire day.

The horses are Peruvian Pasos, a breed known for a smooth, distinctive gait. Several riders found the horses calm and easy to handle, including people riding for the first time. The horses are chosen according to skill level, and one family noted that a guide walked beside an 11-year-old for extra security.

That kind of care matters. Horseback excursions can vary greatly in Peru, and animal welfare is a fair concern. At this ranch, the horses are described as family animals that are saddled for rides rather than kept saddled and tied in the sun all day. One rider also noted that the horses are rotated between outings. You should still look at the animals when you arrive and ask questions if their condition concerns you, but the care routine is an important reason to consider this operator.

Your guide is likely to be Gabriel, the ranch owner, or another member of his team. Gabriel has been praised for combining local history with practical horse handling. Sergio and Grimaldo have also guided rides. The strongest part of the experience is not a scripted speech. It is the chance to ask about the horses, Inca sites, local customs, and the land as you ride.

What the 3.5-hour outing feels like

The experience begins with transport between your hotel and the ranch. This removes one of the usual Cusco headaches: working out a taxi, finding the stable, and getting back into town after a dusty ride. Pickup and drop-off were described as punctual and helpful, and communication before the ride was generally quick.

At the ranch, you receive safety equipment, including a helmet. Snacks are provided, but drinks are not included, so bring water. One practical detail from the ride reports is that snacks may be handed to you in a bag before setting off. Since part of the route can involve entering or climbing into a cave-like passage, it is sensible to finish or secure the food before that section.

The pace is intended to suit a range of abilities. Beginners often stayed comfortable because the horses followed the guide and behaved calmly. More confident riders may be offered a chance to move faster, but you should not book this expecting a guaranteed gallop. The route is primarily a guided sightseeing ride, not a riding lesson or a speed outing.

The full schedule is approximately three and a half hours. That includes the ranch transfer, preparation, riding, stops, and the visit to the temple area. Because the ride is not a long trek, you get a manageable dose of fresh air and mountain scenery without the soreness or time commitment that can come with a full-day horseback trip.

The Temple of the Moon is the cultural heart of the ride

The Temple of the Moon is the named stop and the main reason to choose this tour over a simple countryside ride. It is an Inca archaeological site near Cusco, and the guide explains its cultural setting and features during the visit.

The stop adds meaning to the ride. You are not only passing through open country on horseback. You are reaching a place tied to Cusco’s pre-colonial past, with time to listen, look around, and take photographs. Gabriel is especially appreciated for explaining Inca traditions and connecting the ruins to the wider area.

One account describes entering an underground tunnel near the temple. That detail makes the stop more memorable, but it also means you should pay attention to your footing and follow the guide’s instructions. The supplied information does not give the tunnel’s exact length or conditions, so do not assume it is suitable for everyone. If you have difficulty with uneven ground or confined spaces, ask the guide before entering.

The Temple of the Moon is also a good pause in the ride. Sitting on a horse for several hours can be tiring, especially at Cusco’s high elevation. A stop lets you stretch, take pictures, and absorb the setting instead of remaining in the saddle without a break.

Chacan Mountain and the views over Cusco

Chacan Mountain adds the scenic side of the outing. From the higher ground, you can expect broad views toward Cusco and the surrounding mountains. Several riders singled out the views as one of the best parts of the morning or afternoon.

The setting gives you a different view of Cusco than you get from a city lookout. You see the city from outside its streets, with open hills and old routes forming the foreground. That makes this a useful activity for photographers and anyone who wants a short nature escape without traveling far from town.

The route follows ancient Inca trails, though the information provided does not give a detailed mile count or a precise elevation profile. Conditions can vary, and the ride may feel more scenic than athletic. One rider found the loop shorter than expected. Keep that in mind if your main goal is hours of continuous riding.

The mountain portion is also where weather can matter. The tour operates in the morning and afternoon, but no detailed weather policy is provided. Bring layers suitable for Cusco’s changing conditions, and carry water because drinks are not part of the package.

Why the ranch’s horse care matters

The most consistent praise centers on how the horses are handled. Riders described them as beautiful, healthy, calm, strong, and well trained. Several people specifically valued seeing the horses treated as part of the family rather than as equipment.

That does not mean every horse will feel identical. One rider had a horse that did not respond well and was given a different one. The change was handled successfully, and the replacement horse was described as sweet and obedient. You should tell the guide honestly about your riding experience and comfort level before leaving the ranch.

Horse selection can make or break this kind of trip. A nervous beginner on an overly lively horse will have a poor time, while a confident rider on a steady horse can relax and enjoy the scenery. The team appears willing to match horses to ability and replace a horse if there is a clear problem.

If ethical animal tourism matters to you, this is one of the stronger reasons to choose Gabriel’s Ranch. You can ask how often the horses work, how they are rested, and which horse is best for your ability. Those questions are useful anywhere, not just here.

A good choice for families and first-time riders

This ride suits families particularly well. Children and teenagers have enjoyed it, and the horses are described as patient around younger riders. A family group with a wide range of riding ability found the pace comfortable, with the hosts taking time to choose suitable horses.

Beginners should still understand what horseback riding involves. You will be sitting in a saddle for much of the outing, and the route can include uneven trails. The tour is not advertised as a lesson, so you receive basic safety guidance rather than a full riding course.

Solo riders can also book comfortably. Some outings have been very small, including one or two people, though the stated maximum is 20. Group size can affect the feel of the day. A small group gives you more room for questions and photo stops, while a larger departure may feel more like a standard guided excursion.

The experience can work well as a gentler day after a major hike or before a demanding trip to Machu Picchu. It gives you outdoor time without requiring the physical effort of a long mountain walk. It is also a good option for a first or last day in Cusco, when you want something organized and easy to arrange.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, the value comes from the complete package rather than from riding time alone. Hotel or accommodation transfers, protective equipment, a quality horse, a bilingual professional guide, snacks, and access to the Temple of the Moon are included.

That price is reasonable for an outing that combines riding, guiding, transport, and an archaeological stop. You are paying for a managed experience, not simply an hour at a stable. The animal care and careful horse matching also add value if you want to support a more responsible local business.

The comparison changes if your priority is distance. A rider hoping for a long, fast route may consider the cost less appealing because the ride follows a short loop and lasts only part of a day. In that case, look for a longer multi-hour or full-day trek instead.

The average booking time is 13 days ahead, but one same-day booking was successfully arranged. I would not rely on last-minute availability, especially for a group, but the operator may have flexibility during quieter periods.

Morning or afternoon departure?

You can choose a 9:00 a.m. departure or a 1:00 p.m. departure. The morning option gives you the rest of the day for lunch, museums, or another Cusco activity. It may also suit families who prefer to finish outdoor plans earlier.

The afternoon departure works well if you want a slower start or have a morning appointment. It is also useful for fitting the ride around another activity, but remember that the tour takes about three and a half hours, including the ranch transfer.

No specific difference between the two departures is provided, so choose based on your schedule and comfort. In either case, bring water, wear practical clothing, and allow room for pickup timing.

Practical details that matter

Confirmation is provided at booking. Transfers cover hotel to ranch and ranch to hotel, which is especially useful if you are unfamiliar with Cusco’s outskirts. The activity is near public transportation, though the included transfer is the easier option.

Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The stated maximum is 20 people. Since the route includes horseback riding and possibly an underground section, tell the operator about relevant mobility concerns before booking.

The tour includes safety equipment, but drinks are not included. Pack water, sun protection, and a light layer. Snacks are supplied, so you do not need to plan a full meal around the ride.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book this horseback ride?

Book it if you want a short, personal ride near Cusco with a respected local horse operation, a cultural stop, and mountain views. It is particularly well suited to beginners, families, solo riders, and anyone who values careful horse handling.

Think twice if you want a long-distance trek, sustained fast riding, or a full day in the saddle. The route is relatively short, and the experience is built around the combination of horses, views, guiding, and the Temple of the Moon.

For most visitors with three and a half hours to spare, this is a well-balanced way to leave the city. Ask for a horse suited to your ability, bring water, and tell the guide if you want more time for photographs or explanations. Those small steps should help you get the relaxed, scenic ride this tour is designed to provide.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the ride and scheduled stops.

What time does the tour depart?

You can choose a morning departure at 9:00 a.m. or an afternoon departure at 1:00 p.m.

What places does the ride visit?

The experience includes the Temple of the Moon and Chacan Mountain, with riding along ancient Inca trails.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Transfer between your hotel and the ranch is included before and after the ride.

Are helmets and other safety items provided?

Yes. Protective equipment is included.

Are snacks included?

Yes. Snacks are included, but drinks are not.

Is a guide provided?

Yes. A professional bilingual guide who speaks English and Spanish leads the experience.

Can beginners or children participate?

Most people can participate, and the experience has been suitable for beginners, families, children, and teenagers. The guide matches horses to rider ability.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund.