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

Cusco’s best horseback ride is less about speed than position. From the trails behind Sacsayhuaman, you look down across the city, pass farms and herds, and reach Devil’s Balcony, a rock formation split by a river and cave. It feels far removed from the streets below, though you are only a short ride from town.

I like the calm, well-trained horses, which make this a fair choice even if you have never ridden. I also like the small-scale route, with stops at Inca sites and viewpoints that most quick city tours skip. The main caution is simple: this is an outdoor ride at high altitude, and the four-hour schedule can stretch or shrink according to your riding ability.

Key points before you saddle up

• Devil’s Balcony is a natural rock shrine: See the river flowing through a cave beneath a dramatic stone opening.
• Beginner-friendly horses: The stable matches horses to your experience and gives you a short riding lesson before departure.
• Views over Cusco: The route climbs into the hills behind Sacsayhuaman for wide views across the city and nearby countryside.
• Two hours in the saddle: The ride includes roughly one hour near the ranch, 45 minutes to Devil’s Balcony, another hour around Lanlakuyoc, and a short return.
• Guides add real context: Guides such as Holger, Ogir, Benny, and Galan have been praised for riding instruction, Inca history, photography, and local plants.
• Central hotel pickup: Transport is included from central Cusco hotels, but confirm your hotel name carefully to avoid a confusing pickup.

Why this ride works so well in Cusco

Cusco has no shortage of sightseeing tours, but many keep you on paved streets or move quickly between major ruins. This ride gives you a slower view of the city. You hear the horses, watch the trail under their feet, and pass working farms, grazing animals, and rough mountain paths.

The route begins at a ranch near Sacsayhuaman, not in the center of Cusco. Your guide picks you up at your central hotel and takes you to the ranch, where muleteers and horses are waiting. The transfer is part of the value of the $85 price, since you do not need to arrange a taxi, stable visit, guide, saddle, or helmet separately.

I would choose this experience for a day when you want scenery and local history without spending all day on a major excursion. It is also a useful break between longer trips to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or Rainbow Mountain. You still get altitude, views, ruins, and fresh air, but the time commitment is about four hours.

Meeting the horses at Vieja Estancia Ranch

At the ranch, your guide gives you a basic induction. You learn how to hold the reins, give simple commands, mount, stop, and guide the horse safely. The staff then selects a horse according to your experience and comfort level.

That matters if you are new to riding. The horses are repeatedly described as gentle and responsive, and first-time riders have been paired with calm mounts that follow the group without fuss. The guides also help you get on and off, which is useful because the saddle and the horse’s height can make the first step awkward.

If you already ride, tell the guide. Experienced riders may be offered more freedom on suitable stretches, and one guide has introduced riders to the Peruvian gait. Do not expect a competitive ride or a long gallop. The pace depends on the group, the trail, and the least experienced rider.

The horses are one of the strongest parts of this outing. The supplied information does not give a formal animal-care policy, but the riding accounts repeatedly describe the horses as well trained, sure-footed, comfortable, and well kept. One fair criticism concerns plastic waste along parts of the route. The scenery is rewarding, but the countryside is not spotless.

The first hour through farms and high trails

The first riding section lasts about an hour. You leave the ranch and follow trails through the hills near Sacsayhuaman. Farms, local animals, and open views replace city traffic, while Cusco spreads below you.

This is the point when the ride becomes more than a simple stable excursion. You get a sense of the land around Cusco, not just the famous stonework. The views are especially good for photographs, and guides often stop to explain the area or take pictures for you. Bring a phone or camera, but keep it secure and use both hands on uneven ground.

The trails are not described as paved or smooth. You should expect hills, dirt, rock, and changing footing. Hiking shoes are recommended, and long pants are a smart choice because they protect your legs from the saddle and brush. A small daypack is enough for water, sunscreen, and personal items.

This section can feel easy if you ride often, but it may be tiring for a beginner. The tour includes breaks, and the guide controls the pace. Still, you should not book it expecting to sit passively on a horse for four hours. You will need to mount, dismount, steer, and stay balanced.

Devil’s Balcony and the river cave

The most unusual stop is Devil’s Balcony, also called Chacan. It sits on the back side of Sacsayhuaman and combines a natural rock formation with an Inca ceremonial site.

The main feature is a large rock split by a chasm. A natural opening forms a balcony over the river below, while the river passes through a broad cave beneath the rock and exits on the other side. The result is a striking mix of water, stone, and shadow. It is easy to understand why the cave was used as an Inca shrine.

Your guide stops here rather than simply riding past. Expect an explanation of the formation, the river, the cave, and its connection to Inca worship. The stop gives you time to walk, look down through the opening, and take photographs, but sensible footwear matters because natural rock can be uneven.

This is not a polished archaeological complex with wide paths and signs. That is part of its appeal, but it also means you should watch your footing and stay close to the guide near the chasm. The name sounds dramatic because the setting is dramatic, not because the activity is designed as an extreme adventure.

Lanlakuyoc and the quieter ruins

After Devil’s Balcony, the route continues toward Lanlakuyoc for about an hour. The schedule includes a guided visit, followed by a 20-minute break. This gives you a second chance to leave the saddle, stretch your legs, and listen to the guide’s explanation of the ruins and nearby terrain.

The value here is the setting. You are not moving through a crowded museum or standing in line at a major entrance. You see stone remains in the countryside, with the mountains and city forming the backdrop. Guides may also discuss local animals, plants, geography, and Inca history. Ogir and Holger have been singled out for strong explanations, while Benny has been praised for combining history with information about the area’s plants.

One important planning point: do not assume this half-day outing includes every nearby Inca site. Some riders expected the Moon Temple and found that it was part of a full-day route instead. The supplied schedule names Lanlakuyoc, but it does not promise the Moon Temple. If that site matters to you, ask before booking or choose the longer option.

The return to the ranch and Cusco

After the break, you ride back toward the ranch. The listed final riding segment is only about five minutes, followed by your return to Cusco. The timing is approximate, and your actual day can change with the group’s riding skills, trail conditions, and the length of explanations at each stop.

That flexible timing is both helpful and slightly inconvenient. A patient guide can slow down for a first-time rider, but you should not plan a tightly timed activity immediately afterward. Allow extra room before a restaurant reservation, train connection, or airport transfer.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are 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 became confusing because the driver went to the wrong hostel, so checking the address in advance is sensible.

What the $85 price really covers

At $85 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get a view of Cusco. You are paying for the horse, saddle, helmet, muleteer, bilingual guide, transportation from a central hotel, trail access, and interpretation at more than one site.

I think the price is reasonable if you value a private or small-group outdoor experience. The ride itself takes about two hours, while the rest of the four-hour outing covers transport, instruction, stops, and explanations. You are not simply renting a horse by the hour.

The value is weaker if you already plan to visit the same viewpoints and ruins by taxi or on foot, or if you want a fast, athletic ride. The route is designed for mixed abilities. Beginners may spend much of the time learning and following the group, while experienced riders may find the pace conservative.

A private group is available, which can make the price more worthwhile for couples, families, or friends who want a quieter outing. The standard experience is still designed to be manageable, but ask about group size if that affects your decision.

Who should book this horseback ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction with trained horses
• Couples looking for a quiet half-day outside central Cusco
• Riders who enjoy scenery and local history more than speed
• Repeat visitors who want a different view of Sacsayhuaman
• Anyone who wants a shorter alternative to a full-day mountain excursion

You should think twice if you are pregnant, weigh more than 200 pounds, dislike uneven outdoor trails, or have no interest in sitting on a horse for roughly two hours. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 200 pounds, and travel or activity insurance is not included.

Altitude is another practical consideration. The ride begins around Cusco’s high mountain setting, so take it easy during the first lesson and tell your guide if you feel unwell. The activity is not described as technically difficult, but hills and altitude can make an easy ride feel more demanding.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear long pants and hiking shoes. Your feet need stable support, and shorts can leave your legs rubbing against the saddle. Bring a small daypack with water and sun protection, but keep it light so it does not shift while riding.

A helmet is provided. Saddles are provided as well, and the muleteer supports the group along the route. You do not need to bring riding equipment.

Try to arrive with realistic expectations. The horses are steady, but they are still animals on mountain trails. Follow the guide’s instructions, keep a safe distance from the horse ahead, and do not push for speed if you are inexperienced.

Guides have also been praised for taking photos and sharing them afterward. I would still bring your own camera, but ask before handing over a phone and keep it protected from dust, rain, or a fall.

Booking details worth knowing

The activity lasts four hours, with starting times based on availability. The duration is approximate because riding ability affects the pace. Central hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the service is offered in English or Spanish.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Cusco plans are still shifting. These terms are useful in a city where weather, altitude, and changing transport plans can affect your schedule.

The experience has received a 4.9 rating from 89 reviews, with especially strong praise for the horses, guides, views, and suitability for beginners. I would put the greatest weight on the repeated practical details: first-time riders were taught carefully, the horses were considered calm, and guides such as Holger, Ogir, Benny, and Galan were praised for patience and explanations.

Should you book it?

Book this ride if you want a scenic, low-pressure way to leave Cusco for half a day. The combination of city views, working countryside, Devil’s Balcony, Lanlakuyoc, and gentle horses gives you more variety than a basic trail ride.

Skip it if you want a full archaeological tour, a long gallop, or a guaranteed visit to the Moon Temple. For everyone else, especially beginners and riders who care about scenery and stories, the $85 cost is fair. Confirm your pickup hotel, wear proper shoes, and treat the itinerary as flexible. You will get the most from it by enjoying the slow pace.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding experience last?

The full activity lasts about four hours. The riding sections add up to roughly two hours and 50 minutes, with the rest used for pickup, instruction, site visits, explanations, and a break.

Is this horseback ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The guide gives a basic lesson on controlling the horse, and horses are selected according to your experience. The horses are described as calm, trained, and responsive, though you still need to follow safety instructions and manage uneven trails.

What sites do you visit?

The route includes Devil’s Balcony, also called Chacan, and Lanlakuyoc. Devil’s Balcony includes a rock formation, a river cave, and a natural opening connected with Inca worship. The half-day route should not be assumed to include the Moon Temple.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from central hotels in Cusco. Wait in the hotel lobby or at the entrance, and check that the correct hotel name and address appear on your booking.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring hiking shoes, long pants, and a daypack. Saddles and safety helmets are included. Travel or activity insurance is not included.

Who cannot take this tour?

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