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

Cusco’s Temple of the Moon feels far removed from the city, yet the ranch is only about 25 minutes away. On horseback, you reach quiet paths, old Inca sites, and high views over Cusco without giving up half a day to a long bus ride.

I like the way this tour welcomes beginners, and I like the personal touch of guides such as Holger, who explain the ruins and help nervous riders settle in. The main consideration is the riding itself: a short gallop can be thrilling, but it may feel rough if you are not used to a saddle.

Key points at a glance

• Ride near Cusco without a long transfer: The ranch is close enough to fit into a busy sightseeing schedule.
• Reach lesser-known ruins by horse: The route takes you behind the usual city sights toward old Inca remains and rural paths.
• Good for first-time riders: An introduction, trained horses, helmets, and a muleteer help keep the outing manageable.
• Visit a mystical site on foot: You leave the horses at the Temple of the Moon and walk around the stone chambers.
• Plan for about 3.5 hours door to door: The ride itself lasts roughly 2 hours, with transport and pickup adding time.
• Know the limits before booking: Riders must be at least 8 years old and weigh no more than 90 kilos, or 200 pounds.

A short ride into the hills above Cusco

This is a useful choice when you want a taste of the countryside without committing to a full-day trek. The riding takes place near Cusco, but the change in setting is quick. Within a short drive, city streets give way to open Andean views, rough paths, and scattered archaeological remains.

The tour costs $65 per person. That is a fair price if you value hotel pickup, private transport, a guide, equipment, water, and a two-hour ride in one package. You are not paying for a long expedition, so the value comes from fitting several appealing pieces into a compact outing.

I would not book this as a serious riding lesson or a major archaeological tour. It is better understood as a scenic half-day activity with some history, fresh air, and a bit of speed when conditions allow.

Getting to Vieja Estancia Ranch

Your day begins with round-trip pickup from your Cusco hotel. Transport is by private car, which makes the start easier than arranging a taxi to a ranch outside the city. The drive takes about 25 minutes according to the timing provided by past participants, though actual pickup time can vary with traffic and your hotel’s location.

At Vieja Estancia Ranch, you receive a helmet and saddle before setting off. The tour also includes a muleteer, whose job is to care for the horses during the outing. That extra support matters, especially if you have never ridden before or feel unsure about handling an unfamiliar animal.

The horses are described as well-trained and well cared for. The introductory guidance is designed for all ability levels, and the tour accepts riders with little or no experience. You should still be comfortable sitting on a horse for around two hours. Beginner-friendly does not mean completely effortless.

Two hours on horseback through the Andean countryside

The riding section lasts about two hours. Most of the route is likely to be at a walking pace, giving you time to take in the views and listen to the guide. Some outings have included a trot or short gallop, which adds fun but also more movement in the saddle.

If you are new to riding, tell the guide early that you want a gentle pace. If you already ride, you can ask about trotting or galloping when the route and group conditions allow. The guide controls the pace, and the horses know the paths, but you should not assume that every departure will include fast riding.

The setting is one of the strongest reasons to choose this activity. You get high views toward Cusco and the surrounding hills, with old stone sites appearing along the way. One section has been described as a little scary, so listen closely when the guide gives a warning. A sure-footed horse helps, but steep or narrow ground can still make a rider tense.

The route has also been praised for its calm feel. That is a useful contrast with Cusco’s busy center and with the more scheduled nature of large sightseeing groups. You have a chance to notice the quiet, watch the horses work, and see parts of the area that are easy to miss from a vehicle.

The Temple of the Moon on foot

After riding, you leave the horses and walk around the Temple of the Moon, also called Amaru Marca Wasi. The site lies north of Cusco and is regarded locally as a mystical place. Your visit lasts about 30 minutes, so expect a focused stop rather than a long archaeological lecture.

The stone formations and carved spaces are best appreciated with the guide’s explanation. Guides such as Holger have been praised for explaining the meaning of the land and the history of the site in clear English. The stop also gives your legs a break after the ride.

The name can cause some confusion because Cusco has several places connected with moon worship and sacred sites. Here, the appeal is not only the stonework. It is the setting, the quiet, and the sense that you are visiting a place outside the main circuit of city attractions.

The route may also include views of, or stops near, other Inca remains behind Sacsayhuaman. The exact combination can depend on the ride and conditions, so I would treat the Temple of the Moon as the definite archaeological focus and any additional ruins as a welcome extra.

What the guide adds to the outing

A good guide makes a major difference on a horseback tour. You need help with the horse, the pace, the terrain, and the meaning of the places you visit. Holger is specifically praised for being friendly, clear, and comfortable with riders who had little experience. His English has also been described as excellent.

The guide’s role is not limited to pointing out ruins. You can expect an introduction before riding, warnings before trickier sections, and help adjusting to the horse. The guide also provides cultural context at the Temple of the Moon and along the route.

This is one reason I would choose a guided ride over trying to arrange a horse independently. The route is unfamiliar, the terrain can change, and the historical sites mean more when someone explains what you are seeing.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is not a private ride, but it is still more manageable than a large coach excursion. If your group has mixed riding ability, the guide can help keep the pace comfortable for everyone.

Is $65 a good value?

At $65, this is good value for a short activity that includes several practical extras. You get:

• Hotel pickup and return in Cusco
• Private-car transport
• About two hours of riding
• A 30-minute visit to the Temple of the Moon
• A professional guide
• Saddle and safety helmet
• A muleteer for horse care
• Bottled water

The price works especially well if you have only a morning or afternoon available. A regular taxi to the ranch, separate admission arrangements, and an independent ride could easily make a supposedly cheaper plan less convenient.

The tradeoff is duration. Around 2.5 hours of activity is enough for a pleasant outing, but it will not satisfy someone hoping for a full day in the mountains. With pickup and return, plan on roughly 3.5 hours from hotel to hotel.

What to wear and bring

Wear long pants, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. Shorts can leave your legs rubbing against the saddle, while sandals are a poor match for stirrups and uneven ground.

Bring a rain jacket if the forecast shows a meaningful chance of rain. Mountain weather can shift quickly, and the tour requires good weather. A light layer is also sensible, but keep your clothing practical rather than bulky.

Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables on the ride. Items can fall out or become uncomfortable while you are moving. Bottled water is provided, so you do not need to carry a large bottle, though a small personal bag may still be useful if the operator permits it.

The weight limit is 90 kilos, or 200 pounds. The minimum age is 8. Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part, but you should be able to mount, sit securely, and follow the guide’s instructions.

Who will enjoy this horseback tour?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a supported introduction
• Families with children aged 8 and older
• Couples looking for a quiet activity outside central Cusco
• Friends who want some light adventure without a full-day commitment
• Solo visitors who enjoy scenery, history, and small-group outings
• Experienced riders who are happy with a short route and possibly a little speed

It is particularly useful early in a Cusco stay if you want to see the area beyond the main plaza. It also fits well on a day when you do not want another demanding hike.

You may want to skip it if you dislike horses, have trouble sitting for two hours, or want a detailed archaeological tour with long visits at several major sites. The outing has a relaxed feel, but it is still an active ride over uneven ground.

Weather, timing, and cancellation

Good weather is required. If poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. The cut-off follows local time in Cusco, so check the timing carefully if you are booking from another country.

Because the activity combines outdoor riding and a short walk around exposed ruins, I would avoid placing it on a day when you have a tight connection or a fixed afternoon appointment. Pickup times, traffic, and mountain weather can all affect the schedule.

Should you book the Temple of the Moon ride?

Book this tour if you want a short, scenic horseback outing with hotel transport and a real historical stop. The best parts are the quick escape from Cusco, the peaceful countryside, the well-prepared horses, and the chance to visit the Temple of the Moon without spending a full day away from town.

I would make the booking with realistic expectations. You are not getting a long wilderness ride or an extensive tour of every ruin near Cusco. You are getting a well-organized half-day activity, with enough history and scenery to make the $65 price feel reasonable.

For beginners, families, and anyone with a busy itinerary, this is an easy choice. Ask for a gentle pace if you are nervous, listen to the guide before the steeper sections, and wear sturdy shoes. If you are comfortable with horses and want a different view of Cusco, this is one of the more appealing short outings near the city.

FAQ

How long does the horseback tour last?

The full activity lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. About two hours are spent riding, followed by roughly 30 minutes walking around the Temple of the Moon.

How long should I allow from hotel pickup to return?

Plan on about 3.5 hours from pickup to drop-off. The exact timing can vary with your hotel location, traffic, and the day’s conditions.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transport from your Cusco hotel is included, using a private car.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is suitable for people with little or no riding experience. An introduction is provided, and safety helmets are included.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 8 years old.

Is there a weight limit?

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

What should I wear?

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.

Is the Temple of the Moon included?

Yes. You leave the horses and walk around the Temple of the Moon, also known as Amaru Marca Wasi, for about 30 minutes.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund.