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

Just outside Cusco, this small-group horseback ride takes you into open Andean country and to the Temple of the Moon, a sacred site many visitors miss. You ride for about two hours, then leave the horses to walk around the temple and nearby ruins.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the way this trip fits into a short Cusco stay. I also like that it works for beginners, with helmets, saddles, a muleteer, and patient instruction. The main drawback is that horseback riding can be rough on your body, and the tour requires good weather. A short gallop can be thrilling, but it may feel jarring if you are not used to riding.

Key points at a glance

• The Temple of the Moon visit adds meaning: You leave the horses and walk through one of Cusco’s important mystical sites.
• Beginners are welcome: Riders with little or no experience receive an introduction and support before setting out.
• Guide Holger earns special praise: He is described as friendly, clear in English, and good at explaining both riding and local culture.
• You are close to Cusco but feel far outside town: The ranch is about 25 minutes from the city, with broad views and ruins along the route.
• The ride is active, not purely scenic: Expect walking, and possibly a controlled trot or gallop if conditions and ability allow.
• The $65 price covers the practical pieces: Transport, guide, horse equipment, bottled water, and a two-hour ride are included.

Riding from Cusco into the Andean countryside

The appeal here is not a long expedition or a polished show for tourists. It is the quick change of scene. You leave Cusco by private car, reach Vieja Estancia Ranch, and soon find yourself on horseback with ruins, ridges, and city views around you.

The ranch offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips, but this outing is the shorter option. The total time from hotel pickup to drop-off is about three and a half hours according to the experience details, with roughly two hours to two and a half hours spent on the ride and stops. That makes it useful on a packed Cusco schedule.

I would place it on a day when you want something different from museums, churches, and busy archaeological sites. You are still seeing Inca-era places, but you reach them at a slower pace and with more open space around you.

The group can include up to 15 people, though the small-group format is intended to keep the outing relaxed. That matters for first-time riders. You can ask questions, get help with your reins and posture, and avoid feeling lost in a large procession.

Getting comfortable at Vieja Estancia Ranch

At the ranch, you receive a saddle and safety helmet before riding out. A muleteer accompanies the group to care for the horses, while the professional guide handles the route and explanations.

You do not need riding experience. The tour is designed for people with little or no experience, and the introductory guidance is especially useful if you have never handled a horse outside a riding school. Some riders have found the horses calm and easy to manage, while experienced riders have been allowed to trot or gallop for short stretches.

That does not mean you should expect a fast ride from start to finish. The pace depends on the group, the terrain, the weather, and your comfort level. Most of the experience is likely to be at a walking pace, with faster riding only when appropriate.

I would tell a first-time rider to say so at the start. There is no prize for pretending to be confident. A good guide can place you with the right horse and explain how to slow down, turn, and keep your balance.

The horses are a major part of the experience, and the available feedback is reassuring about their condition and handling. Still, horseback riding is physical. You may feel the motion in your hips, back, and legs, especially if you have not ridden recently.

Wear long trousers, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. Skip jewelry and valuables. Bring a rain jacket if the forecast shows a meaningful chance of rain, since weather can change quickly around Cusco.

The ride: ruins, ridges, and views over Cusco

The ride lasts about two hours and follows countryside near Sacsayhuamán. This is where the tour earns its place on a Cusco itinerary. You are only around 25 minutes from the city, yet the open setting gives you a strong sense of leaving town behind.

The scenery includes Andean ridges, countryside, and views toward Inca ruins. Some riders describe the route as serene, while others point to a more exciting section that feels a little scary. The horses know the route, and the guide warns you before that part, but you should still pay attention.

This is not the right choice if you want a completely gentle, flat ride with no surprises. The route includes enough variation to make it feel like an outing rather than a slow circle around a ranch. If you are comfortable on a horse, a brief gallop can add a real rush. If you are new to riding, you can focus on the walking sections and ask for a pace that suits you.

The guide’s role makes a big difference. Holger is repeatedly singled out for his friendly manner, clear English, and explanations of the land and ruins. One account uses the spelling Olger, so the guide’s name may appear differently in some records, but Holger is the name most often associated with this experience.

I especially like the cultural side of the ride. You are not simply passing old stones on horseback. The guide explains why these sites matter and points out places that can be overlooked when you stay on the standard Cusco route.

Walking through the Temple of the Moon

After about two hours on horseback, you leave the animals and walk around the Temple of the Moon, also known as Amaru Marca Wasi. The stop lasts about 30 minutes and is included in the admission.

The temple sits north of Cusco and is described as one of the city’s important mystical attractions. The visit gives the tour a quieter, more reflective finish. You have time to look closely at the rockwork, hear the guide’s explanation, and take in the setting without trying to manage a horse at the same time.

Do not expect a major archaeological complex with a long circuit of buildings. The appeal is more focused. This is a shorter stop at a sacred place, paired with the nearby ruins seen during the ride.

The name Temple of the Moon points to the site’s spiritual character. The tour presents it as a place to pause and recharge, not just another photo stop. I would keep your expectations realistic, though. The experience depends partly on your guide’s storytelling and on your own interest in Andean beliefs.

The walking portion is brief, but you should still wear proper shoes. Closed shoes with good soles will help on uneven ground and will also serve you well during the riding portion.

What the $65 price really covers

At $65 per person, this tour offers solid value if you want horseback riding plus transport and a guided cultural visit. The price includes hotel pickup and return from Cusco, private-car transport to the ranch, a professional guide, a saddle, a safety helmet, a muleteer, bottled water, and admission to the sites.

You are not paying only for time on a horse. You are also paying for the transfer out of the city, the equipment, animal care, site access, and guidance. Booking these pieces separately would take more effort and could easily cost more, especially when you factor in transport.

The best value comes if you have only half a day available. A full-day riding trip may offer more distance, but it would also take a larger part of your schedule. This shorter outing lets you add an outdoor activity without giving up a full afternoon of sightseeing.

The price is less attractive if you already ride regularly and want a long, advanced trail ride. The experience is built for a wide range of abilities, so expert riders should not book it expecting a technical or fast-paced equestrian adventure.

The 90-kilogram or 200-pound weight limit is firm. Check this before booking. The minimum age is eight, and the activity can suit families, provided children are comfortable around horses and able to follow the guide’s instructions.

Transport and timing from Cusco hotels

Round-trip transport is one of the most useful parts of the arrangement. You are picked up at your Cusco hotel, taken to the ranch by private car, and returned after the ride.

The transfer reduces the usual fuss of finding a taxi, locating the ranch, and arranging a ride back after spending time outside the city. It also makes the activity easier to place between other plans.

The total outing is about three and a half hours, though the advertised activity length is approximately two hours and 30 minutes. Allow extra time around pickup and drop-off rather than scheduling something that starts immediately afterward.

Weather matters. The tour requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. Cusco’s weather can shift, so pack a rain jacket when the forecast suggests rain. A wet trail would be less pleasant for both riders and horses.

Confirmation is provided at booking. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.

Who will enjoy this horseback tour most

I would recommend this ride to you if you want:

• A short outdoor activity close to Cusco
• A first horseback ride with instruction and support
• A quieter way to see ruins near Sacsayhuamán
• A guided visit to the Temple of the Moon
• A family activity for children age eight and older
• A break from standard city sightseeing
• A tour with transport already arranged

It is also a good fit for solo riders. The group setting gives you company without requiring you to organize a private excursion.

You may want to choose another activity if you dislike horses, have trouble sitting in a saddle for two hours, or want a purely archaeological tour. This is a riding experience first, with the temple and ruins adding cultural depth.

The ride also deserves caution if you have no tolerance for uneven movement. Even a calm horse produces a steady sway, and a trot or gallop can be rough. Tell the guide your comfort level before leaving the ranch.

Practical preparation before you go

Keep your clothing simple. Long pants protect your legs, and closed shoes give you a safer grip than sandals. Do not wear jewelry or carry valuables that could fall during the ride.

Bring water if you prefer more than the included bottle, though bottled water is provided. A rain jacket is the most useful extra item when showers are possible.

The tour allows service animals, and most people can take part. The stated weight limit is 90 kilos or 200 pounds, and the minimum age is eight. The group maximum is 15 people.

You should also plan around altitude and activity level without making the day harder than it needs to be. Walk at an easy pace during the Temple of the Moon stop, listen closely to the guide’s instructions, and avoid treating the faster riding section as a challenge.

Should you book the Temple of the Moon ride?

I would book this tour if you want a compact Cusco excursion that combines horses, open country, ruins, and a lesser-known sacred site. It gives you a strong change of pace without taking an entire day, and the included transport makes the outing simple.

The most persuasive reasons are the calm beginner-friendly setup, the scenery near the city, and the quality of guidance associated with Holger. The main cautions are the weight limit, the physical nature of riding, and the possibility of rough weather or a jarring faster section.

For $65, it is a fair buy for families, couples, solo visitors, and first-time riders who want more than a standard city tour. Book it if you are comfortable on a horse and would rather spend a few hours outdoors than add another indoor attraction to your Cusco schedule.

FAQ

How long does the horseback tour last?

The activity lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes. The ride itself takes about two hours, followed by a 30-minute visit to the Temple of the Moon. Hotel pickup and drop-off make the total outing roughly three and a half hours.

What is the price?

The price is $65 per person.

Is transportation from Cusco included?

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

Do I need horseback riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for participants with little or no riding experience.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is eight years old.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The weight limit 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 possible during the ride.

Are helmets and saddles provided?

Yes. A saddle and safety helmet are included.

What sites will I visit?

You will ride from Vieja Estancia Ranch through the countryside near Sacsayhuamán and stop at the Temple of the Moon, also called Amaru Marca Wasi.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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 start time are not accepted or refunded. If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund.