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

Cusco can feel busy, crowded, and full of scheduled stops. This ride takes you above the city, onto quiet mountain paths where farms, grazing animals, old stone sites, and the Devil’s Balcony come one after another. The best part is the view: from the high ground near Sacsayhuaman, Cusco spreads below you in a broad sweep.

I like the calm, well-trained horses, which make this workable even if you have never ridden before. I also like the mix of riding and short walks at lesser-known Inca sites, rather than spending four hours in the saddle without context.

The main drawback is that this is still a half-day outing, not a full archaeological tour. The Moon Temple is not part of the listed route, and the transfer pickup can require care when confirming your hotel.

Quick take: why this ride works

• Devil’s Balcony is a natural and archaeological stop: See a large rock formation with a chasm, a river below, and a cave once used as an Inca shrine.
• The horses suit beginners: Guides give basic riding instruction and match horses to your experience and comfort.
• You get two hours or more in the saddle: The route includes riding near Vieja Estancia Ranch, Devil’s Balcony, and Lanlakuyoc.
• Cusco views come early and often: Farm paths and open mountain sections provide wide views over the city.
• It is a small-scale alternative to bus tours: A private group is available, and the route goes away from Cusco’s busiest sights.
• The cost is reasonable for the package: At $85, you get central hotel pickup and return, equipment, a bilingual guide, a muleteer, and a four-hour outing.

Riding above Cusco instead of through it

The ride begins with pickup from a central Cusco hotel. Your guide gives a short briefing before taking you to the ranch near Sacsayhuaman, usually known here as Vieja Estancia Ranch. You then meet the horses and muleteer, receive an introduction to handling the reins, and get fitted with a saddle and safety helmet.

You do not need to be an experienced rider. Several guides, including Holger, Benny, and Ogir on different departures, have been praised for taking time with beginners and giving gentle horses to first-timers. The horses are described as responsive and steady, with some riders also enjoying the Peruvian gait when the guide feels it is suitable.

That said, you are still horseback riding, not sitting on an amusement park animal. You need to listen to the instructions, wear long pants, and be comfortable getting on and off a horse. The duration is approximate because the pace depends on your riding ability and experience.

From Vieja Estancia Ranch to the first viewpoints

The first riding section lasts about an hour. The route moves through local countryside near Sacsayhuaman, with farms, herds of local animals, forested sections, and hill paths. It is a useful contrast to central Cusco, where most short tours concentrate on churches, plazas, and major ruins.

The scenery is the main reward here. You can look back toward Cusco from above and see how the city fills the valley. This is a good photo stop, and guides often help with pictures. You should still keep your camera secure and use a small daypack rather than carrying loose bags.

The horses do much of the route at a calm pace. Some departures may allow a faster section, but that depends on your comfort and the guide’s judgment. If you are new to riding, tell the guide clearly at the ranch. A suitable horse and patient instruction matter more than speed.

Devil’s Balcony and the cave below

Devil’s Balcony, also called Chacan, is the main reason to book this tour. The site lies behind Sacsayhuaman and combines a natural rock formation with an Inca ceremonial connection.

At the rock, you see a balcony or window opening toward a river below. The river passes through a large cave beneath the rock and continues toward the other side. The result is a dramatic natural opening, with the stone structure framing the drop and water below.

The cave was used as an Inca shrine. Your guide stops here to explain the place, the surrounding area, and its connection to local history. This is more satisfying than a quick photo stop because the guide gives the rock a cultural setting instead of treating it as scenery alone.

Take care near the edge. The attraction includes a chasm and uneven natural surfaces, so sensible footwear matters. Hiking shoes are recommended. The site is not simply a flat viewing platform, and getting on and off the horse can also require assistance.

Lanlakuyoc adds quiet ruins to the route

After Devil’s Balcony, the ride continues toward Lanlakuyoc, another archaeological stop in the program. The schedule gives roughly an hour of riding before a 20-minute break at Lanlakuyoc, though the exact timing can shift with the group’s ability and pace.

This is where the outing feels different from a standard Cusco city tour. You are not moving from one large monument to another by vehicle. You are approaching smaller sites through the countryside, with time to pause, ask questions, and look around.

The guide explains the ruins and points out details connected with Inca use of the area. The information can include local plants, animals, geography, and history. Ogir and Holger have been singled out for clear explanations, while Benny has been praised for combining site information with a relaxed pace.

The break is useful. Nearly three hours of riding, split into sections, can be tiring even on a gentle horse. Use the pause to stretch, drink water, and check your clothing before the return route.

What the four-hour schedule really feels like

The advertised duration is four hours, but only part of that time is continuous riding. A practical outline looks like this:

• Hotel pickup and transfer to the ranch
• Briefing, horse matching, and riding instruction
• About one hour of riding near the ranch and surrounding countryside
• About 45 minutes of riding to Devil’s Balcony, with a guided visit
• About one hour of riding toward Lanlakuyoc
• A 20-minute break and archaeological explanation
• A short final ride back to the ranch
• Return transfer to central Cusco

The riding sections total close to three hours on paper, but stops and explanations break the time into manageable pieces. That suits beginners and people who want scenery and history rather than a hard-riding excursion.

Do not expect a long gallop or a technical mountain ride. The route is built around sightseeing, and the horses generally follow a controlled path. Riders with experience may be able to try the Peruvian gait or a faster pace, but this should be arranged with the guide rather than assumed.

Horse care and beginner comfort

The strongest part of this outing is the pairing of horses and riders. The animals are described as well trained, responsive, and calm around the route. First-time riders have been able to enjoy the ride after a basic introduction, while experienced riders have found the horses comfortable and capable.

At the ranch, the guide selects a horse according to your experience and comfort. Be honest. If you have never ridden, say so. If you ride often, explain that too. A good match can make the difference between spending the afternoon enjoying the views and spending it worrying about balance.

A muleteer accompanies the group. The bilingual guide speaks English and Spanish, explains how to control the horse, and stops at the archaeological points. Guides have also helped riders mount and dismount and taken photographs during the route.

There are limits. This is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms. The activity does not include travel or activity insurance, so you need to arrange that separately if you want coverage.

The view is the real payoff

I would choose this ride for the outlook over Cusco as much as for the horse itself. The path rises away from the city, and the views open across the town and nearby hills. You see ordinary rural life near a major tourist center: farms, animals, rough tracks, and open ground close to Sacsayhuaman.

That contrast gives the outing its character. You are not traveling far from Cusco, yet the setting feels removed from the city. It is a good way to spend an afternoon after visiting museums and plazas, especially if you want movement and fresh air without committing to a full-day trek.

Bring a small daypack, long pants, and hiking shoes. The supplied information does not list meals or drinks, so plan for your own basic needs. Keep your gear light. A phone or small camera is useful, but bulky bags will get in the way.

How the $85 price holds up

At $85 per person, this is not the cheapest horse ride around Cusco. The price becomes more reasonable when you count the four-hour format, central hotel pickup and drop-off, bilingual guide, saddle, safety helmet, and muleteer.

You are also paying for more than time on a horse. The guide provides instruction, explains Devil’s Balcony and Lanlakuyoc, helps with photographs, and manages the horse matching. For a first-time rider, that support is important. A cheaper ride with little instruction may not offer the same comfort.

The value is strongest if you want a half-day activity with several parts: transportation, riding, views, and archaeology. If your only goal is a short trot, you may find a shorter local ride better suited to your budget. If you want the Moon Temple, do not assume this half-day route includes it. The listed program focuses on Devil’s Balcony and Lanlakuyoc, and a full-day option is associated with the Moon Temple.

Pickup details deserve attention

Pickup is included from central hotels in Cusco, and you should wait in the lobby or at the hotel entrance. Confirm the hotel name and location carefully when booking. One pickup went to the wrong hostel, creating needless confusion before the ride began.

The transfer takes you to the ranch near Sacsayhuaman. The activity then returns you to Cusco after the short final ride and ranch departure. Because this is a half-day program, it can fit around other plans, but leave some breathing room. The duration is approximate, and riding ability affects the schedule.

A private group is available. That is worth considering if one person is a beginner, if you want a slower pace, or if your group wants more time for photographs and questions. A shared departure may still work well, but the group’s ability will shape the pace.

Who should book this ride

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want calm horses and basic instruction
• Experienced riders who enjoy scenery, history, and a relaxed pace
• Couples or small groups seeking a quiet alternative to city sightseeing
• People who want views from above Cusco without a full-day hike
• Anyone interested in smaller archaeological sites near Sacsayhuaman

I would be more cautious if you dislike heights, feel uneasy around horses, or want a fast and demanding ride. The route includes a chasm and uneven natural ground, and you must be willing to follow the guide’s safety instructions.

It is also not the right choice if your main target is the Moon Temple. Check the route carefully before booking, because that site is not part of the half-day program described here.

Should you book the Devil’s Balcony ride?

Book it if you want a well-paced half-day with strong Cusco views, gentle horses, and archaeological stops away from the main crowds. The combination is hard to beat: you ride through countryside, visit a dramatic cave and rock formation, learn about Inca sites, and return to town without spending the whole day on the road.

I would especially choose it for a first horseback ride in Peru. Guides have shown patience with beginners, the horses are selected to suit ability, and the route includes regular stops. Just bring proper shoes, wear long pants, confirm your hotel pickup, and keep your expectations focused on Devil’s Balcony rather than the Moon Temple.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The tour lasts about four hours, including hotel pickup, the ranch visit, riding, archaeological stops, and the return to Cusco. The exact duration can change depending on your riding experience and horse-riding skills.

What is included in the $85 price?

The price includes pickup and drop-off from central Cusco hotels, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, a saddle, a safety helmet, and a muleteer.

Where does the horse ride begin?

You are taken to a ranch near Sacsayhuaman, identified in the schedule as Vieja Estancia Ranch. You meet the horses there and receive a short riding induction before setting out.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The activity includes basic instruction, and horses are selected according to your experience and comfort. Beginners should tell the guide their level before the ride starts.

What sites will I visit?

The route includes Devil’s Balcony, also called Chacan, and Lanlakuyoc. You also pass farms, local animals, and viewpoints over Cusco and the surrounding area.

Is the Moon Temple included?

The half-day program does not list the Moon Temple. If visiting that site is important to you, confirm the route before booking, as full-day tours are associated with that stop.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes, long pants, and a daypack. You may also want a camera or phone for the views, but keep your belongings compact while riding.

Who cannot join the activity?

The ride is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms. Travel and activity insurance are not included.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, subject to the booking terms and available start times.