Cusco: Devil’s Balcony Horseback Ride

Devil’s Balcony is not just a viewpoint reached by car. You approach it on horseback, crossing open pastureland and passing through a cave considered sacred by the Incas. The route gives you a quiet look at the countryside near Cusco, with mountain views and local herders along the way.

I like the private four-hour format, which gives you a more personal outing than a large group ride. I also like that beginners are welcome and that a qualified horse trainer helps with the horses. The main drawback is that the actual riding may last only about two hours, so experienced riders looking for a long horseback excursion may find the day short.

Key points at a glance

• Ride through working countryside: You may see locals tending sheep and alpacas as you cross the pastureland near Cusco.
• Reach Devil’s Balcony on horseback: The natural rock formation is approached by trail, not simply viewed from a vehicle.
• Enter an ancient sacred cave: Your guide explains the cave’s connection to Inca beliefs and local history.
• Suitable for new and experienced riders: A horse trainer accompanies the group, and children over eight can take part.
• Private transport and snacks included: Pickup from central Cusco, riding equipment, return transport, and light snacks are covered.
• A short ride within a four-hour outing: Plan on roughly two hours in the saddle, with travel and the Devil’s Balcony visit filling out the rest.

Starting in Cusco and heading to Saqsayhuaman Ranch

The day begins with pickup from a hotel in downtown Cusco or at the front door of JW Marriott El Convento Cusco. Departure is available at 9:00 AM or 1:30 PM. From there, private transport takes you to Saqsayhuaman Ranch, where you meet the guide and your horse.

This arrangement is useful if you are staying in central Cusco. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi to the ranch, and private transport keeps the start simple. If your hotel is outside downtown, choose the meeting point option instead of expecting hotel pickup.

At the ranch, you receive a short orientation before setting out. You are given a saddle and helmet, and a qualified horse trainer is part of the outing. That matters if you have little riding experience or have not been on a horse for years. One person who had not ridden in ten years found the ride easy to enjoy, but you should still be honest about your comfort level when meeting the guide.

The horses are described as well groomed, and the tour is designed for both beginners and experienced riders. Still, horseback riding is physical. Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Rubber or hiking boots are recommended, and rainwear is wise from December through March.

Crossing pastureland near Cusco

Once you leave the ranch, the ride moves through open pastureland. This is one of the best parts of the outing because the route is not only about reaching a named attraction. You get time to look around and see a more rural side of the Cusco area.

You may see locals tending sheep and alpacas. The countryside opens toward mountain views, giving you plenty to watch while the horse keeps a steady pace. Ask your guide when you want to stop for photographs. This is a useful tip because the best photo spots may pass quickly if you simply follow the group.

The private format helps here. Your guide can explain what you are seeing and may have more room to adjust the pace to the group. The published details do not promise a specific riding speed or a long list of stops, so do not book this as an advanced trail-riding challenge. It is better understood as a scenic outing with a cultural destination.

The altitude around Cusco also makes a measured pace welcome. The tour information does not specify an acclimatization requirement, but comfortable clothing, suitable shoes, and warm layers are sensible. Mountain weather can change, and the rainy-season note is clear: bring rainwear between December and March.

Reaching Devil’s Balcony by trail

The route leads to Devil’s Balcony, an unusual natural rock formation. Rather than treating it as a quick photo stop, the tour presents the site as a place with local stories and cultural meaning.

Your guide explains the history and legends connected with Devil’s Balcony. The cave along the route was formed thousands of years ago and is considered sacred by the Incas. This gives the ride more substance than a simple horseback loop. You are not only looking at rock and mountain scenery. You are hearing why this place matters.

The cave is a key part of the experience. Conditions inside a natural formation can vary, so closed-toe shoes are a practical requirement rather than a minor suggestion. If photography matters to you, ask before reaching the site and tell the guide when you want a picture. It is easy to focus on the ride and miss the best angle.

The cultural explanation depends on the guide, and the tour provides English- and Spanish-speaking guides. That makes the experience workable for English speakers, Spanish speakers, and mixed-language private groups. The available information does not name individual guides, so you should not expect to request a particular person.

What the four hours really include

The advertised duration is four hours, but that time includes pickup, private transport, orientation, the horse ride, the visit to Devil’s Balcony, snacks, and the trip back to Cusco. The time in the saddle may be close to two hours.

That distinction matters. If you want a full morning or afternoon of riding, this may feel brief. One rider specifically wished the horseback portion had lasted longer. On the other hand, a shorter ride can be a good choice if you are new to horses, traveling with a mixed-age group, or trying to fit another Cusco activity into the same day.

The schedule also makes this a manageable half-day outing. The 9:00 AM departure leaves the afternoon open, while the 1:30 PM departure lets you spend the morning in Cusco. Check the available start time when booking because the schedule is set rather than fully flexible.

After visiting the rock formation and cave, you receive light snacks before returning to the ranch. You then board private transport back to Cusco. Do not bring luggage or large bags. Carry only what you need for the ride, weather, and photographs.

How the private format affects the experience

A private group changes the feel of this activity. You are not joining a large bus excursion with a fixed crowd, and the ride is organized around your own booking group. That makes it easier to ask questions about the cave, local history, and the scenery.

It may also help if one rider is nervous or inexperienced. A horse trainer accompanies children, and the tour is open to beginners. The information does not promise that every pace or route detail can be changed, so the private setup should not be mistaken for a fully custom riding trip. It is private, but the departure times and basic route are established.

For a couple, family, or small group, this can be a pleasant way to spend part of a Cusco day. You get transport, equipment, a guide, and snacks without arranging each piece yourself. For a solo visitor, the $139 price deserves closer thought because the cost is per person, even though the private format gives you more personal attention.

Is $139 a fair price?

At $139 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the countryside near Cusco. The value comes from the package: private round-trip transportation, a guide in English or Spanish, a horse, saddle, helmet, a qualified horse trainer, snacks, and a visit to Devil’s Balcony.

I would consider the price reasonable if you specifically want horseback riding and a private outing. Paying separately for transport and trying to locate a suitable ranch would take time, and you would still need a guide and riding equipment. The cultural explanation at the cave also gives the trip more purpose than a basic scenic ride.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long horseback trip. With the riding portion likely around two hours, experienced riders may prefer an outing built around more time in the saddle. The price also makes more sense for a small private group than for someone traveling alone on a tight budget.

The activity has a rating of 5 from two verified bookings, including praise for the scenery, the guides, and the well-groomed horses. That is encouraging, but the sample is small. I would place more weight on the clear itinerary and the practical limits than on the rating alone.

Who should book this ride?

This outing suits you if you want:

• A private half-day activity from central Cusco
• A gentle introduction to horseback riding
• Rural views, sheep, alpacas, and mountain scenery
• A guide-led visit to a natural rock formation and sacred cave
• A cultural activity that is different from the main archaeological sites
• A trip that works for children over eight, provided they meet the other rules

It is less suitable if you are pregnant, have a child under eight, weigh more than 90 kilograms or 198 pounds, or need to carry large luggage. The stated limit is 90 kilograms, while the exclusion also says over 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms. To avoid confusion, treat 90 kilograms as the safe maximum.

Experienced riders should also set their expectations carefully. You will ride across scenic countryside, but this is not described as a long-distance or advanced equestrian trip. The attraction is the mix of horse riding, views, the cave, and the local story.

What to wear and carry

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily. Closed-toe shoes are required, with rubber or hiking boots recommended. Bring warm clothing because Cusco’s mountain setting can feel cool, especially when you are sitting on a horse for a stretch of time.

Rainwear is important during the rainy season, from December through March. The tour specifically advises it, and a wet ride is no fun in ordinary city clothing. You can bring a camera or phone, but avoid bulky bags and leave luggage behind.

A helmet and saddle are supplied. The tour does not list gloves or other riding accessories, so do not assume they are included. The important supplied equipment is the basic riding gear needed for the activity.

Booking, pickup, and cancellation details

You can reserve the tour and pay later, which is useful when your Cusco schedule may shift. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Hotel pickup applies to downtown Cusco only. The listed meeting point is the front door of JW Marriott El Convento Cusco. If you are staying outside the downtown area, select the meeting point option.

The tour runs every day, with departures at 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Allow the full four hours rather than planning another fixed activity too tightly against it. Transport time and the return to Cusco are part of the schedule.

Should you book the Devil’s Balcony ride?

Book it if you want a well-organized, private introduction to riding near Cusco, with mountain views and a cultural stop that gives the route a clear purpose. The strongest parts are the scenery, the quiet countryside, the sacred cave, and the help available for new riders.

Think twice if you want several hours on horseback or the lowest possible price. The ride itself may last only about two hours, and the $139 cost reflects private transport, guiding, equipment, and the ranch arrangement.

For most visitors who want something beyond city sightseeing but do not need an expert-level riding challenge, this is a sensible half-day choice. Wear proper shoes, bring rainwear in the wet season, ask for photo stops, and keep your bag small.

FAQ

Where does the horseback tour begin?

It begins with pickup from a hotel in downtown Cusco or at the front door of JW Marriott El Convento Cusco.

What time does the tour depart?

Departures are available every day at 9:00 AM and 1:30 PM.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts four hours, including transport, the riding experience, the visit to Devil’s Balcony, snacks, and the return to Cusco.

How long will I spend riding?

The horseback riding portion may last about two hours. The full four-hour duration also includes transportation and the other stops.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is suitable for beginners and experienced riders. A qualified horse trainer is included, and children are accompanied by a horse trainer.

Can children join the ride?

Children over eight years old can participate. Children under eight are not permitted.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The stated weight limit is 90 kilograms, or 198 pounds. The activity is not suitable for people over 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable clothing, warm layers, closed-toe shoes, and rubber or hiking boots if possible. Rainwear is recommended from December through March. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.