Horseback Tour, Temple Of The Moon

Leave the city life of Cusco behind and spend time in the great outdoors on horseback, riding out to the Temple of the Moon and Chacan Mountain. The tour runs for 3 hours 30 minutes.

Overview

This ride leaves the streets of Cusco behind and heads into the hills on horseback, run by Gabriel's Ranch, an outfit based right in the area. The route takes in the Temple of the Moon, a sacred Inca site, where the guide explains the rituals once performed there. From there the group continues to Chacan Mountain, also called the Devil's Balcony, for sweeping views of Cusco. The whole outing runs about three hours and thirty minutes.

The trip is built for people with little or no riding experience, and many past guests say exactly that. Total beginners, families with young children, and nervous first-time riders all describe the horses as gentle and easy to handle, with guides who give clear instructions before setting off. The group is capped at twenty travellers, and one reviewer reported riding in a group of six.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, riding gear, a bilingual guide, and snacks are all part of the package, so there is very little to organise on the day. Riders with back problems or pregnant travellers are advised to pick a different activity, and the tour runs in all weather, so dress for the conditions.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupA transfer collects you from your hotel in Cusco and takes you out to the ranch.
2. Mount up and briefingAt the ranch you are matched with a horse and given protective equipment, and the guide explains how to ride before you set off.
3. Ride to Temple of the MoonThe group rides out to the sacred Temple of the Moon, where the guide talks through the Inca rituals associated with the site.
4. Chacan Mountain viewpointThe ride continues to Chacan Mountain, known as the Devil's Balcony, for views over Cusco.
5. Snack breakA snack is provided along the way, and several guests mention receiving water as well.
6. Return and hotel drop-offThe group rides back to the ranch and the transfer returns you to your hotel.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this ride, based on the booking page and what past guests consistently report.

• No experience needed. Reviewers again and again say they had never ridden before and still felt comfortable. The horses are described as gentle and well trained, and the guide gives simple instructions at the start. One family said even their six-year-old rode on his own with a guide walking alongside.
• Dress for weather. The tour runs in all weather conditions, so the listing asks travellers to dress appropriately. One reviewer rode through rain at the start before the weather cleared, so layers and rain gear are the safe choice.
• Snacks and water. A snack is included, and several travellers mention also receiving a water bottle. One reviewer noted the team provided snacks and water for the whole group.
• Bring a camera. The ride takes in sweeping views of Cusco from Chacan Mountain, the Devil's Balcony. Reviewers repeatedly call the scenery the highlight, so keep a camera or phone within easy reach at the viewpoint stops.
• Small group feel. The maximum group size is twenty, but reviewers often describe riding with far fewer people.
• Fits a half day. With the full outing lasting three hours and thirty minutes, it fits easily around other plans in Cusco. One reviewer called it their favourite excursion in Peru.

Common issues. The ride is not wheelchair accessible, and the listing advises against it for travellers with back problems, pregnant travellers, or anyone with serious heart or other medical conditions. Weather can interrupt the mood, and one reviewer noted rain at the start of their ride, though it later cleared. Gratuities are not included, so bring some cash if you want to tip the guide. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour runs in all conditions, so poor weather is not a reason for cancellation on its own.

Common Questions