Horse Riding Chacan Mountain And Temple Of The Moon

The most interesting part of this ride is not simply sitting on a horse. You follow old routes outside Cusco to the Temple of the Moon, then reach mountain viewpoints that feel far removed from the city. Gabriel’s ranch uses Peruvian Paso horses, known for their smooth gait, and the guides add useful context about Inca culture and local traditions.

I like the careful horse selection and the fact that the horses are rotated between rides rather than kept saddled all day. I also like the easy hotel pickup, bilingual guiding, snacks, and the chance to see an Inca site without joining a large city tour. The main drawback is the short riding loop. If you want several hours in the saddle, this 3.5-hour outing may feel brief.

Key points to know before you book

• Peruvian Paso horses: Calm, attractive horses with a smooth, comfortable gait, suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders.
• Temple of the Moon: Visit an Inca site and, depending on the route and conditions, see an underground passage near the temple.
• Gabriel’s Ranch: The family ranch has bred and trained Peruvian Pasos for more than 100 years.
• Mountain views: Ride around Cusco’s outskirts toward Chacan Mountain and scenic viewpoints.
• Simple logistics: Hotel, ranch, and hotel transfers, safety equipment, bilingual guiding, and snacks are included.
• Small-group feel: The maximum group size is 20, though some departures may be much smaller.

Why this Cusco horseback ride is different

Many horse outings near Cusco are built around a quick photo stop and a basic ride. This experience has a stronger local character. You start at Gabriel’s Ranch, where the horses are part of a long family tradition, then ride out toward Inca remains and mountain views.

The horses are one of the best reasons to choose this trip. Peruvian Paso horses are prized for their distinctive gait, which can feel gentler than the rough movement of an ordinary trail horse. That matters if you are new to riding or worried about spending several hours in a saddle.

The horse care also deserves attention. Gabriel is described as closely involved with the animals, and the horses are saddled for rides rather than left in riding gear all day. That is a meaningful point for anyone who wants to support a more responsible local business.

Still, keep your expectations in the right place. This is not a full-day trek through remote country. The ride lasts about three and a half hours, and one direct account found the loop shorter than expected. You are paying for a compact outing that combines riding, transport, guiding, and an archaeological stop.

From your hotel to Gabriel’s Ranch

The tour includes transport from your hotel to the ranch and back again. That makes a difference in Cusco, where roads can be confusing and the riding area sits outside the central streets. The departure times are 9:00 in the morning and 1:00 in the afternoon.

The morning trip is the better choice if you want a quieter start and more room in your day. The afternoon departure works well if you are arriving late, have a free morning, or prefer not to schedule a physically active outing immediately after waking.

Allow some flexibility around pickup. One account praised the team for handling a difficult Airbnb location and waiting a few extra minutes, while another noted that the end of the outing felt a little disorganized about who was returning. The practical lesson is simple: keep your phone available, confirm your pickup details, and do not schedule a tight appointment right after the ride.

At the ranch, you receive safety equipment and snacks before setting off. Drinks are not included, so bring money or your own water if you want something beyond the provided food. The supplied details specifically mention safety equipment, though a helmet is also described as part of the pre-ride setup.

Choosing the right horse and getting comfortable

You do not need advanced riding skills for this activity. Several people with no previous riding experience found the horses easy to handle, and children were matched with patient animals. One child was accompanied on foot for part of the route to help keep the ride safe.

That does not mean you should treat the outing like a sightseeing bus. You still need to listen to the guide, follow basic riding instructions, and be comfortable around a large animal. If your first horse does not respond well, the ranch has shown a willingness to change horses. That kind of adjustment can make the difference between a tense ride and an enjoyable one.

The horses are generally described as calm and well trained. Some riders were allowed to trot or move at a faster jog, but you should not assume that every departure will include this. The pace depends on the group, the guide, the trail, and each rider’s ability.

Families should find the setup reassuring. The horses are reported to have been gentle with children, and the guides paid close attention to riders with different skill levels. Even so, parents should stay alert and make sure children follow instructions rather than treating the horse as a simple amusement ride.

Riding toward Chacan Mountain

Once mounted, you ride through the outskirts of Cusco and along old Inca routes. The appeal is the change in pace. From horseback, you notice the open mountain air, the shape of the hills, and broad views back toward the city in a way that is difficult from a van.

Chacan Mountain gives the ride its scenic side. The route includes mountain viewpoints and open countryside, with time for photos and stops along the way. This is a good choice for you if a few hours outside the city sounds appealing but a demanding hike does not.

The exact amount of riding can vary. Some accounts describe several scenic stops and a relaxed pace, while another found the ride itself too short. That is not necessarily a contradiction. The outing mixes transport, instruction, riding, archaeological sightseeing, and snack time, so the full three and a half hours are not spent continuously in the saddle.

If you are an experienced rider looking for a serious trail, ask for a clear idea of the riding distance and pace before booking. If you are mainly interested in combining a gentle ride with culture and views, the shorter route may be just right.

Visiting the Temple of the Moon

The Temple of the Moon is the cultural center of the outing. This Inca site sits outside the standard center-city circuit, making it a useful way to see an archaeological place without giving up an entire day.

Expect a stop at the ruins with an explanation of their role and setting. The guides, including Gabriel and Sergio, are praised for explaining Inca and Peruvian customs in a clear, personal way. Grimaldo is also mentioned as a guide with strong knowledge of the sites and close attention to the group.

One especially memorable detail is the underground passage near the temple. A ride account describes entering a tunnel, which adds a small sense of discovery to the visit. Treat this as part of the site visit rather than a guaranteed adventure feature, since the precise route may depend on conditions and local access.

The temple stop also breaks up the riding. You can stretch your legs, take photographs, and listen to the guide without trying to absorb cultural information while managing a horse. I like that balance. The tour is not just a ride with ruins placed in the background, and it is not only an archaeological lecture with a brief horse photo.

Snacks, gear, and what to bring

Snacks are included and are provided around the start of the ride. This is useful, but do not count on a full meal. Bring water, since drinks are not included, and consider carrying only what you can manage comfortably on horseback.

Wear clothing that allows easy movement and shoes suited to riding. The supplied information confirms that safety equipment is provided, but it does not specify every item, so you can ask in advance if you have a particular concern.

The route includes photo stops, but keep your phone or camera secure. A small bag is more practical than a loose backpack, especially if the group enters a passage or moves through uneven ground. Your guide can advise where to leave snacks or extra items during the archaeological stop.

Horse care and the ethics of the ride

For many people, the condition of the horses is as important as the scenery. This ranch receives strong praise for treating the animals as part of the family and rotating them between rides. The family history of breeding and training Peruvian Pasos gives the operation a personal connection to the horses.

I would still keep your eyes open. One less positive account felt that some horses were better cared for than others. That is worth acknowledging rather than presenting the ranch as perfect. The larger body of feedback describes healthy, calm horses and a guide who pays close attention to their welfare, but responsible horse tourism always deserves a quick personal check.

Notice how the animals are handled before and after the ride. Ask questions if you are uneasy. A provider that welcomes those questions is more likely to take animal care seriously. You can also ask how often horses work, how they are rested, and what happens if an animal seems tired.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to spend a few hours around Cusco. It is a reasonable package if you value convenience and a more personal experience. Your price covers hotel transfers, a horse, safety equipment, a bilingual professional guide, snacks, the mountain ride, and the Temple of the Moon visit.

The value improves if you would otherwise need to arrange transport to a ranch and pay separately for a short ride. It also improves for first-time riders, since horse selection and basic support are built into the outing.

The value is less convincing if your only goal is maximum riding time. One direct account described the loop as short, so experienced riders should compare this with a longer trek before paying. This is best understood as a cultural and scenic half-day activity, not an endurance ride.

The maximum group size is 20, but smaller departures are possible. A small group gives you more room for questions, photos, and pace adjustments. A larger group may make the ride feel less personal, though the included guide still provides the main structure.

Who should book this experience?

I would point beginners toward this outing first. The horses are described as gentle, guides pay attention to rider ability, and the route does not require you to commit to a full day on horseback.

Families with older children and teenagers are also a good match. The experience adds variety to a Cusco itinerary, and one teenager described it as the favorite part of a week in Peru. Parents should still judge their children’s comfort with animals and follow the guide’s instructions closely.

Couples and solo visitors who want a quieter break from city sightseeing should also consider it. Several rides have operated with only one or two people, creating more room for conversation and photographs. The guide’s local connection makes the experience feel less like a standard transport loop.

Experienced riders need to make a more careful choice. You may enjoy the horses and scenery, but the short route and relaxed pace may not provide enough riding time. Ask about the likely pace before confirming.

Booking, cancellation, and timing tips

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is often reserved around 13 days ahead. That is a useful planning guide, but some people have been able to book close to the departure date when space was available.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund. This matters if your Cusco schedule depends on altitude adjustment, flight connections, or changing weather.

The service allows service animals, is near public transportation, and is listed as suitable for most people. The maximum group size is 20. Specific riding restrictions are not provided, so contact the operator before booking if you have mobility, health, or riding concerns.

Should you book the Gabriel’s Ranch ride?

Book it if you want a gentle horseback outing with Inca culture, mountain views, and simple transfers. The horses, the personal guiding, and the Temple of the Moon make this more meaningful than a quick ride around a fenced ranch.

Skip it if your priority is a long, demanding trail or a full day in the saddle. For everyone else, $65 buys a well-rounded half-day outside Cusco, with enough structure for a beginner and enough local character to make the ride memorable.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour is based in Cusco, Peru, and includes riding around Cusco’s outskirts toward Chacan Mountain and the Temple of the Moon.

What departure times are available?

Departures are offered at 9:00 in the morning and 1:00 in the afternoon.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. The price includes transfer from your hotel to the ranch and return transfer from the ranch to your hotel.

Is the Temple of the Moon included?

Yes. Visiting the Temple of the Moon is part of the experience.

Is a guide provided?

Yes. A professional bilingual guide who speaks English and Spanish is included.

What kind of horses are used?

The ranch provides Peruvian Paso horses.

Are snacks included?

Yes. Snacks are included, but drinks are not.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.