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

Just outside Cusco, this ride takes you from city streets to high Andean paths, old stonework, and wide views in about half a day. The main draw is the Temple of the Moon, a ceremonial site where you leave the horses and walk among the carved rock and ruins.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the small-group setup, which keeps the outing calm for first-time riders. I also like that the ride reaches lesser-known ruins behind Sacsayhuaman rather than spending the whole time on a standard city route. The main consideration is the altitude and the weight limit: you must be 90 kilos, or 200 pounds, or less.

Key points at a glance

• Temple of the Moon visit: Leave the horses for a 30-minute walk around this mystical site north of Cusco.
• Beginner-friendly horses: A short introduction helps riders with little or no experience feel at ease.
• Andean views near Cusco: You can reach open countryside and Inca ruins in roughly 25 minutes by car.
• A proper riding period: The mounted portion lasts about two hours, with walking and, when suitable, some faster riding.
• Useful inclusions: Hotel transport, private car, helmet, saddle, water, guide, and muleteer are covered.
• Important limits: The minimum age is eight, the maximum group size is 15, and the weight limit is 200 pounds.

A quick escape from Cusco’s stone streets

The appeal here is simple: you do not need to give up a full day to get a taste of the countryside. The ranch is close enough to Cusco for this to fit neatly between other plans, yet the route takes you onto ridges and paths where the city can feel far away.

The drive from your Cusco hotel to the ranch is handled for you in a private car. One detailed account put the whole outing, including pickup and return, at roughly three and a half hours, although the listed activity time is about two hours and 30 minutes. That makes this a useful choice on a busy Cusco schedule.

The ride itself is not just a loop around a riding arena. You pass scenery and ruins connected with the area behind Sacsayhuaman, then stop at the Temple of the Moon. The pace can include ordinary walking and, for riders who are comfortable, some trotting or galloping. That faster riding is not something I would treat as guaranteed, since the guide will set the pace based on the group and conditions.

Starting at Vieja Estancia Ranch

At Vieja Estancia Ranch, you receive a saddle and safety helmet before setting out. A short riding introduction is especially useful if you have never handled a horse, or if your last ride was many years ago.

The tour is designed for people with little or no experience. That does not mean you should expect a riding lesson of several hours. You will still need to listen carefully, keep your balance, and follow the guide’s instructions. But the setup is much less intimidating than joining an advanced riding trip.

The horses have been described as well trained and in good health, and the staff includes a muleteer whose job is to care for the animals. That detail matters. A good ride depends not only on the route and guide, but also on calm, properly handled horses.

Holger is the guide name that comes up most often in the available accounts. He has guided beginners, explained the local history in English, and warned riders before a more intimidating section of the route. Other multilingual staff may lead the trip, but you can expect a guide who combines riding instruction with information about the sites.

Two hours on horseback through the Cusco highlands

Once you leave the ranch, the ride shifts between ordinary walking and more open stretches. For many people, the best part is the change in pace. You get time to settle into the saddle, look at the countryside, and then, if the guide considers it safe, enjoy a faster run.

A short gallop can be thrilling, but it can also be jarring. You should tell the guide clearly if you want to keep to a walking pace. This is not a weakness or a missed opportunity. A comfortable ride is better than forcing yourself to match a more confident rider.

The high position gives you views toward Cusco and the surrounding hills. Several accounts describe the scenery as a major reason to book, especially the sense of being in open countryside despite being close to the city. You may also see stone ruins along the route, including less familiar remains near Sacsayhuaman.

The route is not a substitute for a full archaeological tour. The ride gives you an appealing look at the area, with explanations from the guide, but the time at each site is short. If you want long discussions of construction methods, religious symbolism, and excavation work, plan a separate visit to Cusco’s major archaeological sites.

Walking around the Temple of the Moon

The horses are left behind for the visit to Templo de la Luna, also called Amaru Marca Wasi. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving you time to walk around the site and listen to the guide.

The Temple of the Moon is located north of Cusco and is described as a mystical attraction. Its appeal is less about a grand, intact building and more about the setting, carved stone, and atmosphere. You get a close look at a place that many people skip while focusing on Cusco’s better-known sights.

The walk is a useful change after time in the saddle. You can stretch your legs, take photographs, and focus on the stonework without managing a horse. The site is also a good point for the guide to explain local beliefs and the importance of these excavated ruins.

Keep your expectations realistic. Thirty minutes is enough for a focused stop, not a full archaeological study. The attraction works best as part of the ride, paired with the views and the quieter setting rather than treated as the sole reason for booking.

Why the small-group format matters

The maximum group size is 15, which is small enough to feel more personal than a large coach excursion. Still, 15 riders can form a spread-out group on a narrow path, especially when riders have different levels of confidence.

The guide’s attention is most valuable at the beginning, during changes in pace, and on any section that feels steep or exposed. Holger has been praised for explaining things clearly and making first-time riders feel comfortable. That is the kind of practical help you want, especially if your group includes children or adults who have not ridden before.

The minimum age is eight. Families can take part, and the ride has accommodated groups with children, but every child must be able to follow instructions and remain comfortable around a large animal. Parents should also consider the altitude around Cusco and the physical demands of sitting in a saddle for two hours.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, this is a solid value if you want transport and a guided outdoor activity without giving up a whole day. The price covers hotel pickup and return, a private car, the guide, horse, saddle, helmet, muleteer, bottled water, and admission to the Temple of the Moon.

The strongest value comes from combining several small costs and arrangements in one outing. You do not need to organize a taxi to the ranch, rent safety equipment, or arrange a separate guide for the site. You also get a countryside experience close to Cusco, which saves time compared with a distant day trip.

The value is less clear if you are already an experienced rider looking for a long, demanding equestrian trip. This is a short half-day activity, not a full-day mountain ride. Vieja Estancia Ranch also offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day rides, so you may prefer a longer option if horseback riding is a central part of your holiday.

What to wear and bring

Wear long pants, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. A secure shoe gives you better comfort in the stirrup and makes the short walk at the Temple of the Moon easier.

Bring a rain jacket if the forecast shows a meaningful chance of rain. Cusco weather can change quickly, and the tour requires good weather. Bottled water is included, but you may still want any personal items you normally carry on a short outing.

Leave jewelry and valuables behind. They can catch on equipment, fall during the ride, or simply become a worry when you should be paying attention to the horse and route. Keep your belongings light and secure.

The 90-kilo, or 200-pound, maximum is firm. Check this before booking rather than arriving at the ranch and finding that you cannot ride. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate, but the activity still requires enough balance and mobility to sit safely on a horse.

How this fits into a Cusco itinerary

This ride works well early in a Cusco stay if you want an outdoor activity close to town. It also fits nicely after you have visited the central sights but before a longer trip to the Sacred Valley or Machu Picchu.

The altitude deserves attention. The activity does not provide a separate acclimatization plan, and the ride takes place in the Cusco area, where the elevation can make even a gentle outing feel more tiring. If you have just arrived from sea level, a slower first day may be wiser.

The short format is useful before or after other plans, but leave some breathing room around pickup and return. The official duration is about two and a half hours, while a complete experience with transportation may take around three and a half hours. Roads, loading horses, and group pace can affect the day.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would choose this tour for a couple, family, or small group that wants scenery, ruins, and a little adventure without a full-day commitment. It is also a good match if you have little riding experience but want to try horseback travel in Peru.

You will likely enjoy it if you like quiet paths, open views, and a guide who explains the cultural meaning of the places along the way. The combination of riding and walking keeps the outing varied.

I would be more cautious if you dislike horses, have trouble sitting for two hours, or want a detailed archaeological tour. I would also think twice if you are above the weight limit or if you need a completely flat, low-effort activity.

Weather and cancellation advice

Good weather is required for the outing. If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, so check the forecast and your schedule before that cutoff.

Should you book the Temple of the Moon horseback tour?

Book it if you want a short, well-organized ride near Cusco with ruins and countryside rather than another indoor sightseeing stop. The included transport, beginner-friendly setup, and guide-led visit to the Temple of the Moon make the $65 price reasonable.

I would not book it as your main archaeological experience or as a serious riding expedition. For those goals, choose a longer ride or a dedicated ruins tour. But for a compact morning or afternoon with good views, calm horses, and a less familiar side of Cusco, this is an appealing choice.

FAQ

How long does the horseback tour last?

The listed duration is approximately two hours and 30 minutes. The riding portion lasts about two hours, followed by a 30-minute visit to the Temple of the Moon. Including hotel pickup and return, the full outing may take about three and a half hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a professional guide, saddle, safety helmet, muleteer, bottled water, round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel to the ranch, private-car transport, and admission to the Temple of the Moon.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The activity is suitable for people with little or no riding experience, and an introductory explanation is provided before the ride.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is eight years old.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight 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 the forecast shows a significant chance of rain.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.