Horse Riding Chacan Mountain And Temple Of The Moon

Half-day, mountain views, real horse care. I love the Peruvian Paso horses that feel calm and responsive, and I love how the guide makes Templo de la Luna and the wider Inca trail route make sense. Just note this is a 3½-hour loop, so if you want a long, nonstop ride, you may find it a bit short.

Transfers from your hotel to the ranch and back make the day simple, and snacks plus a helmet and safety gear are included. With a max group size of 20 people, you’ll usually get space to move, take photos, and actually hear what your guide is saying.

Quick Hits Before You Go

• Peruvian Paso horses that are trained for comfort and stability
• Templo de la Luna visit tied to meaningful Inca context
• Chacan Mountain viewpoint reached from horseback, not by bus
• Snacks + protective equipment included, with drinks sold separately
• Small group feel (maximum 20) with a laid-back pace
• Family-run ranch energy, led by Gabriel and his team

Peruvian Paso Horse Care and the “Feels Safe” Factor

Cusco has plenty of tours. This one wins because the horse part actually matters.

You ride Peruvian Paso horses, which are bred and trained for a smooth, steady ride. In plain terms: you’re not fighting your mount for balance the whole time. From what you’ll see on the ground, the ranch takes horse welfare seriously, including how horses are rotated between riders rather than kept saddled all day.

That care isn’t just feel-good. It changes the whole experience for you. When the horses are calm and gaited, first-timers usually relax faster, and more experienced riders get to enjoy the scenery instead of managing a stressed animal.

From Your Hotel to the Ranch: How Transfers and Setup Work

A big reason this tour is popular is how little friction it adds to your day. You get round-trip transfers between your hotel and the ranch area, so you’re not figuring out local transport, timing, or where to meet.

Before you mount, the team fits you out with protective equipment and gives you snacks. You’ll also get a bilingual guide (English–Spanish), and the guide role is more than just pointing. You’re learning what you’re seeing as you ride, plus getting clear instructions for your skill level.

One practical perk: because the group is capped at 20, the pre-ride briefing doesn’t feel rushed. If you’re nervous, that matters.

First Stop: Templo de la Luna and the Tunnel-Style Moment

Templo de la Luna (Temple of the Moon) is the kind of site that makes you slow down. It’s not just a stop for a quick photo. You’ll hear history and local cultural context tied to the Inca story around the temple.

A standout detail: you may also experience part of the area through a tunnel-like passage connected to the site. That’s a cool change of pace from open-air ruins, and it gives the visit a sense of stepping into something older and more enclosed.

There can be a physical element too. One account mentions having to leave snacks behind during time spent in a cave or grotto area, so don’t pack your best snack-for-later plan in your hands the whole time. If you want to eat, do it early, and keep an eye on what the guide tells you to bring forward and what stays behind.

Riding Out on Inca Trails Toward Chacan Mountain Views

After the temple, the ride continues with that classic Cusco rhythm: move through the countryside, pause for viewpoints, and soak in the mountain scenery from a different angle.

Chacan Mountain is your payoff here. Expect a ride that gives you chances to look out over the region and take photos while you’re still in motion. Unlike tours that drop you at one viewpoint and call it a day, this one uses the horse as part of the journey.

There’s also a meaningful theme to the route. You’re not just riding randomly through fields. The experience is framed around traveling ancient Inca trails, so the ride feels connected to the places you’re learning about, not separate from them.

If you’re the type who likes scenery but also wants context, this is a nice balance. You get the views and the story without turning into a lecture class.

Pace, Safety Gear, and What the 3½ Hours Actually Feels Like

This is a 3 and a half hour experience, with departures at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. In practice, that timing makes it a good mid-day adventure or a first-or-second activity on your Cusco days.

The ride itself is designed to be accessible. You’re told that most people can participate, and the horse handling is set up to help riders at different comfort levels. If you’re a total beginner, you can still enjoy the day because the horses are trained to behave, and the guide supports you throughout.

Safety is built in with protective gear (helmets and other equipment) and a clear safety-first approach. One reason the feedback is so strong is that the operation treats safety as a priority, not an afterthought. You’ll also likely get help with how to manage your horse at stops, so you’re not stuck guessing while everyone else is moving.

One consideration: because it’s a half-day, you’re doing a loop rather than spending hours and hours in the saddle. Some people loved that as a relaxing break. If you want a long ride day with lots of uninterrupted time, you may wish you had more hours.

Snacks Included (Drinks Not): Simple Details That Matter

You get snacks as part of the tour. That’s a smart inclusion, especially for a ride that combines movement, viewpoints, and a temple visit.

Drinks are not included. That’s normal for smaller tours, but plan for it. If you tend to get thirsty, bring water before you go or buy it separately where possible.

Also, keep in mind the practical reality of stops. If you’re going to a site with cave-like sections, you might not want to carry snacks in a way that slows you down. Eat early, keep it easy, and you’ll stay focused on the ride.

Who This Tour Fits Best in Cusco

This is one of those tours that works for couples, solo travelers, and families. One reason I’d recommend it for families is that the ranch handles different rider ages and skill levels well. There are accounts of kids feeling safe because the horses and staff support the ride, and even experienced riders seem to like the calmer pace.

It’s also a great option if you’re trying to balance your Cusco schedule. If you’ve already done a walking-heavy day downtown, this lets you get out into the surrounding area without stacking up another intense long trek.

If you’re coming to Peru mainly for cultural sites, you’ll like the way Templo de la Luna ties into Inca context, and how the Chacan Mountain viewpoint adds a nature and scenery layer. You’re not choosing between learning and scenery here.

And if animal welfare matters to you, this tour’s reputation is strong for a reason: the horses are cared for, rotated between rides, and treated as part of the ranch family operation rather than as disposable equipment.

Price and Value: Is $65 Worth It?

At $65 per person, you’re not paying for a fancy private charter. You are paying for three things that are often separate on other tours: transportation, horse time, and a guided cultural component.

You get:

• hotel-to-ranch and back transfers
• protective equipment
• horses that are trained for riders
• a professional bilingual guide
• snacks during the experience

Drinks are the only clear extra noted. For a half-day activity, that makes the total feel reasonable, especially when you consider that you’re getting both a meaningful site visit and real horseback riding out of town.

The real value question is your riding preference. If you want an ethical horse experience plus classic Cusco scenery and an Inca-related stop, this price makes sense. If you only want long hours in the saddle, you may feel you should spend more time elsewhere.

Should You Book This Horseback Ride to Chacan and Templo de la Luna?

Book it if you want a calm, well-run horseback experience that actually connects to Inca culture. I’d especially recommend it if you care about horse welfare, appreciate safety-first operations, and want a day that feels relaxing but still offers a memorable site like Templo de la Luna.

Think twice if you’re chasing a full-day, high-adrenaline ride. This is a half-day loop. It’s meant to be enjoyable and manageable, not a day-long endurance test.

One more tip: if you’re deciding between morning and afternoon, pick the time that best fits your Cusco energy. Either departure works, and the experience is built around a smooth flow rather than a frantic schedule.

FAQ

What times does the tour run?

You can choose a morning departure at 9:00 am or an afternoon departure at 1:00 pm.

How long is the horseback riding experience?

It lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

The price is $65.00 per person.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Transfers run between your hotel and the ranch (and back).

What’s included in the tour price?

You get protective equipment, quality horses, a professional bilingual guide (English–Spanish), snacks, and hotel-to-ranch transfers.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Do I need riding experience?

Most people can participate, and the tour is designed to be accessible for different rider skill levels.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Is the tour near public transportation?

Yes, it’s listed as near public transportation.

Can service animals join?

Yes, service animals are allowed.