Riding above Cusco feels like a reset. This small-group horseback tour takes you out of the usual bustle to the north side of town, where you ride for hours and then walk at the Temple of the Moon. You get that rare mix of action and calm, plus a few ruins breaks that make the countryside feel a lot more meaningful than a simple trail ride.
Two things I really like: first, the ride is built for real beginners. You’ll get proper saddle setup and safety helmets, and the group stays small (maximum 15), so you’re not lost in a herd of strangers. Second, I like how practical it is. Round-trip transport from your Cusco hotel to Vieja Estancia Ranch means you spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying the Andes air.
One thing to consider: this experience depends on weather. If conditions are poor, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded, and you’ll want to show up dressed for wet or changeable mountain weather.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll actually care about
- How the ride fits into a Cusco day
- Getting picked up in Cusco and meeting the ranch crew
- Stop 1: Horseback riding with Vieja Estancia Ranch
- What the riding feels like
- Ruins on the way: the ride turns into sightseeing
- A quick safety reality check
- Stop 2: Temple of the Moon (Amaru Marca Wasi) and the short walk
- Why the walk matters
- A consideration: it’s short, so focus
- Price and value: what $65 covers and why it adds up
- Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)
- What to wear and what to leave behind
- Weather, timing, and how to avoid a bad day
- The small details that make this feel worth it
- Should you book this horseback tour to the Temple of the Moon?
- FAQ
- How long is the horseback tour from Cusco to the Temple of the Moon?
- What’s included in the price?
- Do I need horseback riding experience?
- What are the age and weight limits?
- What should I wear or bring for the ride?
- What happens if I cancel or if the weather is poor?
Key highlights you’ll actually care about
- Short, focused timing: about 2 hours 30 minutes total, with 2 hours on horseback plus a 30-minute site visit.
- Small group comfort: maximum 15 travelers, with a relaxed pace that suits first-timers.
- Safety and support included: professional guide, helmets, and a muleteer who looks after the horses.
- Real countryside energy: you leave the city area and ride high enough to feel like you escaped the map.
- Admission tickets handled: you get tickets included for the horseback portion and the Temple of the Moon site.
- Guide name shows up in feedback: many riders highlight Holger for clear explanations and warm guidance.
How the ride fits into a Cusco day
This tour is the kind of plan that works even when your Cusco schedule is packed. It’s short enough that it won’t steal your whole day, but it’s active enough that you’ll feel like you did something different from another museum stop or long bus ride.
The experience is designed around a simple rhythm: pickup in Cusco, travel to the ranch, a proper horseback introduction, a solid block of riding through the area, then a short walk at the Temple of the Moon. That structure matters. It reduces stress because you know what comes next, and it keeps you from spending your only good daylight hour waiting around.
The group size cap of 15 travelers also changes the feel. With smaller groups, it’s easier to get questions answered, adjust if someone is unsure, and keep the experience calm instead of chaotic.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco
Getting picked up in Cusco and meeting the ranch crew
You’re picked up from your Cusco hotel and transported by private car to the ranch area. Then you meet the team that runs the horseback portion: a professional tour guide, and a muleteer whose job is to care for the horses during the experience.
You’ll be given a saddle setup and safety helmets. That’s not just “nice to have.” It sets the tone that this is an organized horseback activity, not a casual lets-figure-it-out situation. The tour also includes bottled water, which helps when you’re already acclimating to Cusco’s altitude.
One practical note: there’s a weight limit of 200 pounds (90 kilos). If you’re above it, you’ll want to check with the operator before booking.
Stop 1: Horseback riding with Vieja Estancia Ranch
The main ride happens with Vieja Estancia Ranch. Plan on about 2 hours of horseback riding, and yes, you’ll start with instruction so you can get comfortable.
From the start, you’re not just climbing on a horse and hoping for the best. The setup is focused on helping people with little or no experience feel steady. That matters because Cusco riders range from confident to nervous, and this tour is built to accommodate both.
What the riding feels like
The riding route leaves the immediate Cusco area fast, so within a short drive you’re back in the Andes countryside vibe. Many riders also describe the scenery as majestic, with views that make the “why” of the ride obvious: you’re up high enough to see a big slice of the region, not just the inside of a valley.
The pace can include walking and faster moments when conditions and comfort allow. In feedback, riders mention that horses can move into trot or even gallop at points. That’s thrilling, but it’s also a reminder that this is a real ride, not a slow parade. If you’re sensitive to motion, take it easy at the start and follow your guide’s cues.
Ruins on the way: the ride turns into sightseeing
Along the horseback trek, you’ll make brief stops at Incan ruins in the surrounding area. The idea is simple: riding gives you access to viewpoints that larger tours can’t reach as easily, and the ruins add context so it doesn’t feel like just riding through fields.
You may hear the ruins described as being near the Sacsayhuamán area. Even if you don’t know the geography beforehand, you’ll come away with a stronger mental map of where these sites sit around Cusco.
A quick safety reality check
No matter your experience level, you should go in assuming you’ll spend time in the saddle. Wear closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. This is one of those small choices that affects grip, comfort, and confidence.
And do yourself a favor: bring patience. Even the smoothest horse ride benefits from staying relaxed and letting the horse do what it does.
Stop 2: Temple of the Moon (Amaru Marca Wasi) and the short walk
After the riding portion, you head to the Temple of the Moon, also known as Amaru Marca Wasi. The visit is about 30 minutes, and you’ll leave the horses and walk around the site.
This is on the north part of Cusco, and it’s described as one of Cusco’s mystical attractions. The tour frames this moment as a recharge break. You’ll take time to move through the area on foot instead of staying in the saddle.
Why the walk matters
This part changes the pace in a good way. Riding gets your adrenaline and your view fix. Walking gives you a chance to slow down, look around, and actually notice details—how the site sits in relation to the ridges and the surrounding area.
The tour also includes an admission ticket here, so you don’t need to hunt down what to pay at the gate.
A consideration: it’s short, so focus
With only about half an hour, it’s not the kind of visit where you can wander forever. Go in with a mindset of: look, absorb, take a few photos, and respect the rules so you don’t miss the best views before you’re back on the move.
Price and value: what $65 covers and why it adds up
At $65 per person, the real question is what you get for that money. The best value here isn’t just the horse ride. It’s the package.
You get:
- Professional guide and muleteer support
- Saddle and safety helmets
- Round-trip transport from your Cusco hotel to the ranch
- Private car transport
- Bottled water
- Admission tickets (for the riding portion and the Temple of the Moon site)
That matters because transport and tickets can quietly add up on other Cusco tours. Here, the cost is doing more work for you.
Also, the tour is typically booked about 28 days in advance on average. That’s a good sign for planning: if your dates are set, you’ll likely want to lock it in early rather than waiting for the last minute.
Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)
This is a strong fit if you want an active Cusco experience without committing to a full-day excursion. The small group size and beginner-friendly setup make it especially good for:
- First-time horseback riders
- Couples or friends who want something outdoorsy
- Families with kids age 8 and up (as long as they fit the ride requirements)
- People who prefer a guided, structured day over DIY logistics
It’s also a great choice if you’re looking for a route that feels less like a repeat of the same big ticket stops. The horseback format naturally leads you away from the densest areas and into a calmer setting.
You might consider skipping it if:
- You have concerns about riding comfort or balance
- Your weight is above the 200-pound / 90-kilo limit
- You can’t travel on a day with uncertain weather (the experience requires good conditions)
What to wear and what to leave behind
The tour guidance is straightforward, and following it will make the day smoother.
Wear:
- Long pants (jeans are recommended)
- Closed shoes (with rubber soles or walking shoes)
- A rain jacket if there’s any meaningful chance of rain
Avoid:
- Jewelry or valuables during the ride
That last one is practical. Between handling straps, moving on uneven ground, and staying focused on riding, jewelry tends to get in the way. Leave it in the hotel safe and you’ll relax more.
Weather, timing, and how to avoid a bad day
This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
So how do you prepare? Check the forecast for your pickup window, and be ready with rain protection. Even if the day starts sunny, Cusco conditions can shift.
Timing is also a factor: the duration is listed as about 2 hours 30 minutes. In real life, that usually means you’ll spend a bit more time than just the horse-and-site blocks once pickup and transfers are included. Go into it expecting a compact day, not a marathon.
The small details that make this feel worth it
A lot of tours promise comfort, but this one has support built in:
- Helmets and saddle care are part of the standard package
- The muleteer handles horse care so the guide can focus on your ride and safety
- Bottled water helps keep you steady
- Admission tickets are included, so the experience stays focused on the actual moments you came for
And the vibe is consistently described as relaxed, including for groups that had riders with little experience. That’s not automatic with horseback tours, so it’s a real plus.
Should you book this horseback tour to the Temple of the Moon?
Book it if you want a Cusco day with big views, real movement, and a guided walk at a site you can’t reach the same way on foot alone. The small group size, beginner-friendly approach, and included transport plus admission make it good value for a short trip.
Don’t book it if weather risk would ruin your schedule, or if you know you’re not comfortable riding for a couple of hours in the saddle.
If you fall into the first group, you’re likely to love how different this feels from standard Cusco sightseeing: you get countryside quiet, ruins along the way, and a Temple of the Moon stop that gives the day a calmer ending.
FAQ
How long is the horseback tour from Cusco to the Temple of the Moon?
The experience runs about 2 hours 30 minutes total, with around 2 hours of horseback riding and a 30-minute walk at the Temple of the Moon.
What’s included in the price?
Included are a professional tour guide, saddle and safety helmets, a muleteer who cares for the horses, round-trip transport from your Cusco hotel to the ranch, private car transport, bottled water, and admission tickets.
Do I need horseback riding experience?
No. The tour is suitable for participants with little or no experience, and it’s designed to be comfortable for beginners.
What are the age and weight limits?
The minimum age is 8 years. There’s a weight limit of 200 pounds or 90 kilos.
What should I wear or bring for the ride?
Wear long pants (preferably jeans) and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. Bring a rain jacket if there’s a significant chance of rain. Avoid wearing jewelry or valuables during the ride.
What happens if I cancel or if the weather is poor?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
