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

Just outside Cusco, the city noise gives way to open Andean countryside, old stone sites, and broad views over the hills. The ride reaches the Temple of the Moon, also called Amaru Marca Wasi, a mystical site many visitors miss while hurrying between Cusco’s bigger attractions. You ride for about two hours, then walk around the temple and its nearby ruins.

I like the easy fit into a busy Cusco schedule and the fact that transport, horses, helmets, water, and a guide are included. I also like that beginners are welcome, with guides such as Holger offering clear riding help and history along the way. The main drawback is that horseback riding can feel rough at a trot or gallop, and the 200-pound, or 90-kilo, weight limit rules out some riders.

Key points to know before you book

• Temple of the Moon stop: Leave the horses for a 30-minute walk around Amaru Marca Wasi and its ceremonial stone spaces.
• Beginner-friendly riding: Little or no experience is accepted, and the group receives an introduction before setting out.
• Close to Cusco: The ranch is about 25 minutes from the city, making this a useful half-day outing.
• Real riding time: Expect roughly two hours in the saddle, with walking and, when suitable, some faster riding.
• Small-group setting: The maximum group size is 15, with a guide and a muleteer caring for the horses.
• Weather matters: Bring a rain jacket if rain is possible, since the activity can be canceled in poor weather.

A quiet ride beyond Cusco’s city walls

This is a good choice when you want something more active than a standard ruins visit but do not have a full day to spare. The ranch is close enough to Cusco for the outing to take about three and a half hours from pickup to return, according to the practical timing supplied by the operator.

That short transfer makes a difference. You are not spending most of your morning in a van. After transport from your Cusco hotel in a private car, you reach the ranch and have about two hours on horseback, followed by time at the Temple of the Moon.

The setting changes quickly once you leave the city. You might see Inca stonework, open hills, and Cusco spread below from higher ground. The ride passes behind the Sacsayhuaman area, where the mix of pasture, ruins, and mountain views gives you a better sense of the countryside around the old Inca capital.

I especially like this for a first or second day in Cusco. It gives you a break from crowded squares and indoor museums without demanding the fitness, time, or planning needed for a long trek.

Starting at Vieja Estancia Ranch

The riding portion begins at Vieja Estancia Ranch, operated by Horseback Riding Cusco. The company offers half-day, full-day, and multi-day routes, but this outing keeps things compact and focused on the sites near the city.

Before you ride, you receive a basic introduction. That matters if you have never handled a horse or it has been years since your last ride. The horses are described as well trained, and the staff provides saddles and safety helmets.

A muleteer accompanies the outing to care for the horses. That is a useful detail, not just a staffing note. It means the guide can focus on the group while someone else watches the animals and helps with their needs.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is not a private ride, but it is still small enough to feel more manageable than a large coach excursion. If your group includes children or riders with different skill levels, the guide can keep the pace orderly.

The minimum age is eight. Most people with little or no riding experience can take part, but you should be comfortable sitting on a horse for close to two hours. Horseback riding is not passive sightseeing. Your legs, back, and balance will do some work.

Two hours through the Andean countryside

The route alternates between slower riding and faster sections when conditions allow. Several people who had little experience felt comfortable after the introduction, while stronger riders had opportunities to trot or gallop for short stretches.

That faster pace can be thrilling, but it can also feel jarring. If you are new to horses, tell the guide clearly that you prefer to walk. You do not need to prove anything. A pleasant walk through the countryside is still the heart of the outing.

The best part of this ride is the change in viewpoint. On foot, you see ruins at ground level. From the saddle, you take in the hills, stone sites, and city below in one wide view. The scenery is a major reason to choose this tour instead of simply taking a taxi to one archaeological site.

Guide Holger receives particular praise for his friendly manner, clear English, and explanations about the land and its history. Another guide described in the experience is multilingual and comfortable working with families. Those details matter because the ride is not only about controlling a horse. The guide shapes how much you understand about the places you pass.

You should expect an active outing rather than an archaeological lecture. The riding takes up most of the time, with the ruins adding meaning and variety to the route.

Meeting the Temple of the Moon, or Amaru Marca Wasi

After riding, you leave the horses and walk around the Temple of the Moon for about 30 minutes. The stop is on the northern side of Cusco and is regarded as one of the city’s important mystical sites.

Amaru Marca Wasi gives the trip its strongest cultural focus. The name Temple of the Moon is commonly used, while Amaru Marca Wasi is the local name presented for the site. The stone spaces and carved areas invite a slower look than you might give them from a car window.

This is also where the pace changes. You have spent two hours moving across the hills, and now you can stand, walk, and listen while the guide explains the site. The tour describes the stop as a chance to recharge your energy, but you can take that idea in your own way. Some people will appreciate its ceremonial atmosphere; others will value the chance to see lesser-known Inca remains without a large crowd.

The stop is brief. Do not expect a full archaeological visit with hours of detailed exploration. Thirty minutes is enough to see the main area and hear an explanation, but not enough for an exhaustive study.

The experience also includes two stops at Inca ruins along the ride, based on the route described by past participants. The exact time at each stop can vary, but the ruins are an important part of what separates this from a simple horseback loop.

Why the guide makes a difference

A horseback tour can be pleasant or frustrating depending on how the guide handles the group. Here, clear instruction is especially important because the riders may range from first-timers to people who want a little speed.

Holger is noted for speaking excellent English and explaining both the horses and the history of the area. That combination is valuable. You get practical help when mounting or changing pace, along with a sense of why the ruins and high ridges matter.

The staff also warns riders before a more intimidating section of the route. That is good practice. Horses often know the path, but a narrow or steep section can still make a new rider tense. Advance notice gives you time to settle your hands, adjust your position, and follow instructions.

You should still speak up. Tell the guide if you are nervous, if you have no previous riding experience, or if you want to stay at a walk. The supplied information says the tour suits beginners, not that every rider must trot or gallop.

Price, timing, and what the $65 covers

At $65 per person, this is a fair-value half-day outing if you want transport and equipment handled for you. The price includes pickup and return to your Cusco hotel, private-car transport to the ranch, a professional guide, saddle, safety helmet, muleteer support, and bottled water.

The value is strongest when you compare it with arranging a separate taxi, horse hire, and site visit. You also avoid spending time figuring out how to reach the ranch. For a short outing, that convenience is useful.

The tour lasts about two hours and 30 minutes as an activity, though the full experience with pickup and drop-off may run closer to three and a half hours. Plan around half a day rather than treating the stated duration as the entire door-to-door schedule.

The activity is often reserved about 28 days ahead. That is a useful planning clue if your Cusco dates are fixed. The group limit is 15, so you should not assume you can always book at the last minute during a busy period.

A current rating of 4.9 from 54 ratings and a 98 percent recommendation rate point to strong satisfaction, but the details matter more than the numbers. The most consistent strengths are the horses, the guides, the countryside views, and the chance to see ruins away from the busiest routes.

What to wear and what to leave behind

Wear long pants, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. You want clothing that protects your legs and lets you sit comfortably in the saddle.

Bring a rain jacket if the forecast gives a meaningful chance of rain. Cusco weather can change, and this is an outdoor activity with no shelter while you are riding.

Do not wear jewelry or carry valuables during the ride. Loose items can catch on equipment, fall into the grass, or simply become a distraction. Keep what you bring simple.

The weight limit is 200 pounds, or 90 kilos. This is a firm condition to check before booking. The minimum age is eight, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but you should be able to mount, sit securely, and walk around the temple after the ride.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would choose this for a couple, family, or small group that wants countryside views and a little history without giving up an entire day. It also works well for a solo visitor who wants a guided activity rather than arranging transport and a site visit alone.

Families can benefit from the gentle introduction and the age minimum of eight. Still, parents should judge each child’s comfort with animals and saddle time. A child who is fine with a short pony ride may not enjoy two hours on a trail.

Experienced riders may find the outing short, but they can enjoy the faster sections when the guide allows them. Beginners are likely to gain more from the clear instruction and steady route.

I would not pick this if your main goal is a long, technical ride or an in-depth archaeological tour. The focus is a balanced mix of riding, scenery, and a short visit to the Temple of the Moon.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

Good weather is required. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Keep that window in mind when arranging other Cusco activities.

Because rain can affect the ride, check the forecast the evening before and again on the morning of the tour. A rain jacket is sensible even when the sky looks clear.

Pickup from your Cusco hotel removes one common worry, but you should still confirm the pickup details when booking. The private car is a useful benefit, particularly if you are carrying day bags or staying away from the main plaza.

Should you book the Temple of the Moon horseback tour?

Book it if you want a short, active outing with real riding time, open views, and a quieter archaeological stop. The combination of hotel transport, trained horses, helmets, a guide, and the Temple of the Moon makes $65 a reasonable price for a half day.

I would give this priority early in a Cusco stay, especially if your schedule includes many formal ruins tours. It offers a different view of the area and gives you time outside the city.

Skip it if you dislike horses, need a slow and fully accessible sightseeing day, exceed the weight limit, or want a long ride with extensive archaeology. For everyone else, this is a practical way to reach the hills behind Cusco, learn from a guide such as Holger, and see a side of the region that many busy itineraries leave out.

FAQ

How long does the horseback tour last?

The activity lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The riding portion takes about two hours, followed by roughly 30 minutes at the Temple of the Moon. With hotel pickup and return, the full outing may take about three and a half hours.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour begins at Vieja Estancia Ranch near Cusco and includes riding through the Andean countryside. It also visits the Temple of the Moon, or Amaru Marca Wasi, on the northern side of Cusco.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel is included, using a private car to and from the ranch.

Do I need horseback riding experience?

No. The activity is suitable for people with little or no riding experience, and an introductory lesson 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 200 pounds, or 90 kilos.

What should I wear?

Wear long pants, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. Bring a rain jacket if rain is possible during the ride, and avoid jewelry or valuables.

How many people can join the group?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also receive a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time.