Horse Riding Chacan Mountain And Temple Of The Moon

The most memorable part of this Cusco horseback ride is the mix of quiet mountain trails, Inca ruins, and fine Peruvian Paso horses. You leave the city’s busy streets behind and ride toward the Temple of the Moon and Chacan Mountain, with wide views over the Cusco area.

I like the care given to the horses, which are saddled for rides rather than kept ready all day. I also like the personal guiding from Gabriel, Sergio, and Grimaldo, who add useful stories about Inca culture and local traditions. The main drawback is that the ride is a short loop, so strong riders may wish for more time in the saddle.

Key points to know

• Calm Peruvian Paso horses: The horses are well trained, gaited, and matched to your riding level.
• Temple of the Moon visit: You may enter an underground passage at this Inca site.
• Cusco mountain views: Chacan Mountain and the ranch provide open views away from the city center.
• Good for beginners and families: Riders with no previous experience have felt comfortable, and children receive close attention.
• Simple half-day plan: Hotel pickup, ranch transfer, safety gear, snacks, and return transport are included.
• Small enough for personal attention: The group limit is 20, though some departures may be much smaller.

Riding Peruvian Paso horses outside Cusco

This is not a long wilderness expedition. It is a compact 3-hour-30-minute outing that gives you a taste of riding near Cusco without taking a full day away from museums, markets, or other plans.

The horses are Peruvian Pasos, a breed prized for its smooth gait and steady manner. That matters if you are new to riding or if you want to spend your time looking at the mountains instead of worrying about an unruly mount. Gabriel’s family ranch has bred and trained these horses for more than a century, and the care routine is a meaningful part of the experience.

The horses are rotated between rides and are not left saddled all day. I consider that an important point when choosing a riding company in Cusco. Animal care is not a side issue here. It shapes the quality of the ride, too, since a calm, healthy horse is easier for a beginner to handle.

You can request a morning departure at 9:00 am or an afternoon departure at 1:00 pm. The morning outing leaves the rest of your day open, while the afternoon option can work well after a slower start or a morning visit in central Cusco.

Hotel pickup makes this an easy half-day

The price is $65 per person and includes transport from your hotel to the ranch and back again. That adds real value in Cusco, where finding the ranch on your own could take time and local transport costs can quickly nibble at a modest tour price.

At the ranch, you receive safety equipment, including a helmet, before setting out. Snacks are also provided. Drinks are not included, so bring or buy something to drink if you need more than the supplied food.

The maximum group size is 20 people. That is not a tiny private ride, but the experience can be much smaller. Some departures have had only two riders, while a large family group of eight has also been accommodated. Your level of personal attention may depend on the day’s bookings.

Communication is another practical strength. The staff has helped with pickup changes and difficult accommodation locations, and the tour can sometimes handle a last-minute reservation. Still, I would not depend on a same-day opening during a busy period. It is usually booked around 13 days ahead, so advance planning is sensible.

From the ranch to Chacan Mountain

Once mounted, you follow trails through the Cusco outskirts and mountain country. The setting is the main attraction: you get open views, fresh air, and a slower look at the area than you would from a city taxi or tour bus.

The route includes Chacan Mountain, described as a major viewpoint on the ride. You should expect time for scenery and photographs, not a fast riding workout. Guides adjust the pace to the group, and the horses generally follow their lead.

Experienced riders may be allowed to trot or move at a faster jog when conditions and ability permit. That possibility adds a little excitement, but it is not the focus of every ride. If you want sustained fast riding, this tour may feel too gentle and short. If you want a scenic outing with some movement and local context, the pace is more appealing.

The route uses ancient Inca trails, which gives the ride a stronger sense of place than a fenced riding circuit. You are not simply circling a ranch. You are moving through terrain linked to Cusco’s Inca past, with a guide explaining what you see along the way.

Entering the Temple of the Moon

The Temple of the Moon is the clearest cultural stop on the outing. This Inca site includes carved stone and an underground tunnel or passage that you may enter during the visit.

That detail makes the stop more than a photo break. The guide can explain the site, its connection to Inca beliefs, and the role of the surrounding terrain. Gabriel is especially strong on Peruvian and Inca history, and Grimaldo has also been praised for giving close attention to the places along the route.

Allow yourself time to listen and look around. The Temple of the Moon is not presented as a large museum complex with rows of displays. Its appeal comes from the setting, the stonework, and the chance to see an archaeological site as part of a living mountain route.

There is one small practical wrinkle: snacks may be handed to you before the ride, and carrying a bag becomes awkward when you need both hands for movement or when entering a passage. Keep your belongings compact and secure. The visit involves more than sitting on a horse and posing for pictures.

What the guide adds to the ride

Gabriel is the central figure behind this experience. He rides with a friendly, personal approach and explains the horses, the land, and local traditions rather than simply leading from the front.

Sergio and Grimaldo may also guide the outing. The guiding is bilingual in English and Spanish, which makes the tour accessible to a broad range of riders. The best part is not a formal lecture. It is the small explanations given at stops, along the trail, and when you ask a question.

Families receive careful attention. An 11-year-old rider was accompanied on foot for the entire route to help with safety, and children and teenagers have enjoyed the horses and the mountain setting. That does not mean every child will find the activity easy. A child must be able to follow safety instructions and remain comfortable around horses.

Solo riders can also fit in well. Some people have ridden alone with Gabriel, which allowed the pace and stops to respond closely to their interests. Couples may appreciate the quiet setting and the chance to spend a few hours away from the city.

Is this suitable if you have never ridden?

Yes, the experience is designed to include beginners. Horses are selected according to ability, and calm mounts have helped first-time riders feel secure. One rider with no previous experience found the outing comfortable, while a family group with mixed skill levels enjoyed a steady pace.

You still need to be honest about your comfort level. Horseback riding requires balance, attention, and the ability to follow directions. Tell the guide if you are nervous or inexperienced before you mount. The staff has changed horses when one did not respond well to a rider, which shows useful flexibility.

Experienced riders should set expectations carefully. You may be offered a trot or faster jog, but the standard outing remains a scenic ride with stops. One concern raised about the route is its limited length. Riders looking for several hours of varied trails or a demanding mountain ride may find the loop too brief.

For most people, the sweet spot is a beginner or intermediate outing with enough movement to feel adventurous, but not so much that the ride becomes exhausting.

Value at $65 per person

At $65, the tour is fairly priced for a guided half-day activity that includes hotel transfers, a horse, protective equipment, bilingual guiding, and snacks. You are also paying for the horse selection and care, not just for a saddle and a route.

The value improves if you are staying in Cusco and want a simple plan with little transport work. Pickup and return remove the need to arrange a taxi to an unfamiliar ranch. The Temple of the Moon visit and mountain viewpoint also give the ride cultural and scenic variety.

The price is less attractive if you want a long ride. This is a short excursion, and the route may feel like a loop rather than a full mountain trek. You should book it for the combination of horses, views, ruins, and guiding, not for maximum riding time.

Since drinks are excluded, carry water or plan for that small extra cost. The provided snacks are useful, but they are not a substitute for a full meal.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear clothing that allows you to move comfortably and shoes suitable for riding. A helmet is provided, along with the other listed safety equipment, but you should still bring the basics for a mountain outing.

A few practical tips:

• Bring water, since drinks are not included.
• Keep phones and cameras secure while riding.
• Tell the guide your riding level before choosing a horse.
• Leave room in your schedule for pickup and return transport.
• Use the morning departure if you want your afternoon free.
• Keep snacks and personal items compact for the Temple of the Moon visit.

The tour is near public transportation, though the included hotel transfer is simpler. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The experience is not described as wheelchair accessible, so contact the provider directly if you have mobility concerns.

Who should book this Cusco horse ride?

I would recommend it most to families, couples, solo riders, and first-time visitors who want an easy way to reach a cultural site outside central Cusco. It also suits anyone who cares about horse welfare and wants to support a locally run ranch with a long family connection to the breed.

It is particularly useful during a longer Cusco stay. After several days of churches, museums, and busy streets, a few hours in the mountains can change the rhythm of your trip. The ride is active without taking up a full day.

I would be more cautious if you are an advanced rider seeking long distances, challenging terrain, or extended galloping. The route is short, and the emphasis is on a controlled pace, sightseeing, and explanation.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that period are not accepted for a refund, so check your schedule before confirming.

Should you book the ride?

Book it if you want well-cared-for Peruvian Paso horses, a personal guide, mountain views, and an Inca site in one manageable outing. The Temple of the Moon adds substance, while Chacan Mountain gives you the scenery that makes the ride feel like a real escape from Cusco.

Skip it if your main goal is a long, athletic horseback trek. For everyone else, $65 buys a well-organized half-day with transport, equipment, snacks, and a good chance to see a quieter side of Cusco. The strongest reason to choose this ranch is the clear attention to the horses and the human touch in the guiding.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the tour depart?

Morning departures are at 9:00 am, and afternoon departures are at 1:00 pm.

What places does the ride visit?

The route includes the Temple of the Moon and Chacan Mountain, with riding along ancient Inca trails.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Transfer from your hotel to the ranch and return transfer from the ranch to your hotel are included.

Is safety equipment provided?

Yes. Protective equipment is included, and a helmet is provided before the ride.

Are snacks included?

Yes. Snacks are included, but drinks are not.

Are the guides bilingual?

Yes. A professional guide provides service in English and Spanish. Guides may include Gabriel, Sergio, or Grimaldo.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. Most people can participate, including riders without previous experience. Horses are selected according to riding ability.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.