Horse Riding Chacan Mountain And Temple Of The Moon

Cusco is loud. This ride is not. You’ll head out of town on Peruvian Paso horses and visit the Temple of the Moon plus the Chacan Mountain area on an easy-to-follow guided circuit. It’s a short day in the mountains that still feels like you left the tourist track.

I like the way the ranch handles people and animals. When guide Gabriel talks, you get practical, calm instruction first, then stories about Inca places as you ride. And you’re not just dropped at ruins—you’re moving through the scenery the way locals do, at a pace that stays comfortable.

One thing to consider: the ride is about three and a half hours total, so if you’re hoping for hours of nonstop riding, you may wish for a longer loop. The experience is scenic and cultural, not an all-day trail marathon.

Key Highlights Worth Your Time

• Peruvian Paso horses chosen for comfort and control, including for riders with little experience
• Safety gear provided (including helmets) plus a guide who prioritizes steady handling
• Temple of the Moon visit with explanations and time to take photos
• Chacan Mountain viewpoint ride for open-air views outside the busiest areas
• Transfers included (hotel / ranch / hotel), so you don’t waste your half-day figuring out logistics
• Small group feel with a maximum of 20 travelers

Horseback Past Cusco’s Inca Sites: What Makes This Tour Different

A horse ride near Cusco sounds simple until you actually compare it to the typical day: jeep to a viewpoint, quick photo, then back in traffic. This one is different because you get the history while you’re physically outside the city—breathing higher-altitude air, hearing the ranch sounds fade, and watching Cusco shrink behind you.

The tour also nails the “right amount” format. In about 3.5 hours, you’ll cover enough ground to feel like it’s a real excursion, but it doesn’t eat a whole day. That matters if you’re planning around acclimatization, Machu Picchu schedules, or just trying to avoid one more long bus day.

Another reason I like this style of outing: it’s built around the horses. The ranch uses Peruvian Paso horses, which are often known for their controlled gait and steadiness. In plain terms, they’re a good match for people who want an enjoyable ride without constant gripping.

And yes, the big cultural stops help. You’ll visit the Temple of the Moon and then continue toward the Chacan Mountain viewpoint area. It’s not a lecture in a room—it’s history wrapped into the route you’re taking.

From Hotel Pickup to Helmets On: How the Ranch Day Works

You start with pickup and transfers between your hotel and the ranch, and then back again when you finish. That’s a real value in Cusco. Without transfers included, horseback rides often turn into “find your own way to the ranch, then figure out what happens next.” Here, you can focus on the ride.

Timing is straightforward: departures run 9:00 am and 1:00 pm, and the whole trip runs about 3 hours 30 minutes. The exact flow can vary slightly based on the day, but you should expect the same rhythm:

• arrive at the ranch
• get safety gear and snacks
• get matched with a horse
• ride out, with stops for Inca sights and viewpoints
• return for drop-off

Helmets are provided, and that detail isn’t cosmetic. On a horseback outing near uneven paths, you’ll appreciate having proper protection ready before you mount. You’ll also get a professional bilingual guide (English–Spanish), so the stories and instructions don’t get lost in translation.

In the conversations around this tour, I keep seeing one theme: Gabriel and his team care about the horses and the ride experience, and they explain the route as you go. Guide names you may hear include Gabriel, and at least one guide mentioned in the field was Grimaldo. There’s also Sergio referenced as part of the friendly, professional hosting team.

Temple of the Moon Stop: History, Underground Moments, and Photo Breaks

The first major stop is the Templo de la Luna (Temple of the Moon). This isn’t just a quick glance from outside. The tour includes time to understand what you’re seeing and to experience the place at walking-in-ruins speed.

What makes this stop extra memorable is how it feels connected to the ride. You’re not arriving by bus and stepping off onto a paved lot. You’re already in mountain mode. You reach the temple area through the same outdoor atmosphere that early Inca travelers would have understood—open sky, big changes in elevation, and that quiet feeling you get when you’re not in the middle of the city center.

One highlight that came up in multiple accounts is the chance for a more unusual visit element at the Temple of the Moon, including mention of an underground tunnel. That’s not guaranteed in every tour format everywhere, so treat it as a possible bonus rather than a promise. Still, it points to why this stop is worth looking forward to: you can get more than the standard ruins-stroll experience.

Practical tip: the temple setting can involve going into tighter spaces. If you’re carrying anything small (like a snack or loose item), keep it secure. One rider noted that snacks were offered at the start and then couldn’t be carried into a cave-type area, so plan to keep valuables and food either with your group or stashed away during any cave/underground segments.

Chacan Mountain Viewpoint Ride: Riding Out for Big Views Without the Crowds

After the Temple of the Moon stop, you continue the route toward the Chacan Mountain and the mountain viewpoint area. This is where the horseback part really pays off, because views look better when you’re moving through the terrain rather than stopping every few minutes for vehicles.

Chacan Mountain gives you that “out of Cusco” feeling fast. Even if you’ve been sightseeing all day, this part can reset your mood because the ride creates breathing room. You’re up and out, not wedged in with other tours.

Pace matters here. This ride is designed to work for many skill levels, and the route doesn’t come off as “press horses for speed.” Think steady, scenic, guided. If you’re a beginner, that’s good news. If you’re an experienced rider, you’ll still have fun—but you’re there for the combination of horses + Inca sites, not for extreme riding performance.

I’d also say this is a strong choice if you want a day that avoids the feeling of competing for photos. Cusco tours can feel crowded even when you’re not on a major attraction. A horseback route changes the math. You’ll spend more time outdoors and less time in dense tourist flow.

Who This Ride Fits (and Who Should Rethink It)

This tour works for a wide range of people, and the evidence is in the way it’s described by riders of different ages and experience levels.

If you’ve never ridden before, you’re not automatically out of luck. People reported feeling comfortable even with no prior experience, mainly because the ranch matches you with a horse that fits your skill level and gives clear guidance before you start moving. One account even mentioned that the rider didn’t have to use the reins much at all, which tells me the horse handling is meant to be beginner-friendly.

Families can also do well here. One account said this was a favorite part of a trip for a family with kids and teens, and the team helped with safety for a younger rider by walking along for part of the way. That’s exactly the kind of flexibility you want on a horse day: you’re not just thrown onto a saddle and left to hope.

Solo riders will likely enjoy it too. A group of up to 20 keeps things social without turning into chaos, and the guide structure means you’re not left wondering where to go next.

Who should reconsider? If you want an all-day ride where you’re in motion nonstop, remember the total tour time is about 3.5 hours. Also, one rider felt the loop was short and wanted more time riding and seeing. If your ideal day is long horseback time above all else, set your expectations that this is a compact, well-rounded outing.

One more consideration: while the horses are consistently described as well cared for, there’s at least one note about variability between horses on the day. You can’t control which horse you get, but you can ask your guide to match you confidently to your comfort needs if you’re at all nervous.

Price and What You’re Actually Getting for $65

At $65 per person, you’re not paying only for the horse. You’re paying for the whole package that matters in Cusco: the ranch operation, a guide bilingual in English–Spanish, safety equipment, horse handling, and transfers.

Here’s what’s included:

• hotel / ranch / hotel transfers
• safety equipment
• premium horses
• professional bilingual guide
• snacks
• guided visits tied to the Temple of the Moon and the Chacan viewpoint route

What’s not included:

• drinks

That drinks detail might sound minor, but in the mountains it adds up. You’ll want water and you’ll want something to drink that agrees with you at altitude. Since drinks aren’t included, plan to buy water before or during the tour as needed.

Value check: for $65, you should walk away feeling like you got a real guided outdoor day, not just a short photo stop. The consistent 5-star pattern and the high recommendation rate (rated 5 with many reviews) suggest people leave satisfied with the mix of history, scenery, and horse care.

Practical Tips for Altitude, Comfort, and Safety in the Saddle

You don’t need a horse vocabulary to enjoy this ride. You do need basic comfort planning.

Wear shoes with grip. Paths can be uneven, and your feet need stability when you’re getting on and off the horse. Closed-toe shoes are the safe bet.

Bring layers. In Cusco, weather can shift. Even on a half-day, you might start cool and end with changing temperatures as you ride higher and then come back down.

Keep your hands free when possible. If you’re matched to a calm, steady horse, you may find you don’t need to constantly hold tension. Still, keep your phone secured (and consider a small pocket or zip pouch). If you plan to take lots of photos, keep your grip and balance in mind first, phone second.

Follow your guide’s cues. The guide’s job isn’t only to explain history. It’s to keep your ride smooth—spacing, mounting technique, and any route safety instructions. The consistent emphasis on safety gear and guidance is a good sign that they actually manage the experience, not just the animals.

And if you’re worried about feeling nervous: that’s common. The best approach is to tell the guide right away when you meet them at the ranch. Riders reported being paired well to their skill level, and that usually comes from honest communication early, not from pretending you’re fine.

Should You Book This Cusco Horse Ride?

I’d book this if you want a short, scenic mountain day that also includes meaningful Inca context. It’s a strong fit for:

• first-time riders (as long as you’re comfortable sitting on a horse and listening to instructions)
• couples who want something active but not exhausting
• families with kids/teens who need a safe, supervised feel
• people who want to see the Temple of the Moon and the Chacan Mountain viewpoint without stacking another long bus-and-crowd day

I’d think twice if your main goal is hours of nonstop riding. This is a compact itinerary. It’s built for quality, not duration. Also, if you’re sensitive to timing or prefer highly structured pacing with no uncertainty, keep in mind that any small group outdoor tour can feel a bit different on the day.

If your priorities are good horse care, safety gear, transfers that keep planning simple, and a guided ride that combines nature with Inca sites, this is one of the better ways to spend a half-day outside Cusco.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour depart from Cusco?

There are departures at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Transfers are included between your hotel and the ranch, and back again.

Are safety equipment and helmets provided?

Yes. The tour includes safety equipment.

Are snacks included, and are drinks included?

Snacks are included. Drinks are not included.

How many travelers are in a group?

The maximum group size is 20 travelers.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

Most travelers can participate, and the tour is set up to work for different skill levels. If you’re new, you should still expect instructions before you ride.

What languages are guides available in?

The guide is bilingual, with English and Spanish.

Is it possible to cancel and get a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.