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

Cusco on a horse feels like a timeout from the usual tourist sprint. This short adventure pairs serious Andean views with a guided stop at the Temple of the Moon area, plus lesser-known ruins along the way. It also fits neatly into a busy itinerary without turning your whole day into a logistics puzzle.

Two things I like a lot: you get a small-group vibe (max 15), and the ride is beginner-friendly with proper instruction and safety gear. The horses are well trained, and the pacing is relaxed enough that first-timers can feel comfortable, while experienced riders may still get chances to trot or gallop.

One thing to consider: it runs on good-weather conditions, and you’ll be in the saddle for a solid chunk of time. If rain hits or your comfort level with riding is low, you might want to think twice.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 15) keeps the experience calm and easy to manage
• Round-trip hotel transport means less time coordinating and more time outside
• Helmets and a saddle setup help you ride with confidence
• Professional guide plus muleteer means you focus on the ride, not the horses
• Temple of the Moon area walking time adds a peaceful, scenic break
• Good weather matters for the experience to run as planned

A horse ride from Cusco that actually feels like the countryside

This is the kind of tour that makes sense the moment you picture it: Cusco, then open countryside not long after. You start with pickup from your Cusco hotel, then you head out toward the ranch where the horses are based. Even though you’re close to Cusco, the time in the saddle gives you that “we’re away from town” feeling fast.

The total experience runs about 2 hours 30 minutes (give or take), and the schedule is built so you’re not committing to a full day. That matters in Cusco, where altitude, pacing, and decision-fatigue are real. This one keeps things moving, but it doesn’t feel like a race.

It’s also priced at $65 per person, which is a fair match for: guide + safety equipment + round-trip transport + included admissions. In other words, you’re paying for a full small-day experience, not just the animal-and-driver part.

Stop 1: Horseback riding with Vieja Estancia Ranch

The core of the trip starts at the Vieja Estancia Ranch horseback riding portion. Plan for about 2 hours of riding, plus the quick orientation that helps you feel ready. This is one of those tours that’s clear about what it’s good at: first-timers are welcome, and the instruction tends to be practical.

Here’s what you should expect in the saddle:

• You’ll get set up with a saddle and safety helmet.
• A guide leads the experience, and there’s also a muleteer (their job is to care for the horses).
• You’ll ride along countryside routes with views that feel very “Andes,” not “just outskirts.”

Your confidence level will shape the ride feel. If you’re nervous, you’ll likely stick to a comfortable pace while you get used to the rhythm. If you’re comfortable, you may be able to go faster—at least enough to feel the difference between a walk and a faster gait. One rider described being allowed to trot and even gallop a bit. Even if you don’t push to that level every time, the fact that trained horses can handle different comfort levels is a big deal for value.

Who guides you matters more than you think

Guides can turn a routine ride into a story you remember later. In this tour, the guiding is repeatedly described as friendly and easy to follow, with strong English.

One name that comes up is Holger (you may also see the spelling Olger in some places). That matters because you’ll want clear, calm instructions when you’re learning how to ride or when the group needs a coordinated moment. It also helps that the route includes meaning—your guide explains what you’re seeing, why it matters, and how the pieces connect.

If your Spanish is basic and you still want more than “look at the view,” a guide like this is part of the payoff.

The route into the Inca ruins zone behind Cusco

Between the riding and the Temple stop, you’re not just moving from point A to point B. The ride includes stops at Inca ruins as part of the trek. That’s what turns the experience from a scenic horseback outing into a cultural one.

Those ruins are in the broader area near the Sacsayhuamán zone, but the key is that you’re seeing them from the countryside perspective—higher, with space around you. You’re not stuck in the crush of the most famous viewpoints. The pace stays human-sized.

This is one of the “why this tour exists” reasons: it heads off the most crowded tourist trail and gives you a way to experience Cusco’s Inca layer with fresh air and room to breathe.

Stop 2: Templo de la Luna (Amaru Marca Wasi) and a short walk

After the ride, the tour shifts into a quieter mode. You’ll reach the Templo de la Luna, also referenced as Amaru Marca Wasi, located on the north part of Cusco city. At that point, you’ll leave the horses and walk around.

That walking time is about 30 minutes, and it’s not a long hike. The point is to slow down just enough to take in the spot, understand what you’re looking at, and catch the mood. It’s also where the experience becomes more reflective. Some people talk about recharging energy—whether you take that literally or just enjoy the pause, the break works.

Because you’re walking instead of riding, your body gets a rest. That makes a difference if you’ve been navigating Cusco streets all morning or if your legs are already feeling altitude and stairs.

Hidden temples feel: why “less famous” matters here

The tour title includes hidden temples, and the structure matches that idea. You’re not only visiting the big-ticket name. You’re also getting time on ruins that feel more out of the spotlight, tied into the ride and trek.

This can be a real win if you’ve already done the “greatest hits” around Cusco. The ride brings you out with a different angle, and the ruins stop keeps it from feeling like pure sightseeing.

Also, the small-group size (max 15) helps here too. Smaller groups tend to mean: fewer photo bottlenecks, more listening, and less time waiting for everyone to catch up.

Timing and pacing: what 2.5 hours feels like in real life

On paper: 2 hours 30 minutes approx. In practice, most of your time breaks down like this:

• Transport from your Cusco hotel to the ranch
• About 2 hours of horseback riding
• A 30-minute temple/ruins walk segment

One rider noted that the whole thing felt closer to around 3.5 hours from pickup to drop-off. If that’s your experience, don’t panic—that kind of difference can happen because of pickup routes, how quickly the group gets ready, and how long it takes to organize horses and breaks.

The important part: you’ll have a balanced mix of active time and short pauses. You’re not doing a marathon. You’re getting an outdoor chunk that feels like an authentic day, not a checkbox.

What’s included (and why it’s good value)

This tour includes more than the horse ride itself:

• Professional tour guide
• Saddle and safety helmets
• Muleteer to help care for the horses
• Round-trip transport from your Cusco hotel to the ranch
• Private car transport
• Bottled water
• Admission tickets for the riding/temple stop portion

That matters because “cheap horse rides” can sometimes mean: no helmet, no admission coverage, or you’re left to handle too much yourself. Here, you’re paying for a complete package.

Also, the weight limit is 200 pounds (90 kilos). That’s clearly stated, and it’s worth checking before you book so you don’t get disappointed later.

Getting ready: what to wear and what to leave at home

This matters more on horseback than in regular walking tours.

Wear:

• Long pants (jeans are recommended)
• Closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes

Bring:

• A rain jacket if there’s any decent chance of rain

Leave:

• Jewelry or valuables at home, or at least don’t wear them during the ride

One practical note: you’ll feel more comfortable if your pants can handle saddle friction and if your shoes grip well on uneven ground. You don’t need fancy gear. You do need comfort and traction.

Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, including those with little or no riding experience. Minimum age is 8 years, which also tells you they’ve designed the activity for families—not just daredevils.

The weather rule: when to trust the tour operator

This experience requires good weather. That’s not a small detail. If conditions aren’t right, the tour can be canceled and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

If you’re visiting in a season with unpredictable showers, keep your schedule flexible for this one. Cusco weather can change quickly, and horses plus mud plus surprise storms isn’t a great mix.

Who this tour is best for

This tour is a strong match if:

• You want a short Cusco adventure that’s active but not a full-day commitment
• You’re a beginner or returning rider and want a guided setup with safety gear
• You want scenery and Inca ruins without spending your whole day in busy crowds
• You prefer smaller groups and clear instructions over chaos

It may be less ideal if:

• You dislike riding for long periods, even at a gentle pace
• You’re sensitive to uneven terrain or your balance feels shaky
• You’re traveling with timing pressure and can’t handle a possible weather shift

Small-group vibe plus expert handling

Everything about this tour points toward a controlled, learn-as-you-go experience. The max group size (15) keeps it manageable, and the presence of a muleteer means the horses are cared for while you ride.

One of the best signs is how often riders describe feeling comfortable even with minimal experience. That’s not luck—it’s what you get when the instruction and horse handling are designed for mixed abilities.

Also, if you’re the type who likes to chat with your guide, you may enjoy it here. The tour description points to a guide who explains history and culture, and one review specifically highlighted the guide speaking excellent English and connecting the land to what you’re seeing.

Should you book the Horseback Tour to the Temple of the Moon?

If you’re in Cusco and you want one trip that feels both authentic and efficient, I’d book this. It’s not just a ride; it’s a guided route with ruins and a temple stop, and it’s paced for beginners. The safety gear and small group size are practical wins, and the included admissions and transport make the $65 price feel reasonable rather than “add-ons forever.”

Book it if you:

• want countryside views near Cusco fast
• like the idea of horseback + Inca ruins in one outing
• want a calm alternative to the busiest sightseeing circuits

Skip it if:

• you can’t risk weather-related changes
• you’re not comfortable with riding time in the saddle

If you want to do Cusco in a way that feels like you’re living there for a day, this is a smart bet.

FAQ

How long is the horseback tour to the Temple of the Moon?

The experience runs about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.), with around 2 hours of horseback riding and about 30 minutes for the Temple of the Moon walk.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $65.00 per person.

What is included in the price?

You’ll get a professional tour guide, saddle and safety helmets, a muleteer, round-trip transport from your Cusco hotel to the ranch, private car transport, bottled water, and admission tickets for the experience.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It’s described as suitable for participants with little or no experience, and the ride includes an intro so you can get comfortable.

What is the minimum age to join?

The minimum age is 8 years.

What are the weight limits?

The weight limit is 200 pounds or 90 kilos.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear long pants (preferably jeans) and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. Bring a rain jacket if rain is possible. Don’t wear jewelry or valuables during the ride.

How big is the group?

This tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.