Riding above Cusco beats another museum day. This 3 and a half hour tour takes you past the city’s edges on Peruvian Paso horses, ending with a visit to the Templo de la Luna and a mountain viewpoint on the way back. Departures run at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm, so you can match it to your hiking energy and dinner plans.

I like the practical setup: transfers to and from the ranch, safety equipment, and snacks already included. I also like that the operation is built around horse comfort, with guides including Gabriel and, depending on the day, Sergio or Grimaldo, plus a clear focus on matching horses and riders.

One thing to weigh: the ride is short, so if you want all-day trail time, this will feel like a solid taste rather than a full adventure.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Temple of the Moon visit with time to learn the meaning of the site, not just take photos and rush off
• Chacan Mountain viewpoint on horseback, with big views that feel like a reward for getting out of town
• Calm, gaited Peruvian Paso horses, chosen for comfort and a smoother ride
• Snacks and safety gear included, so you can focus on riding and scenery
• Hotel to ranch transfers to keep the day simple and on schedule
• Small group size (max 20) for a more controlled, personal feel

Why This Horse Ride Around Cusco Feels Special

Cusco is famous for Inca stone, but you feel Inca history differently when you’re moving across the hills. This tour combines two parts that make it memorable: a sacred stop at the Templo de la Luna, and a mountain viewpoint that shows why people built settlements where they did.

What also matters is the pacing. You’re not doing a long, exhausting hike where everything depends on your legs. You’re riding a steady trail route, so you can enjoy the views without needing to turn the day into a workout.

Meet Gabriel’s Ranch, Peruvian Paso Horses, and Your Guides

This is not a random roadside ride. The experience is run through Gabriel’s ranch, and the whole vibe is that the horses come first. Riders repeatedly connect that ethical approach with a smoother, calmer experience in the saddle.

Peruvian Paso horses tend to be valued for their gait, and that shows up here in rider comfort. Even people with no prior riding experience report feeling at ease, which usually means the horses are trained for this kind of outing and the team pays attention to your skill level.

As for the human side, names like Gabriel come up often, along with Sergio and Grimaldo depending on the group. The good sign is simple: you should get explanations you can actually use, not just a lecture that flies over your head.

Timing and Duration: What 3.5 Hours Means for Your Day

The tour runs about 3 hours 30 minutes and offers two departures: 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. That timing is handy because Cusco days often include altitude, markets, or other tours. This one slots in as a “get out, learn, return before you’re wiped” activity.

Also think about how you’ll pair it. If you’re doing a morning tour, you may want a lighter afternoon plan. If you’re doing the afternoon departure, plan an easy evening after, since you might be a little sore from sitting in the saddle.

Finally, group size caps at 20. That helps the logistics stay calmer, especially when you’re moving between stops and doing brief safety checks before mounting.

Templo de la Luna: A Sacred Inca Site You Can Actually Appreciate

The highlight stop is the Templo de la Luna. This is where the tour becomes more than scenic riding. You get the chance to learn what the site represents and why it mattered, while you’re there in the physical place, not just reading a sign.

One detail that riders love is that you may see an underground feature as part of the visit. If that’s included on your day, it adds a real “how did they build this” moment, and it’s the kind of experience that makes the stop feel more like a journey than a checklist item.

The practical drawback to keep in mind: it’s a site visit, and sites can involve walking on uneven ground and moving through confined areas. That doesn’t sound extreme from the tour format, but it’s worth knowing you’re not just standing in an open courtyard.

Chacan Mountain Viewpoint on Horseback: The Reward Shot

After the temple stop and riding segments, the tour includes a mountain viewpoint associated with Chacan Mountain. This is the “feel Cusco from above” part, and it often hits hardest because you’re getting the view while you’re still in motion, not after you’ve already spent hours trying to reach it on foot.

This is also where horseback becomes your advantage. Walking uphill at altitude can be slow and tiring. Riding keeps you moving at a steady pace, so you spend more time looking and less time fighting your breathing.

If you’re a person who loves photos, this viewpoint is the kind where you’ll want a few minutes to settle in, catch the light, and take your time. The tour structure is short enough that you’ll want to pay attention to your own timing, not rush every stop just to “maximize.”

Snacks, Safety Equipment, and Transfers That Lower Stress

A lot of tour descriptions say snacks and safety gear. What I like here is that those items are part of the core package, along with transfers between hotel, ranch, and back again. That removes the biggest hassle in Cusco, which is figuring out how to get out to a ranch and back without losing your day.

You should also expect safety equipment. Helmets are typically provided at the start, and the tour is set up to prioritize you feeling secure before you ride. Riders consistently point to careful attention, including being ready to switch horses if needed.

Snacks are included, but drinks are not. So plan to bring a water bottle if you’re the type who drinks more than “one quick sip.” If you’re prone to altitude thirst or just sweat easily, you’ll be glad you’re not relying on snacks alone.

How the Ride Works: Comfort, Skill Levels, and Horse Matching

Most people can participate, and that’s important because horseback riding tours can sometimes assume you already know what to do in the saddle. The best part of this tour setup is that the ranch matches horses to riders based on comfort and skill level.

From the way the horses are described, you’re more likely to get a calm, gaited mount than an unpredictable one. You’re also likely to ride at a pace that keeps you enjoying the scenery rather than constantly bracing yourself.

If you are nervous, this is one of those tours where your best move is to tell your guide at the start. Ask for what you need, then follow their instructions. You’ll get the smoothest experience when the horse, rider, and route all match.

Price and Value: Is $65 a Good Deal in Cusco?

At $65 per person for about 3 hours 30 minutes, this tour sits in the “worth it if it fits your style” category. It’s not the cheapest option you’ll see, but value is about what’s included, and this package includes more than a bare horseback rental.

You’re getting:

• transfers to and from the ranch
• safety equipment
• snacks
• a professional bilingual guide
• high-quality horses

That means you’re paying for the whole setup, not just access to an animal. If you’ve ever tried to DIY a ride, you know how much time and headache can disappear when transport, gear, and guiding are handled for you.

The animal welfare focus also matters for value. You’ll see why when the horses are rotated between rides and cared for, which generally leads to a more comfortable and respectful experience. Ethical operations tend to run smoother, and that shows up in how your day feels.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Should Skip It

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• a nature break from Cusco that still connects to Inca culture
• a moderate time commitment with morning or afternoon options
• horseback riding that doesn’t feel intimidating, even if you’re new

It’s also smart for couples and families, since the ranch approach and small group size keep things manageable. If you’re traveling with teens, it can be a top activity because it combines the outdoors with history in a way that doesn’t require hours of walking.

Skip or consider another option if:

• you want a long, serious riding journey for the whole day
• you’re expecting a major hiking workout
• you don’t want any chance of navigating temple terrain and tight underground features (if included on your day)

Quick FAQ

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Horse Riding Chacan Mountain and Temple of the Moon tour?

It lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour run?

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

How much does it cost?

The price is $65.00 per person.

What’s included in the price?

Transfers (hotel to ranch to hotel), protective safety equipment, horses, a professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish), and snacks.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

How big are the groups?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should You Book This Cusco Horseback Tour?

If you want real Cusco outskirts time without committing to a full day of walking, I’d book this. The mix of horseback riding, a stop at Templo de la Luna, and a mountain viewpoint gives you three different “reasons to remember the day,” and the included safety gear, snacks, and transfers keep it low-stress.

I’d especially book if horse welfare and rider comfort matter to you. The way Gabriel’s ranch runs the experience, plus the focus on calm Peruvian Paso horses and matching horses to riders, makes this one of the more trustworthy ways to do horseback riding near Cusco.