A short horseback trip can change your whole Cusco rhythm. This tour pairs Andes riding with a Temple of the Moon stop on the north side of town, and it stays small enough to feel calm. I like that you get a proper intro at Vieja Estancia Ranch, plus a guided walk with stops that feel off the usual circuit. I also like that the operator keeps things organized for beginners, and you can even trot or gallop when your guide says you’re ready. One thing to plan for: you are on horseback for about two hours, so you’ll want long pants and closed, grippy shoes, even if the day looks mild.

Entering the Andes Above Cusco (and Why This Tour Fits)

Cusco can be full-on. This is the kind of outing that slips neatly into a busy schedule without turning your day into a logistics headache. It also gives you that moment where Cusco noise drops away and you’re riding on open ground with Inca-era ruins nearby, not just marching from one ticket line to the next.

You’ll do two main parts: first, horseback riding out of Cusco with a ranch team that handles the horses and safety. Then you get off the horses to visit Templo de la Luna / Amaru Marca Wasi, with a short guided walk to recharge your attention and take in the views.

The One Detail That Might Be a Factor

Horseback comfort depends on the individual. Even with trained horses and helmets, some people find a trot or gallop a touch jarring, and you should expect the day to be more physical than a museum visit. The good news is that the guide works with different comfort levels, and the tour is set up for little or no riding experience.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Vieja Estancia Ranch handles the riding instruction and horse care, so you’re not guessing what to do.
• Small group size (max 15) keeps the pace relaxed and makes it easier to get help.
• Holger’s English and guidance shows up in the experience, especially during the ruins walk and timing on the ride.
• Two included admissions: the riding activity and the Temple of the Moon site.
• Muleteer support means the horses are managed by dedicated staff while you focus on riding.
• North-side Cusco temples give you an “I didn’t do the same thing as everyone” feeling.

Price and Value: What You’re Getting for $65

At $65 per person for roughly 2 hours 30 minutes total, this tour is priced like a “real experience,” not a quick photo stop. What makes it feel like value is the mix of things that usually cost extra separately: a ranch-led horseback ride, helmet and saddle support, professional guiding, round-trip transport from your Cusco hotel area, plus included admission for both the riding portion and the Templo de la Luna / Amaru Marca Wasi stop.

Also, you’re not spending half your day just getting to and from a remote region. The ranch is close enough to Cusco that the ride still feels like you’ve escaped into the countryside in a short window.

A small-group setup (up to 15 people) matters too. It means you’re more likely to get attention when you’re learning basics like mounting, stopping, and changing pace safely.

Round-Trip Transport That Saves Your Time in Cusco

Cusco days can get eaten alive by transit. This tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel to the ranch and back, using private car. That’s a big deal if you’re trying to fit this alongside sites like Saqsaywaman or San Pedro Market.

Plan to treat this as part of a normal day: the tour is short by Cusco standards, so you’ll still have time afterward to eat, wander, and recover.

One practical note from the way the day runs: you’ll want to show up ready to ride. That means taking care of water and bathroom needs before you’re loaded into the vehicle.

The Horseback Portion at Vieja Estancia Ranch

This is where the day starts, and it’s built for beginners. You’ll get guidance for the basics and you’ll ride with safety helmets provided. There’s also a muleteer who manages the horses, so you’re not trying to handle everything on your own while focusing on riding technique.

What the ride feels like

The ride gives you a countryside perspective quickly. You get that slow ramp-up from “tour mode” into “this is actually the Andes.” Even though you’re near Cusco, the open areas and elevated viewpoints make it feel like you’re far from city streets.

The pace can include walking and faster movement when your comfort level allows. People have described trotting and even a bit of gallop, which is exciting, but also a reminder that horseback riding has a physical rhythm. If you prefer gentle movement, you can ask your guide how to handle pace and breaks.

Horses that are cared for

You’ll also notice the horses are trained and well managed. The goal of the ranch team is not just to move you from point A to point B, but to keep the ride predictable and safe.

Stop 1: Riding + Guided Ruins Stops Near Cusco

Your horse ride is not just scenery. The day includes guided stops along the way featuring Inca ruins in the wider ridge area above Cusco. This is the part that helps you connect the ride to place, not just views.

What I like about this structure: you’re traveling through the countryside in a way that’s different from typical walking tours, and then your guide ties it to the local Inca context while you’re already in the right setting.

Why this works for first-time visitors

A lot of Cusco tours feel like they require you to already know the map. Here, you get the route and the story in real time while you’re moving. That makes the ruins feel less like a checklist and more like a journey.

Stop 2: Templo de la Luna (Amaru Marca Wasi) and the Walk

This is the quieter, more reflective part of the tour. After riding, you leave the horses and walk around at Templo de la Luna, also known as Amaru Marca Wasi.

The stop runs about 30 minutes with included admission. The vibe is more about attention and perspective than rushing through. In practical terms, it’s your chance to stand up, breathe, and look out over the Cusco area from a spot that feels set apart from the main tourist grid.

The mystic-mood without the fluff

Some tours go too heavy on mysticism. This one keeps it grounded through your guide’s interpretation of the site and the land. You’ll also notice how the walk is timed so you’re not sweating through it, but you still feel you actually did something meaningful.

If you’re sensitive to uneven ground, take your time on the walk. It’s short, but it’s outdoors.

Meet Your Guide: Holger’s Role in the Day

A consistent theme is the guide’s communication style. A named guide, Holger, shows up in multiple accounts for being friendly and giving clear explanations in excellent English. That matters because horseback riding has a lot of “small instructions” that need to land fast.

It’s also not just technical guidance. People have described Holger as genuinely connected to the land and respectful in the way he talks about the excavated ruins and what they mean in context.

If you’re going for the Temple of the Moon as more than a quick photo, having a guide who can put the place into understandable words can make the experience click.

Group Size, Pace, and Why Beginners Feel Comfortable

The tour caps at 15 travelers, and that small number is what keeps the day from turning into a cattle line. You’re more likely to get individual pacing options, especially at the start when you’re learning how riding works.

Minimum age is 8, and the tour is listed as suitable for participants with little or no experience. That’s a real plus if you don’t ride at home and want an activity that still feels safe and structured.

You should still be honest with yourself: if you get motion sick or have knee or back issues, horseback riding can be uncomfortable even with helmets and trained horses.

Safety Basics: Helmets, Weight Limits, and What Not to Wear

This is a safety-forward tour. Here are the practical rules that keep things smooth:

• Saddle and safety helmets are provided.
• There’s a weight limit of 200 pounds / 90 kilos.
• Long pants (jeans are recommended) and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes are strongly advised.
• Rain jacket is recommended if rain is likely.
• No jewelry or valuables during the ride.

That last one sounds like a minor instruction, but it’s the difference between a relaxed day and worrying the whole time about scratching, losing, or hitting something while riding.

Weather and Riding Conditions

This tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

So on the day you book, don’t treat it like a guaranteed “outdoor for sure” slot. Cusco weather can shift, and this tour is not built to run when visibility or ground conditions are unsafe.

Who This Tour Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)

You’ll likely love it if you want

• A break from walking-only Cusco tours
• A short adventure with meaningful stops
• A guided experience that includes both riding and a temple walk
• Clear instruction for beginners

You might rethink it if you

• Don’t like being physically on a moving animal for about two hours
• Have mobility issues that make mounting, sitting, or walking difficult
• Prefer fully flat, minimal-footwear terrain

Quick Packing Checklist That Actually Helps

You don’t need fancy gear, but you do need the right basics:

• Long pants (preferably jeans)
• Closed shoes with grip
• Rain jacket if rain is possible
• Skip jewelry/valuables during the ride
• Bring your comfort mindset: you’ll be learning and adjusting, not performing.

Bottled water is included, which helps you stay focused on the ride rather than shopping for supplies mid-activity.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the horseback tour in total?

The experience runs for about 2 hours 30 minutes on average.

What parts of the tour include admission tickets?

Admission tickets are included for both the horseback riding portion and the Temple of the Moon (Templo de la Luna / Amaru Marca Wasi) stop.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for participants with little or no experience, and it includes instruction.

What should I wear for the ride?

Wear long pants (preferably jeans) and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. If rain is possible, bring a rain jacket.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The weight limit is 200 pounds (90 kilos).

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What’s included besides the guide?

You’ll get a saddle and safety helmets, a muleteer for the horses, bottled water, and round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel. There is also private car transport.

What if I want to bring a service animal?

Service animals are allowed.

Should You Book This Cusco Horseback Tour to the Temple of the Moon?

If you want one Cusco activity that mixes movement, scenery, and a real guided site stop in a short time, this is an easy “yes.” The combination of a structured ranch-led ride plus the Templo de la Luna / Amaru Marca Wasi walk makes it feel like more than a scenic ride, without being as time-heavy as a full-day route.

Book it especially if you’re a first-time rider or you like clear guidance. And if you want a break from the most crowded routes, the north-side temple stop and ridge views give you a different angle on Cusco fast.

Just respect the riding requirements: bring the right shoes and pants, keep valuables off, and give yourself a bit of patience while you learn the rhythm. That’s how you turn a “tour” into a memory.

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