Horseback Riding Cusco: Temple of the Moon & Chacan Mountain

Ancient trails on horseback, panoramic views from the ridge.

A 3.5-hour horseback riding tour from Cusco takes you along Inca trails to the Temple of the Moon and Chacan Mountain, with a professional bilingual guide, hotel transfer, protective equipment and a snack. Morning departures leave at 9:00 am; afternoon rides start at 1:00 pm. The guide provides historical context at each stop, and the route includes a break at Chacan Mountain where you can see across Cusco from the ridge.

The Experience

You're picked up at your hotel and driven to the ranch, where you meet the horses and get a briefing on the ride ahead. The guide walks you through the basics before you set out on the Inca trails—the route itself is the classroom, moving at a pace that lets you take in the landscape and the history without rushing. A professional bilingual guide leads the way, explaining what you're seeing as you go.

The Temple of the Moon is the first major stop, and the guide gives a detailed explanation of the site and its place in Inca culture. From there, the trail climbs to Chacan Mountain, where you break and sit with a view of Cusco spread out below. The panoramic vantage point is the payoff for the climb—you can see how the city sits in the valley and understand the geography the Incas built around. A snack and water are part of the package here.

The return follows the same trails back down to the ranch. You're driven back to your hotel, and the whole thing—riding, stops, transfer—takes 3.5 hours. Bring sunscreen, a waterproof jacket, water and a camera; the guide is bilingual in English and Spanish, so questions and explanations happen in your language.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer.
• protective equipment.
• a professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• a snack during the ride.
• top-quality horses for the 3.5-hour journey.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by HORSEBACK RIDING IN CUSCO GABRIEL´S RANCH

Is this one for you?Choose the morning departure if you want to ride while the light is fresh and the temperature cooler; the afternoon slot works better if you prefer a later start or want time to explore Cusco's center before heading to the ranch.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

84 verified traveler reviews

5 ★82

4 ★1

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What time do the horseback rides leave from my hotel in Cusco?

The morning departure picks you up at 9:00 am; the afternoon ride departs at 1:00 pm. Both start with hotel pickup and end with a return trip to your hotel.

What exactly is the Temple of the Moon, and what will I see there?

The Temple of the Moon is an Inca archaeological site along the trail. Your guide provides a detailed explanation of the temple and its historical significance as part of the ride.

How high is Chacan Mountain, and what's the view like from the top?

Chacan Mountain is where the ride takes a break, and from the ridge you get panoramic views of Cusco in the valley below. The vantage point shows how the city sits in the landscape the Incas navigated.

Do I need to bring my own helmet and protective gear?

No. Protective equipment is included in the tour package, so you don't need to bring your own.

Is this ride suitable if I've never been on a horse before?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the guide gives an informative briefing before you set out, so beginners are welcome.

What's included in the snack during the ride?

A snack is provided during the break at Chacan Mountain. Bring extra money if you want additional food or drinks beyond what's included.