Cusco: Horseback Ride to Devil’s Balcony & Inca Ruins

Summary

Horseback ride from cusco to devil’s balcony caves and ruins

You’ll ride horseback from Cusco into quiet Andean hills, passing local villages and ancient Inca ruins before reaching the Devil’s Balcony—a dramatic cave with river views. With your guide leading the way (and horses doing most of the work), you’ll explore both open trails and hidden caves. Expect small surprises, laughter, and moments where it feels like you’re part of another world entirely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback ride to Devil's Balcony

• Arrive at ranch near Cusco
• Mount horses for tour
• Ride through Andean communities
• See farming and livestock care
• Visit ancient Inca temples
• Explore Devil's Balcony site
• Enjoy views of river chasm

Top questions

How far is the ranch from Cusco city?

The ranch is about 15 minutes away from Cusco by car.

Is hotel pickup included for this horseback riding tour?

Yes, round trip transportation from your Cusco hotel to the ranch is included.

What is the weight limit for riders?

The weight limit is 200 pounds or 90 kilos per rider.

Are beginners or kids allowed on this tour?

The tour is suitable for participants with little or no experience; minimum age is 8 years old.

What should I wear for horseback riding near Cusco?

It’s recommended to wear long pants (preferably jeans), closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes, and bring a rain jacket if rain is forecasted.

Is it safe for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Will there be a local guide during the ride?

Yes, a professional tour guide will accompany you throughout the ride.

Are helmets provided for safety?

Saddle and safety helmets are included in your tour package.

What’s included

Your day includes round trip transportation from your Cusco hotel to the ranch, all riding gear like saddles and helmets, mineral or natural water along the route, plus a professional local guide and muleteer looking after both you and your horse throughout this half-day adventure.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell—horses and that sharp, clean mountain air just outside Cusco. We’d barely left the city when our guide, Javier, handed me a helmet and grinned, “Don’t worry, these horses know the way better than I do.” The ranch was only about fifteen minutes out but already felt like another world—kids chasing chickens, a woman waving as she herded alpacas across a field. My horse was called Chaska. She seemed unimpressed by my nerves.

We set off along narrow trails that wound through little Andean communities. There were farmers bent over potato fields and someone whistling in Quechua—a sound I can still hear if I close my eyes. Javier pointed out wild herbs growing by the path (he called one muña, said it helps with altitude). The ride wasn’t hard—honestly, Chaska did most of the work—but there were moments when the path narrowed and you could feel how old these routes must be. At one point we passed some half-buried stones; Javier said they were once part of an Inca temple. He told us stories about the people who built them, pausing now and then so we could listen to nothing but wind in the grass.

The Devil’s Balcony itself sort of sneaks up on you—a huge rock split open with a river running underneath. There’s this natural stone window where you can look down at water rushing through a cave below. Some of us climbed down into the cool dark (I hesitated but went for it), and my hands came away gritty from the walls. It was quieter than I expected inside—just echoes and that cold damp smell you get in deep places. When we came back up into sunlight, everything felt brighter somehow.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much—Javier tried to teach me how to say “Balcon del Diablo” properly in Spanish and gave up halfway through (“Just call it ‘the balcony,’” he said). On the way back we stopped for water and watched clouds roll over Cusco in the distance. The whole thing took maybe half a day but left me feeling like I’d been somewhere older than time—or maybe just somewhere really good for thinking.