Cusco: Horseback Ride to Inkilltambo & Moon Temple Ruins

Summary

Horseback through sacred Cusco trails to Inca temples you rarely hear about

You’ll ride gentle horses from Cusco into quiet hills with a local guide who shares real stories along ancient trails. Visit Inkilltambo and step inside the Temple of the Moon where rituals still linger in the air. Expect slow moments—sometimes funny, sometimes thoughtful—plus hotel pickup and bottled water to keep things easy.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when my horse, Chaska, gave me that sideways look at the start — like she knew I was new at this. Our guide, Luis, just grinned and said, “She’s got more patience than most people.” So I climbed up (not very gracefully), and off we went into the hills above Cusco, leaving behind the city’s honking taxis for this quiet stretch near Sacsayhuaman. It smelled like eucalyptus and earth after last night’s rain — wet stone, too. My hands were already cold but I didn’t mind.

We followed the old Inca trail toward Inkilltambo. Luis kept pointing out little things: a hawk circling overhead, wildflowers tucked in cracks. He talked about reciprocity — how people here still make small offerings to Pachamama before big journeys or even just before lunch sometimes. There was a stop at Chuspiyoq where he showed us how locals use coca leaves in simple rituals. I tried to copy him but dropped half my leaves; he laughed and said it takes practice (I think he was being nice).

The horses waited while we walked into the Temple of the Moon. The air inside felt cooler somehow — almost heavy, but not in a bad way. Some candles flickered in an alcove; someone must’ve been there earlier making an offering. The stone was smooth under my palm and I caught this faint scent of wax and herbs. We didn’t talk much right then. Just listened to our own footsteps echoing around the old stones.

Afterwards, riding back as clouds started rolling over Cusco, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once all morning. There’s something about moving slow through these hills — you end up thinking about time differently here. Luis waved us off at our hotel with a joke about sore legs (he wasn’t wrong). I still think about that silence in the temple sometimes; it sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback tour to Inca temples

• Sign up for small group
• Learn basic horseback riding
• Ride to hidden temples
• Visit Temple of the Moon
• Explore Chuki Marka
• See Inkilltambo Viewpoint
• Walk to discover temples
• Learn Andean culture and rituals
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

Is prior horseback riding experience needed?

No, beginners are welcome and basic instructions are given before starting.

Which sites are visited during this tour?

The tour includes Inkilltambo, Chuspiyoq, Amaru Wasi, and Temple of the Moon.

Does this horseback tour go inside Sacsayhuaman archaeological site?

No, it takes place in part of Sacsayhuaman National Park but not inside the main archaeological site.

How long is the ride from Cusco to Inkilltambo?

The route is designed for a half-day trip with gentle riding and some walking stops.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

It’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What is included in this horseback day trip from Cusco?

Private transportation (pickup/drop-off) and bottled water are included.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is included; only bottled water is provided during the experience.

Can travelers over 100 kg (220 lbs) join?

No, unfortunately travelers over 100 kg (220 lbs) cannot participate due to horse safety limits.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from your accommodation in Cusco to the starting point near Sacsayhuaman, plus bottled water along the way so you don’t have to worry about packing extra supplies yourself before heading back at the end of your ride.