Cusco: Horseback Ride to Temple of the Moon & Inkilltambo

Horseback ride from Cusco to ancient temples with local stories

You’ll saddle up outside Cusco with a local guide and wander ancient trails by horseback past hidden ruins and wildflowers. Visit Chuspiyoc’s mysterious rock faces, rest among Inca terraces at Inkilltambo, then walk quietly through mossy stones at Temple of the Moon — with laughter, stories, and moments you might not expect.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel to the ranch, all necessary riding gear like saddles and safety helmets, bottled water for breaks along the way, guidance from both a professional guide and muleteer who care for both riders and horses throughout your journey.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback tour to archaeological sites

• Start horseback riding from Cusco
• Visit Chuspiyoc archaeological site
• Explore Inkilltambo terraces and gardens
• See stone terraces and ancient pathways
• Arrive at Temple of the Moon
• Leave horses and walk around temple
• Recharge energies at Temple of the Moon

The Experience

We met our guide, Diego, right outside our hotel in Cusco — he smiled and asked if we’d ever ridden before. I said “sort of” (which was a stretch), but he just laughed and promised his horses were patient. The drive up into the hills was short but bumpy; I kept watching the city fade behind us while Diego pointed out old stone terraces tucked between eucalyptus trees. The air smelled like wet grass and wood smoke — I hadn’t noticed that scent in town before.

At the ranch, they matched me with a horse named Sol. She was gentle but stubborn about snacks — kept trying to nibble wildflowers along the trail. Our muleteer, Luz, clicked her tongue every time Sol slowed down, and somehow it worked better than anything I tried. The path wound through quiet pine forests and open fields where you could see snowy peaks in the distance. We stopped at Chuspiyoc first — honestly, I’d never heard of it before this day trip from Cusco to Temple of the Moon, but Diego showed us how the rocks form a face if you squint just right (I still don’t totally see it). There was this hush there except for birds and someone’s distant radio echoing up from below.

The ride to Inkilltambo felt longer than it looked on the map. My legs were starting to ache (jeans definitely recommended), but when we got there, Luz handed me a bottle of water and said something in Quechua that made Diego laugh. He translated: “She says you ride like an Inca grandma.” Not sure if that’s a compliment? Anyway, Inkilltambo was peaceful — old terraces covered in little yellow flowers and nobody else around except us and a few grazing sheep.

We left the horses near the Temple of the Moon — Amaru Marca Wasi, Diego called it — and walked up through these mossy stones that felt colder than anywhere else on the trail. People say you can feel energy here; maybe it’s just how quiet it is or maybe there’s more to it. Luz closed her eyes for a second like she was listening for something. I still think about that silence sometimes when I’m back in noisy places.

Top questions

How long is the horseback riding tour from Cusco?

The tour lasts about 3 hours including stops at archaeological sites.

Is hotel pickup included for this horseback tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel is included.

What is the weight limit for riders?

The maximum weight allowed is 90 kilos or 200 pounds per rider.

Are helmets provided during the ride?

Yes, safety helmets are provided for all participants.

Is this day trip suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's suitable even if you have little or no horseback riding experience.

Which archaeological sites are visited on this tour?

You visit Chuspiyoc, Inkilltambo, and Temple of the Moon near Cusco.

Can children join this horseback riding tour?

The minimum age is 8 years old; infants must sit on an adult's lap with special seats available.

Should I bring any specific clothing?

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