Horseback Riding Tour Cusco: Four Ruins in 4 Hours

Ride past Cusco's four greatest Inca ruins without leaving the saddle

A 4-hour horseback riding tour from Cusco visits Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo, Puka Pucara and Tambomachay: the four most important archaeological sites in the hills around the ancient capital. You ride the whole route with a professional guide who speaks English or Spanish, a muleteer caring for the horses, and all gear provided. Private transport gets you to the trailhead and back to your hotel.

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your Cusco hotel and a short drive to the riding point. From there you spend the next four hours in the saddle, moving between the four ruins at a pace the guide sets. Sacsayhuaman comes first (the massive stone terraces and walls that overlook the city), then down to Quenqo, a ritual site carved into the rock itself. The route continues to Puka Pucara, a small fortress, and finishes at Tambomachay, a ceremonial bath fed by natural springs. The guide explains what each site was and how it fit into the Inca world, so you're not just riding past stones. You're learning the archaeology as you go.

What makes this different from walking the same ruins is the horse itself. You cover more ground in four hours than you would on foot, and the altitude (Cusco sits at 11,000 feet) is less punishing when you're riding. The guide brings water, a first aid kit and a muleteer who stays with the horses, so the logistics are handled. You get a helmet and a saddle. The operator notes that the tour suits riders with little or no experience, though you do need to be comfortable in a saddle for four hours straight. Wear long pants (jeans work), closed shoes with grip, and bring a rain jacket if the forecast calls for it. The maximum weight is 200 pounds (90 kilograms), and children as young as six can ride if they sit with an adult.

What’s included

• The tour includes a professional guide who speaks English or Spanish.
• saddle, helmet and all riding gear.
• a muleteer to care for the horses throughout the day.
• bottled or natural water.
• private transport from your Cusco hotel to the trailhead and back.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (6 to 70 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Horseback Riding Cusco

Is this one for you?This is a shared-group tour with a guide leading the pace and the route, which means you ride with other travelers and follow the itinerary the operator sets. It suits anyone who wants to see all four ruins in one morning without the planning (the guide handles the history, the muleteer handles the horses, and the transport is arranged), but it's not the choice if you prefer to ride alone or set your own speed.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the four ruins on this horseback tour from Cusco?

The tour visits Sacsayhuaman, Quenqo, Puka Pucara and Tambomachay: all major Inca archaeological sites in the hills around Cusco. Sacsayhuaman is the largest, known for its massive stone terraces; Quenqo is a ritual site carved into rock; Puka Pucara is a small fortress; and Tambomachay is a ceremonial bath with natural springs.

How long is the horseback riding tour and what's included?

The tour runs 4 hours and includes saddle, helmet, a professional guide in English or Spanish, a muleteer to care for the horses, water, private transport to and from your hotel, and all riding gear.

Do I need riding experience to book this tour?

No. The tour is suitable for riders with little or no experience, and the guide sets a pace the group can handle. Children as young as six can ride if they sit with an adult, and the operator notes it suits all fitness levels.

What should I wear and bring for the horseback ride?

Wear long pants (preferably jeans), closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes, and bring a rain jacket if rain is forecast. Don't wear jewelry or valuables during the ride, and the guide will carry a first aid kit for emergencies.

Is there a weight limit for this tour?

Yes, the maximum weight is 200 pounds (90 kilograms). The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.