Cusco Horseback Tour: Temple of the Moon & Chacan Views

Summary

Horse riding in Cusco with temple visits and mountain stops

You’ll ride gentle horses from Cusco into wild hills with a local guide, visit the mysterious Temple of the Moon, pause for snacks atop Chacan Mountain with sweeping city views, and return feeling both grounded and quietly awed by Inca history.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever ridden a horse this close to the city?" our guide, Luis, asked as he handed me the helmet. I hadn’t — and honestly, I was a little nervous at first. The ranch was just outside Cusco but felt like another world: eucalyptus in the air, horses flicking their tails, and that kind of morning light that makes everything look softer. Luis introduced us to our horses (mine was called Sol, which felt lucky), and after a quick rundown — in both English and Spanish — we set off along a dusty path that wound up into the hills.

The first stop was the Temple of the Moon. It’s one of those places where you can feel something old humming under your feet. Luis explained how the Incas used to gather here for rituals — he pointed out a small opening above the cave that lights up during full moons near winter solstice. I tried to imagine it at night, all silver shadows and chanting. There was this faint smell of damp stone inside; I touched one of the walls and it was cold, almost buzzing. We lingered longer than planned because someone in our group kept asking questions about Inca astronomy (not me this time), but nobody seemed to mind.

After that we rode higher up Chacan Mountain. The view over Cusco just sort of sneaks up on you — suddenly there’s this sweep of red roofs below and clouds drifting so low you could almost reach them. We stopped for snacks (some sweet bread and fruit), sitting on rocks while our horses grazed nearby. It got windy fast; I had to pull my jacket tighter, but honestly, I didn’t want to leave that spot yet. Luis told us stories about growing up here — his laugh echoed off the rocks when I tried to pronounce “huaca” right (I definitely didn’t).

The ride back down felt quieter somehow, maybe because everyone was lost in their own thoughts or just tired in a good way. When we got back to the ranch, Sol nudged my shoulder like she wanted another apple slice. The van took us straight back to our hotel in Cusco — legs sore but head still somewhere up on that mountain ridge. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horse riding tour and cultural visit

• Pick up at hotel at 9:00 am or 1:00 pm
• Meet horses at the ranch
• Receive informative briefing
• Visit Temple of the Moon with explanation
• Break at Chacan Mountain viewpoint
• Return to ranch
• Transport back to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this horseback tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco are included.

How long does the day trip from Cusco last?

The tour starts at 9:00 am or 1:00 pm; duration varies but covers several hours including stops.

Do I need horse riding experience?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide instructions and support.

What sites will we visit during this Cusco horseback tour?

You’ll visit the Temple of the Moon and Chacan Mountain with panoramic views over Cusco.

Are snacks provided during the tour?

Yes, snacks are included during your ride.

Is protective equipment provided?

Yes, helmets are provided for all riders.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, use of protective helmets, top-quality horses matched to your comfort level, guidance from a bilingual local expert throughout your ride, plus snacks along the way before returning comfortably to your hotel.