Cusco Inca Sites: Horseback Riding with Local Guide

Summary

Exploring secret Inca temples near Cusco on horseback

Ride horseback from Cusco into quiet Andean villages and rarely visited Inca sites like Kallachaka and Inkilltambo. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll touch ancient stones, hear stories you won’t find in guidebooks, and share lunch surrounded by mountain silence — moments you’ll remember long after your boots are dusty again.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever ridden a Peruvian horse before?" our guide, Diego, asked as he handed me the reins outside the ranch — just twenty minutes from Cusco but already feeling like another world. The air smelled faintly of eucalyptus and earth, and the horses looked almost too calm for what I imagined was ahead. I fumbled with my helmet strap (Diego grinned but didn’t judge), then we set off, hooves crunching over dry grass as we left behind the city’s noise. It was early enough that the sun hadn’t burned off the chill yet; I could see my breath every time I laughed at my own awkwardness in the saddle.

We rode past Yuncaypata, a village where kids waved at us from doorways painted in colors that looked brighter against the dusty hills. Diego pointed out Kallachaka — an old Inca temple tied to the stars, he said, not somewhere you’ll find on most day trip Machu Picchu Cusco itineraries. There were no crowds here, just a few farmers working quietly nearby and birds darting between stone walls. The stones felt cool when I touched them (I couldn’t help it), and Diego explained how these places were once alive with ceremonies. He told stories about Inkilltambo too — an ancient checkpoint for travelers way before us — only restored recently so it still feels kind of secret.

Lunch was a simple box meal eaten sitting on a rock overlooking fields where clouds moved fast across the sky. My hands smelled like leather and dust by then; I didn’t mind. We finished at Rumiwasi, “the Stone House,” which looked plain until Diego showed us details in the stonework that hinted at someone important living there long ago. Honestly, I’d never have noticed half of it without him pointing things out. The ride back was quieter — maybe because we were tired or maybe because it felt right to let those old stories settle in for a bit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hidden Inca Sites

• Visit Inkilltambo ceremonial site
• Explore Laqo Temple of the Moon
• Discover Kallachaka wetland ruins
• Horse trail experience near Cusco

Top questions

How far is the ranch from Cusco city?

The ranch is located only 20 minutes away from Cusco city by private transfer.

Are helmets provided for horseback riding?

Yes, helmets are included for all riders during the tour.

Is lunch included in this horseback riding tour?

Yes, a box lunch is provided as part of your day trip experience.

What Inca sites do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit Kallachaka, Inkilltambo, and Rumiwasi (“Stone House”).

Is this tour suitable for beginners or families?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and families; well-cared-for horses are used.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup in Cusco?

Yes, private transfer from your hotel to the ranch and back is included.

Are there any weight restrictions for riders?

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

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and return transfers from Cusco city to the ranch, all riding equipment including helmets, well-cared-for horses matched to your experience level, a professional local guide who shares stories along the trail, bottled water to keep you hydrated, and a simple box lunch enjoyed outdoors before heading back in the afternoon.