Horseback Riding around Sacsayhuaman: Hidden Inca Sites

Reach the remote temples and sacred sites on horseback that regular tours never visit

This horseback riding tour around Sacsayhuaman archaeological park near Cusco takes you beyond the main walls to hidden Inca sites over 3.5 hours. You ride through forests and mountain terrain with a professional guide, stopping at the Temple of the Moon, an ancient fertility ritual site, and the Inca Face, a natural rock formation the Incas considered sacred. Hotel pickup, helmets, water and a detailed visit to each site are included.

The experience

Most visitors to Sacsayhuaman spend a few minutes at the big walls and leave. On horseback, you cover the park's 3,000 acres and reach places regular tours skip entirely. The Temple of the Moon sits deep in the archaeological zone, used by Incas for fertility rituals. The Inca Face is a natural stone formation shaped like a profile that held spiritual significance. A professional guide leads the ride and explains what you're seeing as you move through the landscape: ancient temples, forest sections, and views back toward Cusco city, which sits 15 minutes downhill from the park.

The ride itself takes 3.5 hours and suits all fitness levels. You'll be fitted with an official helmet, and the operator provides bottled water throughout. Hotel pickup and return transport from Cusco are included, so you don't arrange your own way to the park. Departures run at 9:00 am or 1:30 pm, and the guide speaks English or Spanish depending on your preference.

Weight limit is 200 pounds (90 kilos). The terrain is mountainous but the pace is built around exploration rather than speed. You stop to look at sites and listen to the guide rather than cover ground quickly.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport from Cusco.
• official horse riding helmet.
• bottled water.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• detailed visit to the Temple of the Moon and other hidden archaeological sites throughout Sacsayhuaman park.

Information

Lasts 3h 30m, runs Monday to Saturday at 09:00 and 13:30, from US$ 75 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish, in groups of up to 15 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

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

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 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?Book the morning departure if you want to ride while the light is clear and the park is quieter. The afternoon slot works if you have a free afternoon after exploring Cusco city. Either way, you're in a small group with a guide who knows where the remote sites are, so you see far more than someone walking the main walls alone.

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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 is the Temple of the Moon and why do we visit it on this ride?

The Temple of the Moon is an ancient Inca temple located deep within Sacsayhuaman park that was used for fertility rituals. It's one of the hidden archaeological sites most regular tours skip, and you reach it on horseback as part of the detailed visit included in this tour.

How far is Sacsayhuaman park from Cusco, and how do I get there?

Sacsayhuaman park sits 15 minutes from Cusco city. Hotel pickup and return transport are included, so the operator arranges your ride to and from the park. You don't need to arrange separate transport.

Can I do this ride if I've never been on a horse before?

Yes. The tour suits all fitness levels and is designed for exploration rather than speed. A professional guide leads the group and sets the pace through the park's terrain and archaeological sites.

What's the difference between this ride and a regular Sacsayhuaman tour?

Regular tours visit only the main walls and take a few minutes. This horseback ride covers 3,000 acres of the park over 3.5 hours, reaching remote temples and sacred sites like the Temple of the Moon and the Inca Face that most visitors never see.

What time do departures leave, and can I choose?

Two departure times are available: 9:00 am and 1:30 pm. You select which one suits your schedule when you book.