Horseback Riding to Temple of the Moon & Sacsayhuaman, Cusco
Ride through eucalyptus forest to an ancient fertility temple, then walk the massive stone walls of Sacsayhuaman.
Horseback riding tour in Cusco that takes you to the Temple of the Moon on horseback, then to Sacsayhuaman's archaeological site on foot. You ride through eucalyptus forest belonging to a local peasant community, descend at the temple for a guided tour, then finish the day exploring Sacsayhuaman's Inca caverns, stone slides and towering walls with your guide. The tour lasts around four hours and includes pickup from your hotel, a professional guide in English or Spanish, and all riding equipment.
What’s included
- Bottled water throughout the ride.
- private hotel pickup and return.
- professional guide in English or Spanish.
- riding helmets and well-maintained horses.
- a guided walk through the Temple of the Moon.
- a detailed guided tour of Sacsayhuaman's caverns, slides and walls.
- Monday to Saturday 09:00 13:00
Information
Ride to the Temple of the Moon on horseback, then explore Sacsayhuaman's Inca walls and caverns with a guide on foot: all in one morning from Cusco.
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The experience
If you land in Cusco with a free afternoon or morning and want to see the major sites without a standard bus tour, this ride covers two of the most important archaeological places around the city. You start on horseback heading toward the Temple of the Moon, a small Pre-Inca and Inca site believed to have been used for fertility rituals. After dismounting for a guided walk through the temple, you ride on through the eucalyptus forest of the Huayllarcocha peasant community, passing the viewpoint of Inkilltambo before returning to the ranch.
From the ranch, your guide takes you by vehicle to Sacsayhuaman, the massive Inca fortress overlooking Cusco. The guided visit here is structured differently from the standard approach: you start in the Chinkanas sector (the Inca caverns), then move to the stone slides before reaching the huge fitted walls that form the main draw. A professional guide walks you through each section in detail, explaining the construction and purpose as you go. The whole experience (riding, walking and exploring) takes around four hours, and you're returned to your hotel when it ends.
Your guide speaks English or Spanish, and the operator provides helmets, well-maintained horses, and bottled water throughout. Pickup from your hotel is included. The weight limit is 200 pounds (90 kilos), and the ride is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular concerns.
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 is it important?
The Temple of the Moon is a Pre-Inca and Inca archaeological site believed to have been used for fertility rituals. You visit it on horseback as the first stop of the ride, then dismount to walk through the temple with your guide before continuing on to Sacsayhuaman.
Do I need riding experience to do this horseback activity?
No. The ride is suitable for all fitness levels and does not require prior experience. The horses are well cared for, and your guide leads the group at a pace that works for everyone.
What happens at Sacsayhuaman after the horseback part ends?
After you finish riding and return to the ranch, you travel by vehicle to Sacsayhuaman for a guided walking tour. You explore the Chinkanas (Inca caverns), the stone slides, and the massive fitted walls that make up the fortress, with your guide explaining each section in detail.
Is the entrance ticket to Sacsayhuaman included in the price?
No. The entrance ticket to Sacsayhuaman is not included and must be purchased separately. Your guide will direct you on how to arrange this when you arrive at the site.
How long does the whole experience take?
The activity lasts around four hours from start to finish, including the horseback riding, the temple visit, the vehicle transfer, and the guided walk through Sacsayhuaman.
Operated by Horseback Riding Cusco. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 3 days ago
Horseback Riding to Temple of the Moon & Sacsayhuaman, Cusco
4h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 85 per person
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