Horseback Tour in cusco to Temple of the Moon & Hidden temples

Cusco is already a visual feast, but this tour adds motion. You trade bus views for time in the saddle, then step into the quieter side of Cusco history at the Temple of the Moon area. It is a smart way to break up the usual Inca checklist without turning your day into a long haul.

I especially like the small-group feel (up to 15 people) and the fact that the ride includes the basics that help beginners feel steady. I also like that the whole plan is built around easy pacing: about 2 hours horseback riding plus a short 30-minute walk to recharge energies at Templo de la Luna (Amaru Marca Wasi).

One possible consideration: you are riding outdoors in the Andes, so weather matters. The tour depends on good weather, and you’ll also want long pants and closed, grippy shoes since the ground can be uneven.

Quick hits before you go

• A 2.5-hour, two-part adventure: horseback riding plus a short temple walk, so it fits real itineraries
• Beginner-friendly setup: safety helmets, a guide, and trained horses to help you feel comfortable
• Guides like Holger: strong English and friendly explanations show up again and again in feedback
• Temple of the Moon time is walk-focused: horses are left, then you explore on foot for about 30 minutes
• Max 15 travelers: enough structure for safety, not so many people that you feel rushed

Entering the Andes from Cusco, one saddle at a time

This tour is interesting because it takes you out of the usual “stand and stare” mode. You get the Andes in your legs and your breath, not just through photos. Even though Cusco is high and busy, the ride helps the day feel more like countryside travel.

The core idea is simple: start with riding at Vieja Estancia Ranch, then head to the Temple of the Moon area (Amaru Marca Wasi). You’re not trying to conquer a major hike. Instead, you’re getting a guided, paced experience that blends Andean riding with Inca sites you might miss if you only chase the biggest names.

Two details make a big difference in the real world. First, you get round-trip transport from your Cusco hotel to the ranch. Second, the group is capped at 15 people, so your guide can actually keep an eye on how you’re doing. That matters when you’re learning in the saddle.

Vieja Estancia Ranch: where the day actually starts

Your day begins with pickup in Cusco, then a ride out to Vieja Estancia Ranch. This is more than just getting from point A to point B. The ranch setup is built for people with little to no riding experience, and that shows in how smoothly the tour flows.

When you arrive, the essentials are handled: you’ll get a saddle and a safety helmet, plus a guide who can walk you through what to expect. You’ll also travel with a muleteer who looks after the horses. That support staff piece is one reason this tour tends to feel calm instead of chaotic.

You should also know the practical limits up front. There is a weight limit of 200 pounds (90 kilos), and the minimum age is 8. Service animals are allowed. If you’re traveling with kids or mixed riding experience, this tour is designed to be family-friendly in the sense that it does not require advanced riding skills.

The 2-hour horseback ride: trained horses and real scenery

The main chunk of your time is horseback riding, about 2 hours. This is where you get the “I am in the countryside” feeling. One reason the feedback is so strong is that the horses are well trained, and the ride is paced so you can enjoy it instead of just holding on.

You will likely alternate between a comfortable walk and moments that feel more thrilling. Multiple riders describe being able to trot and even gallop a bit, especially if you’re comfortable. That is not guaranteed for every rider, but the fact that the horses can handle it suggests you’re not on a slow, tourist-only pony line.

Along the way, the tour includes guided stops at Inca ruins. You’re not racing through a checklist. Think of it as short “pause and understand” moments built into the ride. In one description, riders talk about two stops at Incan ruins during the trek, and they mention the views from up high near the Cusco area.

What I like about this structure is that it solves a common problem in Cusco. Many days turn into back-to-back sites where your legs and mind feel overloaded. Here, the horse gives you a natural rhythm: move, pause, listen, move again.

The Moon Temple stop: Templo de la Luna and Amaru Marca Wasi

After the riding portion, you shift gears. At the Temple of the Moon, you leave the horses and explore on foot. The walk time is about 30 minutes, so it is short enough to keep the day from dragging, even if you’re not used to hiking.

This stop is identified as Templo de la Luna, also called Amaru Marca Wasi. It sits on the north part of Cusco city in the way the tour frames it, and it is described as one of Cusco’s most important mystical attractions. You should take that “mystical” angle as part of the experience’s storytelling. Your guide is there to give context and point out what to watch for as you move around the area.

Since it is a walk after time on horseback, your body will feel different here. Expect uneven surfaces and keep your focus on footing. The upside is that the temple segment is not “long and technical.” It is more about walking, taking in views, and hearing the story tied to the site.

One practical note from the ride descriptions: there is often a moment that can feel a little intense. Your guide typically warns you ahead of time, and the horses know what they are doing. In other words, you should listen when your guide explains the next stretch.

Guides, safety, and why the experience feels easy for beginners

If you’re new to horseback riding, the biggest fear is usually not the horse. It is the uncertainty. Will I be able to follow instructions? Will I be stuck with a guide who rushes? This tour’s setup addresses those concerns directly.

You get a professional tour guide and an intro that helps beginners feel comfortable. People specifically mention guides speaking excellent English, including Holger. In multiple accounts, Holger is described as friendly, knowledgeable, and able to explain things in a way that makes sense even if you’ve never ridden before.

You also get helmets, and the tour provides bottled water. Between that and the muleteer support, it is clear the operator is focused on safety and flow, not just selling the ride.

For comfort and safety, also follow the simple rules that get repeated: wear long pants (jeans are recommended), use closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes, and avoid jewelry or valuables during the ride. Those aren’t fancy guidelines. They are the difference between relaxed riding and worrying the whole time about your gear.

Price and value: what $65 really buys you

At $65 per person, this tour can feel like good value because you’re not paying only for the horse. Your price includes:

• professional guide
• saddle and safety helmets
• muleteer to care for the horses
• round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel to the ranch
• private car transport
• bottled water
• admission tickets for both the riding segment and the Temple of the Moon

You are also paying for time. The total experience runs about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.), and a lot of that is real activity, not dead time. Add in the small group cap of 15 travelers, and you get a ratio of guide attention to participants that feels more personal than many bigger tours.

What you still need to budget mentally is your own comfort items: good shoes, rain protection if needed, and your basic Cusco day plan. The tour provides water, but you’ll want to handle any extra snacks or layers you might need for the ride weather.

Timing and how this fits your Cusco itinerary

This is the kind of tour you can slot into a busy Cusco schedule without detonating your day. The rhythm is straightforward: pickup, ranch ride, ruins pauses, then the Temple of the Moon walk, then return.

Because it is about 2.5 hours total, you can pair it with other Cusco highlights without losing an entire day. It also gives you a different angle on the region. Instead of another long bus route to one major site, you get a mixed format, riding plus short guided exploration.

One detail that helps: it is described as suitable for participants with little or no experience, and the horses are trained for visitors. That means you do not need to prebook a private lesson or arrive with serious riding confidence.

What to wear and bring (so your legs do not hate you)

This tour is not demanding in the “fitness” sense, but it is outdoors and active. Plan like you’re going to spend time in uneven ground and cool air.

Do this:

• wear long pants (jeans are recommended)
• bring closed shoes with grip (walking shoes or rubber-soled shoes)
• consider a rain jacket if rain is likely in the forecast
• keep your setup simple and secure

Avoid this:

• jewelry or valuables during the ride

Also, do not plan to bring heavy bags. The provided info does not list baggage rules, so the safest approach is to travel light and keep what you carry easy to manage on the horse.

Who should book this horseback and Moon Temple tour

This is a strong match if you want:

• a beginner-friendly horseback experience
• guided stops that connect riding to Inca sites
• a shorter, more relaxed day than a full day expedition
• a small-group tour with pickup and admission included

It may not be the best fit if:

• you are uncomfortable with the idea of riding even at a basic level
• you have concerns about weight limits (90 kilos / 200 pounds)
• you’re traveling on a day where weather is unreliable, since the tour depends on good weather

If your group includes mixed experience levels, this tour tends to work well because the training and pacing are built for first-timers while still allowing confident riders to enjoy a bit more movement.

Should you book this tour?

If you want a Cusco experience that feels different from the usual “temple, then bus, then repeat” pattern, I’d book it. The combination of proper ranch riding, guided Inca ruins stops, and the short walk to Templo de la Luna / Amaru Marca Wasi makes it feel like a full story in half a day.

I’d especially consider booking if you value guide quality and clear instructions. Names like Holger come up for a reason: the explanations land, even for riders who are brand new.

The only real reason to pause is weather. If your schedule has flexibility, you’ll be in a good position. If your dates are tight and forecasts look rough, you might want to keep an alternative day in mind.

FAQ

What is the duration of the horseback tour and temple stop?

It runs about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.), with around 2 hours of horseback riding and about 30 minutes for the Temple of the Moon walk.

How much does it cost?

The price is $65.00 per person.

Do I get hotel pickup and transport back to Cusco?

Yes. Round-trip transportation is included from your Cusco hotel to the ranch, and transport is provided by private car.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a professional guide, saddle and safety helmets, a muleteer for horse care, round-trip hotel transportation, bottled water, admission tickets, and private car transport.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. It is suitable for participants with little or no experience, and there is an introductory setup for riding.

What are the age and weight limits?

The minimum age is 8 years. The weight limit is 200 pounds or 90 kilos.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What should I wear?

Wear long pants (preferably jeans), closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes, and consider bringing a rain jacket if rain is expected.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is the Temple of the Moon stop included with admission?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for the stops included in the tour.

What happens if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.