Cusco by horseback feels old-school. You’ll ride the outskirts toward the Templo de la Luna and Chacan Mountain, with a guide and well-chosen horses instead of a frantic day of tourist shuffling. It’s a 3.5-hour outing (morning 9:00 am or afternoon 1:00 pm) with transfers, safety gear, and snacks built in.

I really like two parts: the Peruvian Paso horses and how safety is handled from the start. The guides (often Gabriel, with team members like Grimaldo and Sergio) explain what’s going on as you go, and they match you with a horse that fits your comfort level. I also like the value here because hotel-to-ranch-to-hotel transfers are included, along with snacks and protective equipment.

One possible drawback: this is a short ride compared with bigger multi-hour treks. If you’re hoping for hours of nonstop horseback time, you might wish there were more riding and more to see.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Peruvian Paso horses that are calm, strong, and gaited, often praised for feeling manageable even for beginners
• Templo de la Luna stop with added historical storytelling and time for photos
• Chacan Mountain viewpoint riding for that “I’m really in the Andes” feeling, without a long hike
• Transfers included so you’re not figuring out roads, timing, and where to meet
• Safety gear + a guide who stays close during the ride, with support if your horse needs switching
• Snacks included, and drinks aren’t, so plan your water needs

Horseback Riding in Cusco’s Outskirts: the setup that makes it feel easy

This tour is built for people who want a real taste of the countryside outside Cusco, without turning the day into logistics homework. You get picked up for the ride, go to the ranch, mount up, and then spend about 3 hours 30 minutes total out in the area—then you’re back to your start point.

What makes it feel different is the mix of active riding plus meaningful stops. You’re not just circling a field. You’ll head toward the Templo de la Luna, plus Chacan Mountain and an Inca-area viewpoint, using routes described as ancient Inca trails. It’s not a museum visit where you stand still the whole time.

There’s also a cap on group size: a maximum of 20 travelers. That matters. Smaller groups usually mean the guide can actually keep an eye on everyone and manage the pace without turning it into a scramble.

Peruvian Paso horses and safety gear: how the ranch gets you ready

If you care about animal welfare and a smooth start, this is the part to pay attention to. The horses here are Peruvian Paso, and multiple riders highlight that they’re well cared for and part of the ranch life. You’ll often hear praise for how the horses are trained to be calm and steady, not spooked and unpredictable.

The tour includes safety equipment and typically starts with a helmet and basics before you ride. That small step can change everything if you’re nervous at the saddle. It also sets expectations: you’re not winging it.

Skill level flexibility is part of the pitch, and it comes through in the stories people tell. I’d still treat it like this: you don’t need to be an expert, but you should be willing to follow simple directions and ride at the pace the guide sets. Some rides are slower and more walk-focused. If you want to move faster at moments, it may happen depending on the group and the horse you’re assigned.

One extra note from real-world experience: sometimes a rider’s horse doesn’t click. In that case, the team may switch you to a more suitable horse so you can keep going comfortably. That’s a big deal, because it turns a potentially awkward start into a fix, not a derailment.

Templo de la Luna: what you’ll see and why it matters

Your first major stop is the Templo de la Luna (Temple of the Moon). This is the moment the tour stops being only scenic riding and turns into place-based history. The guide explains what you’re looking at, and you’ll also get time to take photos.

One standout detail people mention: you may get access to an underground tunnel connected with the site. Not every trip will necessarily run the exact same way, but it’s worth keeping in mind because it adds a surprising “wait, this is actually in here?” element to the visit.

The bigger value of this stop isn’t just the structure. It’s the combination of viewpoint + storytelling. You’re on horseback and moving through the outskirts first. Then you arrive at a site where you can slow down and connect the myths and history to the terrain. That contrast often makes the stop feel more memorable than a quick photo stop.

Practical tip: wear gear you don’t mind getting a little scuffed. This is an active, outdoor outing, and you’ll be around uneven ground. Also, keep your hands free enough to handle your phone/camera carefully—because you’ll be switching attention between riding and visiting.

Chacan Mountain viewpoint and the ride between stops

After Templo de la Luna, the tour’s other big draw is Chacan Mountain and the surrounding viewpoint area. The tour description frames it as a chance to see the Cusco outskirts and mountain scenery from horseback, while traveling on paths tied to the Inca world.

What I like about this part is that it’s a “middle option” between two common travel modes. You’re getting the views you’d want from a viewpoint hike, but you’re not doing a long walk at altitude-style effort (even if the ride still takes you into mountainous terrain). And you’re not stuck inside a vehicle watching from behind glass.

Expect stops along the way where the guide shares context and you can look around. This is also where the pace becomes important. A well-run horseback tour keeps you moving but doesn’t rush. Riders mention a laid-back feel, and that lines up with how the experience is set up: snacks early, then ride, then site time, then ride again.

One consideration: since it’s a 3.5-hour total experience, the riding time is limited. A few riders say they wanted more time in the saddle and more distance. So if your top priority is maximum hours riding, you might find this one a bit short. If your goal is a balanced day with history, horses, and views—this timing can feel just right.

Price and logistics: what you’re paying for at $65

At $65 per person for about 3 hours 30 minutes, the biggest value isn’t only the horseback riding. It’s what’s included that usually costs extra when you do things on your own: transfer service to and from the ranch (and hotel, depending on your pickup), safety equipment, a bilingual guide, and snacks.

When drinks aren’t included, that’s normal for tours like this, but it’s worth planning for. Bring a reusable water bottle if you can. You’ll be outside, you’ll be moving, and you don’t want to feel stuck buying something in the middle of the day.

Group size matters for value, too. With a maximum of 20 travelers, you’re less likely to feel like part of a factory line. That makes the guide’s job easier and can help the tour feel more personal—especially if you have questions or want help with a first-time mounting moment.

In a city like Cusco, where finding the right meeting point and timing a day can get annoying fast, included transfers are a real comfort. You’re spending your energy on the ride, not on figuring out roads and schedules.

Which riders will love this most (and who should check expectations)

This tour has a strong reputation for being friendly to different skill levels. People mention feeling comfortable with no previous riding experience. Others mention it being a highlight for families, including kids and teens—so long as the team matches the horse to the rider.

That said, there are two practical expectations to set:

First, you’ll be participating in a real horseback outing. Even if the horses are calm, you’ll still handle motion, changes in footing, and time in the saddle. If you’re recovering from an injury or have limited mobility, you’ll want to be cautious and ask the provider about what the ride and terrain involve.

Second, consider what you want most:

• If you want a relaxing tour with sites + scenery over a full-day trek, this fits.
• If you want maximum time riding and big-distance trekking, you might wish you’d booked a longer option.

Also, the tour offers two departures daily: 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Choose based on how your Cusco day is going. A morning ride can help you get outside early before your energy dips. An afternoon ride can work if you want a slower start.

If you’re the type who likes a little flexibility, know that one rider story highlights the guide being helpful when plans changed due to flight cancellations. That doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed every time, but it suggests communication and problem-solving are part of how the ranch operates.

Should you book Gabriel’s Ranch for a Cusco horseback tour?

I’d book this if you want a short, well-run horseback experience that mixes real countryside riding with two meaningful anchors: Templo de la Luna and the Chacan Mountain viewpoint area. The included transfers, safety gear, snacks, and bilingual guiding make it feel like a complete package rather than a half-service.

It’s also a good choice if you care about horse welfare and expect calm, trained horses. The Peruvian Paso focus—and the way the team seems to rotate and manage horses between riders—shows up again and again in feedback, and that’s exactly what I’d want if it’s your first time riding.

Skip (or reconsider) if your dream is a long horseback expedition with hours of nonstop saddle time. Since the total duration is about 3.5 hours, you’ll get a taste, not a marathon.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Horse Riding Chacan Mountain and Temple of the Moon tour?

It runs for about 3 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour depart from Cusco?

There are departures at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.

What’s included in the price?

Included are hotel/ranch/hotel transfers, protective equipment, first-quality horses, a professional bilingual guide (English–Spanish), and snacks.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

Most travelers can participate, and riders report feeling comfortable even with no previous experience.

What size is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is the tour focused on the Temple of the Moon and Chacan Mountain?

Yes. You’ll ride to the Templo de la Luna and also experience the Chacan Mountain area and viewpoints as part of the route.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.