Horseback Riding Cusco / Temple of the Moon
Enjoy a peaceful and unique experience near Cusco with this horseback riding tour to the Temple of the Moon, an ideal route to connect with nature, explore Andean landscapes, and visit ancient Inca ceremonial sites without traveling far from the city.
During the tour, we'll pick you up in Cusco and transfer you to the starting point of the horseback ride. There, you'll receive a brief safety orientation before setting off along rural trails, open countryside, and natural areas surrounding the city. We will visit the Temple of the Moon, where you'll have time to explore the site, take photos, and learn about its ceremonial significance from your guide. After the visit, we'll return by horseback along the same route before heading back to Cusco.
No previous horseback riding experience is required. The activity is conducted at a relaxed pace with assistance throughout the tour, making it an excellent option for couples, friends, families with older children, and travelers seeking a gentle, cultural, and authentic experience in Cusco.
- Tour Location: Surroundings of Cusco, Temple of the Moon area.
- Tour Type: Nature, culture, horseback riding, and Andean landscapes.
- Ideal For: Couples, friends, families with older children, and travelers looking for a short and unique activity.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
- Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the confirmed program.
- Highlights: Horseback riding, Andean landscapes, the Temple of the Moon, and panoramic views of Cusco.
- Languages: English and Spanish.
- Previous Experience: Not required.
- Departures: Morning or afternoon, depending on availability.
Why You’ll Love This Experience
This tour is a great option if you want to step away from the movement of the city for a few hours and enjoy a quieter experience in contact with nature. Just a few minutes from Cusco, you will find rural paths, gentle mountains, green areas, and archaeological spaces that show a different side of the region.
The horseback ride allows you to explore the area in a comfortable and different way. It is not a demanding activity, but it offers a special sense of freedom as you move through open landscapes and ancient paths near the city.
You will also visit the Temple of the Moon, a place with great cultural and spiritual value. Here, your guide will explain the importance of the site, its connection with the Andean worldview, and the ceremonial use it may have had during Inca times.
What Makes This Tour Special
What makes this tour special is the combination of nature, history, and a relaxed experience in a short amount of time. You do not need to dedicate a full day or do a demanding hike to visit an interesting place near Cusco.
The Temple of the Moon is a less-crowded archaeological site compared to other attractions in the city, allowing you to enjoy the visit at a calmer pace. Its rock formations, carvings, and ceremonial spaces help you better understand the relationship between the Incas, nature, and sacred places.
The horseback riding experience also makes the route more enjoyable and different from a traditional tour. It is a simple way to experience the Andean landscapes from another perspective, accompanied by a guide and support staff.
Best Time to Visit
This tour can be done year-round. The best season is usually from April to October, during the dry season, when there is a better chance of clear skies and better trail conditions.
From November to March, during the rainy season, the landscapes look greener, although the paths may be wet or muddy. During this time, we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket or rain poncho. In any season, the weather in Cusco can change quickly. For this reason, it is important to wear comfortable clothing, bring sun protection, a light jacket, and dress in layers.
Who This Tour Is Best For
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a short, peaceful, and different experience near Cusco. It is perfect for those who enjoy nature, history, and outdoor activities but do not want to do a long hike. It is also a good option for couples, friends, and families with older children.
No previous horseback riding experience is needed, as the ride is done at a calm pace and with assistance. For safety reasons, we do not recommend this activity for people with serious back problems, limited mobility, pregnancy, or medical conditions that could be affected by the movement of the horse or uneven paths.
Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or a coordinated meeting point.
- Round-trip tourist transportation.
- Horse for the route.
- Basic safety equipment, depending on operator availability.
- Briefing before starting the horseback ride.
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Visit to the Temple of the Moon.
- Assistance during the experience.
- Return to Cusco.
Not Included
- Meals and drinks.
- Entrance tickets, if not included in the confirmed program.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the guide and support staff.
- Travel insurance.
- Services not mentioned in the program.
9:00 a.m. | Pickup in Cusco
We will start with pickup from your hotel or a coordinated meeting point in Cusco. Then, we will head to the area where the horseback ride begins, located on the outskirts of the city. During the transfer, you will begin to see a quieter side of Cusco, with open landscapes, rural paths, and nearby mountains.
9:30 a.m. | Arrival at the Starting Point and Safety Briefing
Upon arrival, you will receive a short explanation about the activity, basic horse handling, and safety recommendations. The team will help you feel comfortable before starting the route. No previous experience is needed. The horseback ride is done at a calm pace and with assistance throughout the tour.
10:00 a.m. | Start of the Horseback Ride
We will begin the horseback ride along rural paths and natural landscapes near Cusco. During the route, you will enjoy views of the city, mountains, rock formations, and green areas. The guide will set the pace for the group to keep the experience safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.
10:45 a.m. | Visit to the Temple of the Moon
We will arrive at the Temple of the Moon, an ancient Inca ceremonial space located in a quiet area on the outskirts of Cusco. Here, you will have time to explore the site, take photos, and listen to your guide’s explanation.
This site stands out for its rock formations, carvings, and spaces related to Andean ceremonies. It is an interesting place to better understand the connection between Inca culture and nature.
11:30 a.m. | Return by Horseback
After the visit, we will continue the horseback ride back along rural paths. During this part of the route, you will continue enjoying the landscape and the peaceful atmosphere of the area. The route is done without rushing, always following the guide’s and support staff’s instructions.
12:30 p.m. | Return to Cusco
At the end of the horseback ride, we will board our transportation back to Cusco.
Around 1:00 p.m. | Arrival in Cusco
We will finish the tour with the return to your hotel or a nearby point in the historic center. The exact time may vary depending on traffic, weather, and the group’s pace.
Note: Times are approximate and may vary depending on availability, pickup point, weather, and route conditions.
What to Bring
- We recommend bringing:
- Comfortable clothing for horseback riding.
- Long pants for better comfort during the ride.
- Closed-toe shoes or light hiking shoes.
- Light jacket or windbreaker.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Hat or cap.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Camera or phone with enough battery.
- Personal medication.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for entrance tickets, snacks, tips, or personal expenses.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho, especially during the rainy season.
- Important: We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that is not too delicate, as some parts of the route may include dirt paths or dusty areas.
Price
Shared Service
| From | USD 50 per person |
Prices may vary depending on availability, season, number of travelers, service type, and whether the tour is operated as a shared or private experience.
Private Service
Available upon request.
Pricing depends on group size and the level of customization required.
Options to Customize Your Experience
Private Service
Ideal for travelers seeking a more personalized experience, greater schedule flexibility, and a relaxed pace throughout the route. This option is perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends who prefer private transportation and a dedicated guide.
Morning or Afternoon Departure
You can choose a morning or afternoon departure, subject to availability. Afternoon departures are an excellent option for travelers who want to explore Cusco in the morning and enjoy a short outdoor activity later in the day.
Combine It with Nearby Sites
Depending on the available time and the type of service selected, this experience can be combined with nearby attractions, including archaeological sites around Cusco and panoramic viewpoints.
```
No. Previous experience is not required. Before starting the ride, you will receive a short briefing, and the tour is done at a calm pace.
No, it is not a difficult tour. The difficulty is considered easy to amoderate, mainly because of the dirt paths and altitude.
The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the chosen schedule, traffic, weather, and the group’s pace.
Yes. The tour includes a visit to the Temple of the Moon, an archaeological and ceremonial site located near Cusco.
It depends on the confirmed program. In some services, entrance tickets are included, while in others they are paid directly in the area. We recommend confirming this detail before booking.v
It may be recommended for families with older children, as long as they meet the operator’s safety conditions. Young children may only participate if the service allows it.
Bring comfortable clothing, long pants, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a light jacket, water, a camera, and cash in soles for entrance tickets, snacks, or personal expenses.
Yes, it can operate year-round. However, during the rainy season, the paths may be wet or slippery. In case of strong weather conditions, the route may be modified for safety.