Horse Riding Chacan Mountain And Temple Of The Moon

Ride above Cusco, then step into Inca stonework. This 3.5-hour outing pairs calm Peruvian Paso horses with the Temple of the Moon and mountain views near Chacan. I like the careful horse selection and the warm, well-informed guiding from Gabriel, whose family ranch has bred horses for more than a century.

I also like the easy hotel pickup, safety equipment, snacks, and small-group feel, with a maximum of 20 people. The main drawback is that the ride follows a fairly short loop, so strong riders hoping for hours in the saddle may find it brief.

Key points to know before you book

• Peruvian Paso horses: The horses are bred and trained at Gabriel’s family ranch, and riders are matched with mounts suited to their skill level.
• Temple of the Moon visit: The route includes an Inca site, with time to hear about its history and, on some outings, enter an underground passage.
• Chacan Mountain views: Expect open mountain scenery and broad views toward Cusco, not a long-distance riding expedition.
• Good for beginners: Several riders with little or no riding experience felt comfortable, while children were given extra care.
• Horse welfare matters here: The horses are rotated between rides rather than kept saddled all day, a meaningful point when choosing a ranch.
• Useful half-day timing: Morning departures are at 9:00 am and afternoon departures at 1:00 pm, with transfers from your hotel included.

Why this Cusco horseback ride feels different

Horse riding around Cusco can be a hit-or-miss business. Some outfits treat the horses as scenery with saddles. This one earns praise for putting the animals first, which changes the whole mood of the outing.

Gabriel’s ranch has been in his family for more than 100 years. The Peruvian Paso horses are described as calm, strong, attractive, and gaited, meaning they have a smooth natural way of moving that can make a ride easier on beginners.

I especially like the practical care described by riders. The horses are not left saddled and tethered in the sun between outings. They are rotated, handled with care, and treated as part of the family. That does not make the ride perfect, but it gives you a better reason to spend your money here.

The guiding is another major strength. Gabriel explains Inca and Peruvian culture as you go, rather than simply leading a line of horses from point to point. Sergio and Grimaldo have also been praised for their friendly help and strong local knowledge, while Aremika has handled booking communication and last-minute problems with care.

You should still set your expectations correctly. This is a short scenic ride, not a full-day horse trek through remote valleys. The tour lasts about three and a half hours, including pickup, the ride, stops, and the return transfer. That makes it a good fit for a free morning or afternoon in Cusco, but a less obvious choice for experienced riders seeking distance or speed.

Hotel pickup keeps the morning simple

The tour includes transport from your hotel to the ranch and back again. That matters in Cusco, where a short trip on the map can involve steep streets, confusing addresses, and busy traffic.

The two start times are 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. The morning departure gives you a cooler start and leaves much of the day free afterward. The afternoon departure works well if you want a slow first morning, though you should remember that mountain weather can change.

Communication has been a strong point. One rider changed from afternoon to morning the day before and still received an on-time pickup. Another booked after a different company canceled and was collected just a few hours later. Those examples suggest useful flexibility, though you should not treat a last-minute rescue as guaranteed.

At the ranch, expect safety equipment before riding. A helmet is included, and snacks are provided. Drinks are not included, so bring your own if you want something beyond the supplied food.

The maximum group size is 20 people. That is not necessarily a tiny group, but the ride can feel more personal when only a few people book. One outing had just two riders, and the guide was able to stop for questions and photographs at a relaxed pace.

Choosing the right horse at Gabriel’s Ranch

The horse can make or break a riding tour. Here, the guide appears to take that choice seriously.

Riders describe being matched with horses according to ability. One experienced rider received an energetic mount suited to their skills. Another rider had a horse called Waykie, described as especially affectionate. A rider whose first horse would not respond properly was moved to a calmer, more obedient animal.

That sort of adjustment is important. You do not want to spend the entire ride fighting with a horse or worrying that you are out of control. Beginners have reported feeling comfortable, and children have received careful attention. An 11-year-old reportedly had a guide walking beside her for the entire route to help keep her safe.

You should tell the guide honestly how much riding you have done. Do not exaggerate your ability to look adventurous. The better the information you give, the easier it is to match you with a suitable horse.

The riding style seems flexible but controlled. Most of the route is at a manageable pace, with horses following the guide closely. On at least one outing, riders were allowed to trot and move into a faster jog. That is a welcome option for confident riders, but it should depend on conditions, the group, and the guide’s judgment.

Riding the ancient trails toward Chacan Mountain

The route takes you through the outskirts of Cusco rather than along city streets. You ride on old Inca paths and open mountain routes, with the city and surrounding peaks providing the backdrop.

The scenery is a major reason to book. From the ranch and higher points on the route, you get broad views over Cusco and the surrounding mountains. It is a peaceful change from the city’s traffic, stone lanes, and busy central sights.

The word mountain here should not mislead you. This is not a technical climb or an all-day crossing. It is a short loop with scenic stops, and the route is designed to let you enjoy the setting from horseback without turning the outing into an endurance test.

Gabriel’s explanations add meaning to the views. He talks about the land, Inca traditions, and the places along the route. That makes the ride more than a photo stop with horses. You get a local perspective on why the ruins and hills matter.

The pace also suits mixed groups. Families with different riding abilities have completed the outing together, and the horses are described as steady and well trained. If one member of your party is nervous, the guide can give that person more attention.

The tradeoff is mileage. One rider enjoyed the educational side but wished there were more riding and more sights. If you have ridden regularly and want a long gallop, this short route may leave you wanting more.

The Temple of the Moon is the tour’s anchor

The Temple of the Moon is the named archaeological stop, and it gives the outing a clear purpose. Rather than riding only for scenery, you pause at an Inca site and hear about its role and background.

The setting is part of the appeal. You reach the ruins on horseback, then explore on foot while the guide explains the stonework and traditions connected to the site. Several outings included multiple stops for photographs and questions.

A particularly memorable detail is the underground passage. One rider described entering a tunnel beneath the site, which added a little adventure to the visit. Exact access can depend on conditions and the guide’s route, so do not assume every outing will be identical.

You should wear shoes that are suitable for walking around uneven ruins. The tour supplies riding safety equipment, but it does not promise special footwear or drinks. Bring water and keep personal items secure.

The Temple of the Moon stop also helps break up the riding. Three and a half hours in a saddle can feel longer than expected, especially at Cusco’s altitude. A pause to walk, listen, and take photographs makes the outing more comfortable.

Snacks, safety, and the practical details

Snacks are included and usually provided before or during the ride. They are a small benefit, but useful when you are spending the morning outdoors. Drinks cost extra or must be arranged separately, so bring water.

Protective equipment is included, with helmets specifically noted by riders. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate. The tour is not described as wheelchair accessible, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the provider directly before booking.

You should also remember that horse riding uses different muscles from walking. Even a gentle ride can leave you sore if you are not used to it. Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement, and avoid anything you would be upset to get dusty.

The activity is available in English and Spanish. Gabriel has been praised for clear explanations, while Grimaldo has also been described as especially attentive during the ride. If your Spanish is limited, the bilingual service makes the history easier to follow.

The outing has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Cusco operates on local time, so check the cutoff carefully when planning around flights or other tours.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the outskirts of Cusco. But the price includes hotel transport, a professional bilingual guide, a horse, protective equipment, snacks, and the ranch service itself.

The value is strongest if you care about horse welfare and want more than a basic ride. You are paying for the care of the animals, local interpretation, and the convenience of being collected and returned to your hotel. Those extras can save both time and stress.

The price is less compelling if your main goal is maximum saddle time. The ride is a short loop, and some riders wanted a longer route. In that case, compare the duration and route with a full-day trek before you commit.

For families, the included transfers and careful horse matching help justify the cost. For solo riders, the experience can still work well, particularly when the guide is able to adjust the pace and make extra stops.

I would also factor in the ethical side. A cheaper ride is not automatically better value if the horses are left working or saddled for long periods. Here, the reported rotation of horses and attention to their condition are meaningful advantages.

Who should book this ride?

This outing suits first-time riders, couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who wants a quiet half-day outside central Cusco.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want a manageable ride rather than a long expedition.
• You care about animal treatment.
• You enjoy combining scenery with archaeology.
• You want a guide who explains local culture as part of the outing.
• You need hotel transfers and a fixed three-and-a-half-hour schedule.
• You have mixed riding abilities in your group.

Children and teenagers appear to do well when they follow the guide’s instructions. The horses are described as calm and dependable, and the staff pays close attention to less confident riders.

Solo riders can also book comfortably. Some outings have been small enough for the guide to give one-on-one attention. Couples looking for a relaxed birthday or special-day activity should find the pace appealing.

You may want something else if you are an advanced rider looking for long trails, repeated fast riding, or a full day in the saddle. The ride offers beauty and character, but not a large amount of distance.

The small weaknesses to keep in mind

The experience is not without rough edges. One person found the final return arrangements a little chaotic, with some uncertainty about who was leaving and who was continuing. Another felt the ride was too short.

There are also differing impressions of horse care. Most descriptions praise the condition and treatment of the animals, but one person felt that some horses appeared better cared for than others. That is worth noting, even though the overall picture is strongly positive.

Snacks may also be inconvenient during the cave or tunnel section. If you are carrying food in your hands while walking or climbing, you may wish there were a clearer place to leave it with the horses.

These are modest concerns, but they help set a fair expectation. You are booking a personable local ranch outing, not a polished, large-scale production with every transition perfectly organized.

Should you book Horse Riding Chacan Mountain and Temple of the Moon?

I would book this tour if you want a humane, personal way to see Cusco’s nearby hills and an Inca site. The horses, guide care, cultural explanations, and hotel transfers give it more substance than a simple scenic ride.

Choose the morning departure if you want cooler conditions and the rest of the day open. Choose the afternoon if you prefer a slower start. In either case, bring water, be honest about your riding ability, and accept that the route is short.

For first-time riders and families, this is an easy recommendation. For experienced riders, book it for the views, the Temple of the Moon, and Gabriel’s connection with the horses, not for a long day of riding.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the ranch visit, riding, stops, and transfers.

What time does the tour depart?

Morning departures are at 9:00 am, and afternoon departures are at 1:00 pm.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Transfer from your hotel to the ranch and back to your hotel is included.

Is a guide provided?

Yes. A professional bilingual guide who speaks English and Spanish is included.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Snacks are included. Drinks are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.