Horseback Riding Tour to the Devil’s Balcony from Cusco

Cusco’s hills are best seen from the saddle. This four-hour ride to Devil’s Balcony gives you countryside views, ancient Inca sites, and a close look at the rocky gorge without a full-day commitment. I especially like the calm, well-trained horses and the fact that pickup from your Cusco hotel, helmets, saddles, water, and horse care are included. The main consideration is altitude and uneven ground, plus a weight limit of 200 pounds, or 90 kilos.

The route feels more personal than a standard ruin visit. Guides such as Holger, Jorge, and Hector have been praised for their patient riding instruction and clear explanations of the temples, shrines, caves, and local scenery. You may also get to trot or canter, but the pace depends on the group and each rider’s comfort.

Key points before you saddle up

• A short ride from Cusco: The Vieja Estancia Ranch is about 15 minutes from the city, so you spend less time in a van and more time outdoors.
• Beginner-friendly horses: The horses are described as gentle, steady, and well cared for, making this a good choice if your riding experience is limited.
• Devil’s Balcony is more than a viewpoint: You’ll see a rock formation with a gorge, river, cave, and natural opening that gives the site its dramatic name.
• Inca sites along the way: The ride can include ancient temples, shrines, caves, and, in some outings, the Temple of the Moon.
• Active but not punishing: Expect horseback riding mixed with walking and short visits at archaeological sites.
• Small-group format: The maximum group size is 15 people, with a professional guide and a muleteer caring for the horses.

Why this Cusco horseback ride works so well

I like this outing because it gives you a change of pace after busy days around Cusco. Instead of moving from one archaeological site to another in a crowded vehicle, you travel along trails through eucalyptus trees, open countryside, and hills above the city.

The ride is also a sensible length. At about four hours, it fits neatly into a morning or afternoon. You get enough time to settle into the saddle, enjoy a few faster stretches if suitable, and explore Devil’s Balcony without giving up an entire day.

The strongest part of the experience is the combination of riding and place-based guiding. You are not simply led along a trail and sent home. Guides explain the meaning of the sites and point out details you might miss on your own. Holger is often singled out for his explanations and calm manner, while Jorge has been praised for his friendly English and help with first-time riders.

The experience has a spiritual side, too. The route passes old Inca temples and shrines, and the guides may pause for quiet reflection or meditation. That gives the ride more purpose than simply reaching a scenic viewpoint.

Still, keep your expectations in check. This is not a full-day horseback expedition through remote Andes country. The ranch is close to Cusco, the route is designed for a mixed group, and the ride lasts only around four hours. That is a strength for many people, but advanced riders looking for a long, technical mountain ride may find it modest.

Starting at Vieja Estancia Ranch, only 15 minutes from Cusco

The tour begins with transport from your Cusco hotel or accommodation to the Vieja Estancia Ranch. The short transfer matters. You avoid the hassle of finding a distant meeting point, and the driver handles the trip out of the city.

At the ranch, you meet the horses and staff. Saddles and safety helmets are provided, along with a muleteer who helps care for the animals during the outing. The horses have been described as friendly, comfortable, and easy to manage. Several first-time riders felt at ease after receiving basic instruction.

That early briefing is important. Your guide should explain how to sit, control the horse, and follow directions on the trail. If you have not ridden for years, tell the guide at the start. The staff can help match you with a horse and set a pace that feels manageable.

The ranch itself adds a pleasant family-run feel. The setting includes farm dogs and children, giving the start of the tour a more local character than a large commercial stable. I would still use this moment to check your helmet, adjust the saddle, and make sure your shoes feel secure.

Wear long pants. Jeans are recommended because the trail can pass through thorny brush that may scrape bare legs. Closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes are best. Leave jewelry and valuables behind, and bring sunglasses because dust can rise when horses move along the trail.

Riding through eucalyptus trees above Cusco

Once on the trail, you leave the city’s streets behind and move through countryside near Cusco. Eucalyptus trees, mountain views, and broad looks across the Cusco area make the route scenic from the start.

The horses generally walk at an easy pace, which lets you look around and listen to the guide. Depending on the group, the trail, and your riding ability, you may also trot or canter. Advanced riders have enjoyed faster sections, while beginners have felt comfortable staying at a walk or moving slowly.

This mixed pace is one of the tour’s practical advantages. You do not need to be an expert to join, but experienced riders are not necessarily limited to a slow procession. The guide decides what is safe for the group, so do not assume a gallop is guaranteed.

The trail is not completely flat. Some sections include steep-ish climbs and uneven ground. The horses are accustomed to the route, but you still need to listen closely and remain relaxed. At altitude, even a moderate ride can feel more tiring than expected. I would avoid scheduling this immediately after a demanding high-altitude trek if you are still adjusting.

The scenery is the main reward during this section. You see Cusco from a different angle, with the city below and hills opening around you. It is a quieter way to get your bearings in the area, especially if you have just arrived and want an outdoor activity that does not require a long hike.

Exploring Devil’s Balcony and its river cave

Devil’s Balcony, or Balcon del Diablo, lies behind the Saqsayhuaman archaeological center. The site combines natural rock and human use, creating a dramatic stop that feels different from the broad stone terraces of Saqsayhuaman.

The centerpiece is a large rock split by a deep chasm. A natural opening forms a balcony above the river, and the water runs through a large cave beneath the rock before emerging on the other side.

You should expect to get off the horse and walk around this area. The outing includes time for views and exploration, rather than keeping you in the saddle every minute. The cave and rock formations are an added thrill, though uneven surfaces mean you should watch your footing and follow the guide’s instructions.

The name may sound theatrical, but the setting explains it. You look down toward the river and into the dark opening below, with the rock framing the view. Some people are bold enough to cross through parts of the formation, but you should not treat that as a required activity. The site is best enjoyed at a sensible pace.

This stop also shows why a guide adds value. Without context, you might see an impressive rock and a cave. With explanations about the area’s Inca connections and sacred places, the visit becomes part of a larger story about how people used natural features around Cusco.

Inca shrines, caves, and possible Temple of the Moon stops

The route is not limited to Devil’s Balcony. Depending on the exact ride and conditions, you may visit other sacred places, old temples, and caves along the way. Several outings have included the Temple of the Moon, an archaeological site associated with ceremonial use.

These extra stops give the tour its character. You are not just riding to one destination, posing for a picture, and returning. You may dismount, walk through a site, hear local explanations, and then continue on horseback.

I appreciate this rhythm. A saddle can become uncomfortable if you stay mounted for hours, while constant walking can be tiring at Cusco’s altitude. Alternating between riding and short walks makes the activity easier for a range of ages and fitness levels.

Guides such as Holger have been praised for explaining the significance of the ruins and answering questions in English. Jorge has also been singled out for his warmth and clear communication. The quality of your guide matters here because the archaeological remains are not always self-explanatory.

The spiritual elements may appeal to you if you want more than a quick photo stop. Quiet pauses, meditation, and discussion of sacred places can make the outing feel reflective. If you prefer a strictly athletic ride, these pauses may feel slower, but they are part of what makes this route different from a basic trail ride.

Horses, safety, and riding ability

The horses are the heart of the experience, and this is where the tour receives its strongest praise. They are described as gentle, well trained, comfortable, and well cared for. That matters greatly if you are nervous, traveling with children, or returning to riding after a long break.

The tour is suitable for people with little or no experience. Guides provide basic instruction and keep an eye on riders as the group moves along the trail. Families with children under 12 have enjoyed the outing, and a 72-year-old participant was comfortable on the ride.

That does not mean the tour is effortless. You need enough balance to sit on a horse, follow instructions, and handle uneven ground. Tell the staff honestly about your experience. A calm horse and patient guide can make a first ride pleasant, but pretending to be more confident than you are helps nobody.

A safety helmet is included. Long pants protect your legs from brush, and closed shoes help you keep a stable position in the stirrups. A rain jacket is wise if the forecast shows a significant chance of rain. Weather can affect the experience, and poor conditions may lead to a rescheduled tour or a full refund.

The weight limit is firm: 200 pounds, or 90 kilos. Check this before booking rather than arriving with an uncomfortable surprise.

What $85 buys you

At $85 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity around Cusco, but the package offers fair value. You receive hotel transportation, a professional guide, saddle, helmet, horse support from a muleteer, and water. The ranch is close to town, and the tour includes both riding and archaeological visits.

Transport is especially useful in Cusco. You do not need to arrange a taxi to an unfamiliar ranch, negotiate a return fare, or spend time finding the starting point. For solo visitors, families, and anyone with limited Spanish, that convenience is worth something.

The price also covers an experience that combines several activities. A separate horse ride, ruin visit, and countryside transfer could easily become more expensive or take more planning. Here, the pieces are brought together in one half-day outing.

The limitation is duration. You are paying for a well-organized local excursion, not a long expedition. If your main goal is hours in the saddle, compare this with a longer riding trip. If you want an easy way to add nature, Inca sites, and a little adventure to a Cusco itinerary, the price makes sense.

The high satisfaction rate, 4.9 out of 5 from 241 ratings and recommendation by 99 percent of participants, supports the value, especially given the repeated praise for the horses, guides, scenery, and pickup service. Those figures do not remove the need to consider altitude, weather, and your comfort with horses.

Who should book this four-hour experience

I would recommend this ride to first-time riders, families, couples, and solo visitors who want an active half-day outside Cusco. It also suits you if you are acclimating and want a lower-impact option than a long hike, though the altitude can still make the ride feel demanding.

It is a particularly good choice if you care about animals. The horses are repeatedly described as calm and well maintained, and the staff appear attentive to their care. That is one of the first things I would look for in any riding tour.

You should think twice if you dislike uneven trails, feel uneasy around horses, or want guaranteed fast riding. Trotting and cantering may be possible, but the guide must put safety first. The group can include riders with very different abilities.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is small enough for personal guidance in many cases, though the feel of the ride will depend on how many people book your date. Some outings may feel nearly private, while others will be more social.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside that window are not refunded. The operator may also cancel for poor weather or because the minimum group size is not reached, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund.

My call: book it for views, horses, and real variety

I would book this tour if I wanted a memorable break from Cusco’s plazas and museums without committing to a full day away. The horses and patient guides are the clearest strengths, while Devil’s Balcony, caves, eucalyptus trails, and Inca sites give the ride plenty of variety.

Pack long pants, sturdy closed shoes, water-friendly layers, sunglasses, and a rain jacket if needed. Leave valuables at your accommodation, be honest about your riding ability, and expect a scenic outing with walking and archaeological stops, not nonstop galloping.

For beginners and families, this is an easy recommendation. Experienced riders should book it for the setting and cultural stops, not simply for saddle time. At $85, the included transport and gear make it a solid half-day choice near Cusco.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour take?

The experience lasts approximately four hours, including transportation, riding, and stops at Devil’s Balcony and other sites along the route.

How far is the ranch from Cusco?

The Vieja Estancia Ranch is located about 15 minutes from Cusco by vehicle.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel to the ranch is included.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The activity is suitable for participants with little or no riding experience, and the guide provides basic instruction.

What equipment is provided?

A saddle and safety helmet are included. Mineral water or natural water is also provided.

What should I wear?

Wear long pants, preferably jeans, and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. Bring a rain jacket if rain is likely and sunglasses to help with trail dust.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum participant weight is 200 pounds, or 90 kilos.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.