Cusco: Half-Day Horseback Riding at Devil’s Balcony

From the saddle, Cusco opens below you in a way that is hard to match from the city streets. This four-hour ride heads from central Cusco to a ranch near Sacsayhuaman, then follows mountain trails past farms, grazing animals, lesser-known Inca sites, and the dramatic chasm at Devil’s Balcony.

I like two things especially: the horses are chosen for your experience, and beginners get a calm introduction before setting off. I also like the quiet route, which gives you a break from Cusco’s busy lanes and brings you close to local countryside without committing to a full-day trek.

The main consideration is that this is still a horseback ride at high altitude, not a sightseeing bus with a short photo stop. Your comfort, pace, and total riding time depend on your riding skill, and the half-day outing does not include the Moon Temple.

Key points to know before booking

• Devil’s Balcony is both a natural formation and an Inca sacred site: A rock opening overlooks a river running through a chasm and cave below.
• The ride suits first-time riders: Guides provide basic instruction, and the horses are described as gentle, responsive, and well trained.
• You see Cusco from above: The route passes through hills and countryside behind Sacsayhuaman, with broad views over the city.
• The route includes more than one stop: Devil’s Balcony and Lanlakuyoc add archaeological interest beyond the horseback ride itself.
• The outing lasts about four hours: The riding is broken into sections with a 20-minute rest, making it easier on beginners.
• Central hotel pickup is included: Pickup and drop-off apply to hotels in central Cusco, with a guide meeting you at the lobby or entrance.

Why this ride is different from a standard Cusco tour

Cusco is packed with churches, plazas, museums, and ruins. Those are worthwhile, but you spend much of your time on foot or in a vehicle. This ride gives you a slower route through the hills behind Sacsayhuaman, where the city becomes a wide view rather than a maze of streets.

The setting feels local and open. You pass farms and herds of animals, then follow trails through the Andean countryside. The route is not presented as a major expedition, and that is part of its appeal. You get outdoor time, archaeological stops, and a change of pace without losing an entire day.

The strongest part of the outing is the combination of scenery and small historic sites. The ride is not just a way to reach Devil’s Balcony. The guide stops along the way to explain the places, local vegetation, animals, and Inca connections. Guides such as Holger, Benny, Ogir, and Olgar have been singled out for patient instruction and clear explanations, although the person assigned to your group can vary.

Pickup from Cusco and the ranch near Sacsayhuaman

Your guide picks you up at a central Cusco hotel and gives you an initial briefing before you leave the city. The transfer to the ranch is by taxi or arranged vehicle, depending on the group and local operations. Wait at the hotel entrance or lobby, not out on the street.

Pickup is a practical plus, especially because the ranch is outside the central streets. Still, confirm your hotel name and address carefully before the day of the ride. One booking had a mix-up involving the wrong hostel, so a clear check of the pickup point is sensible.

At the ranch, you meet the horses and muleteer. The guide gives a short induction covering how to mount, hold the reins, and control the horse safely. The horse is selected according to your riding experience and comfort level.

That matching matters. A first-time rider should not be placed on a lively horse simply because it looks impressive. The strongest praise for this outing centers on calm, responsive horses that follow the route well and react to basic instructions. Several first-time riders felt comfortable after the introduction, while experienced riders were sometimes offered a chance to try a faster pace or the Peruvian gait.

You receive a saddle and safety helmet. Wear long pants and hiking shoes, and bring a small daypack. The supplied information does not specify a riding boot requirement, so practical shoes with a secure fit are the sensible choice.

The first hour: farms, hills, and views above Cusco

The first riding section lasts about one hour. The trail leads through countryside near the ranch, with farms, local animals, hills, and views toward Cusco and the surrounding area.

This is where the tour earns its place on an itinerary. You are close to the city, but the feel changes quickly once the trail rises. The view over Cusco gives you a useful sense of the city’s bowl-like setting and the mountains around it, even if the guide’s exact viewpoint varies with the route.

Do not expect constant fast riding. Much of the time is likely to be at a controlled pace suitable for a mixed group. That is good for beginners and for anyone still adjusting to altitude, saddle movement, and uneven ground. If you already ride regularly, tell the guide at the start. The pace can depend on the ability of the least experienced rider in the group.

The horses are not simply transport. The guide teaches you how to work with them, and the animals are reported to be sure-footed and responsive. A few riders specifically remembered their horses by name, including Fuego, Galan, and Sol Andino. That detail says something about the personal side of the outing: you are paired with an animal and spend enough time together for the ride to feel more memorable than a quick mounted photo.

Devil’s Balcony, or Chacan, and the river below

The main stop is Devil’s Balcony, also called Chacan. It lies on the rear side of Sacsayhuaman and combines a natural formation with an archaeological site.

The attraction is a large rock split by a dramatic opening. From the balcony, you look toward a river running below the rock. Beneath the viewing point, the river passes through a large cave and emerges at the other side. The result is a striking natural window, with the sound and sight of water far below.

The cave was used as an Inca shrine. That makes the stop more than a scenic overlook. Your guide explains the connection between the rock, cave, river, and religious use, helping you read the place as both geology and sacred architecture.

The stop is also a change from the broad city views earlier in the ride. At first, you look outward across Cusco. Here, your attention turns inward toward the rock, chasm, and cave. Bring your phone or camera, but keep your hands free while walking near the formation and listen to the guide’s safety instructions.

The name can create confusion. Devil’s Balcony is sometimes linked in people’s minds with other nearby attractions, especially the Moon Temple. This half-day ride focuses on Chacan and Lanlakuyoc. The Moon Temple belongs to full-day versions of the ride, so confirm the exact route if that site is important to you.

Lanlakuyoc and the archaeological side of the route

The outing continues to Lanlakuyoc, another stop where the guide provides an explanation. The schedule includes about one hour of riding in this section, followed by a 20-minute break.

Lanlakuyoc helps make this more than a basic horse trek. You get time to see an archaeological location away from the most familiar Cusco circuits, then pause before returning to the ranch. The sites are not presented as a large, fully developed complex with extensive visitor facilities. Their value is the setting, the quieter atmosphere, and the guide’s ability to explain what you are seeing.

The break is useful. Horseback riding works different muscles than walking, and beginners may feel the saddle more than expected. A planned pause gives you time to stretch, drink water if you have brought it, take photographs, and ask questions.

The schedule lists a final short five-minute ride back to the ranch, followed by the return to Cusco. Since the total duration is approximate, do not book a tight connection immediately afterward. Your riding ability, the group’s pace, and time spent at the stops can affect the finish.

How beginner-friendly is it?

This is one of the better options around Cusco for a first horseback ride, based on the way the activity is structured and the repeated praise for the horses. You receive instruction before leaving the ranch, and the animals are selected with experience in mind.

The horses are described as gentle and trained to respond to simple directions. They also tend to follow the group, which reduces the pressure on someone who has never ridden. Guides help with mounting and dismounting and remain attentive during the route.

Still, beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. You need enough balance to sit on a horse, follow instructions, and manage an uneven trail. The tour provider sets a weight limit of 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms, and does not recommend the activity for pregnant women.

If you have ridden before, explain your experience honestly. Some riders were able to move faster at points and try the Peruvian gait. That option depends on the guide, terrain, and group, so do not book this expecting a guaranteed gallop.

The guide can make or break the ride

The guide’s role extends well beyond pointing out the trail. A good guide adjusts the instruction, monitors the horses, explains the Inca sites, and keeps the group moving at a comfortable pace.

The named guides associated with especially strong experiences include Holger, Benny, Ogir, and Olgar. Their described strengths include patience with first-time riders, help getting on and off the horses, explanations of Inca history, and information about local plants and animals. Your guide may be someone else, but English and Spanish service is available.

I would ask questions as you ride. The route offers natural openings to learn about the geography, the ruins, the animals, and the religious meaning of Chacan. You can also ask about your horse, the Peruvian gait, and how the local trail network connects with nearby sites.

Private groups are available. That can be worth considering if one person is a complete beginner, another is an experienced rider, or you want more time for photographs and questions. A shared outing may be better value if everyone in your party has similar experience and expectations.

Is $85 a fair price?

At $85 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend half a day in Cusco. The cost includes central hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, saddle, helmet, and muleteer. It also covers a guided route with archaeological stops rather than only an hour in a fenced riding area.

The value is strongest if you want several things at once: a view over Cusco, a genuine outdoor activity, an introduction to horseback riding, and access to sites that are not usually the focus of a standard city tour. Transport is another benefit, since reaching the ranch independently would add planning and cost.

The price is less convincing if you mainly want a long ride. The schedule breaks the outing into roughly one hour of riding, 45 minutes at Devil’s Balcony, another hour of riding around Lanlakuyoc, a 20-minute break, and a short return to the ranch. The exact timing varies, but this is a sightseeing ride with riding included, not a four-hour continuous trek.

Travel insurance is not included. You should decide how much cover you need before booking, especially since horseback riding carries more risk than a walking tour.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Cusco plans are still shifting.

What to bring and what to expect at altitude

Wear long pants. Shorts can leave your legs rubbing against the saddle or exposed to brush along the trail. Hiking shoes are listed as suitable, and a daypack keeps your hands free.

Bring water, even though the activity details do not list it as an included item. You may also want sun protection and a light layer, since mountain weather can change quickly. These are practical suggestions for a high-altitude outdoor ride, not special equipment requirements from the operator.

Give yourself time to get used to Cusco before riding if possible. The activity begins near the city and reaches mountain trails, so you may notice the altitude more while riding uphill or mounting and dismounting. The planned break helps, but it does not remove the need to pace yourself.

Your phone is useful for the city views and photographs at Devil’s Balcony. Guides may take pictures and share them later, but do not rely on that as a guaranteed service. Keep valuables secure and avoid carrying anything loose that could fall on the trail.

Who should book this Cusco horseback ride?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction rather than a demanding expedition
• Experienced riders looking for a shorter outing near Cusco
• Couples or small private groups seeking a quieter alternative to a standard city tour
• Anyone who wants mountain views and Inca sites in the same half-day
• Visitors with a free afternoon who do not want to spend the whole day away from Cusco

I would think twice if you dislike horses, have trouble with balance, or want a completely predictable finish time. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or anyone over the stated 200-pound, or 91-kilogram, limit.

This is not the right choice if the Moon Temple is your main goal. Book a full-day option instead, since the half-day route described here does not include it.

Should you book it?

Book this ride if you want a personal view of Cusco from the hills, calm horses, and a useful mix of countryside and Inca sites. The repeated strengths are clear: patient instruction, well-trained horses, scenic trails, and guides who can explain more than just the next turn.

At $85, the value depends on how much you want the full package. You are paying for transport, equipment, guiding, horse care, and access to a route that is difficult to reproduce on your own in four hours. If you only want a brief ride, it may feel expensive. If you want a distinctive half-day with Devil’s Balcony at its center, it is a strong choice.

Confirm your hotel pickup, bring long pants and sturdy shoes, and tell the guide your real riding experience. Do that, and this can be one of the most memorable ways to spend a quieter afternoon around Cusco.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding activity last?

The complete activity lasts about four hours, including pickup, instruction, riding, sightseeing stops, a break, and the return to Cusco. The duration can change based on your experience and riding skills.

Where does the tour begin?

Pickup is available from central hotels in Cusco. You should wait for the guide in your hotel lobby or at the entrance.

Where do you meet the horses?

You meet the horses at Vieja Estancia Ranch near Sacsayhuaman.

Is the activity available in English?

Yes. The tour has a live bilingual guide in English or Spanish.

Is horseback riding instruction included?

Yes. The guide gives a brief introduction explaining how to control and safely lead the horse before you leave the ranch.

Are helmets and saddles provided?

Yes. A saddle and safety helmet are included.

What places do you visit?

The route includes Devil’s Balcony, also called Chacan, and Lanlakuyoc. The guide explains the sites and surrounding area during the stops.

Does the half-day tour visit the Moon Temple?

No. The supplied activity details identify the Moon Temple as part of full-day tours, not this half-day route.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring hiking shoes, long pants, and a daypack. The activity details do not list personal insurance as included.

Who should not take this activity?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people weighing more than 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms.