Horse Riding Chacan Mountain And Temple Of The Moon

The most appealing part of this ride is its local feel. You leave Cusco’s city streets for old paths, open mountain views, and the Temple of the Moon, reaching the site on horseback rather than by tour bus. I like the care given to horse selection and safety, and I like that guides such as Gabriel and Grimaldo add useful context about Inca culture and local traditions.

The main drawback is the length. This is a three-and-a-half-hour outing with a short riding loop, not a full-day mountain trek. The final return can also feel a little unorganized, and drinks are not included, so bring your own water.

Key points to know before booking

• Peruvian Paso horses: The ranch uses calm, trained, gaited horses, with mounts chosen to suit your riding ability.
• Temple of the Moon visit: The ride includes time at this Inca site, with an underground passage mentioned as one of the memorable parts of the stop.
• Small-group feel: The maximum group size is 20, though some departures may be much smaller.
• Horse welfare matters: The horses are rotated between rides and are not kept saddled all day, according to the operating practice described for the ranch.
• Simple half-day planning: Hotel, ranch, and hotel transfers, safety gear, a bilingual guide, and snacks are included.
• Two departure times: Choose a 9:00 am morning ride or a 1:00 pm afternoon departure.

Why this Cusco horseback ride is different

Horse riding around Cusco can be a hit-or-miss activity. Some outfits line up horses for repeated rides, with little attention to how the animals spend the rest of the day. This experience gets much of its appeal from the ranch’s apparent care for its horses and from the personal role of Gabriel, whose family has reportedly bred and trained Peruvian Pasos for more than a century.

That detail matters to me. You are not simply paying for a saddle and a scenic loop. You are supporting a local horse business where the animals are described as part of the family, rotated between rides, and saddled only for work. Several riders also found the horses calm and well trained, including people with little or no riding experience.

The Peruvian Paso is a good fit for a sightseeing ride. These horses are known for a smooth, distinctive gait, and the ranch’s horses are described as strong, beautiful, and steady. You still need to follow instructions and behave sensibly around animals, but you should not need advanced riding skills.

From your hotel to the ranch

The tour includes transport from your hotel to the ranch and back again. That is a useful touch in Cusco, where a short distance on a map can involve steep streets, confusing turns, and extra planning. Pickups have been described as prompt, and the service can be especially helpful if your accommodation is difficult to find.

The experience runs at about three and a half hours from start to finish. You can choose a morning departure at 9:00 am or an afternoon ride at 1:00 pm. The morning option leaves more of your afternoon free for Cusco’s museums, markets, or a long lunch. The afternoon option works well if you want a slower start or already have plans in the morning.

At the ranch, you receive a helmet and other protective equipment before mounting. Snacks are provided, but drinks are not. I would carry water in a small bottle, especially since the route includes mountain terrain and an underground passage where holding a loose snack bag may be inconvenient.

Choosing the right horse for your ability

Horse selection is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Gabriel and his team match riders with horses based on experience and confidence. One rider described being moved to a different horse when the first mount did not respond well, while another received an energetic horse suited to their riding level.

That kind of adjustment is more important than having the fanciest saddle or the longest route. A nervous beginner needs a patient horse. A more experienced rider may enjoy a livelier mount and, if the guide agrees, a faster pace. Some riders were allowed to trot or move into a quicker jog, but you should not book this expecting a guaranteed gallop.

Families have also found the horses suitable for children and teenagers. In one family group, a horse walked beside an 11-year-old for extra security. Still, children should be comfortable around horses, able to follow instructions, and properly supervised by the adults in their group.

You may ride with a small party or with a larger group of up to 20 people. The exact feel depends on the departure. Some outings have been private or nearly private, while others include several riders with different skill levels.

Riding the old paths outside Cusco

Once mounted, you travel through the outskirts of Cusco along paths connected with the old Inca route network. The point is not speed. The best parts come from seeing the city and surrounding mountains from a slower, higher position, with time to stop for photographs and listen to the guide.

Gabriel is the main name associated with the ranch, while Sergio and Grimaldo have also guided outings. The guides speak English and Spanish. Gabriel is described as personable and well informed about Inca and Peruvian culture, while Grimaldo has been praised for giving close attention to the group and explaining the sites clearly.

This is where the ride gains value over a simple horse rental. You are not left to follow a path without context. The guide explains what you are seeing and answers questions about local traditions, the horses, and the old ceremonial places along the way.

The setting is scenic, but keep your expectations realistic. This is an outing around Cusco’s nearby mountains, not a remote multi-day expedition. One rider felt the loop was too short and wished there were more riding and more sights. That is the fair criticism to keep in mind. The tour is best for a few hours in nature, not for serious trail riding.

Reaching the Temple of the Moon

The Temple of the Moon is the named site on the itinerary and the cultural center of the ride. It is an Inca ceremonial site near Cusco, and the visit gives the outing a stronger sense of place than a ride focused only on scenery.

You have time to stop, listen, and look around rather than simply pass the ruins on horseback. The guide explains the site and its place in Inca culture. One particularly memorable detail from the ride is access to an underground tunnel or cave-like passage at the temple. You may need to leave your snack bag with the horses before going down, since carrying loose items through the passage is awkward.

The temple stop also helps break up the riding. If you are new to horseback riding, a pause gives your legs a rest. If you already ride regularly, it provides the historical focus that makes this more than a pleasant circuit through the hills.

The visit may be the highlight for you, especially if you want to see an Inca site without joining a large city walking tour. It is not a substitute for major archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu or Sacsayhuaman, but it offers a quieter and more intimate encounter with Inca remains.

Chacan Mountain views and the return ride

The route also takes in Chacan Mountain and viewpoints over the Cusco area. The appeal here is visual: broad mountain scenery, open air, and a different angle on the city. Several riders describe the views as spectacular, with the ranch itself offering attractive views of Cusco.

The pace is generally relaxed. Horses follow the guide, and beginners have found that they did not need to work the reins constantly. That can make the ride pleasant for someone who wants to enjoy the setting rather than concentrate on technical riding.

Experienced riders may find the pace conservative. The guide’s first duty is to keep a mixed-skill group safe, so faster riding is likely to depend on the conditions, the horses, and the ability of everyone in the group. If your main goal is a long, challenging ride, this is probably not the right product.

At the end, the group returns to the ranch and transfers back to hotels. One practical weakness is that the final departure can be a little unclear when people are splitting up. It is a minor issue, but allow a little flexibility rather than scheduling a tight appointment immediately afterward.

Horse welfare and guide quality

Horse welfare is not a side issue here. It is central to deciding if this ride is worth your money. The strongest praise goes to Gabriel’s handling of the horses, his attention to their condition, and the fact that the animals are rotated between rides.

You can also ask questions at the ranch about the horses and their daily care. The available information describes a business where the animals are not left saddled and tethered in the sun all day. That is a meaningful difference from less careful operations.

The guides also add a human touch. Gabriel has been described as flexible, friendly, and willing to adjust the experience to the rider. He has helped with last-minute changes and made time for photographs and questions. Sergio and Grimaldo have also been described as professional and attentive.

The score is exceptionally strong: 99 percent of customers recommend the experience, with a five-star rating based on 78 reviews. That does not erase the short route or the occasional organization issue, but it points to a consistently well-received half-day activity.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, this is not the cheapest way to sit on a horse near Cusco. The price includes the horse, protective equipment, a bilingual guide, snacks, and hotel to ranch transfers in both directions. Those inclusions remove several expenses and make the total easier to predict.

The value improves if you are a beginner. You are paying for a suitable horse, instruction, supervision, and a guide who explains the cultural sites. A family may also find the cost worthwhile because transport and basic equipment are already arranged.

For an experienced rider seeking many hours in the saddle, the value is less convincing. The ride is short, and the route is described as a loop rather than a long mountain journey. In that case, you may prefer a dedicated trekking or riding program with more time on the trail.

I see this as a good-value half-day experience for someone who wants scenery, an Inca site, and a local guide without giving up an entire day. The horse care also gives the price an ethical dimension that matters when choosing between similar operators.

Who should book this ride?

This outing suits:

• First-time riders who want a calm introduction to riding near Cusco
• Families with children or teenagers who can follow safety directions
• Couples looking for a scenic break from museums and city streets
• Solo riders who want personal attention from a local guide
• Experienced riders who prefer a short cultural ride over a demanding trek
• Anyone who wants to support a ranch that places clear emphasis on horse care

You should think twice if you want a long, fast ride, a remote wilderness route, or a full day on horseback. The short loop and relaxed pace are advantages for many people, but they are limitations for riders seeking an athletic outing.

The high altitude around Cusco can also make any activity feel more tiring. The tour information says most people can participate, but you should judge your own fitness and comfort. Move at a sensible pace, follow the guide’s instructions, and carry water.

Practical details for a smoother outing

Book at least a few days ahead when possible. The average booking point is 13 days before the ride, though last-minute reservations may sometimes be accepted. Confirmation is provided when you book.

Wear trousers and closed shoes suitable for riding. The supplied safety equipment includes protective gear, but the tour details do not specify every item, so ask the provider if you have particular safety needs. Service animals are allowed, and the ranch is near public transport, though the included hotel transfer is likely the simplest option.

The group can contain up to 20 people. If you want a quieter outing, ask about the expected group size before booking. A small group makes it easier to ask questions, stop for photos, and receive help with mounting or handling the horse.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff follows Cusco local time.

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

Yes, if you want a relaxed ride with cultural interest and you care about how the horses are treated. The combination of well-matched Peruvian Paso horses, hotel transfers, a bilingual guide, mountain views, and the Temple of the Moon makes good use of three and a half hours.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it to beginners, families, solo riders, and anyone who wants a quieter activity outside central Cusco. Book it for a scenic cultural outing, not for a long-distance riding challenge. If that distinction suits your plans, Gabriel’s Ranch offers one of the more thoughtful ways to experience Cusco’s nearby hills.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the ride, the Temple of the Moon visit, and transfers between your hotel and the ranch.

What departure times are available?

You can choose a morning departure at 9:00 am or an afternoon departure at 1:00 pm.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Transfer from your hotel to the ranch and return transfer from the ranch to your hotel are included.

Is safety equipment provided?

Yes. Protective equipment is included. The tour also provides horses selected for the rider and a professional bilingual guide.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Snacks are included, but drinks are not. Bring your own water.

Do I need horseback riding experience?

No specific experience is required. Most people can participate, and the horses are selected to match different riding abilities. Follow the guide’s safety instructions throughout the ride.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour can have a maximum of 20 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not eligible for a refund.