Horse Riding Chacan Mountain And Temple Of The Moon

The best part of this Cusco horseback ride is the chance to leave the city behind without giving up its history. From Gabriel’s ranch, you follow old trails toward the Temple of the Moon and mountain viewpoints around Chacan, riding Peruvian Paso horses rather than joining a fast, impersonal group trek.

I like two things here: the horses are treated as working animals and family, and Gabriel takes time to explain the sites, local culture, and the land. The hotel-to-ranch transfer, helmet, snacks, and bilingual guide also make this an easy half-day plan.

The main drawback is the short riding loop. If you want several hours in the saddle or a demanding mountain ride, this may feel limited. It suits you better if you want a relaxed outing with scenery, horses, and one memorable Inca site.

Key points to know before you book

• Family-run ranch: Gabriel’s ranch has been in his family for more than 100 years, with Peruvian Paso horses bred and trained there.
• Temple of the Moon stop: The ride includes time at this Inca site, with access to an underground tunnel mentioned in the tour experience.
• Two departure times: Choose a morning start at 9:00 am or an afternoon start at 1:00 pm.
• Designed for mixed riding ability: First-time riders and experienced riders can take part, with horses matched to ability.
• Practical inclusions: Hotel, ranch, and hotel transfers, safety equipment, a bilingual guide, and snacks are included.
• Small enough to feel personal: The maximum group size is 20, though some departures may be much smaller.

Riding from Cusco into the hills

Cusco is full of churches, stone streets, and crowded archaeological sites. This ride gives you a different view of the city. You travel into the outskirts, where the pace slows and the hills open up around you.

The experience lasts about three and a half hours. The morning departure is at 9:00 am, and the afternoon departure is at 1:00 pm. Hotel pickup takes you to the ranch, where you meet the horses and prepare for the ride. At the end, you return by vehicle to your hotel.

I like this setup because you do not have to arrange a taxi to an unfamiliar ranch. That matters in Cusco, where a short distance on a map can involve steep streets, confusing turns, and heavy traffic. The included transfer turns the activity into a simple half-day plan.

You should still allow flexibility around pickup and drop-off. One account describes an untidy finish, with some confusion about who was returning and who was continuing. It does not seem to spoil the ride itself, but you will want to keep your phone available and confirm your hotel details clearly.

Meeting Gabriel’s Peruvian Paso horses

The horses are a central part of this experience, not just transportation from one viewpoint to the next. Gabriel’s ranch has been in his family for more than a century, and the horses include Peruvian Pasos, a breed known for its smooth, distinctive gait.

Several riders describe the horses as calm, attractive, strong, and well trained. One family found the horses especially good with children, including an 11-year-old who was accompanied on foot for much of the ride to help her feel safe. Another rider was given a different horse when the first one did not respond well.

That kind of adjustment is important. Horseback riding is never entirely predictable, and a good guide watches the animal as well as the rider. You may be given a horse suited to your confidence and skill rather than simply being assigned the first available saddle.

The care of the horses is also a major reason to choose this ranch. The experience includes reports of horses being rotated between rides rather than kept saddled and tied in the sun all day. That does not remove every concern you may have about animal tourism, but it gives you a useful standard to watch for: horses should look healthy, calm, and properly handled.

You receive safety equipment, including a helmet. The horses generally follow the guide closely, which can make the ride easier for first-time riders. Experienced riders may have opportunities to trot or move at a faster jog, but you should not book this expecting a long gallop or a technical riding lesson.

What the ride feels like for a first-time rider

You do not need previous riding experience to join. Several accounts describe first-time riders feeling comfortable, and the horses are presented as suitable for a range of abilities.

That said, comfortable does not mean effortless. You are still sitting in a saddle for a substantial part of the outing, and Cusco’s altitude can make even a gentle activity feel more tiring than expected. If you have just arrived in Peru, a relaxed pace is sensible.

The guide leads the group and helps with the horses. You should expect instruction on basic control, but this is a sightseeing ride rather than a full riding course. If you already ride, tell the guide what you want and what you can safely manage. A solo rider was able to enjoy a faster pace, while families were kept at a gentler speed.

The ride also works well for families with older children and teenagers. Kids may enjoy the horses more than another museum or church visit, and the outing gives them a direct connection with the countryside. Parents should still use their judgment about age, confidence, and comfort around animals.

Following old trails toward Chacan Mountain

The route takes you through the hills outside Cusco, with views back toward the city and across the surrounding mountains. The appeal is not speed. It is the change in setting, from urban streets to open country, with the horse’s steady movement setting the rhythm.

Chacan Mountain adds a strong visual element. You get mountain scenery and viewpoints rather than only an archaeological stop. Riders describe the ranch and surrounding area as scenic, with a broad view of Cusco and quiet stretches away from the city crowds.

The exact riding distance appears modest. One person enjoyed the outing but wished there had been more riding and more sites, describing it as a short loop. This is the most important limitation to understand before booking. The title sounds like a major mountain expedition, but the product is better understood as a short countryside ride with a cultural stop.

For me, that is still a good trade if your schedule is tight. You get a taste of riding in the Cusco hills without committing a full day. If you are an experienced equestrian looking for long trails, varied terrain, or several hours of continuous riding, you may want a dedicated riding trip instead.

Visiting the Temple of the Moon

The Temple of the Moon is the cultural heart of the outing. The ride stops here, usually toward the later part of the route, and the guide explains the site and its place in Inca traditions.

This is more rewarding than simply riding past a ruin. Gabriel and other guides on the ranch team explain the history and local culture in a way that connects the stones to the surrounding land. The site also includes an underground tunnel, which adds a memorable physical detail to the visit.

You should expect uneven ground around an archaeological site. Even though you arrive by horse, you may walk and climb around the ruins. Wear shoes that are secure on your feet, and keep your hands free when possible. Snacks are provided, but drinks are not included, so bring or purchase water before setting out.

The Temple of the Moon is not presented as a huge complex. Its value comes from the setting, the unusual stone spaces, and the chance to hear about it from a local guide rather than rushing through with a large bus group. If you want major Inca architecture on the scale of Sacsayhuaman or Machu Picchu, this is a smaller experience. If you want a quieter site reached in an unusual way, it fits well.

Guide quality and the local touch

Gabriel is the name most closely connected with the ranch. He leads rides, explains Inca and Peruvian culture, answers questions, and adjusts the pace to the group. Sergio and Grimaldo are also mentioned as helpful members of the guiding team, while Aremika has handled communication and booking support.

Gabriel’s strength is personal attention. He talks about the horses, the land, and the historic sites rather than treating the ride as a simple loop. He also appears willing to stop for photographs and let the rider’s interests shape the outing when the schedule allows.

The bilingual service is in English and Spanish. That makes the experience easier for English-speaking riders who want more than a silent trail ride. You can ask about the horses and the places you see instead of relying only on signs or a printed handout.

The group limit is 20 people, but the experience can be much smaller. Some rides have had only one or two participants. A small group gives you more time with the guide and makes it easier to ask for a slower pace, a different horse, or a photo stop.

One practical point: communication appears to be a strong part of the operation, including help when flights or plans change. Still, do not assume every departure will run with private-tour flexibility. Confirm the pickup time and tell the operator about any changes as early as possible.

What is included for $65

At $65 per person, this is a fair value if you want a packaged half-day activity. The price covers hotel, ranch, and hotel transfers, the horse, safety equipment, a professional bilingual guide, and snacks.

The transfer alone adds useful value. You avoid arranging transport to the ranch, and you do not need to rent riding equipment. The guide is another meaningful part of the cost because the Temple of the Moon visit becomes an interpreted cultural experience rather than a quick photo stop.

You should budget separately for drinks. Water is not listed among the inclusions, so bring your own or plan to buy one before the ride. Snacks are supplied, but they should not be treated as a full meal.

The value depends on what you want from horseback riding. For a relaxed introduction to riding, a scenic outing, and a visit to a smaller Inca site, $65 is sensible. For a long-distance trail ride, it is less compelling because the loop is short.

Morning or afternoon departure?

The morning ride leaves at 9:00 am. Choose it if you want cooler conditions, an early start, or the rest of the day free for another Cusco activity.

The afternoon ride leaves at 1:00 pm. It can work well if you want a slow morning, need time to recover from an arrival, or prefer to combine the ride with a morning visit in the city. The afternoon option also gives you a useful way to fill a half-day without booking a full excursion.

The provided information does not promise a different route or a different Temple of the Moon experience by time of day. I would choose based on your energy, meal plans, and other bookings rather than expecting one departure to be better.

Keep in mind that Cusco weather can change quickly in the hills. A light layer and sun protection make sense, even if the day begins cool. A helmet is provided, but clothing suited to riding and walking will make the outing more comfortable.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction
• Families with children or teenagers who can follow riding instructions
• Couples looking for a relaxed activity outside central Cusco
• Solo riders who enjoy personal guiding and local conversation
• People who care about how horses are handled
• Anyone with a spare half-day who wants nature and archaeology together

I would be more cautious if you want a serious equestrian challenge. The route is relatively short, and the main purpose is sightseeing. You may be able to trot or move faster in suitable conditions, but the experience is not built around speed.

I would also think twice if you are uncomfortable with uneven ground, mountain conditions, or being around horses. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but the operator does not describe special accessibility arrangements for the riding portion.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

Confirmation is provided when you book. The activity is near public transportation, though hotel pickup and return are included, so most people will not need to use it.

The maximum group size is 20. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

The ride is often booked around 13 days ahead, but last-minute spaces may sometimes be available. One rider booked the night before, and another was accommodated after a same-day cancellation by another company. I would not count on that level of flexibility during a busy period, but it is useful to know that the ranch may be responsive when plans go wrong.

Should you book the Chacan Mountain ride?

Book it if you want a personal, easygoing half-day with well-handled horses, mountain views, and a cultural stop. Gabriel’s care for the animals and his ability to explain the Temple of the Moon give the experience more substance than a basic horseback loop.

Do not book it expecting a long wilderness expedition. The riding distance is limited, and the route may feel brief if you are an experienced rider. For most people, though, the mix is well judged: a calm horse, a local guide, open hills, a smaller Inca site, snacks, and simple hotel transfers for $65.

If you are choosing between a crowded city activity and a quieter outing, I would choose this one. Just bring water, wear practical shoes, confirm your pickup details, and tell the guide your riding level before you mount.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start?

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

What places does the ride visit?

The tour travels through the outskirts of Cusco toward Chacan Mountain and includes a stop at the Temple of the Moon.

Is hotel transportation included?

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

Are horses and safety equipment provided?

Yes. The package includes horses described as Peruvian Pasos and safety equipment, including a helmet.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. Most people can participate, and the experience is suitable for different riding levels, including beginners.

Is a guide included?

Yes. A professional bilingual guide speaking English and Spanish is included. Gabriel, Sergio, and Grimaldo are named members of the guiding team.

Are food and drinks included?

Snacks are included. Drinks are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

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