Tours
Half-Day Horseback Riding Adventure in Cusco
Discover hidden archaeological sites and beautiful mountain landscapes on horseback.
Escape the busy tourist routes and explore a different side of Cusco on horseback.
This half-day adventure takes you through the mountains surrounding Cusco, where you will discover lesser-known archaeological sites, natural caves, ancient stone formations, and spectacular views of the Andean landscape.
Along the way, we will visit the Temple of the Moon, explore the mysterious caves and passages of Zona X, and ride toward the Devil’s Balcony, a beautiful natural viewpoint overlooking the river and surrounding mountains.
This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a more relaxed and unique way to experience the history, nature, and landscapes around Cusco.
Highlights
- Enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the mountains surrounding Cusco
- Visit the Temple of the Moon
- Explore the caves and passages of Zona X
- Discover lesser-known archaeological sites
- Visit the Devil’s Balcony
- Enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and valleys
- Learn about the area’s Inca history and traditions
- Travel with experienced horse guides and a bilingual guide
Itinerary
Cusco – Qenko
We will pick you up from your hotel at approximately 8:45 AM in our private transportation.
We will then travel outside the city of Cusco toward Qenko, where your horses will be waiting for you.
Before beginning the ride, our horse guides will help you get comfortable with your horse and provide basic instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience.
A bilingual guide will accompany you throughout the tour, while our horse guide will also be with the group to assist with the horses and make sure everyone is comfortable during the ride.
Temple of the Moon
We will begin our horseback ride through the beautiful Andean countryside, enjoying views of the mountains, valleys, and local communities along the way.
Our first stop will be the Temple of the Moon, an interesting archaeological and ceremonial site associated with Inca culture.
Here, you will have time to explore the area and learn about the stone formations and ceremonial structures found at the site.
Your guide will explain the history and cultural significance of this fascinating place.
Zona X
We will then continue on horseback toward Zona X, an area known for its caves, tunnels, passages, and archaeological remains.
You will have the opportunity to get off the horses and explore some of the tunnels and natural formations on foot.
The area is also associated with the ancient stonework of Cusco, and it is believed that some of the stone used in the construction of important Inca sites may have been extracted from this region.
Your guide will share more information about the archaeological and historical significance of the area.
Devil’s Balcony
From Zona X, we will continue our horseback ride toward the Devil’s Balcony, approximately one hour away.
This beautiful natural and archaeological area offers impressive views of a river running through the surrounding mountains.
We will take a break here to relax, enjoy the scenery, and take photographs before beginning our return journey.
Return to Qenko
After enjoying the Devil’s Balcony, we will return by horseback to Qenko, where our transportation will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.
If you prefer, there is also an option to continue walking from Qenko toward Cusco, allowing you to visit additional sites such as Qenko and Sacsayhuaman before descending into the city.
This walking option requires the appropriate Cusco Tourist Ticket and should be requested in advance.
What’s Included
- Round-trip tourist transportation from Cusco
- Horse and basic riding equipment
- Experienced horse guide
- Bilingual tour guide
- Tourist entrance ticket
- Snacks
What’s Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Accident or life insurance
- Tips for the guides
- Personal expenses
What to Bring
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Hat or cap
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Comfortable sportswear
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for horseback riding
- Cash for personal expenses
Important
This tour takes place in the mountains around Cusco at high altitude. Weather conditions can change quickly, so we recommend bringing a rain jacket and an extra layer of clothing.
The horseback ride includes sections of uneven terrain, and some areas are explored on foot.
For safety reasons, the itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions, trail conditions, and the safety of the horses and guests.