Cusco’s best views are on horseback. This 3.5-hour ride takes you through Cusco’s outskirts on calm Peruvian Paso horses, then brings you to the Templo de la Luna and the mountain viewpoint at Chacan. I especially like the small-group feel and the way the ranch emphasizes horse welfare and safety before you ever climb on. One thing to consider: it’s a fairly short loop, so if you want hours of nonstop riding, you may feel a bit done early.

Two details kept popping up in the experience for me: Gabriel’s ranch setup (calm, well-trained horses and clear guidance) and the personal, history-first way guides explain what you’re seeing. For context, you’re not just passing time in nature. You’re learning why these places mattered to Inca life as you move between viewpoints and ruins. The tradeoff is that the tour still needs time for transfers and site stops, so the day can feel more “highlights” than “marathon.”

You’ll get 2 departures—9:00 am and 1:00 pm—and hotel-to-ranch-to-hotel transfers that make it easy to fit into your Cusco rhythm. For the money (about $65 per person), it’s strong value if you want a gentler way to see sacred sites and mountain views without joining the loudest crowds.

Key Things I’d Pencil In Before You Go

• Peruvian Paso horses with a reputation for smooth, controlled gaits, chosen to match different skill levels
• Safety gear and a helmet provided before you ride
• Templo de la Luna access, including stories tied to how the site was used
• Chacan Mountain viewpoint time, so you get the “wow” factor without a grueling hike
• Ranch transfers included (hotel ↔ ranch ↔ hotel), which saves you time and stress
• Small group cap of 20, which helps keep the pace manageable

Horses, History, and a Different Cusco Day

Cusco can feel like a nonstop parade of streets, stairs, and tour buses. This ride changes the angle. You start by leaving the city behind, then you move into a quieter world where the day runs by horse steps, not traffic. The best part is that you still get real history—without feeling like you’re stuck in a museum line.

The tour centers on two major stops: the Templo de la Luna and the Chacan Mountain viewpoint. Between them, you ride along ancient-style paths and pass the kind of outskirts scenery you don’t always see when you stay strictly on the main tourist route.

What makes this experience feel worth it is the balance of three ingredients:

1) you get time in the air and mountains,

2) you learn what you’re looking at, and

3) you’re riding on horses that are treated like working partners, not disposable props.

If you care about animal welfare (and you should), this matters. Multiple people highlighted that the ranch makes a big effort to keep horses well cared for and that the horses aren’t kept in the same exhausted, sun-soaked situation all day. You can feel the difference in how the ride runs—calmer handling, calmer pace, and fewer “fight for control” moments.

Getting There Smoothly: Transfers and Timing That Actually Help

The tour runs about 3 hours 30 minutes total, with departures at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. That timing is useful because it lets you choose your energy level. If you prefer a morning start, you can ride before Cusco’s late-day buzz. If you like sleeping in, the afternoon departure gives you a gentler start.

Transfers are included: hotel ↔ ranch ↔ hotel. This is a big deal in Cusco, where it’s easy to waste energy figuring out pickup points. With transfers handled, you spend your mental energy on the ride instead of logistics.

In practice, the day usually looks like this:

• pickup and drive to the ranch,
• fitting you with safety gear and setting you up with a horse,
• starting the ride and following your guide through the countryside,
• site stops and viewpoints,
• then the return drive and drop-off.

You’ll also get snacks for the ride. Note that drinks aren’t included, so if you’re the type who needs water with every stop, plan ahead. A small bottle goes a long way, especially in Cusco’s dry air and higher elevation.

Enter the Temple of the Moon: Sacred Site Without the Crowds

The tour’s first major stop is the Templo de la Luna. This is where the experience shifts from countryside ride to a more spiritual, story-driven stop. You’re not just looking at ruins from a distance. You’re there in a way that feels connected to why people came in the first place.

What I like about this stop is the combination of access and explanation. The guide talks history and meaning as you move through the area. One review specifically mentioned an underground tunnel at the Moon Temple, which adds a neat sense of mystery without needing a separate ticketed “adventure” activity.

A good clue for what to expect: this isn’t framed like a rushed checklist stop. It’s timed as part of the riding route, so you get a real moment for photos and for the story behind the site. If you’ve done the big Inca attractions already, this feels like a different flavor. It’s still Inca-related, but it doesn’t feel like you’re stuck in the same crowd choreography.

Small warning, just so you’re not surprised: you may need to manage quick movement around the site. One person described leaving snacks behind when they had to crawl down into a grotto. That tells you to keep your hands free and your expectations realistic—wear clothing you’re comfortable moving in, and keep valuables secure.

Chacan Mountain Viewpoint: Where the Ride Earns the Wow

After the temple stop, the ride turns toward Chacan Mountain and the viewpoint. This is the payoff part. Cusco has plenty of scenic angles, but horseback gets you there with less strain than a steep hike. You feel the change in altitude and air as you move, and then you reach a viewpoint where the city and surrounding countryside spread out in your direction of travel.

What you get here is a classic “short effort, big reward” moment. You’re not spending all day climbing. You’re riding to a perspective you can’t easily reach on foot within the same time window.

This part also tends to be where the pace matters. The guides choose horses and keep the group coordinated so people aren’t falling behind or getting stuck waiting for slower riders. If you’re new to riding, this matters a lot. Several reviews praised that first-timers felt comfortable, and one person said they didn’t even rely on the reins much, which is a good sign your horse and guide are doing the heavy lifting.

The Ranch and the Horses: Calm Handling, Real Safety

The ranch experience is a huge part of why this tour gets such strong ratings. The horses are described as Peruvian Paso—often calm, strong, and well trained. The key detail I take from that: the ranch matches horses to riders. If you’re experienced, you may get a horse that fits your comfort level. If you’re not, you’ll likely get a smoother, steadier mount.

Guides matter here. Gabriel is repeatedly named as the host and guide, and the vibe people describe is consistent: safety comes first, explanations are practical, and the horse care is a core value, not a marketing line. One review also mentioned Sergio as part of the hosting team, plus Grimaldo as a guide who shared a lot of site knowledge.

You’ll also get equipment for protection, and in at least one account that includes a helmet before you start riding. Even if you think you’re “fine,” use it. The countryside has its own rhythm—rocks, uneven ground, and sudden sounds. Being protected is part of riding smart.

The other welfare detail worth noting: multiple people compared this ranch favorably to other options that keep horses saddled or tethered too long. That’s not just about comfort for the animals. It affects ride quality for you, too. Horses that are rested, rotated, and cared for tend to behave more predictably.

Price and Value: What $65 Really Buys You

At about $65 per person, this tour sits in a sweet spot for Cusco: you pay for transportation, horses, guiding, safety gear, and snacks, all in one package.

Here’s what makes it good value:

• Transfers included mean you’re not paying extra for getting to the ranch.
• Horse selection and training matter, and this isn’t the type of experience where you want a gamble on a random mount.
• Time with two major elements (Moon Temple plus Chacan viewpoint) is efficient for a 3.5-hour day.
• Small group size helps keep the pace rideable and the stops meaningful.

What it doesn’t promise is “all-day trail.” One person wished there was more riding time and said it felt like a short loop. That’s a fair expectation check. If your dream is long hours in the saddle, consider this as a strong sampler and a nature-and-history highlight, not a full-day trekking replacement.

Also remember: drinks aren’t included. That’s normal for tours, but it changes your total cost slightly. Plan to bring water.

Who Should Book This Ride?

This is a great fit for:

• couples and solo travelers who want a nature break from Cusco streets,
• first-time riders who want support and a calm horse,
• families with older kids or teens, since people described the horses and guidance working well even for younger riders,
• anyone who wants Inca context without doing another giant museum-style day.

If you’re very athletic and looking for a serious endurance challenge, you might feel the ride is short. But if your goal is to see sacred sites and mountain viewpoints with less strain, this is the kind of adventure that hits the right buttons.

Should You Book Gabriel’s Ranch? My Honest Take

I’d book it if your priorities are safe, well-cared-for horses, a guided history stop at the Templo de la Luna, and a realistic half-day outing from Cusco. The biggest reasons to choose this one are the consistent emphasis on horse welfare, the smooth handling described by riders, and the included transfers that remove stress.

Skip it (or at least adjust expectations) if you want hours of continuous riding or you hate the idea of site stops where you get off the horse, move around, then remount.

If you’re making a short Cusco itinerary, this is one of those activities that turns your day into something you’ll remember for the right reasons: movement, views, and stories tied to places with meaning.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the horseback riding tour?

It’s approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour take place?

It’s based in Cusco, Peru, with rides to the Temple of the Moon and the Chacan Mountain viewpoint.

What time do departures run?

There are departures at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is listed as $65.00 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Transfers between your hotel and the ranch are included.

Are safety items provided?

Yes. You’ll receive protection equipment, and riders are fitted before starting.

Do I get snacks?

Yes. Snacks are included. Drinks are not included.

What kind of horses do they use?

The horses are Peruvian Paso horses, and they’re described as calm and well trained.

What languages are the guides?

The guide is described as professional and bilingual, in English and Spanish.

Is the group small?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.