THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Trade the city’s cobbles for packed highland tracks on a 3-hour horseback loop that passes near Sacsayhuamán and the Temple of the Moon. This accessible ride blends Inca archaeology, volcanic ridgelines, and steady-paced riding for all levels.
Trade the city’s cobbles for packed highland tracks on a 3-hour horseback loop that passes near Sacsayhuamán and the Temple of the Moon. This accessible ride blends Inca archaeology, volcanic ridgelines, and steady-paced riding for all levels.
The saddle settles and the city loosens its grip; stone roofs and narrow alleys shrink behind you while highland wind tugs at your jacket. Horses pick their way along packed earth and grassy lanes, and the outline of Sacsayhuamán grows—an angry line of ancient stones watching the valley below. The air is thin here, and the landscape feels like it’s pushing you outward toward the hills.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Valencia Travel Agency S.a.c. · Cusco, Cusco Region
The saddle settles and the city loosens its grip; stone roofs and narrow alleys shrink behind you while highland wind tugs at your jacket. Horses pick their way along packed earth and grassy lanes, and the outline of Sacsayhuamán grows—an angry line of ancient stones watching the valley below. The air is thin here, and the landscape feels like it’s pushing you outward toward the hills.
This half-day ride threads history and geology together. You’ll pass close to the massive polygonal walls of Sacsayhuamán—15th-century Inca masonry set into a ridge of volcanic andesite—and visit the nearby Temple of the Moon and Chacana slopes where cultic pathways and terraces remind you this was a lived, engineered landscape. Local mule trails and ranch tracks cross puna grassland and intermittent rock outcrops; streams sometimes dare to cut the saddle route after rain.
Culturally the ride is short but rich: riders often glimpse shepherds, seasonal agriculture, and the rhythms of highland life. Guides and local horsemen — often non-English speaking — keep the pace calm, mostly at a walk, making this accessible for riders with basic experience. Groups are small, pickups run from central hotels, and the operation includes round-trip transport to the ranch.
Practicalities matter here: altitude (Cusco sits around 3,400 m) changes breathing and pace, so hydrate and slow your pace the first hour. Expect 6–8 km of riding on mixed dirt and grassy terrain with gentle elevation changes; wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, and bring a small daypack. If you have spinal issues this activity is not recommended. The tour is a compact way to connect with Cusco’s archaeology and open air without committing to a long trek.
This is rated easy and moves at a walking pace; basic balance and the ability to mount/dismount are sufficient.
Local horsemen lead or accompany guests at a walking pace; guides handle group direction and safety.
No advanced skills required — basic horseback familiarity helps but beginners are welcome.
The full tour is about 3 hours including pickup; expect 1.5–2 hours of saddle time depending on route and stops.
Valencia Travel Agency S.a.c. operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The saddle settles and the city loosens its grip; stone roofs and narrow alleys shrink behind you while highland wind tugs at your jacket. Horses pick their way along packed earth and grassy lanes, and the outline of Sacsayhuamán grows—an angry line of ancient stones watching the valley below. The air is thin here, and the landscape feels like it’s pushing you outward toward the hills.
The saddle settles and the city loosens its grip; stone roofs and narrow alleys shrink behind you while highland wind tugs at your jacket. Horses pick their way along packed earth and grassy lanes, and the outline of Sacsayhuamán grows—an angry line of ancient stones watching the valley below. The air is thin here, and the landscape feels like it’s pushing you outward toward the hills.
This half-day ride threads history and geology together. You’ll pass close to the massive polygonal walls of Sacsayhuamán—15th-century Inca masonry set into a ridge of volcanic andesite—and visit the nearby Temple of the Moon and Chacana slopes where cultic pathways and terraces remind you this was a lived, engineered landscape. Local mule trails and ranch tracks cross puna grassland and intermittent rock outcrops; streams sometimes dare to cut the saddle route after rain.
Culturally the ride is short but rich: riders often glimpse shepherds, seasonal agriculture, and the rhythms of highland life. Guides and local horsemen — often non-English speaking — keep the pace calm, mostly at a walk, making this accessible for riders with basic experience. Groups are small, pickups run from central hotels, and the operation includes round-trip transport to the ranch.
Practicalities matter here: altitude (Cusco sits around 3,400 m) changes breathing and pace, so hydrate and slow your pace the first hour. Expect 6–8 km of riding on mixed dirt and grassy terrain with gentle elevation changes; wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, and bring a small daypack. If you have spinal issues this activity is not recommended. The tour is a compact way to connect with Cusco’s archaeology and open air without committing to a long trek.