Summary
Important Details
- Frequency: Every day of the year
- Duration: Half-day (approx. 5 hours)
- Start time: 09:00 h or 13:00 h
- Return time: 14:00 h or 18:00 h
- Mode: Shared Group
- Difficulty level: Low (suitable for beginners and families)
Why Travel with Peru Coyana?
Enjoy a unique experience riding horses through the stunning archaeological sites located in the heights of Cusco. This guided horseback tour around Sacsayhuaman is perfect for those looking for a relaxed, cultural, and nature-connected adventure.
In just half a day, you’ll visit key Inca complexes like Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara—each full of history, spiritual energy, and panoramic views of the imperial city. Accompanied by a professional guide and a local muleteer, you’ll learn about rituals, architectural functions, and Andean cosmology as you ride along ancient trails through the Andean forest.
This experience is suitable for all levels and is ideal for travelers who want to discover Cusco’s mystical and natural side without long hikes.
Itinerary Summary
- 09:00 a.m. / 01:00 p.m. – Hotel pick-up and transfer to the ranch
- 09:30 a.m. / 01:30 p.m. – Horseback ride begins at Sacsayhuaman
- 10:00 a.m. / 02:00 p.m. – Visit to Qenqo
- 10:45 a.m. / 02:45 p.m. – Visit to Puca Pucara
- 11:30 a.m. / 03:30 p.m. – Visit to Tambomachay
- 12:30 p.m. / 04:30 p.m. – Return to the ranch and transfer to Cusco
- 14:00 p.m. / 18:00 p.m. – Arrival at the hotel – End of service
Detailed Itinerary
Hotel Pick-up and Transfer to the Ranch
We begin the experience by picking you up from your hotel and taking you to a nearby ranch just minutes from Cusco, close to Sacsayhuaman, where the horseback ride begins.
Horseback Ride through Inca Archaeological Sites
We will ride along ancient Inca trails and visit the following sites:
- Sacsayhuaman: A ceremonial fortress built with megalithic stones up to 9 meters tall. Its zigzag shape represents the head of Cusco’s sacred puma.
- Qenqo: A ceremonial center carved into stone, featuring canals and underground chambers used for rituals. Its carvings reflect the Andean worldview.
- Puca Pucara: A military fort and control point, built with platforms, stairways, and watchtowers.
- Tambomachay: Also known as the «Inca Baths», this site is linked to water worship and spiritual purification, with crystal-clear water channels still in use today.
Throughout the ride, the guide will explain the historical and symbolic significance of each site, while the muleteer ensures the group’s safety.
Return to Cusco
After the ride, we return to the ranch, where our transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco.
Includes / Not Included
What’s Included in the Sacsayhuaman Horseback Ride?
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cusco
- Riding horse for the entire route
- Bilingual professional tour guide
- Local muleteer for safety
- Permanent assistance
What’s Not Included?
- Tourist ticket (required for entry to archaeological sites)
- Lunch or snacks
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Tips
Recommendations for Your Horseback Riding Tour
- Bring a small backpack with personal items
- Wear comfortable clothing, long pants, and closed-toe shoes
- Use sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Bring bottled water and light snacks
- Carry a camera or phone with a full battery
- Carry local currency (soles) for tickets or personal expenses
- No prior horseback experience is required – the route is calm and supervised by trained staff
