Sacsayhuaman Horseback Tour Review 2025: A Private Ride

So, you’ve made it to Cusco, and honestly, the city is an absolute whirlwind of color, history, and the sounds of people from every corner of the planet. We found that after a couple of days of walking through cobblestone alleys and seeing packed plazas, you know, we were looking for an experience with a little more open space. That is that we wanted to breathe in some of that high-altitude air without being surrounded by a hundred other people. So, a friend had mentioned doing a horseback ride up in the hills above the city, and frankly, the idea of seeing ancient Inca sites from the back of a horse instead of a tour bus just sounded sort of perfect. It’s actually a pretty different way to see things, connecting with the scenery in a much more direct fashion. We decided to book a private tour for the 2025 season, which turned out to be a really great choice, as I was saying, because it gave us a lot of freedom. This is basically my full rundown of what you can honestly expect if you decide to do the same thing.

First Impressions: Meeting the Horses and Our Guide

Okay, so our day began with a short car ride from the middle of Cusco up into the hills, just a little way past the main entrance to the Sacsayhuaman archaeological park. The air, you know, instantly felt a bit thinner and had a certain freshness to it, smelling a little of eucalyptus and damp earth. We pulled up to a modest family-run stable, and right away, it just felt completely different from the busy city we had left just a little bit ago. There were, like, a few dogs lounging in the sun, and the sound wasn’t of car horns but of the quiet stamping of hooves from inside a wooden enclosure. The setup was, frankly, very simple but gave off an air of being completely authentic. You could tell that the people here had a real and deep-seated connection with their animals and the land they lived on. Anyway, this felt like the real Peru you sometimes read about, not just another tourist trap. You can actually find similar genuine local experiences if you know where to look. Honestly, it was a promising start to the entire affair.

The horses themselves were, obviously, the main attraction at the stable. We saw a group of them, maybe ten or so, and they were really Peruvian Paso horses, a breed that is known for its incredibly fluid and smooth gait. So, instead of looking like tired animals going through the motions, these creatures, you know, had a certain spirit in their eyes and their coats had a very nice sheen. They weren’t particularly large horses, sort of more compact and sturdy-looking, which, as I was saying, makes a lot of sense for navigating the mountain paths around here. Our guide for the day, a fellow who introduced himself as Marco, came over with a really warm smile. He, too, was apparently not just some guy hired for the season; he told us that his family had been living and working with horses on this same piece of land for many generations. His English was quite good, yet he had a manner of speaking that was very measured and calm, which put us at ease right away. Marco really took his time to explain the unique qualities of these horses before we even got on them.

Marco, our guide, was sort of the key that made the whole experience something special. He didn’t just hand us the reins and say “follow me,” which we were honestly a little worried about. Instead, he spent a good bit of time, probably almost twenty minutes, just talking to us and asking about our own experience with riding. Since one of us was a little nervous, he was really patient, demonstrating how to hold the reins and how to use small, gentle movements to guide the horse. He basically explained that these particular horses respond more to a sense of calm and a gentle touch than they do to strong commands. He had a way about him that was, in a way, like a gentle teacher. He personally picked out a horse for each of us, matching their temperament to our skill levels; my partner got a very calm mare named ‘Estrella’, and I was given a slightly more spirited but still very obedient gelding called ‘Rayo’. As a matter of fact, you can really tell when a guide truly cares about your comfort and the well-being of their animals.

The Ride Itself: Scenery Beyond the Main Fortress

Alright, so once we were comfortably on our horses, the real adventure began. We, you know, followed Marco away from the stable and onto a narrow dirt track that wound its way up into the hills. That is that we immediately left the last signs of the city behind, and the only sounds were the soft clop of the hooves on the trail, the whisper of the Andean wind through the tall grasses, and Marco occasionally pointing something out. The path was pretty varied; sometimes it was a wide, grassy plain, and other times it became a more rocky, narrow trail that required a bit more concentration. Rayo, my horse, was incredibly sure-footed, and I quickly started to feel very confident in his ability to handle the terrain. It’s almost a feeling of partnership, you know? You’re not just a passenger; you’re moving together with this animal through a stunning, ancient landscape. It’s a sensation that you just don’t get from inside a vehicle, and honestly, the slower pace of travel made us notice so much more about our surroundings.

The views, well, they were frankly on another level entirely. As we climbed higher, the entire Cusco valley sort of spread out below us like a giant, detailed map. You could actually see the iconic red-tiled roofs of the city, the Plaza de Armas looking like a tiny square in the distance, and the whole thing was surrounded by these huge, imposing mountains. On the other hand, it’s not just the big picture view that is amazing. The immediate scenery was just as captivating. We rode through these groves of fragrant eucalyptus trees, past small farm plots where you could see local people tending to their crops of potatoes and quinoa, more or less just as their ancestors did. Marco would point out different things, like a specific mountain peak or a type of local plant, giving us little bits of information along the way. In that case, the private nature of the tour meant we could stop whenever we wanted just to take a photo or simply soak in the sheer scale of it all. It really gives you a sense of perspective on your place in the world, and there are many places to get these kinds of amazing views if you get off the beaten path.

One of the really incredible parts of the ride was the feeling of almost total solitude. We basically saw very few other people once we got about thirty minutes away from the main road. The main Sacsayhuaman fortress, as amazing as it is, can be really crowded with tour groups. Where we were riding, though, was a whole different world. It was just us, Marco, and the immense, quiet landscape. This solitude allows your mind to sort of wander and imagine what this area must have been like centuries ago, during the time of the Incas. You could almost picture messengers running along these same paths. It’s a deeply contemplative and moving experience that feels a bit like stepping back in time. Frankly, that kind of quiet is a luxury in itself. It’s pretty hard to describe the feeling of peacefulness that settles over you out there, with just the sound of the wind and your horse breathing beneath you. Exploring the lesser-known areas around Cusco offers a much more personal connection to the region’s history.

Uncovering Hidden Gems: The Temple of the Moon and Chuspiyoq

So, a really high point of the trip was our visit to a site called the Temple of the Moon, or Templo de la Luna. It’s a place that is, like, not on the main tourist ticket, so you can only really get to it easily on a tour like this or by a pretty long hike. Marco led us to a clearing where we tied up the horses so they could rest and graze. We then walked a short distance to this massive rock outcropping with two caves carved into it. He explained that this was a ‘huaca,’ a sacred place for the Inca people. It’s definitely not as grand as Sacsayhuaman, but it has a very different, more spiritual kind of atmosphere. We went inside one of the main caves, and the air was still and cool. At the back, there was an altar-like stone formation, and Marco showed us how, during a certain time of year, moonlight shines directly through an opening in the roof to illuminate it. Finding these kinds of spots is really what makes an experience memorable. It’s these kinds of sacred Inca places that truly connect you to the ancient culture. It felt incredibly special to be standing there, more or less alone.

Marco shared some local knowledge about the Temple of the Moon, which was honestly fascinating. He told us that many people from the local communities still consider it a powerful place.

“Basically,” he said, speaking in a very quiet voice, “this is not just a rock, you know. This is a place for connecting with Pachamama, with Mother Earth. The snake, the puma, and the condor are carved here. They are not just animals; they represent the lower world, this world, and the upper world. To be here, it is to be in the center of everything.”

Just hearing him talk about it with such genuine respect completely changed how we saw the place. It stopped being just an interesting old ruin and became something very much alive. After that, he let us explore the area on our own for a while, and we found a smaller cave that had carvings of a serpent on its walls. It’s these personal stories and local insights that a standard guidebook or a large group tour just cannot give you. You might find similar cultural stories when you investigate the local traditions of the Andes.

Next, we got back on our horses and Marco took us to another, even less-known place that he called Chuspiyoq, which he said roughly translates to “place of the flies” though there weren’t many around that day, thankfully. This spot was a series of ancient agricultural terraces, almost like a miniature version of Moray, but completely wild and overgrown with grasses and wildflowers. Unlike the perfectly restored terraces you see elsewhere, these were almost being reclaimed by nature, which in a way made them feel more authentic. There were no signs, no ropes, and certainly no other people. Marco explained that this was probably an experimental farm for the Incas, where they tested different crops at various altitudes. We dismounted again and just sat on the edge of one of the terraces, looking out over a small, quiet valley. Seriously, it was one of those moments that just stays with you—the peace, the scale of the history under our feet, and the feeling of being let in on a little secret. To discover these kinds of forgotten Inca ruins is really the reward for getting away from the main tourist circuits.

Practical Advice for Your Ride

Okay, so if you’re thinking of doing this ride, there are definitely a few practical things to keep in mind to make it a more pleasant experience. First, the sun up at this altitude is really, really strong, even if it doesn’t feel hot because of the breeze. So, sunscreen is absolutely not optional, and you’ll want to reapply it. A hat with a wide brim is also a very good idea. We also wore layers of clothing; I started with a t-shirt, a fleece, and a light windbreaker and was glad I had all three, as I was taking the fleece off and putting it back on throughout the ride as the weather changed. You know, you will definitely want to wear long pants, like hiking pants or even jeans, to protect your legs from the saddle and from any brush you might ride past. And as for shoes, obviously, something sturdy and closed-toed is the only way to go. You really don’t need any special gear, but being prepared makes a huge difference, so checking a packing list for a Cusco day trip is pretty smart.

Next, let’s talk about what to bring with you in a small backpack. Water is number one, of course; the altitude and the activity will make you thirsty, so bring a decent-sized bottle. Your camera or phone is another given because the photo opportunities are just endless. It’s also a good idea to have some Peruvian Soles with you, in small bills. You’ll likely want to tip your guide at the end of the day if they did a good job, and sometimes you might pass a small local stall selling snacks or drinks. By the way, remember the altitude. A horseback ride is actually a really good activity for one of your first couple of days in Cusco because it’s not too strenuous, which can help your body acclimatize. To be honest, we felt much better after our ride than we did after a long day of just walking around the city. To fully prepare for the high Andes, it might be a good idea to read up on dealing with the altitude.

Finally, when you’re looking to book a tour, I’d say really pay attention to the “private” part of the tour description. Being on a private tour versus a group tour makes a massive difference here. In a group, you literally have to move at the pace of the slowest or most nervous rider. With a private tour, as I was saying, Marco was able to tailor the entire ride to us. We could go a little faster in the open fields and take it really slow on the trickier paths. We could stop for as many photos as we wanted without feeling like we were holding anyone up. It also means you get the guide’s full attention, so you can ask a ton of questions. As a matter of fact, here are a few things to look for when choosing your operator:

• Check Recent Reviews: Seriously, see what people are saying, especially about the health and treatment of the horses.
• Ask About the Route: A good operator will tell you exactly which sites you’ll visit, like the Temple of the Moon, and not just give a vague “ride around Sacsayhuaman.”
• Confirm It’s Private: Make sure “private” actually means just your party and the guide, not just a “small group.”

Taking a little time to choose a responsible tour company really ensures you have a much better and more ethical experience.

Is This Horseback Tour Right for You?

So, at the end of the day, you’re probably wondering if this kind of horseback tour is a good fit for your own trip to Cusco. Well, I’d say this experience is pretty much perfect for a few different kinds of travelers. If you have a bit of an adventurous spirit and you enjoy being outdoors, then absolutely, you will love this. It’s also frankly ideal for families with teenagers or older children who might be getting a little tired of looking at old stone walls. Putting them on a horse is a pretty great way to get them re-engaged with the history and the landscape. It’s also, you know, a wonderful option for couples or anyone who is just looking to escape the crowds for a few hours and have a more peaceful, personal experience with the Andean scenery. You really don’t need to be an expert rider at all; as a matter of fact, a willingness to try is much more important than any previous skill. There are many different kinds of adventures around Cusco, but this one has a very unique charm.

On the other hand, it’s probably not the best choice for everyone, and that’s totally okay. If you have a genuine and strong fear of horses, this might just be more stressful than it is enjoyable. Likewise, if you have significant back or knee problems, a few hours in a saddle could be pretty uncomfortable. You should also consider your schedule; while the ride itself might be about three to four hours, you should probably budget more or less half a day for the whole experience including travel time. So, if you’re on a very tight timeline trying to see everything in one day, this might not fit. For people who prefer the comfort of a bus and a paved road, this might be a little too rustic. Honestly, it all comes down to what you want to get out of your time in the Sacred Valley. Exploring different tour styles can help you decide what fits your travel personality best.

For us, though, it was basically one of the most memorable things we did during our entire stay in Peru. The combination of the beautiful, gentle horses, the jaw-dropping scenery that just seemed to go on forever, and the personal stories from our guide, Marco, created something that felt really special and unique. Riding back toward the ranch as the afternoon sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting these long shadows across the hills, was a moment of pure magic. The air got cooler, and the whole valley below us seemed to soften in the golden light. It was more than just a tour; it felt like a genuine connection to the land, its history, and its people. You really get a sense of the grandeur of the Inca world when you see it from that vantage point, moving at a natural pace. I mean, it’s an experience that a photograph can’t fully capture, you just kind of have to be there.