Cusco: Half-Day Horseback Riding at Devil’s Balcony

Cusco quickly gives way to open mountain country on this four-hour ride to Devil’s Balcony, a natural rock formation and old Inca shrine behind Sacsayhuaman. From the trail, you look down over the city, pass farms and grazing animals, and reach places that are far quieter than Cusco’s main sights.

I like two things here: the well-trained horses, which make this workable for many beginners, and the chance to see Cusco from above without spending a full day on a major trek. The guides, including Holger, Benny, Ogir, and others praised for their patience and local knowledge, also add real value.

The main consideration is that the tour is still horseback riding, not a sightseeing bus with a short animal encounter. You spend about two hours in the saddle, and the route can take longer or shorter depending on your riding ability. Pickup details also deserve care, so confirm your hotel information before the morning begins.

Key points to know before you book

• Devil’s Balcony is both a natural formation and an archaeological site, with a rock window above a river and a cave once used as an Inca shrine.
• Beginners are welcome, but the activity includes around two hours of riding, hills, mounting, dismounting, and uneven ground.
• The best views come from the trail, where Cusco spreads below you and the city noise falls away.
• The horses are selected for your experience, with calmer animals generally assigned to first-time riders.
• Lanlakuyoc adds a second historical stop, making this more than a simple countryside ride.
• The $85 price is reasonable for a private or small-group outing, since pickup, guide, horse, helmet, saddle, and muleteer support are included.

Leaving Cusco for the Vieja Estancia Ranch

The outing begins with pickup from a central Cusco hotel. You meet the guide in the lobby or at the hotel entrance, then travel by taxi to Vieja Estancia Ranch near Sacsayhuaman.

This short transfer matters because the ride does not begin in the city itself. You are soon away from traffic and steep urban streets, at a ranch with horses in the pasture and saddled animals ready for the group.

Before mounting, the guide gives a safety briefing and a basic lesson in controlling the horse. You learn how to lead, stop, and steer, along with the simple riding technique needed for the route. That introduction is especially useful if you have never ridden before or have not been on a horse for years.

The horses are matched to your experience and comfort level. Several first-time riders describe being given gentle, responsive horses that followed the group calmly. That does not remove every risk, of course. You still need to listen carefully, keep your balance, and be comfortable around a large animal.

Helmets and saddles are included, as is a muleteer who helps manage the horses. Wear long pants and proper hiking shoes. A daypack is useful for water, a phone, sunscreen, and a light layer, but keep it small enough to carry comfortably while riding.

One hour through farms, hills, and high views

The first riding section lasts about an hour. The route leads through the countryside behind Sacsayhuaman, with farms, local animals, and mountain scenery along the way.

This is the part of the tour that gives you a better sense of Cusco’s setting. From street level, the city can feel enclosed by steep hills and busy roads. From the trail, you see its spread below you, with the surrounding mountains and rural land opening out in every direction.

The ride is not described as a fast trail ride from start to finish. The horses generally walk at a calm pace, though riders with more experience may be allowed to move faster at suitable points. Your guide controls the pace of the group and helps you manage the horse on the hills.

That makes this a good choice for someone who wants an active half-day but does not want a demanding mountain hike. You get fresh air and changing views without committing to a full-day excursion. Still, you should not treat it as effortless. Getting on and off the horse, sitting upright for extended periods, and riding over uneven ground can leave a beginner pleasantly tired.

The guides also stop along the way to explain local plants, animals, geography, and Inca sites. Their role is not only to lead the horses. Guides such as Ogir, Benny, and Holger have been singled out for clear explanations and patient answers, which makes the historical stops more useful than a quick photo pause.

Devil’s Balcony and the river below

The central stop is Devil’s Balcony, also called Chacan. It lies on the back side of Sacsayhuaman and combines a dramatic natural feature with an archaeological story.

The main attraction is a large rock split by a chasm. A natural opening creates a balcony-like viewpoint above the river, which runs below and through a large cave in the rock. The cave formed thousands of years ago and was used as an Inca shrine.

You reach the site after about 45 minutes of riding on the listed route, then pause for a guided visit. The guide explains the formation, the river, and the site’s religious importance. You can expect uneven ground around the rock, so hiking shoes are much better than smooth casual sneakers.

This is not a grand ruin on the scale of Sacsayhuaman or Machu Picchu. Its appeal is more intimate. The combination of rock, water, cave, and open mountain views gives the stop a strong sense of place. You are seeing how the Incas and earlier Andean people treated striking natural features as sacred locations.

Take care near the edge and listen to the guide’s instructions. The name sounds theatrical, but the point is not a staged attraction. It is a natural opening above a real ravine, and the terrain calls for attention.

Allow time for photos, but also look down into the cave and across the surrounding hills. The view back toward Cusco is one of the tour’s strongest features, especially on a clear day.

Lanlakuyoc adds a quieter archaeological stop

After Devil’s Balcony, the ride continues toward Lanlakuyoc, another site included on the route. The second riding section lasts about an hour, followed by a 20-minute break.

Lanlakuyoc is valuable because it gives the excursion another historical layer without the crowds and formal paths found at Cusco’s headline sites. Your guide stops to explain what you are seeing, so this is a good moment to ask about the local ruins, the Incas, and the way sacred places fit into the surrounding countryside.

The precise experience can vary with the group’s pace and riding ability. The activity description gives an approximate four-hour duration, and the operator notes that timing depends on how comfortable each rider is. A confident rider may cover ground more quickly, while a first-timer may need extra instruction and slower movement.

The break is not a throwaway detail. A short pause lets your legs rest, gives the horses a breather, and allows you to enjoy the views without trying to hold a conversation while sitting in the saddle. For a half-day ride, these stops help keep the outing comfortable rather than turning it into one long, tiring stretch.

One point needs clarification before booking. Some longer horseback routes in this area include the Temple of the Moon, but this half-day experience is presented around Devil’s Balcony and Lanlakuyoc. If the Temple of the Moon is important to you, ask the operator to confirm the exact route before paying.

What the horses and guides add

The strongest part of the experience is the horse handling. The horses are repeatedly described as calm, responsive, and well trained, including by people riding for the first time.

That matters in Peru, where a scenic route can lose its appeal if you spend the whole time worrying about the animal beneath you. The guides select horses according to experience and give basic instruction before departure. Beginners have been paired with particularly gentle animals, while experienced riders may have the chance to try a Peruvian gait.

You should still be realistic. A well-trained horse does not mean you can ignore the instructions or ride without confidence. Keep both hands ready, follow the guide’s pace, and tell the staff if you feel uncomfortable. The route includes hills and natural trails, so the horse’s sure footing helps, but it does not replace your own attention.

The guide can also make or break the historical side of the outing. Holger has been praised for his horse training and explanations of Inca history. Benny has been noted for combining careful riding help with facts about the area. Ogir has been described as especially strong on both riding and Inca history. Names and staff can change, but the setup gives you a guide who stays with the group rather than sending you out on your own.

Guides also commonly help with photos. That is useful because taking a phone picture while mounted is awkward and can distract you from the trail. Ask before handing over your phone, and keep it secured when riding.

Is $85 a fair price?

At $85 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon in Cusco. You can visit many city sights for far less. The value comes from combining transport, a guided ride, two historical stops, equipment, and several hours in the countryside.

The price includes central hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual English and Spanish guide, saddle, safety helmet, and muleteer support. It also saves you the trouble of arranging transport to a ranch near Sacsayhuaman.

For a private group, the value improves, especially if you want a slower pace or have mixed riding experience. The operator also offers private groups, though you should confirm the exact price and arrangement when booking.

I would consider $85 fair for riders who specifically want horseback access to the hills and do not already have transport or local riding contacts. It is less compelling if you only want a quick photo with a horse or if you are mainly interested in formal archaeological sites. In that case, a standard Cusco ruins tour may give you more historical detail for less money.

The included guide is important here. You are not paying only for the horse. You are paying for the route, the safety briefing, the interpretation at Devil’s Balcony and Lanlakuyoc, and the practical help that makes the ride possible for beginners.

Who should book this ride

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction with trained horses and direct instruction.
• Experienced riders looking for a scenic route rather than a technical or fast ride.
• Couples and small groups wanting a quieter alternative to the main Cusco circuit.
• Anyone with a free half-day who wants mountain views and local countryside without a full-day trek.
• History fans who enjoy small archaeological sites and natural sacred places.
• Photographers who want broad views over Cusco and help taking photos along the route.

I would be more cautious if you dislike sitting on a horse for around two hours or have limited mobility on uneven ground. Pregnant women should not book, and the activity is not suitable for people over 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms.

The altitude around Cusco is another practical concern, though the supplied activity information does not give a separate altitude limit. If you have only just arrived in the region and are feeling unwell, an active riding excursion may not be the best first plan. Give yourself time to adjust and be honest with the guide about how you feel.

Practical details that make the ride easier

Wear long pants. Shorts can rub against the saddle and stirrups, while loose fabric can catch or flap around the horse.

Choose hiking shoes with a firm sole. You need secure footing when mounting, walking near the rock sites, and moving around uneven ground.

Bring a small daypack, but do not overfill it. Water, sun protection, a phone, and an extra layer are the useful basics. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so a light jacket is sensible.

Wait in the lobby or entrance of your central Cusco hotel for pickup. Double-check the hotel name and address before the day of the ride. One pickup mix-up caused avoidable confusion, and this is easy to prevent with a quick confirmation.

The duration is approximate. The stated schedule includes about one hour of riding to the area, 45 minutes near Devil’s Balcony, another hour toward Lanlakuyoc, a 20-minute break, and a short final ride back to the ranch. Your actual timing depends on the group and riding ability.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Activity insurance is not included, so arrange your own cover if that matters to you.

Should you book the Devil’s Balcony ride?

Book it if you want a scenic, active half-day outside Cusco, especially if you are new to riding and would feel better with calm horses and a patient guide. The views, quiet trails, Devil’s Balcony, and smaller archaeological stops give the outing more substance than a basic ranch ride.

Skip it if you want a fast, polished sightseeing tour, a major ruin with extensive preserved walls, or a guaranteed visit to the Temple of the Moon. Also skip it if two hours in the saddle sounds uncomfortable.

For the right rider, this is a smart way to see the countryside behind Sacsayhuaman. You get a close look at the hills above Cusco, a memorable natural shrine, and a guided ride that feels personal rather than mass produced.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The activity lasts about four hours in total. The riding portions add up to roughly two hours, with guided stops and a 20-minute break included. The exact duration can change according to your riding experience and the group’s pace.

Where does the tour begin?

Pickup is provided from central hotels in Cusco. You then travel to Vieja Estancia Ranch near Sacsayhuaman, where the horses and riding briefing are provided.

Is this suitable for a beginner?

Yes. The guide provides a basic induction before you ride, and horses are selected according to your experience. The horses are described as calm and well trained, but you still need to follow the guide’s instructions and feel comfortable riding for around two hours.

What is Devil’s Balcony?

Devil’s Balcony, also called Chacan, is a large rock formation behind Sacsayhuaman. It has a natural opening above a river, with a cave running through the rock. The cave was used as an Inca shrine.

Does the tour visit the Temple of the Moon?

The half-day route described here focuses on Devil’s Balcony and Lanlakuyoc. Some longer tours include the Temple of the Moon, so confirm the route with the operator if that site is a priority.

What is included in the price?

The $85 price includes central Cusco hotel pickup and drop-off, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, saddle, safety helmet, and muleteer support.

What should I bring?

Bring hiking shoes, long pants, and a daypack. A small bag can hold personal items needed during the four-hour outing.

Who should not take this activity?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people weighing more than 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms. Anyone who is unsure about riding for around two hours should consider the physical demands before booking.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also allows you to reserve now and pay later, subject to the booking conditions.