Half Day – City Horse Traditional Riding Tour Group Service

A Practical Look at the Half Day – City Horse Traditional Riding Tour in Cusco

Imagine exploring Cusco’s archaeological sites on horseback, with the gentle rhythm of hooves and panoramic views of ancient ruins. For $69.99 per person, this half-day tour offers around 4 hours of scenic riding, starting from your hotel and ending back where you began. The tour includes private transportation to a nearby ranch, where you’ll meet your horses and guides, and then set off along a dirt path to visit sites like Qenko and Puca Pucara.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the chance to combine cultural exploration with a bit of outdoor adventure. First, the personalized attention — your guide demonstrates how to control your horse and explains the safety equipment, making it accessible even if you’re new to riding. Second, the stunning views of Cusco’s countryside and archaeological ruins—a perspective you won’t get from just walking or biking.

One consideration to keep in mind is that the guide’s language may be non-English, which could be a drawback if you’re seeking a more guided experience in your language. Also, the admission tickets for the archaeological sites are not included, so if you want a full experience at each stop, you’ll need to plan for that separately.

This tour suits those who enjoy outdoor activities and cultural sights but aren’t expecting a deep archaeological tour. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic ride with some interesting ruins along the way—especially if you have a penchant for horses or countryside landscapes.

Key Points

• Accessible for most travelers: Suitable for those with various riding experience levels.
• Includes transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics.
• Focus on scenery and ruins: Emphasizes countryside views and archaeological sites.
• Guide-led experience: Guides are knowledgeable, but not necessarily English-speaking.
• Possibility for adventure: Trot and canter if the terrain allows.
• Additional costs: Site entrance tickets are not included, so budget accordingly.

The Full Scoop: What to Expect from the City Horse Traditional Riding Tour

Starting Point: Hotel Pickup and Ranch Introduction

The tour kicks off with pick-up from your Cusco hotel, which makes life easier by avoiding the hassle of finding your way to the ranch. From there, a private transfer takes you to the ranch near Qenko, where the horses are waiting. This part of the experience is straightforward, and the comfort of private transport is a welcome perk, especially after a day of exploring.

At the ranch, your guides will match you with a horse suited to your experience level—whether you’re a seasoned rider or a complete novice. They demonstrate how to control your horse and make sure you’re equipped with a helmet and safety gear. This is reassuring since it’s a half-day ride, and safety is always important when dealing with animals on uneven terrain.

The Ride: Visiting Qenko and Puca Pucara

After settling in, your journey begins with a short ride along a dirt path, offering lovely views of Cusco’s outskirts. The first stop is Qenko, an archaeological site perched above the city. While the guides will point out the ruins and explain their significance, the highlight here is the view of the ruins from the horseback, which offers a unique perspective that’s different from walking.

If you wish to explore Qenko on foot, you’ll need your Cusco tourist ticket, but the guides can look after your horse while you take some time to stroll around. From Qenko, your path continues along a small dirt trail to Puca Pucara, known as “The Red Gate.” This site historically served as an entrance to Cusco and offers a photo-worthy view of the surrounding area.

The Ride Itself: Pace and Experience

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to canter and trot if terrain and comfort level permit—something that many travelers enjoy for a dash of excitement. The guides, although not necessarily fluent in English, are experienced and keep the pace at a walking speed for most of the trek, making it suitable for a wide range of riders.

Final Stops and Return

The tour concludes after about four hours, returning you to the ranch where you can relax and enjoy the ride back to your hotel. It’s a relaxed pace, so you get plenty of time to absorb the landscape and take photos along the way.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Challenges

The main strengths of this tour are the friendly guides and the stunning views. One reviewer mentioned, “You get to enjoy the horses and the beautiful countryside,” highlighting how much travelers appreciate the natural scenery and the chance to interact with local guides.

However, a less positive review points out booking and communication issues, with some travelers experiencing difficulties confirming their booking and receiving responses. This underscores the importance of confirming details in advance and being prepared for possible language barriers with guides who are non-English speakers.

Value and Practical Tips

At $69.99, the tour offers a decent value considering the included transportation and horse rental. But bear in mind that additional costs for site tickets can add up if you want to explore the ruins thoroughly. It’s wise to budget for this separately.

If you’re someone who values authentic outdoor experiences and spectacular views, you will find this tour rewarding. But if you prefer a guided archaeology tour with in-depth historical commentary, you might want to look elsewhere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This ride is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to see Cusco’s ruins from a different angle. It’s especially suited for beginners or casual riders who are comfortable walking but may not be experienced at trotting or cantering.

It’s also an excellent choice for families or groups seeking a relaxed outdoor activity with scenic rewards. But those expecting a comprehensive archaeological tour or eager for detailed historical insights might find this experience a bit limited.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Tour for You?

If you’re looking for an authentic, scenic introduction to Cusco’s countryside and archaeological sites, this horseback riding tour offers a lovely blend of nature and culture. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy outdoor adventures and want to see the ruins from a different perspective. The included transportation and safety gear make it convenient and accessible, and the chance to trot or canter adds a dash of excitement.

However, be prepared for potential language barriers and additional costs for site tickets if you’re eager to explore each archaeological site in depth. The mixed reviews about booking reliability suggest confirming your reservation well in advance.

Ultimately, this tour suits travelers who value scenic rides and relaxed exploration over detailed archaeological commentary. It’s a good option for those wanting an authentic countryside experience with a touch of adventure, especially if riding horses is something you’ve always wanted to try.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup from Cusco, making logistics easier for travelers.

How long is the horseback riding?
The actual riding part lasts approximately 4 hours, including stops and sightseeing.

Are guides fluent in English?
Guides are present but are non-English speakers, so communication may be limited in language.

Are site entrance tickets included?
No, the tour does not include tickets for the archaeological sites like Qenko or Puca Pucara, so plan to purchase them separately if you wish to explore on foot.

Can beginners participate?
Yes, riders of most experience levels can participate since the guides demonstrate riding controls and ride at a walking pace.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities and bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection.

Is it suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but children should be comfortable riding horses and be accompanied by adults.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 15 travelers, allowing for a more intimate experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

In all, this half-day horseback riding adventure offers a pleasant way to see parts of Cusco that many travelers miss. It combines the charm of rural landscapes with a touch of cultural heritage, making it a worthwhile addition to your Cusco itinerary if outdoor activities and scenic views appeal to you.