Horseback riding near Cusco can feel like a shortcut. You get trained horses and a memorable stop at Devil’s Balcony (Chacan), with guides who keep things clear even for nervous riders. One watch-out: pickup can be a bit messy if your hotel name in the booking doesn’t match what the driver expects.

I like that this half-day format fits into a Cusco itinerary without eating your whole day. You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off, safety helmets, saddle, and a bilingual guide, plus time to ride out from town and come back.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Well-trained horses that match your experience and mood
• Devil’s Balcony (Chacan): a rock window over the chasm and river
• Panoramic Cusco views from the mountains above town
• Bilingual guiding (English and Spanish) with stops that explain what you’re seeing
• Practical time on horseback with breaks built in
• A little off-the-usual-track riding beyond central Cusco

Why Devil’s Balcony (Chacan) Is Worth 4 Hours of Horseback

Devil’s Balcony, also called Chacan, is the moment you’ll remember when Cusco starts to blur into a stack of tours. It sits on the backside of Saqsayhuaman, and it’s basically a natural rock structure turned into an Inca-era viewing point.

What makes it special is the geometry. You’re looking across a big chasm, with a window/balcony area that overlooks the river below. The river runs under the rock, passes through a huge cave, and reappears toward the other end of the formation. In the Inca world, this wasn’t just scenery—it was used as an important shrine setting, tied to the power of water, rock, and place.

The horseback part matters here. If you only visit by road, it can feel like you arrived and checked a box. On horseback, you earn the view. You ride upward, you get that growing sense of distance from the city, and then Devil’s Balcony hits harder because you’re already in the landscape—working your way through it.

One more reason I’d prioritize this stop: the experience includes a skip-the-line entry via a separate entrance. You spend less time waiting and more time at the places with the best viewpoints.

Getting to the Ranch Near Saqsayhuaman (and Why Pickup Details Matter)

The day starts with hotel pickup from central Cusco. When you book, make sure your pickup address lines up perfectly with your reservation. At least one rider had pickup confusion when the driver tried to locate a different hostel than expected. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s the kind of problem you can prevent by double-checking the exact name and location you sent during booking.

After pickup, you’ll head to the ranch near Saqsayhuaman. This matters because you’re not starting the ride right on a crowded street. The whole experience is built around meeting the horses and getting you ready in a calm setting first—then moving out toward the viewpoints and archaeological stops.

You’ll also want to plan for a loose sense of timing: the tour duration is approximate and depends on your riding skills. If you’re someone who likes tight schedules, build a small buffer for this half-day.

From Saddle to Control: How Horse Training Works for Beginners

The most reassuring part of this tour is the start at the ranch. You’ll meet your horses and the muleteers, then get a briefing that’s meant to make you safe and confident quickly. After that, you’ll receive a short induction focused on how to control the horse and lead it safely.

Horses are selected according to your experience and even your mood. That sounds casual, but in practice it’s why so many people—especially first-timers—report feeling comfortable. One rider highlighted how easy it felt to ride even with limited experience, largely because the horses were steady and the staff took time with correct technique.

If you’ve ridden before, you still likely enjoy it. Some guides will let you move faster at certain points of the route, depending on comfort and control. A couple of reviews specifically mentioned trying the Peruvian gait, which is one of those Andean riding touches you might not get on every tour.

Practical tip: go in expecting some basic coaching. The better you follow the instructions early, the more enjoyable the ride feels later.

The Ride Out of Cusco: Farms, Animals, and Wide Views Above Town

Once you’re mounted, the trail heads toward the Devil’s Balcony area. Along the way, you pass farms and herds of local animals. It’s not just pretty scenery—it’s a reminder that you’re riding through lived-in countryside, not a staged tourist path.

You’ll also get panoramic views of Cusco and the surrounding area. The best part is timing: as you move along the route, the city gradually changes size beneath you. At certain viewpoints, you can stop, look, and take photos without feeling like you’re constantly dismounting.

Because this ride is guided, you won’t just be staring at hills. In multiple stops, your guide will pause to explain what you’re seeing—animals, vegetation, and historical context connected to the places you’re approaching.

If you care about photos, this tour has that going for it too. Several riders said the guide took pictures and shared them afterward, which is handy when you’re busy focusing on balance and not dropping your phone.

Balcon del Diablo: The Window Over the River and Inca Shrine Setting

Devil’s Balcony is described as a large rock formation with a spectacular view into a chasm. What you’re really looking at is a natural architectural feature that became meaningful in the Inca period.

Here’s what to pay attention to while you’re there:

• The window/balcony overlooking the river underneath the rock
• The way the river travels through a big cave area, continuing toward the far side of the rock
• The sense that the place is framed—almost like the rock is building the view for you

Your guide stops at key points to explain the significance. This is one of the areas where the guides shine, because the storytelling is anchored in place, not dates and facts dumped as a lecture. You walk away understanding why a cave and a water route could be treated as a shrine setting.

Also, don’t underestimate the practical value of the skip-the-line entry. If you’ve visited popular sites around Cusco, you know how fast time can disappear into queues. Here, you’re aiming to get to the main experience efficiently.

Potential drawback to know: this is still a half-day. So you’ll see the site and learn its meaning, but you won’t have hours to wander at your own pace the way you might on a self-paced hike. If you want long lingering, you’ll likely appreciate the guidance more than the extra free time.

Lanlakuyoc and the Built-In Break: Keeping the Ride Enjoyable

After Devil’s Balcony, the tour continues with more riding and another guided stop at Lanlakuyoc. Your itinerary includes about an hour of riding there, followed by a break.

The break time is listed as 20 minutes. That’s a smart pacing choice. Horseback riding uses muscles you don’t always notice until you sit awhile, and a short reset helps you stay comfortable and focused for the rest of the route.

What I like about this structure is that it avoids the two extremes:

• All ride, no context
• All standing still, no movement

You’re moving through the scenery, then pausing when it counts—at places where a guide can tie the view to history and geography.

One more reality check: the tour is approximate in length and depends on riding skill. If you’re a slower rider, you might feel like you’re spending more time adjusting and less time at each stop. If you’re confident, you’ll likely enjoy a smoother rhythm and more steady sightseeing time.

Price and Value: What $85 Covers (and What You Should Plan for)

At $85 per person for about 4 hours, this isn’t a cheap add-on. But it also isn’t just a “ride your horse and go” deal.

You’re paying for:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from central Cusco
• A bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
• Saddle and safety helmets
• A muleteer with the horses

On top of that, you get guided stops with explanations at multiple points, plus efficient entry (skip the line through a separate entrance at the main attraction). For many people, that combination—transport, safety gear, animals, and guided storytelling—feels like good value in a city where tour prices can jump quickly.

Two planning notes:

• Travel/activity insurance isn’t included. If you don’t already have it, add it before you go.
• This tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people over 200 lbs (91 kg). That’s not optional; it’s part of what keeps the ride safe and comfortable for everyone.

Who This Horse Ride Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This is a great choice if you want Cusco scenery with a break from the typical walking-heavy route. It’s especially appealing for people who:

• Want off-the-usual-track access outside central crowds
• Like guided explanations tied to specific sites
• Are curious about horseback riding and need a calm introduction

First-timers tend to do well because of the horse training and the way the guide sets you up. Reviews repeatedly praise how safe and easy it feels, even when someone has rarely ridden before.

If you’re experienced, you might also enjoy it for the chance to control your pace and keep it fun—some riders mentioned going faster at points once they had the basics down.

The clear skip list is pregnancy and weight limits. If either applies, choose another Cusco experience that fits your body and comfort needs.

Practical Tips That Make the Difference on Your Ride

These are small things that help you enjoy the time you’re paying for:

• Wear hiking shoes with grip. Horse trails can be uneven.
• Bring long pants to protect your legs.
• Pack essentials in a daypack so you can move comfortably.
• Listen closely during the early induction. It’s brief, but it sets the tone for the whole ride.
• Double-check pickup details before the day starts. If your hostel name is even slightly off, you may lose time sorting it out on the spot.

Also, expect the ride length to be approximate. Your guide adjusts the pace based on your riding skills, which is good for safety—it just means you should avoid scheduling a super tight next appointment.

Should You Book This Half-Day Ride to Devil’s Balcony?

I’d book this if you want a half-day with big payoff: wide views over Cusco, a major Inca place with a strong sense of setting (Devil’s Balcony/Chacan), and the fun factor of horseback riding—plus safety helmets, pickup, and guided interpretation.

I’d hesitate if you’re chasing a very specific additional Inca site and need it guaranteed. Some riders talk about expectations around other places (like the Temple of the Moon), and at least one review suggests that not every tour includes what people assume. If that matters to you, ask before you book so you know exactly what stops are included for your departure.

If you’re within the weight limits, not pregnant, and you’re ready to dress for horseback riding, this is one of those Cusco activities that gives you a different angle on the region—on horseback, above town, with enough guidance to feel safe and enough viewpoints to feel rewarded.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Cusco: Half-Day Horseback Riding at Devil’s Balcony?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, and the exact time can depend on your experience and riding skills.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $85 per person.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from central Cusco.

What languages are offered for the guided tour?

The tour includes a bilingual guide who speaks English and Spanish.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual Spanish and English-speaking guide, saddle, safety helmets, and a muleteer.

Is there an option to skip the line?

Yes. You skip the line through a separate entrance.

What should I bring?

You should bring hiking shoes, long pants, and a daypack.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women and for people over 200 lbs (91 kg).

Is cancellation available?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.