Horses and Inca ruins, close to Cusco. This tour keeps things simple with gear provided and a guided ride that links scenic trails to ancient sacred spots. You’re not just looking at ruins from a distance; you’re moving through the hills the way local landscapes were meant to be experienced.

I also like the round-trip hotel pickup. It means you don’t have to hunt down a meeting point on a busy Cusco morning, and you lose less time to logistics. The ride stays small too, with a maximum of 15 people, so you get more attention as you learn the basics.

One consideration: the experience requires good weather. If conditions are off, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund, so plan around the forecast.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Vieja Estancia Ranch is just 15 minutes from Cusco, so you start riding fast
• Saddle, safety helmets, and mineral water are included, no extra packing stress
• Balcon del Diablo sits behind the Saqsayhuaman archaeological area, with chasm-and-river views
• Short guided stops add meaning, including shrines and cave-like passages
• Most riders can participate, including people with little or no experience
• A small group (max 15) helps the pace feel calm and manageable

Cusco on horseback: why this day feels more real

Cusco already sells “history.” This ride goes a step further. You’re on horseback close to the city, but you’re heading into quieter terrain where the views feel bigger and the air feels more like the Andes. It’s the kind of outing that helps you balance sightseeing with something active, without turning your day into a grind.

What makes it click is that the route connects a working ranch setting with sacred Inca spaces. You start at a nearby estancia, get mounted with helmets and a muleteer handling horse care, then you move toward the Balcony of the Devil, a dramatic natural rock feature tied to local heritage. If you like your travel days with both scenery and context, this hits that sweet spot.

It’s also a solid altitude-friendly option compared with nonstop walking. You still get movement, but the horse does a lot of the heavy lifting. That matters when you’re adjusting to Cusco altitude and you don’t want to feel like every step is a race.

Vieja Estancia Ranch: mounting up without the fuss

Your day starts at Vieja Estancia Ranch, located about 15 minutes from Cusco. That short drive is a big deal here. You spend less time in transit, and you get more usable daylight for riding and visiting the sites.

At the ranch, you’ll mount your horse and get basic guidance on riding and safety. This is not a “show up and figure it out” situation. The tour includes saddle and safety helmets, plus a muleteer who’s there to care for the horses. The setup helps the experience feel steady, especially if you’re new to riding.

What I like about this first stretch is the pace. It’s quick. You get on the horse soon after arriving, then you’re off exploring countryside routes and tucked-away parts of the area around Cusco. One practical tip from past riders: wear long pants and closed shoes. Trails can brush your legs, and rubber-soled footwear helps when the ground gets uneven.

Ranch time is short, and that’s intentional. You’re there to get mounted and then go see the real payoff: the sacred views around Saqsayhuaman and the Balcon del Diablo area.

Balcon del Diablo behind Saqsayhuaman: the chasm view that sticks

The Balcony of the Devil, or Balcon del Diablo, is on the backside of the Saqsayhuaman archaeological center area. It’s described as both an archaeological attraction and a natural architectural heritage left by ancestors. Today it’s part of a park where you can take in the landscape on foot, with opportunities for hiking and walks.

The reason this stop is famous is simple: the rock and the drop. You’re looking at a large rock with a spectacular view over a chasm. There’s even a window-like opening and a balcony overlooking a river running underneath the rock. Below that balcony, the river passes through a huge cave toward the other end of the feature.

That mix of stone structure and water movement is what makes it feel eerie in a good way. It’s not just “pretty ruins.” It has motion, depth, and a sense of dramatic engineering—right where your eyes can take it in.

You’ll spend around 20 minutes here. That’s enough time to see the main viewpoint and take a few slow moments to appreciate how the river disappears into the cave. If you want the experience to feel spiritual, don’t rush this part. Stand back, let the wind and sound do their job, then walk in when you’re ready.

One more practical note: the area is part of a park for walking and excursions. That means you should expect at least some uneven ground during your viewing time. Your closed shoes and long pants matter here.

Different riding levels, same fun

This tour is set up for people with little or no horseback experience. That’s a key selling point because it changes what “fun” means. Instead of worrying about controlling your horse from minute one, you can focus on the scenery and the stops.

The guide plays a big role in keeping riders comfortable. You’ll get instructions on how to control your mount, and the team supports you throughout the ride. A muleteer helps with horse care, so you’re not stuck managing everything while also trying to enjoy the landscape.

There’s also room for experienced riders. Some past riders mention that if you’re advanced, you may be allowed to trot or gallop a bit. That doesn’t mean you’ll be racing the whole time, but it does mean the tour isn’t only for beginners. You get an experience that can match your comfort level, as long as you follow the instructions.

Safety-wise, the included helmet is the obvious item. The less obvious part is how the tour manages the group. With a maximum of 15 travelers, it’s easier for the guide to give individualized attention during mounting and on-trail instruction.

Weight limit is 200 pounds (90 kilos). If you’re above that, you’ll need to choose a different option.

The guide’s job: making sacred places make sense

In Cusco, you can visit ruins and still feel lost. The difference here is how the guide explains what you’re seeing. People consistently emphasize that the guide answers questions and adds real insight rather than reciting a script.

Guides like Holger and Jorge come up often in descriptions of this tour. If you’re lucky enough to ride with someone who really connects the dots, you’ll get that “I get it now” feeling. You learn how different sacred spaces fit together and why certain views matter.

You also shouldn’t assume the day is only horseback time. Guides often lead short walks at key spots and explain what you’re looking at. Some riders mention additional stops connected to caves and sacred temples, including reference to the Temple of the Moon. Others describe meditation moments and quick breaks with snacks along the way.

Here’s why that matters for you: those add-ons turn the ride into a story, not a photo stop. When you understand the meaning of a site, you take better photos. You also remember the place longer, because it’s not just a view. It’s a context.

Timing and how the logistics actually feel

The total duration is about 4 hours. That includes the ride time and the site time, plus the practical rhythm of mounting, moving as a group, and returning.

The biggest logistics win is the round-trip transportation from your Cusco hotel to the ranch. You don’t need to coordinate buses or figure out where to meet. That’s especially useful when you’re dealing with jet lag, altitude fog, or the general chaos of Cusco mornings.

Another small but helpful point: the ranch is near public transportation. So even if you had to self-arrange something, you’re not locked into a far-away remote location. Still, the whole point is that you get picked up and returned, so you can keep your day low-stress.

Also keep in mind this is weather-dependent. Even if your schedule is perfect, clouds and rain can change everything. If the forecast looks questionable, plan to be flexible.

Price and value: where the $85 really goes

At $85 per person, this tour isn’t a cheap impulse buy, but it also isn’t trying to charge you for basics you’d otherwise have to chase down. The price includes the big cost drivers for this type of experience: a professional tour guide, saddle and safety helmets, muleteer support, mineral or natural water, and round-trip hotel transport.

It’s also a small-group experience with a cap of 15 people, which you usually don’t get at lower-cost mass tours. In practice, that smaller number can make instruction easier for beginners and reduce waiting around for photo moments.

You’re paying for more than riding. You’re paying for guided context at Balcon del Diablo and the connecting countryside. If you’re visiting Cusco and you already know you’ll walk past ruins without fully absorbing them, this is a smart way to change that rhythm.

What to wear: Cusco trails have opinions

For this ride, the outfit advice is straightforward and worth following. Wear long pants (jeans are recommended) and closed shoes with rubber soles or proper walking shoes. Bring a rain jacket if there’s a significant chance of rain.

Avoid jewelry or valuables during the ride. That’s partly a comfort issue and partly a practical one. When you’re mounted and moving through uneven terrain, you don’t want extra things catching, sliding, or distracting you.

A practical packing note: dust happens on trails. Dark sunglasses can help on dusty days. Some riders also recommend bringing extra sun protection, since you’ll be outdoors and moving for several hours.

Where this tour shines for families, solos, and first-timers

This is one of those activities that scales well across ages and skill levels. Past descriptions mention a range from solo riders to families, including children under 12. That tells me the pacing and support are built for mixed groups.

It’s also been a comfortable choice for older riders. One example mentioned a 72-year-old rider being comfortable, which suggests the tour avoids overly technical trail conditions and keeps the experience manageable.

If you’re traveling solo, the group size and guide attention can make you feel less lost. If you’re with friends or family, the ride offers moments of togetherness without being one long line of slow walking.

Best fit:

• You want scenic Andes views plus Inca context in one half-day
• You’re new to riding and want structured help
• You want an outdoor activity that still respects time and energy at altitude

Should you book the Devil’s Balcony horseback ride?

If your ideal Cusco day includes countryside scenery, sacred stops, and a ride that doesn’t assume you’re an expert, I’d say yes. The combination of hotel pickup, helmets and tack provided, and a guide who explains what you’re seeing makes it good value. You also get that dramatic Balcon del Diablo viewpoint without turning it into a full-day hike.

I would hesitate only if you hate weather-dependent plans. Since this activity requires good conditions, you’ll need to accept that your day may shift based on the sky.

If you can work with that and you’re excited to see Saqsayhuaman-area heritage from a very different angle, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour from Cusco to Devil’s Balcony?

The tour lasts about 4 hours (approx.).

What is the price per person?

The price is $85.00 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Transportation is included from your Cusco hotel to the ranch, and round-trip transportation is provided.

Do I need to bring my own riding gear?

No. Saddle and safety helmets are included, and you also get mineral water or natural water.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The experience is suitable for participants with little or no experience.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The weight limit is 200 pounds or 90 kilos.

What should I wear for the ride?

Wear long pants (preferably jeans) and closed shoes with rubber soles or walking shoes. If rain is possible, bring a rain jacket. Don’t wear jewelry or valuables during the ride.

Where exactly is Balcon del Diablo?

Balcon del Diablo is on the backside of the Saqsayhuaman archaeological center area, in a park area with walking and excursion opportunities.

Is the tour refundable if plans change or weather is poor?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The experience requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.