Exploring Peru’s rich history on horseback is a unique and captivating experience. This 3.5-hour adventure takes travelers to four remarkable archaeological sites near Cusco, allowing them to discover these ancient wonders while enjoying the scenic trails on well-trained Peruvian Paso horses. With a professional bilingual guide leading the way, visitors can expect personalized attention and an educational journey through Peru’s remarkable past. What hidden secrets might these ancient sites reveal?

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Key Points

The tour offers a unique horseback riding experience to explore 4 major archaeological sites near Cusco, including Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara.
The tour is led by a professional bilingual guide and includes protective equipment, snacks, and admission tickets to the sites.
The tour is approximately 3.5 hours long, with free time afterward, and round-trip transport from Cusco hotels is included.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, with gentle Peruvian Paso horses, and not recommended for those with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.
The tour has a high recommendation rate, with travelers praising the guides, the beauty of the trails, and the educational visit to the archaeological sites.

Tour Overview

Visitors can explore major archaeological sites near Cusco on horseback, including Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara.

Explore Cusco’s major archaeological sites on horseback, including Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara.

The group size is limited to 20 travelers, providing a more personalized experience. The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours, with free time afterward.

Round-trip transport from Cusco hotels is included. Peruvian Paso horses, protective equipment, snacks, and a bilingual guide are provided.

The tour also includes a tourist ticket for the archaeological centers. Tips and drinks are extra costs.

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Included in the Tour

The tour includes round-trip transport from Cusco hotels, allowing travelers convenient access to and from the archaeological sites.

The tour also provides:

Peruvian Paso horses for the horseback riding experience
A professional bilingual guide (English-Spanish) to lead the way and provide insights
Protective equipment and snacks to keep riders comfortable and energized
Admission tickets to the archaeological centers, including Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara.

Additional costs are limited to tips and any personal drinks.

Pickup and Accessibility

The tour provider offers pickup from designated hotels in Cusco, but advance notice is required via email or WhatsApp.

Service animals are allowed on the tour, but it’s not wheelchair accessible. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so travelers are advised to dress appropriately.

While the horses are gentle and suitable for families, the activity isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Most travelers can participate in this archaeological exploration on horseback.

Health and Safety Considerations

While the tour operates with gentle horses suitable for families, it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.

Most travelers can participate in this horseback riding adventure through archaeological sites. However, the tour provider advises against it for those with:

Most travelers can join the horseback adventure, but those with back issues, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions should avoid it.

Back problems
Pregnancy
Serious medical conditions

The Peruvian Paso horses are well-trained and easy to manage, making the experience accessible for a wide range of participants.

Appropriate attire is recommended to ensure a comfortable and safe ride.

Traveler Experiences and Feedback

Travelers have left overwhelmingly positive reviews for this horseback riding tour, with a 92% recommendation rate and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. The guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and accommodating nature, while riders highlight the beauty of the trails and the gentle horses suitable for families. The educational visits to the archaeological sites like Saqsayhuaman and Qenqo have been especially notable experiences.

| Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |

|——————-|——————-|

| Knowledgeable guides | None reported |

| Safe, gentle horses | – |

| Beautiful trails | – |

| Educational site visits | – |

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Exploring Saqsayhuaman

One of the key highlights of this horseback riding tour is the exploration of Saqsayhuaman, an impressive Inca fortress overlooking Cusco.

As you ride up the winding trails, you’ll be awestruck by the massive limestone blocks that make up the impressive, zigzagging walls of this ancient site.

Saqsayhuaman was an important religious and administrative center in the Inca Empire.
The site features enormous carved stones, some weighing over 100 tons, that were expertly fitted together without mortar.
Guides will share insights into the engineering feats and spiritual significance of this remarkable archaeological wonder.
Visitors can wander the site, taking in panoramic views of Cusco below.

Visiting Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara

After exploring the impressive fortress of Saqsayhuaman, the tour continues to other notable archaeological sites in the region.

The first stop is Qenqo, an ancient ceremonial center featuring a carved stone amphitheater and underground passages.

The group then visits Tambomachay, known for its sophisticated hydraulic system and stone aqueducts.

The final site is Puka Pukara, a hilltop complex of alleged military importance.

Throughout the visits, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into the history and significance of these Inca ruins.

Travelers have the opportunity to dismount and explore the sites on foot, gaining a deeper appreciation for Cusco’s rich archaeological heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Level of Riding Experience Is Required for This Tour?

The tour is suitable for riders of all experience levels, including beginners. The gentle Peruvian Paso horses are well-suited for families and those without prior horseback riding experience, providing a safe and enjoyable experience.

Can I Store My Luggage at the Pickup Location?

The tour provider doesn’t offer luggage storage at the pickup location. Guests must bring only the essentials they need for the tour, as there’s no place to store extra bags during the horseback riding excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a 3.5-hour experience, with additional free time afterward. The group size is limited to 20 travelers for a more personalized experience.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated During the Tour?

Yes, the tour operator can accommodate dietary restrictions. Travelers should notify the guide in advance about any special dietary needs, and the guide will ensure appropriate snacks and meals are provided during the tour.

How Often Do the Horses Get Rested During the Excursion?

The horses are given regular rest breaks throughout the 3.5-hour tour to ensure their well-being. Guides monitor the horses’ stamina and provide opportunities for them to rest as needed during the excursion.

The Sum Up

The horseback riding tour through Peru’s ancient archaeological sites is an unforgettable way to experience the country’s rich history. With a knowledgeable guide, well-trained horses, and personalized attention, travelers can enjoy the scenic trails and explore Saqsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puka Pukara. This 3.5-hour adventure offers an educational and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.