Cusco Temple of the Moon Horseback Ride: An Honest Review

Picture this: You, on a sturdy horse, that is slowly but surely making your way through the breathtaking Peruvian landscape, on your way to a mystical temple bathed in shadows. The Cusco Temple of the Moon horseback ride – sounds pretty dreamy, right? Well, it totally is, in some ways. I gave this experience a try, so let me walk you through all the details and, like your pal, give you the inside scoop.

What You’re Getting Into: The Basics

Okay, so, before you book, you are going to want to understand the bones of the operation, that is, exactly what’s in store. This particular ride takes you, more or less, away from Cusco and into the close-by hills. It’s a chance to visit the Quillarumiyoc (Temple of the Moon), an old spiritual site used way back when by the Incas. Generally, tours promise stunning views, a connection with the natural surroundings, and a peek into some Incan history – the important bits, you could say.

Now, a typical trip will very likely include transportation to and from your place in Cusco, the use of the horse (duh!), a guide that really knows the land, and sometimes, a snack or maybe even a proper meal. So, it really depends on who you book with, what little perks you can find, but that’s kind of the blueprint of most rides.

The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the Just Okay

Let’s just break this down and make it real – very real. Here’s a bit of a rundown on my experience. You see, what I was expecting and what reality served up were, in some ways, quite different. So, pay very close attention here:

The Views: Stunning. That’s it; there’s nothing more to say about that. Seriously. Think panoramic sweeps of the Andes, peaceful valleys, and just air that, as a matter of fact, feels incredibly pure. It’s soul-food, seriously, like nature doing its very best to wow you at all times.
The Horses: This really could be a hit-or-miss affair, like everything else in life. My horse, apparently, was named something along the lines of “Relámpago” (Lightning), but really, he seemed to prefer a snail’s tempo. He got me there, eventually, still, he was no star athlete. So, just be mindful, is that the horse situation might vary.
The Temple of the Moon: Kinda neat. Don’t expect a mega, jaw-on-the-floor site such as Machu Picchu. Quillarumiyoc, in short, has a certain understated vibe, an appealing, serene atmosphere. Is that its simple architecture, joined with the peaceful surroundings, invites you to sort of breathe and just take it all in.
The Guide: Depends. Mine, I suppose, was well-meaning but wasn’t all that chatty. That is, he answered questions but, clearly, didn’t volunteer much info. Ideally, the best guides have a knack for breathing life into the history and legends of the region. But you could get stuck with a quiet one.
The “Adventure” Factor: More like a leisurely wander. I wasn’t seeking out a crazy, high-adrenaline ride, very much, yet it’s great to know the reality. The terrain is bumpy in places, in some respects, but mainly it’s a slow and chilled saunter.

Who Is This Trip For, Anyway?

Think about it; it’s not for absolutely everyone. Here’s who might get the most happiness out of this journey:

Nature Fans: You like fresh air and majestic scenery? Very very clearly, this ticks those boxes massively.
Folks Who Want A Gentle Ride: If you are a new rider, or like your experiences very laid back, so this’ll fit just right.
History Buffs (with realistic expectations): Go in realizing it’s not Machu Picchu 2.0, and you’re able to appreciate the subtle charm of Quillarumiyoc.

And who, arguably, should maybe think twice? Those wanting that fast, electrifying experience, so too people expecting a gigantic historical complex might end up feeling disappointed. Keep it real.

Things I Wish I’d Known (Before I Booked)

Hindsight, huh? This is what I’d tell my past self to remember before booking that horseback ride:

The Altitude Is Real: Cusco sits at a seriously lofty height. Take it slow, as a matter of fact, especially if you’ve just come from sea level.
Check the Weather: Cusco’s climate is just a little all over the place. Pack layers, is that way you’re ready for anything from sunshine to rain showers.
Ask About the Horse’s Temperament: Seriously. When booking, see if you’re able to mention you’d like a horse that’s, more or less, well-behaved, or suited to beginners.
Confirm What’s Included: Just be totally sure about what your money gets you. Snacks? Water? Translation? Get every single detail ironed out.
Footwear Is Quite Important: You want something that’s comfy for riding but in addition that can handle a bit of walking. You are going to want closed-toe shoes!

Picking the Right Tour Operator: My Two Cents

There is no shortage of tour outfits providing this experience, so how do you single out the wheat from the chaff? Consider this, that will help you out a great deal:

Read The Reviews: Never skip the feedback from fellow travelers! Find out what people say concerning the horses, guides, and entire experience.
Enquire About Group Size: Tiny groups generally equate to a more customized experience.
Ask About Safety: How trained are their guides? That is, what exactly are their safety measures in place?
Assess Their Communication: Do they give detailed and prompt responses to your questions? That tends to be an extremely solid sign.

Is It Worth Your Money? The Bottom Line

Alright, the biggie: must you shell out your hard-earned cash on this? If you go in having very sensible expectations, so the Cusco Temple of the Moon horseback ride absolutely does have its charms. Just very possibly don’t anticipate the ride of a lifetime, you know? It’s a reasonably nice, laid-back way of absorbing the surroundings, is that coupled with a dash of history. Would I repeat it? Maybe not. But did I enjoy components of it? Very very certainly. For the views alone, it might, conceivably, be worthwhile.

Basically, this experience comes with highlights, and, like anything, also has less remarkable components to it. Plan, manage expectations, and go from there.

So, the setting could be stunning; also, depending on the tour, the horse situation might change. In order to not be underwhelmed, do remember that The Temple of The Moon won’t rival Machu Picchu. So, that’s all. Make arrangements based on this review and, to be honest, you should enjoy your trip! Bon voyage.