THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Saddle up for a four-hour Andean ride from Cusco to the Balcony of the Devil, a dramatic rock overlook behind Saqsayhuamán. This accessible tour mixes pastoral trails, archaeological views, and local culture—ideal for first-time riders comfortable at altitude.
Saddle up for a four-hour Andean ride from Cusco to the Balcony of the Devil, a dramatic rock overlook behind Saqsayhuamán. This accessible tour mixes pastoral trails, archaeological views, and local culture—ideal for first-time riders comfortable at altitude.
The ride begins on a cold, high-altitude morning as you leave Cusco’s stone streets behind and cross into open Andean pastures. Horses clip a steady rhythm; wind pushes at your jacket and the river below hisses through a narrow gorge. After about 15 minutes by vehicle the ranch hands saddle you up, and the trail unfolds—rolling fields, small farming hamlets, and framed views of Saqsayhuamán’s stony ridgelines.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Horseback Riding Cusco · Cusco, Cusco Region
The ride begins on a cold, high-altitude morning as you leave Cusco’s stone streets behind and cross into open Andean pastures. Horses clip a steady rhythm; wind pushes at your jacket and the river below hisses through a narrow gorge. After about 15 minutes by vehicle the ranch hands saddle you up, and the trail unfolds—rolling fields, small farming hamlets, and framed views of Saqsayhuamán’s stony ridgelines.
This stretch of the Andes carries visible layers of geology: uplifted volcanic and sedimentary rock carved by rivers into steep chasms. The Balcony of the Devil (Balcón del Diablo) sits on the backside of Saqsayhuamán, a dramatic outcrop with a windowed rock face that overlooks a cave and a river cutting through the cliff—part natural spectacle, part archaeological landscape shaped by pre-Columbian presence and later Andean pastoral life.
Expect a culturally rich ride: you’ll pass communities caring for llamas and alpacas, and may see terraces and small Inca-built stones along the route. Guides share local lore while muleteers handle tack and horse care.
Practical notes: the tour runs about four hours round-trip, includes transport from central Cusco, helmets, saddles, and bottled water, and enforces a 200‑lb weight limit. Terrain is mixed—dirt farm tracks and short climbs—so wear long pants and rubber‑soled shoes. Pace yourself at altitude; drink water and move deliberately on steeper sections. For newcomers this is an accessible introduction to Andean riding with memorable canyon views and a taste of rural Cusco life.
easy.
4 hours.
Moderate—suitable for most beginners but expect uphill walking on tack and riding at 3,300–3,600 m elevation; basic balance helps.
The tour is approximately four hours and includes round-trip transport from central Cusco, saddle and helmet, a professional guide, muleteer support, and bottled mineral or natural water.
No—this ride is suitable for beginners and those with little experience; guides match horses to rider ability and provide basic instruction.
Yes—the ride enforces a weight limit of 200 pounds (90 kg) and is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant guests.
Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, bring a light rain jacket if rain is possible, sunscreen, a hat, and avoid jewelry or valuables during the ride.
The Balcony of the Devil sits adjacent to Saqsayhuamán, an important Inca ceremonial and defensive site; the broader area shows layers of pre-Columbian stonework repurposed through colonial and pastoral eras.
Tours operate on managed ranch land and use muleteers to reduce impact; pack-in/pack-out habits and staying on established trails helps protect fragile high‑altitude soils and vegetation.
Horseback Riding Cusco operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The ride begins on a cold, high-altitude morning as you leave Cusco’s stone streets behind and cross into open Andean pastures. Horses clip a steady rhythm; wind pushes at your jacket and the river below hisses through a narrow gorge. After about 15 minutes by vehicle the ranch hands saddle you up, and the trail unfolds—rolling fields, small farming hamlets, and framed views of Saqsayhuamán’s stony ridgelines.
The ride begins on a cold, high-altitude morning as you leave Cusco’s stone streets behind and cross into open Andean pastures. Horses clip a steady rhythm; wind pushes at your jacket and the river below hisses through a narrow gorge. After about 15 minutes by vehicle the ranch hands saddle you up, and the trail unfolds—rolling fields, small farming hamlets, and framed views of Saqsayhuamán’s stony ridgelines.
This stretch of the Andes carries visible layers of geology: uplifted volcanic and sedimentary rock carved by rivers into steep chasms. The Balcony of the Devil (Balcón del Diablo) sits on the backside of Saqsayhuamán, a dramatic outcrop with a windowed rock face that overlooks a cave and a river cutting through the cliff—part natural spectacle, part archaeological landscape shaped by pre-Columbian presence and later Andean pastoral life.
Expect a culturally rich ride: you’ll pass communities caring for llamas and alpacas, and may see terraces and small Inca-built stones along the route. Guides share local lore while muleteers handle tack and horse care.
Practical notes: the tour runs about four hours round-trip, includes transport from central Cusco, helmets, saddles, and bottled water, and enforces a 200‑lb weight limit. Terrain is mixed—dirt farm tracks and short climbs—so wear long pants and rubber‑soled shoes. Pace yourself at altitude; drink water and move deliberately on steeper sections. For newcomers this is an accessible introduction to Andean riding with memorable canyon views and a taste of rural Cusco life.