Cusco: Sacsayhuaman Guided Tour and 1-Hour Horseback Ride

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, is a mesmerizing destination that beckons visitors to uncover its rich history and captivating landscapes. One such opportunity to do so is the Sacsayhuaman Guided Tour, which promises an unforgettable journey through the stunning Andean setting. Priced at $90 per person, this 4-hour adventure combines the exploration of significant archaeological sites with the thrill of a 1-hour horseback ride, offering an immersive experience that delves into the engineering marvels and cultural insights of the Inca civilization. With knowledgeable guides and small group sizes, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to truly understand the enduring legacy of Cusco.

Key Points

• This tour offers a guided exploration of the Sacsayhuaman archaeological site and a 1-hour horseback ride through the surrounding Sacsayhuaman National Park.
• The tour is priced at $90 per person, includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and is limited to a maximum of 10 participants in English or Spanish.
• Highlights of the tour include learning about the strategic and spiritual significance of Sacsayhuaman, visiting the Qenqo archaeological complex, and experiencing the Tambomachay and Puka Pukara sites.
• The horseback riding component provides scenic views of the park and an opportunity to interact with local livestock, such as llamas and alpacas.
• The tour has received positive customer reviews, praising the knowledgeable guides, well-cared-for horses, and immersive cultural and adventure experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This activity offers visitors a guided tour of the impressive Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman, followed by a 1-hour horseback ride through the scenic landscapes of Sacsayhuaman National Park.

Priced from $90.00 per person, the tour lasts 4 hours and is limited to 10 participants. It’s available in both English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

After hotel pickup in central Cusco, the tour explores archaeological sites like Qenqo and Tambomachay before the horseback ride at Vieja Estancia Ranch.

Guests will learn about the Incan Empire, see potato farms, and potentially spot llamas and alpacas during the ride.

The tour includes all necessary equipment, snacks, water, and entrance fees.

Pricing and Inclusions

The Sacsayhuaman Guided Tour and Horseback Ride activity is priced from $90.00 per person.

The 4-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, saddle and safety helmets, a muleteer, snacks and water, and entrance fees. The group size is limited to 10 participants, and the tour is available in English and Spanish.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

However, the activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility impairments, or individuals over 200 lbs. Participants should wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.

Itinerary and Highlights

Exploring the intriguing Incan heart of Cusco, the Sacsayhuaman Guided Tour and Horseback Ride activity takes participants to several captivating archaeological sites.

First, visitors will discover the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman, where they’ll learn about the site’s strategic and spiritual significance.

Next, they’ll visit Qenco, an ancient site associated with mummification rituals.

The highlight of the tour is a 1-hour horseback ride through the picturesque Sacsayhuaman National Park, where they may spot llamas and alpacas.

The journey concludes with guided tours of Tambomachay and Puka Pukara, two additional Incan complexes showcasing the empire’s architectural prowess.

Sacsayhuaman Guided Tour

At the heart of the Sacsayhuaman Guided Tour lies the captivating ruins of the Sacsayhuaman archaeological site, a testament to the engineering prowess of the Incan Empire.

During this portion of the tour, visitors will explore the colossal stone walls and terraces that once formed an impressive fortress. The guide will provide insightful commentary, delving into the site’s history and the remarkable construction techniques used by the Incas.

Travelers will marvel at the massive, intricately fitted stones that have withstood the test of time. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Incan civilization and its architectural marvels.

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Horseback Riding Experience

After seeing the captivating history of Sacsayhuaman, the tour continues with an exhilarating horseback riding experience at the Vieja Estancia Ranch.

The ride begins with a brief induction on horse riding and safety. Participants then embark on a 1-hour journey through diverse landscapes, including potato farms and potential sightings of llamas and alpacas.

The horse selection is tailored to each participant’s experience and preferences, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

The experience offers:

1. Scenic views of the Sacsayhuaman National Park
2. Interaction with local livestock
3. A chance to connect with nature
4. An adrenaline-filled activity after the cultural exploration.

Qenco Archaeological Complex

As visitors journey through the Sacsayhuaman site, they arrive at the next stop, the Qenco Archaeological Complex. This mysterious pre-Incan site is known for its massive carved stone formations and intricate labyrinth-like structures. During the guided tour, visitors learn about the religious and ceremonial significance of Qenco, including its role in mummification practices. The site offers a glimpse into the advanced engineering and spiritual beliefs of the ancient Andean civilizations.

Site Feature	Description
Stone Formations	Massive carved rock formations with intricate designs
Labyrinth	Complex maze-like structures with multiple chambers and passages
Mummification	Ceremonial practices related to the preservation of the dead
Religious Significance	Site played a key role in the spiritual beliefs of ancient Andean people

Tambomachay and Puka Pukara

From Qenqo, the guided tour continues on to the next two archaeological sites – Tambomachay and Puka Pukara.

At Tambomachay, the guide explains the site’s importance as an Incan bath complex, highlighting the intricate water channels and aqueducts that once supplied the baths.

Next, the tour visits Puka Pukara, an impressive Incan fort known for its extensive stone walls, watchtowers, and plazas. The guide captivates the group with tales of its strategic defensive role in the Inca Empire.

The tour’s highlights at these two sites include:

1. Marveling at the engineering feats of the Incas
2. Imagining the activities that once took place at Tambomachay’s baths
3. Appreciating the scale and grandeur of Puka Pukara’s fortifications
4. Learning about the sites’ historical significance from the knowledgeable guide.

Customer Reviews

Customers who’ve experienced the Sacsayhuaman Guided Tour and Horseback Ride offer overwhelmingly positive feedback.

With a 5/5 rating based on two reviews, travelers praise the knowledgeable guides who provide in-depth insights into the Incan ruins. Reviewers highlight the well-cared-for horses and enjoyable riding through the scenic landscapes of the Sacsayhuaman National Park, including sightings of llamas and alpacas.

The personalized attention in the small group setting is also noted as a highlight. The tour delivers an immersive cultural experience combined with an exhilarating horseback adventure, leaving customers highly satisfied with their choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Group Larger Than 10 Participants?

Unfortunately, the group size for this tour is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. The tour operator does not offer options for larger groups. Booking for groups larger than 10 is not available.

Is the Tour Available in Any Other Languages Besides English and Spanish?

The tour is only available in English and Spanish. There are no other language options offered for this particular tour, as the group size is limited to 10 participants.

Can I Make Special Dietary Requests for the Snacks Provided During the Tour?

The tour provider doesn’t mention any ability to accommodate special dietary requests for the snacks provided. Participants should check with the tour company in advance if they have any specific dietary needs that require attention.

Do I Need to Have Prior Horseback Riding Experience to Participate?

No prior horseback riding experience is required. The tour includes a brief introduction to horse riding and safety, and horses are selected based on participants’ experience and preferences.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Tour Date?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing customers to rebook their trip without penalty if they need to change their date. This provides flexibility and convenience for participants.

Recap

The Cusco: Sacsayhuaman Guided Tour and 1-Hour Horseback Ride offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of Sacsayhuaman National Park. Priced affordably at $90 per person, this 4-hour adventure features knowledgeable bilingual guides, small group sizes, and immersive experiences that promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of ancient Andean civilization. With visits to significant archaeological sites and a thrilling horseback ride, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to truly experience the breathtaking beauty of Cusco.

You can check if your dates are available here: