Horseback Riding to Xunantunich Maya Ruins from San Ignacio

Cross an ancient hand-operated ferry on horseback, then climb to the Maya ruins on foot.

A half-day horseback ride from San Ignacio through the Belize rainforest to Xunantunich Archaeological Site, with pickup, a local guide, and park entry included. You ride across a private farm and along the Mopan River through San Jose Succotz, cross the river on a hand-operated ferry, then dismount to explore the ruins. No riding experience is required. Helmets are supplied and groups run up to 15 people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback ride to Xunantunich ruins

• Travel from San Ignacio to stables
• Meet local Belizean guide
• Mount horses and start ride
• Ride through private farm and Mopan River
• Cross river on hand-operated ferry
• Ride horse up to Xunantunich
• Dismount and explore ruins on foot

The experience

The ride starts at a family-owned stable outside San Ignacio where over 45 horses are kept. Transport from your hotel or town center is included, so you don't need a car to get there. When you arrive, you meet your local Belizean guide, get fitted with a helmet, and mount up. The trail cuts through a large private organic farm and follows the banks of the Mopan River as it passes through the village of San Jose Succotz. A route that lets you watch for wildlife along the water and in the jungle canopy without the noise of a vehicle.

The centerpiece is crossing the Mopan River on an ancient hand-operated ferry while mounted, then riding uphill to Xunantunich itself. Once you arrive, you dismount and leave the horses to rest while you explore the ruins on foot for as long as you want. The whole outing runs 4 to 6 hours depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the site. No previous riding experience is needed. The weight limit is 250 pounds per person, and children as young as 3 can ride if accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

• Round-trip pickup from San Ignacio.
• horseback ride with a local English-speaking guide.
• riding helmet.
• national park entry fees.
• local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 65 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 7 pickup points.Operator's directions: “Tours depart from our main office in Downtown San Ignacio Directions: MayaWalk Tours Main Office located between Tandoor Restaurant and Belize Bank Return point: Returns to original departure point”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MayaWalk Tours

Is this one for you?Pickup from San Ignacio is included, so you don't need to arrange transport or a car rental to reach the stables. Book this if you're staying in town and want to ride to the ruins without the logistics of getting there on your own.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 11 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

Do I need to have ridden horses before to do this?

No previous horseback riding experience is required. Riding helmets are supplied, and your local guide will help you mount and manage your horse throughout the ride.

What happens when we reach Xunantunich?

You dismount and explore the Maya ruins on foot for as long as you want while your horse rests. There is no time limit at the site.

How do we cross the Mopan River?

You cross on an ancient hand-operated ferry while still mounted on your horse, then ride up to the ruins from the riverbank.

What's included in the price?

Round-trip pickup from San Ignacio, the horseback ride itself, national park fees, local taxes, and a riding helmet are all included.