San Ignacio Horseback Riding Tour: Jungle Farm to Big Rock

Ride past Maya ruins and swim in a mountain waterfall pool

A full-day tour from San Ignacio combines horseback riding across a working family farm with views of Xunantunich, lunch at a local Maya village restaurant, and a swim at Big Rock Waterfall. The ride lasts roughly 1.5 to 2 hours on jungle and riverside trails. A short hike down uneven terrain leads to the 150-foot cascade. A professional guide, private vehicle, helmet and all meals are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off in San Ignacio town are part of the booking.

The experience

The day starts at 8am with pickup at your San Ignacio hotel. You ride out onto a family cattle farm that has been worked by five generations on land that once held Maya settlements. The trail passes two Maya archaeological sites, with El Castillo at Xunantunich visible on the horizon for much of the ride. The horseback section runs roughly 1.5 to 2 hours across savannah and jungle paths alongside the river.

After the ride, your guide drives about 30 minutes through the hinterland to a local restaurant in a modern Maya village, where you eat lunch. The drive continues another 20 minutes through Pine Forest to Big Rock Waterfall. The waterfall itself requires a short hike down steep, uneven ground to reach the pool at the base of the 150-foot drop, then the same climb back up. You have time to swim in the refreshing water before the return drive to San Ignacio town, arriving in late afternoon.

Bring a change of clothes and closed-toe shoes with long pants for riding. Children from age 4 can join if accompanied by an adult. Riders must provide their age, weight and height, with a 250-pound weight limit. The tour runs in any weather, though it may be rescheduled if conditions are unsafe. A guide fluent in English or Spanish leads the group, and bottled water plus light snacks are provided throughout the day.

What’s included

• Professional local guide in English or Spanish.
• private air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• lunch at a local Maya village restaurant.
• bottled water and light snacks.
• horse riding helmet.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in San Ignacio town.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (17 to 65 years) · Youth (10 to 16 years) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by St Leonard's Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to combine horseback riding with a natural landmark swim in one morning and afternoon. The farm setting and trail views of Xunantunich suit riders comfortable on a horse for 1.5 to 2 hours. The waterfall hike adds a short steep walk with steps, so moderate fitness and mobility help you enjoy both parts of the day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 16 years); Child (4 to 9 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What is El Castillo at Xunantunich and why is it visible from the riding trail?

El Castillo is a major Maya pyramid at Xunantunich, an archaeological site near San Ignacio. The trail passes close enough that the structure appears on the horizon from almost everywhere along the ride, giving you views of the ruins without leaving the farm.

How long is the horseback riding part of the tour?

The ride itself lasts roughly 1.5 to 2 hours across the family farm's savannah and jungle trails. After that comes the drive to lunch and then to Big Rock Waterfall, with the full day running about 7.5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

What do I need to bring for the waterfall swim?

A change of clothes is essential since you'll be swimming at Big Rock Waterfall. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for the ride, and bring swimwear for the water. The hike to the waterfall pool involves steep, uneven ground, so sturdy footwear matters for both the ride and the walk down.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The tour runs in all weather conditions. If poor weather makes it unsafe, you'll be offered either an alternative tour or the option to reschedule for another date.

Is hotel pickup included if I'm staying outside San Ignacio town?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels within San Ignacio town. If you're staying outside town, that service depends on your specific option at checkout.