Journey to the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich atop a trusty steed on a half-day horseback riding adventure from San Ignacio. Ride along the Mopan River and through a private organic farm for a unique way to reach the fascinating archaeological site, where you can explore the remains of royal palaces and one of Belize’s largest ceremonial temples with a guide.

Half-day horseback ride to Xunantunich ruins from San Ignacio
Unique and adventurous way to reach one of Belize's most impressive archaeological sites
Ride through a traditional village and a private organic farm
Explore the ancient Mayan ruins on foot with a guide
No horseback riding experience required
Tour can accommodate groups of up to 15 people

What's Included

Local taxes
National park fees
Round-trip transfers between stables and San Ignacio town

Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

Mayawalk Tours
19 Burns Avenue, San Ignacio, Belize
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

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

07:30 am

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

Pick ups from all locations in Belize can be arranged. There may be an additional charge so please contact us if pick up is needed. Free pick up is available if your hotel is on route to the site. Departure Point for most tours: Downtown San Ignacio Address: MayaWalk Tours Main Office 19 Burns Avenue San Ignacio Town Cayo District Belize, Central America Directions: MayaWalk Tours Main Office located between Tandoor Restaurant and Belize Bank Return point: Returns to original departure point

What To Expect

Make your way to the meeting point in San Ignacio town on the morning of the tour, and enjoy transport to the nearby family-owned stables, where you'll be paired with one of more than 45 resident horses. Set off with your guide on a scenic trail ride that passes through a private organic farm and the traditional village of San Jose Succotz, keeping an eye out for native birds, monkeys, and plant species along the way. Cross the Mopan River on a historic hand-cranked ferry, and ride up to the hilltop site of Xunantunich.

Dismount with the help of your guide and explore the impressive archaeological site by foot. Learn the long history behind the once-powerful city that served as an important trading and ceremonial site in Mesoamerica as you walk along the ruins of palaces, temples, a marketplace, a ball court, and bathhouses. If you like, climb to the top of the El Castillo stone pyramid — one of the tallest in Belize — for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.

After getting your fill of archaeological adventure, climb back on your horse. Give your horse a farewell pat back at the stables, and return to the original departure point in San Ignacio. The total tour time is flexible and typically ranges from 4–6 hours, based on the preferred pace of the group.

San Ignacio

Admission Ticket Free

Xunantunich

Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult and must be 3 years and older
All passenger heights and weights MUST be advised at time of booking
Weight limit: 250 lbs (113.4 kg) per person
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Not wheelchair accessible

Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travellers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travellers
Most travellers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveller Photos

Reviews

4.5

21 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 21 reviews

Ripped off by viator

Karen_F, Jan 2023

The subcontracted company that provided the horse riding were excellent. But the advertised lunch that was supposed to be included in the price wasn’t. Maya tours told us that they do not offer this service and that Viator was responsible for the false advertising.

Outstanding

Farley_S, Apr 2022

Great experience. Guide was excellent and the care of horses was great very healthy. Would use them again if we revist Belize.

Need to do it

Orsola_F, Mar 2022

It was a great experience..learning how to kayak at the same time..going threw the caves was great..lmao falling off my kayak was the funniest..the tour was amazing..seeing the wonderful sites in the cave was a also great

A great experience while in Belize!

Sarah_W, Dec 2021

Carla, Jose, and Ricky were great! Our fam of 3 had a great time! We got to see monkeys and iguanas and learn about the area on our way to Xunantunich. The horses were great, the guides were great, the site was great!

Great tour

nadiamckinnis, Nov 2021

We had a great experience with this tour operator. Our guides were attentive and knowledgeable. Good organization.

Awesome afternoon with horses and Mayan history

Annalisa_A, July 2021

We had the best time! The horses were perfect, and the staff was so kind. The guide was also really knowledgeable and was able to tell us so much about Xunantunich. Would definitely go again!

This was an exceptional tour. Our...

Amelia S, June 2017

This was an exceptional tour. Our guide William we very knowledgeable not only of the Mayan sites but nature and Belize history in general.

Great tour. Loved the horse ride...

Casey J, Nov 2016

Great tour. Loved the horse ride, walking the ruins, and learning the history of the Mayans. The horses were great and well trained, making this a wonderful experience for my daughter's first time riding a horse. I would recommend this trip to anyone visiting Belize.

Good tour. I guess I was a little...

Carolyn_S, July 2016

Good tour. I guess I was a little tired after my 4th Mayan ruin. We did not get to horseback ride onto the ruin due to undisclosed reasons, but we did have a 2 hour ride/waterfall swim later that day in place of the morning ride. Be careful: Horseback riding can be uncomfortable :

Everything and everyone was...

Michael T, Mar 2016

Everything and everyone was wonderful! My wife is a professional horse trainer, and she impressed with the care and concern the staff had not only for their customers, but their horses as well. Often horses at these types of stables catering to tourists are ill treated, overworked, etc. Our guides were knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna as well as the local community and culture.