Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
A pleasant half day ride through the Belize rainforest on the banks of the Mopan River and through a private organic farm to the Xunantunich Archaeological site. This is a fabulous way to tour the Maya ruins and also enjoy watching wildlife along the riverbanks and in the jungle. You also pass through the little village of San Jose Succotz.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
National park fees
Local taxes
Round-trip transfers between stables and San Ignacio town
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Venus Hotel
29 Burns Avenue, San Ignacio Belize
San Ignacio Resort Hotel
18 Buena Vista St San Ignacio Belize
Casa Blanca Guest House
10 Burns Ave., San Ignacio Belize
Maya Bella Downtown Hotel
36 Burns Avenue San Ignacio Belize
Tropicool Hotel
30 Burns Avenue, San Ignacio Belize
What To Expect
San Ignacio
Our most popular tour activity is a pleasant half day horseback ride to Xunantunich. The tour begins at the stables, a family-owned horseback riding establishment where over 45 horses call home. Your transportation to the stables from San Ignacio is included.
Xunantunich
When you arrive, meet your local Belizean guide for the day and then mount your horses to depart! The ride to Xunantunich includes a well maintained trail through a large private farm and along the banks of the Mopan River in the village of San Jose Succotz. You will cross the river on an ancient hand-operated ferry, and then ride your horse up to Xunantunich. When you arrive, prepare to dismount and let your horse rest while you can spend as much time as you desire exploring Xunantunich by foot. Tour duration: 4-6 hours, depending on speed and desire to explore. No previous horseback riding experience is required; riding helmets are supplied. Weight limit: 250 lbs (113.4 kg) per person. Capacity: We can take single riders, couples, or groups of up to 15 people. There is no minimum amount of people needed to book.
Options
Xunantunich Jungle Horseback
Pickup included
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour, poor logistics
Lucy F,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Although the overall experience was amazing, it was slightly overshadowed by the poor logistics by MayaWalks. The bus that took us to the ranch was 35 mins late picking us up in the morning and then 45 mins late picking us up to take us home. This transportation is arranged by MayaWalks. Despite this, the actual tour was incredible. Miguel from Morningside Ranch was so friendly and knowledgeable, and the horses were beautifully cared for, loved and well trained. I would recommend anyone considering this tour to book directly through the ranch instead to ensure a smoother pick up.
They cancel your tour last minute, book directly via St Leonards tours
Inge v,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00They cancelled our tour the evening before because of an ‘emergency’. This Viator tour is managed by MayaWalks tour operation. We contacted the stables directly (St leonards) and they sad it’s not true, just it was fully booked. We booked an afternoon ride direclty and was great. Mayawalks did not do any effort to offer other horse rides. The da before are ATM tour (via Viator - mayawals) got also cancelled because to much rain in the caves. They can not do anything about it but they told us de morning of the tour when we we ready to go. Would also be nice if they gave us a heads up before… It’s something they should mention in the Viator description of the atm cave tour. Conclusion in dutch for reisjunk readers: vind op google maps St Leonards Tours en boek direct via de eigen website van de manage!
Best way to experience Xumantunich!
Egcrowell,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such an amazing adventure riding horseback to Xumantunich with Carla! MayaWalks is centrally located in San Ignacio and we booked our first day in Belize online before arriving. Everything from description, confirmation, transport and of course tour was professional and as described. Carla and the guides were excellent - friendly and knowledgeable - with a great working rapport with the ranch and the horses. The trail thru the jungle was beautiful and included a river crossing on a hand-cranked ferry! In our group of 6, 2 of us had never been on a horse and the rest of us were complete novices. The horses well very well trained and an absolute pleasure to ride. We all felt very safe and of course we loved the Maya site and how Carla really brought the Mayan world to life. A definite must!
Fantastic experience! Ian...
Christian G,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience! Ian was amazing and showed us different things along the way. The horses were easy to ride for a beginner and was a unique opportunity.
Nice ride to the ruins...
Dana J,
Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice ride to the ruins next to the river. The ferry crossing was cool. Miguel and Carla were very informative!
Wonderful trip!
knotgivingup,
Jun 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The horses were tame and the riders were very knowledgeable about everything we asked and more. My daughter didn’t feel well when we made it to the site and they promptly picked her up and brought her back to the stables. Couldn’t have asked for a better ride.
Great couple’s adventure!
Seth D,
May 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Iam was great! He understood our riding levels well and wasn’t scared to push our limits. Would 100% recommend! Definitely go in the morning, otherwise you’ll be even warmer than we were!
Great mini adventure
dnlrgv,
May 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experience with MayaWalk Tours was truly exceptional, thanks to our guide, Jose. His extensive knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and Mayan culture enriched our journey, making every moment engaging and informative. We traveled by horseback, and despite having several members with no prior riding experience, both Jose and Mark ensured the experience was smooth and enjoyable. Their guidance made the journey comfortable and accessible for everyone. I highly recommend MayanWalk Tours for anyone looking for a well-rounded and immersive experience in the region. Although not actually a full day we were pretty spent and needed a nice afternoon break to cool off and refresh ourselves before heading out for some evening entertainment.
Amazing excursion
I8155RImarkl,
Feb 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing trip. My 10 year old loved every minute. Guides (Jose, Mark and Rafael) were so kind, knowledgeable, and friendly. The ruins were amazing to see but I definitely think getting there on horseback through the countryside was an even better part.
Great tour, great tour guide
Elizabeth M,
Feb 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was super fun and our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. We would highly recommend this tour!
From US$145.00
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Operated by MayaWalk Tours