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 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.
What‘s Included
National park fees
Local taxes
Round-trip transfers between stables and San Ignacio town
Gratuities
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
Options
Xunantunich Jungle Horseback
Pickup included
Reviews
48 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Horseback riding along the river to Xunantunich
White Horses 88,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a lovely ride along the river to the hand cranked ferry and then up the hill to the ruins. The guide Jose was very knowledgeable and we learned about the plants and the history of the Mayans. El Castillo is very tall so be prepared.
Maya Walk is great!
T5694JJchristopherj,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We didn't do the horseback ride, just the tour. We went in a van. Great experience. MayaWalk provided a delicious lunch after the tour, and our tour guide, Junior was pleasant and informative. Go in the morning! the sun later in the day is STRONG!! Can't recommend MyaWalk enough!
Wonderful Experience
Q133LZvickih,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The people working with the horse farm were very safe fir the horse to the rider. The guide Jose was hilarious, helpful, and made a fantastic day of it. Would definitely recommend him and Maya tours
It was memorable and a great experience
Travel283990,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We only did the ruins tour , our guide was very impressive, he was knowledgeable, Very thorough and answered every question, he loves his work and you can tell that he has a passion for teaching and educating people
Family horseback riding with culture
messner4life,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous ride and tour. Lovely ride by the river. Saw toucans and spider monkeys on route. Old school river crossing with hand crank felt authentic. Our guide Jose did a lovely job showing us the ruins, teaching us how to get a tarantula to come out of its hole, letting us trot and canter for those skilled. Wonderful trip and highly recommend it was a great way to see the archeological ruins while making the trip there fun. The horse parking lot was great.
Great customer service
Anna K,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour was actually canceled due to weather but the tour provider MayanWalk reached out and helped rebook, offering several options. Although I can't rate this tour, the customer service was great!
Double check that you are confirmed with the stables
claireI7438TV,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We were booked for the horse riding to Xunantunich... booked it months ago. They called us the night before ( once we were in Belize) to tell us that the stables had double booked the horses and could not accommodate the trip. ( they use a 3rd party for the horses) Whilst this was probably not Maya Walks Belize fault... it was still incredibly disappointing. They did try to offer us alternatives, but we were not interested in just horse riding through a farm. Thankfully, we had our own car and were able to get there under our own steam and hired a guide right there at the ferry crossing. If you are booking this tour double, double check that the stable has not double booked . The trip was not cheap and was paid for in full. It took Trip Advisor 3 days to start processing the refund and another 3-4 days before it goes back into our account .
Amazing experience and first class hosts
Z6572HQmeganm,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This farm was amazing, accommodating us at the last minute, while we found out that our ATM tour was cancelled due to heavy rains. The staff was amazing, as we showed up, making sure that our daughter, who had never ridden a horse before, was comfortable. They made us feel at home. Carla, our guide, was incredible, walking alongside us and guiding us through the forest and along the river. She made sure we were safe at all times and gave an incredible history of the Xunantunich ruins. I would recommend this tour for anyone!
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!
From US$145.00
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Operated by MayaWalk Tours