
Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 53 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins worth booking?
Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins is a 4-hour experience in San Ignacio, Belize, from $145 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 53 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (53)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $145 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- National park fees
- Local taxes
- Round-trip transfers between stables and San Ignacio town
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
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.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Ignacio
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
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 1 minutes before departure.
Ends at
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
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 13 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- MayaWalk Tours
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 53 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
53 verified traveler reviews for Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Unique way to visit sites
Jose was great and informative guide. Although suitable for beginners was quite a trek to do if you are not used to being on horses! However kids loved it so worth it for that reason!
via Tripadvisor
Loved!!
The guide was very patient & accommodating. Cannot brag enough on the horses! They were patient, friendly, easy to guide! Ask for Louigi the horse and the tour guide was amazing!!
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Adventure
Jose is a wonderful, knowledgeable and funny guide. He was so much fun to have as our guide. So much knowledgeable about the horses we were on, the area and history. He made this trip so memorable for us! He adjusted the tour when he found out that we had already seen the temple and made sure we saw things we had not on our previous tour. Thanks to his knowledge we got to see a couple of Toucans, an entire family of Howler Monkeys,a pigme Owl and a silver fox was spotted by people in our group.
via Tripadvisor
Horseback riding along the river to Xunantunich
This 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.
via Tripadvisor
Maya Walk is great!
We 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!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 19
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by MayaWalk Tours, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 75.6 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything MayaWalk Tours runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Ignacio.
How much does Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins cost?
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Prices start at $145 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Ignacio usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Ignacio is not rushed.
Is Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 53 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Ignacio, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins?
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Around 19 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Ignacio can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Ignacio and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Ignacio within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in San Ignacio?
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On Outty we rank every San Ignacio experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic, Xunantunich and Cave Tubing Combo Tour from San Ignacio, Tikal SUNSET, Archeological focus and Wildlife Spotting Tour (South and East). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit San Ignacio?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in San Ignacio?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins?
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Included: National park fees; Local taxes; and Round-trip transfers between stables and San Ignacio town. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 7 listed pickup locations in and around San Ignacio. Be ready about 1 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in San Ignacio. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Horseback Ride to Xunantunich Maya Ruins?
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Across 53 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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