Xunantunich is one of Belize’s most famous Maya ruins, and the most unique way to get there is by horseback. Using a clear rating system, I share my honest review of the experience, along with firsthand tips.
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🍀 Lukiih’s Verdict
I recommend horseback riding to Xunantunich if you want to reach the ruin in a more unique way than by vehicle.
- The Maya ruin is known for El Castillo, the site’s primary and tallest structure, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
- Horseback riding is a leisurely way to get there as you pass through a local farm and the jungle, but the tour is relatively expensive.
- Minimal preparation is required, as you don’t need horseback riding experience. However, you need to book a riding guide in advance and wear appropriate clothes and shoes.
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🏆 Where Does It Rank?
Horseback riding to Xunantunich ranks as the #4 experience I had in Belize. Here’s how it compares to other things I did on my trip:
🐠 One Week in Belize: Itinerary + 12 Great Things To Do
✈️ About My Trip
For context on my review, here’s what to know about my trip:
- I finance my trips and don’t receive sponsorship; this review reflects my honest opinions.
- This post has updated 2024 information, but I visited Xunantunich in 2022.
- My Belize trip was in July when it was less crowded and expensive.
- Horseback riding to Xunantunich is an uncommon experience. I estimate that fewer than 50 ruins exist worldwide where tourists can horseback ride to or near them. The ruin is also an ancient Maya archaeological site considered a national treasure.
- You can climb El Castillo, the ruin’s most famous structure, to get a scenic view of the lush rainforest and the Guatemalan border.
- The horseback route passes through different scenery (e.g., jungle, farm, river), making the ride more memorable.
See the different ways to get to Xunantunich below.
- Several other ruins exist worldwide where you can horseback ride to or around them, including Guetemala’s Tikal, Mexico’s Chichen Itza, Jordan’s Petra, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, and Italy’s Pompeii.
- Xunantunich is not the most impressive Maya ruin. Caracol in Belize is the largest, and Tikal in Guatemala is the most iconic.
- The scenery you pass on horseback isn’t stunning or epic, making it less memorable.
Without a knowledgeable guide providing context and history, the ruin can be underwhelming, as you may not appreciate the carvings and engineering as much.
- While it’s not unsafe or challenging, climbing El Castillo is a bit thrilling because there are no railings at the top.
- Riding a horse through different scenery made the journey more interesting because you have to adjust accordingly (e.g., when you’re in the jungle, you want to avoid branches; when you’re near the road, you want to maintain calm so the horse isn’t spooked by a vehicle).
- El Castillo is the primary notable structure in Xunantunich, and the other structures felt underwhelming.
- The ruin is located in an open area with no shade, so a common complaint is that it can get sweltering and uncomfortable.
- Compared to more impressive ruins in other parts of Central America and even Belize, Xunantunich’s history is not as enlightening.
A riding guide to Xunantunich costs between $95 and $115. The tour lasts about five hours and includes transportation and the $5 entrance fee.
Tipping is customary for tourists in Belize, so expect to add another $10 to the total.
I booked my tour with MayaWalk and paid $98 during the low season. St Leonard’s Tours, another great tour company, charges $120. I last checked prices in December 2024.
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- You don’t need specific skills or fitness to do the horseback riding tour to Xunantunich. No prior horseback riding experience is necessary. Walking up the 130-foot El Castillo is very doable for most visitors.
- Pickup for Xunantunich is in the town of San Ignacio in the Cayo district. The journey to the ruin is straightforward. The guide will drive to a nearby horse farm to pair you with a horse.
- Xunantunich has a $5 entrance fee that is typically included in tours. Hire a riding guide at least 1-2 days ahead, and wear appropriate clothes and shoes for horseback riding.
How To Guide & Tips
Interested in doing a horseback riding tour to Xunantunich after reading my review? Below is a practical how-to guide and firsthand tips.
How To Get There
There are five ways to get to Xunantunich from San Ignacio:
- 🚙 Rental car – You can rent a car and drive yourself without a guide. A mile before reaching the ruins, you’ll need to cross the Mopan River by ferry, which takes about five minutes. Your car will be safe in a parking lot at the ruin’s entrance.
You don’t need to pay the ferry operator since the Belize government pays them, but you can leave a small tip if you like.
- 🚕 Taxi – You can call a taxi to the ruin. Shared taxis also usually wait around Xunantunich to take visitors back to San Ignacio.
- 🚐 Standard tour – Tour operators provide transportation to Xunantunich from San Ignacio. You can book these tours in advance or at the entrance of the ruins.
- 🐴 Horseback – As mentioned above, horseback riding is a unique way to get to the ruin.
- 🚌 Local bus – A local bus runs to Xunantunich hourly. The bus doesn’t cross the ferry, so you’ll have to walk a mile on a well-maintained trail to the ruin. This is the most affordable option, as the bus ride only costs $1 USD.
What To Pack
Here’s a packing list for Xunantunich if you plan to get there by horseback:
- Sunglasses – Most of the horse-riding routes do not have shade. Only one person in our tour group didn’t bring sunglasses, and she regretted it.
- Insect repellent – You’ll see mosquitos as you ride through the jungle. I’m a mosquito magnet and find that this bug-repellent lotion works better than the spray alternatives.
- Sunscreen – Due to the lack of shade, apply ample sunscreen. I brought my sweat-resistant sunscreen and had to reapply before the ride back.
- Closed-toe shoes – Wear closed-toe shoes as your horse can walk close to a bush or tree trunk. These shoes should also have decent traction for climbing El Castillo’s uneven steps. I wore my running shoes and was fine in them.
- Long pants (not shorts) – Wear comfortable long pants for protection in case your horse walks near a bush or tree trunk.
- Athletic top – Wear something comfortable and breathable, as you’ll sweat while riding in humid weather with little shade.
- Water – The guide will provide some water, but I also carried my insulated water bottle, which kept my water cold for the entire ride.
- Small daypack – You’ll need a small daypack to carry your items. I brought my mini bag, which had a handle that could easily be tied to the saddle.
- Rain jacket or poncho – Belize is a tropical country, so rain can fall at any time of the year. I tied my light rain jacket around my waist and put it on briefly when it rained.
- Cash – Bring some cash to tip your guide, as tipping is customary.
- Toilet paper – The ruin is a popular attraction. When I visited during the low season, the bathrooms ran out of TP.
Xunantunich’s visitor center will have bathrooms, water, and local souvenirs for sale.
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