Xunantunich is one of Belizeโs 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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๐ 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 siteโs 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.
Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Belize.
๐ Where Does It Rank?
Horseback riding to Xunantunich ranks as the #4 experience I had in Belize. Hereโs how it compares to other things I did on my trip:
Myย Belize itineraryย features the above experiences.
โ๏ธ About My Trip
For context on my review, here’s what to know about my trip:
- I finance my trips and donโt 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.
See my Belize trip expenses.
- 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 shoesย 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:
- ๐ Rental car โ You can rent a car and drive yourself without a guide. A mile before reaching the ruins, youโll 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 donโt need to pay the ferry operator since the Belize government pays them, but you can leave a small tip if you like.
- ๐ Taxi โ You can call a taxi to the ruin. Shared taxis also usually wait around Xunantunich to take visitors back to San Ignacio.
- ๐ Standard tour โ Tour operators provide transportation to Xunantunich from San Ignacio. You can book these tours in advance or at the entrance of the ruins.
- ๐ด Horseback โ As mentioned above, horseback riding is a unique way to get to the ruin.
- ๐ Local bus โ A local bus runs to Xunantunich hourly. The bus doesnโt cross the ferry, so youโll 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
Hereโs a packing list for Xunantunich if you plan to get there by horseback:
- Sunglasses โ Most of the horse-riding routes do not have shade. Only one person in our tour group didnโt bring sunglasses, and she regretted it.
- Insect repellent โ Youโll see mosquitos as you ride through the jungle. Iโm a mosquito magnet and find that this bug-repellent lotion works better than the spray alternatives.
- Sunscreen โ 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 โ 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) โ Wear comfortable long pants for protection in case your horse walks near a bush or tree trunk.
- Athletic top โ Wear something comfortable and breathable, as youโll sweat while riding in humid weather with little shade.
- Water โ 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 โ Youโll 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 โ 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 โ Bring some cash to tip your guide, as tipping is customary.
- Toilet paper โ The ruin is a popular attraction. When I visited during the low season, the bathrooms ran out of TP.
Xunantunichโs visitor center will have bathrooms, water, and local souvenirs for sale.
Belize Trip Planner 2024
To make your travel preparation easier, download the trip planner below. It has destination-specific travel information, itinerary, map, and packing list.
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Belize Travel Guides
- ๐ง๐ฟ Belize Travel Tips: 10 Practical Things To Know
- ๐ One Week in Belize: Itinerary + 12 Great Things To Do
- ๐ฐ Trip to Belize Cost: My Budget Breakdown (2024)
- ๐ฆ Belize ATM Cave: My Honest Review & Tips
- ๐ด Horseback to Xunantunich: My Honest Review & Tips
- ๐ง๏ธ Visiting Belize in Its Rainy Season: What To Know & Pack
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