Top Things to do in San Ignacio
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What to do and see in San Ignacio, Cayo: The Best Horseback Riding Tours
It’s true: parts of Belize are getting touristy. But San Ignacio remains rustic, making it a great base for budget-friendly tropical adventure travel. Canoe on the Macal River, or walk to Mayan ruins at Cahal Pec (just be warned: it's uphill).
Restaurants in San Ignacio
1. Hanna Stables
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 297 reviews
Hanna Stables offers horseback riding, adventure tourism and eco-farm stay for travelers of all ages and abilities in the San Ignacio, Belize area. One of the country's oldest horseback riding establishments, Hanna Stables is currently operated by Santiago Juan.Located not far from Hanna Stables is Nabitunich (The Stone Cottages), a 400 acre spread of land which has been in the Juan family for four generations. Nabitunich has 20 rooms available for accommodations for travelers in Belize and is open to eco-farm stays as well.
Reviewed By k8boom - Washington DC, United States
My family and I did the Xunantunich + San Lorenzo Farm Horseback Ride with Hanna Stables and it was THE highlight of our entire trip. We arrived to find a beautiful setting and the horses well cared for and tacked. Santiago assessed us on the spot and determined the best horse for each rider, and off we went. The trail through the farm was well cleared and the horses were very well trained. We rode past fields, in the woods, along a rushing river, and then found ourselves along the road and across the hand crank ferry that would take us to Xunantunich. We dismounted to cross the river then hopped back on to make our way up the road to the temple. Once we arrived at the temple, tied up the horses (men were there to take care of them while we explored), had some water, and were introduced to Francisco, an incredible guide who was full of respect for and information about the temple. We climbed, hiked, learned, and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. He also took incredible pictures of us throughout the tour. After we completed our exploration (2 hours + on site, not at all rushed) we got back on the horses and made our way back to the farm for an incredible meal cooked on site. I would HIGHLY recommend Hanna Stables, and this ride specifically, if you are looking for a day filled with education, delicious food, adventure, and well cared for horses. Every person in our group (of varying horse experience) was comfortable during the ride, the conversation we had with Santiago throughout the day was referenced many times over the remainder of our trip, and at the end of our 10 day Belize stay (which included a cave tour, howler monkeys off our back porch, snorkeling, shark swimming, island life, and more) this horseback ride was STILL the peak of everyone's experience.
2. St Leonard's Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 264 reviews
St Leonard's Tours offers great private and personalized tours from Horse Riding, Archeological sites, Cave exploration, Cave Tubing and more. We have an adventure for all: Xunantunich horse riding; Xunantunich & Cave tubing combo; PRIVATE airport shuttles & combos, Family getaways, hiking tour to Xunantunich; Ziplining, Cahal Pech; Food tours; ATM; tours for families, couples, friends. We customize to your need, interest and pace.
3. T'initz Tours Belize
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 47 reviews
T'initz Tours Belize offer a variety of Horse Back Riding combined with Caving and Canoeing. Ride under the Canopies of the Pristine Jungle of The Cayo District in Belize, to visit with the Ancient Mayan People who lived in Caves. Or, just ride Great Appaloosa Horses to your Heart's content and see the Beautiful Views that we have to offer.
4. Hide-A-Way Camp Adventure Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Come and enjoy some of great adventures that the jungles of Belize has to offer while visiting 3 beautiful waterfalls!
5. Mountain Equestrian Trails Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Horseback Riding Day Tours to various destinations. You can ride to one of several waterfalls to enjoy swimming and a picnic lunch or you can explore caves, one which allows you to paddle deep inside an underground cave system. A pre-ride orientation will give the rider important information about the tour. We take care to match the rider with the most suitable horse and tack by considering the height, weight and riding ability of each person. Routes pass through varied ecosystems while your guide describes traditional uses of plants. You will always remember the exhilarating experience of riding through a pristine Rain Forrest. Please wear riding boots, hiking boots, or tennis shoes (with socks), and long pants, trousers or jodhpurs. Rain gear, water bottles, camera bags, and gourmet picnic lunches are provided. Be sure to bring your bathing suits and cameras to enjoy the day to its fullest.
Reviewed By actuallyarobot - Texas, United States
This was a wonderful day. My wife and I are experienced riders, but you do not need to be experienced to enjoy this ride. We were picked up at our hotel and drove to the ranch (during non-covid times, you can stay on the ranch and we may do that the next time we are there). At the ranch, we met the guide and horses. There was a "how to horse" talk and then we saddled up. The first half of the ride is through the jungle. During this, you are walking the entire time. Our guide stopped often to point out various plants and explain/show us how they were used throughout history (this context greatly influenced our experience of Belize in general). There is a brief stop at a gorgeous lookout point where you have views of the entire jungle. After that, you are on the top of the mountain and have the option to trot/lope/gallop if you are comfortable doing that. Eventually, we got to Big Rock Falls and dismounted grabbed lunch, and started the walk to the falls. The falls are GORGEOUS, the walk down is tiring. At the falls, we had lunch-- but didn't want to go swimming, because we wanted to get back on the horses and do some more running through the mountains. We then rode the rest of the way to our hotel and said goodbye to our guides and horses. Wonderful experience. Would do it again. Next time, I think that we will actually stay on the ranch so that we can spend more time riding.
6. Jungle Splash Eco-Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 170 reviews
Book your next Great Escape Belize Adventure with Jungle Splash and let us help you explore Belize! Ask about our signature tour- the Jungle Pontoon Waterfall Adventure Tour! The newest tour in Belize! Visit hidden waterfalls deep within the Mayan mountains, as you sail on board a pirate ship jungle pontoon!Become lost in mother nature's backyard, in a tropical rain forest, surrounded by wildlife...Don't miss this adventure when visiting Belize! -Try our Horseback ride to the Forgotten City and ceremonial cave!
7. Purple Mayan Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Our founder has spent over 20 years in the tourist business and knows what Travellers wants and makes it his goal to deliver on those promises. Purple Mayan was founded by a team of adventurous people that loved unique tours and outdoor activities. We all share a passion for outdoors; we all share a passion for unique attractions off the main tourist track that are rich in history and culture .
8. Belize Wild Caribbean Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Belize Wild Caribbean Tours has come to realize that many tour companies focus more on the customers pocket and not too much the customers. Belize Wild Caribbean Tours is a family oriented company which administration is run only by family members. We were raised and taught the importance of love and appreciation for family and friends. We take business serious but you happiness is also important.
9. Neil Anthony Simmons
Providing memorable experience to guests visiting Belize and Guatemala for over the last 16 years ..
10. Cahal Pech Tours
Cahal Pech Tours is a licensed tour company located in San Ignacio Town, Belize. Our tour operator company offers tours to the top attractions in the area like the ancient Maya ruins, sacred caves, nature parks, meandering rivers and much, much more!
