Jungle
Trails
Experience the ancient rainforest from a new, elevated perspective.
Saddle Up
Long before paved highways crossed the country, the horse and the canoe were the primary modes of transport through the dense Belizean interior. Today, horseback riding through the rainforest offers a tranquil yet exhilarating way to connect with nature, moving silently through the jungle without the noise of an engine terrifying the wildlife.
Traversing winding dirt paths, crossing shallow creeks, and weaving through thick stands of mahogany and cohune palms, you'll feel like a true early explorer. Whether you are an experienced equestrian looking for a brisk canter through open savannas or a complete beginner wanting a gentle trail walk, Belize has a mount for you.
The Trail
Silent movement through the dense emerald canopy.
Silent
Observation
One of the unexpected benefits of exploring the jungle on horseback is how wildlife reacts to you. Because the scent and sound of a horse masks the presence of humans, animals are often far less easily startled. Riders frequently find themselves much closer to troops of Howler Monkeys or foraging agoutis than hikers ever could.
The Heart of Belize Equestrianism
While horseback riding is available nationwide, the Cayo District in western Belize is undeniably the epicenter of the culture. Characterized by rolling hills, expansive cattle ranches, and vast tracts of protected forest reserve, Cayo provides the perfect varied terrain. Many of the premier eco-lodges here maintain their own stables, offering guests seamless access from breakfast to the saddle.
Cayo
Equestrian Hub
Quarter Horses
Primary Breed
Beginner Friendly
Accessibility
Riding to the Ruins
Perhaps the most romanticized experience available in Belize is completing an expedition to a Maya archaeological site on horseback. Several tour operators offer full-day rides that culminate at unexcavated Maya mounds or major sites like Xunantunich. Tying up your horse in the jungle shade to climb the massive limestone pyramids of El Castillo bridges the gap between modern tourist and 19th-century explorer. The famous English archaeologist Thomas Gann, who first formalized the excavation of Xunantunich, famously arrived on a mule.
Belizean Cattle Culture
The history of the horse in Belize is heavily tied to the country's vibrant, yet lesser-known, cattle industry. Many riding trails pass through active, working ranches where Belizean "cowboys" can be seen driving Brahmin cattle. These tours offer a fascinating cultural detour from the standard rainforest curriculum, exposing visitors to the rich agricultural life that sustains local communities outside the tourism sector.
Safety, Gear, and Preparation
Riding in the tropics requires preparation. The heat and humidity are significant factors, both for the rider and the horse. Proper attire is essential: long pants (preferably jeans or riding breeches) are absolutely mandatory to prevent chafing on the saddle and to protect your legs from thorny vines along the trail.
Closed-toe shoes (boots are best) are required for safety in the stirrups. Copious amounts of sunscreen and bug spray should be applied before mounting. Always ask your lodge or operator about the history and training of the horses. Reputable stables will match you with a horse that accurately reflects your self-reported skill level, ensuring a safe ride. Most will also provide helmets upon request, which is highly recommended.
Hit the
Trail.
Reserve your horseback riding excursion into the heart of the jungle.