Visitors are often surprised to see that there are so many horses in a jungle setting. Horses traditionally have been used in Belize for land-based transportation. A horse hauling poles from the jungle, tilling fields, or pulling a Mennonite wagon to market, are still common sights.

Belizean horses are relatively small,
however they are hardy and sure footed in the rocks and mud of the hillsides.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the Cayo District on horseback through half or full-day trips offered by guides and resort operators. Everything from a simple, pleasurable ride through the Cayo countryside to adventure rides to Caves and Maya sites.

Full-Day Horseback Outings

About an hour and a half's ride (depending on your skill) takes you through the forest and Jungle Trails to the Mayan Village of Succotz. Cross a hand-cranked ferry on horseback to get to Xunantunich Maya site. Explore the site with your guide and then eat lunch at a restaurant featuring Belizean Cuisine before mounting up to ride back.

Or how about an hour and a half's ride through forest, field and orchard along the Macal River, picnic on the Riverside and float leisurely downstream in a canoe or inner tube. For more adventurous riders there is the option of adding a 40-minute hike to Flour Camp Cave and time to explore the cave before your float downstream. Your guide will return the horses to the starting point for you. There are plenty of spots to stop and take a refreshing swim along the way.

Half-Day Horseback Outings

Enjoy riding through tropical deciduous forest, Jungle Trails open savannas, and small subsistence farms, while taking in picturesque views of the the Belizean countryside. If you want to just view the area from the back of a horse without a particular destination in mind, a half-day's ride will give you a good perspective on the surrounding area and your guide will point out various medicinal and other useful plants and trees as you ride along.

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