BELIZE – With tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls, towering Mayan temples, and open farmland, there is no lack of beautiful landscapes and natural diversity in Belize. Visitors to this Central American country can opt to explore the country’s different regions in a way that’s as unique as Belize itself – on horseback. There are several equestrian tours available for novice and expert riders that offer an extraordinary way to see the sites.
On horseback, riders can breeze through dense, tropical rainforest, teeming with wild orchids and colorful birds or along nature trails leading to hidden caves or pristine waterfalls. Embarking on a horseback ride enables visitors to tackle more rigorous terrain and discover off the beaten path areas that are difficult to access on foot. With numerous Mayan sites located in Belize, travel by horseback also allows entry to cultural and historical wonders located deep within the jungle.
The ease of traveling by horseback is also ideal for families, benefiting both children and adults looking for an easier way to reach some of Belize’s highest peaks to experience some of the country’s most breathtaking views.
Following are just some of the equestrian tours available in Belize:
Banana Bank Lodge, one of Belize’s first equestrian centers, is home to nearly 100 well-kept, mix breed horses. Trained using the horse whisperer method, the horses are bred to effortlessly tackle river terrain and jungle trails. The property also houses a stable, round pen, arena and club house.
Guests of Banana Bank can choose from a number of all-inclusive horseback riding adventure packages. The 8-day Trail Blazer Package takes riders through the lush rainforest canopy and along flowing river trails where exotic flora and fauna abound to butterfly farms and birding towers where guests can watch over 200 species of rare birds in their natural habitat. The expedition will also take riders to a seldom visited cave to discover artifacts and remains of the mysterious Maya and later, a visit to the ancient Maya city of Xunantunich.
The cost for participation is $1780 per person for single occupancy or $1425 per person for double occupancy. The price includes lodging, meals and an introductory riding course. For more information, visit www.bananabank.com.
Duplooys Jungle Lodge, located in Belize’s Western Cayo District, offers guests horseback riding excursions that can last for 1 or 2 hours to half day or full day excursions that visit a number of local attractions. Ideal for new riders or families with small children, the “Belize Botanic Gardens by Horseback” trip is a tame ride through the property’s 45-acre gardens where guests can roam through the orchid house or identify medicinal plants used by the ancient Maya. The cost for a half-day ride is $45 per person.
For a more challenging expedition, Duplooys can arrange a trip to Cristo Rey Falls where riders spend the afternoon swimming in the gushing waterfall’s refreshing pools. The cost for a full day ride is $65 per day. For more information about these or other horseback riding adventures available, visit www.duplooys.com.
