Aug 7, 2025
Real Indiana Jones stuff, be prepared for an experience! - Didn't know what to expect, the description was a tad vague, but on our last trip to Belize, in 2023, my boys and I took a half day jungle horseback tour and was one of our favorite activities, so wanted a longer trip and found the one offered by Jungle Splash Eco tours that listed 8 hour adventure so we went for it.
Our day started with a 6.30 departure from our hotel at Caves Branch and we met Giovanni from Jungle
Splash at San Ignacio at 8.
The adventure had begun. We took a 45 minute ride from San Ignacio through Western Belize across unpaved road to the remote family farm owned by Giiovanni's family. The ride to the farm was fun and informative as well, as we passed through rural farmland. We arrived at the horse farm about 9 and met our guide Robert (Giovanni's older brother) and Roberts beautiful wife and children as well, as we waited for the horses to finish their breakfast. Then we were off, heading up a jungle path, (followed by Robert's trusty band of rugged Red and Blue Heeler farm dogs) that led to an elevated bluff that had breathtaking views 360 degrees, you could see from Guatemala to the west all the way to the mountains that back up the Belize shoreline to the east. After some photo/video opps up there we started the real trekking, first down through farmland roads and paths, through cattle pastures, and eventually back into the jungle. Robert is extremely knowledgeable about Belize, Maya History, the flora and Fauna. He is an educated Government guide and he knows the land very well. We took a long ride through winding jungle pathway, most of the time it was barely as wide as the horses themselves, and not often travelled. We made our way to a sizeable dry cave and stopped for lunch at the entrance, just in time for a mid day thunderstorm that rolled in and provided amazing ambiance as we stayed dry inside as we watched the ran come down. We then were offered probably the best meal that we ate on our 10 days trip, a delicious war chicken stew with rice that we ate picnic-style. After lunch we took considerable time to explore the cave, and Robert was a great source of Maya history and lore. We got to see some artifacts that were found in the cave, and were even able to explore 2 empty burial chambers found there. and when I say explore, I mean crawl through 24" wide openings 10m down into the understory of the cave. We learned about the local geology that demonstrated how the Maya used the caves for various purposes and the evidence that was left behind.
After Resting up for a while we re-mounted and headed out to the "Forgotten City" . There had been serious fires in the area 2 years prior and much of the large trees in the area had been replaced by thick undergrowth, Robert literally cleared a path through the new growth with a machette to allow for our progress. We travelled through 2m tall heavy growth, often over fallen trees until our path was ultimately blocked by a massive fallen tree, but we were close to the archiological site, so we chose to continue on foot for the last 500m. to the base of the ruins. As we found out later this complex had been partially excavated by a University from
Canada in the early 2000's and Robert had been part of the local team that assisted the archaeologists in their work, so although the site had been once again reclaimed by the jungle, we were able to hike to the top of the largest pyramid and see some of the rooms that had been at the apex as well as take in the amazing vistas from the top of the massive structure.
The return ride was also fun and informative as we passed back out through the jungle and past lush farmlands on our way back to the homestead. My older son 16, has an interest in entomology, and Robert was even kind enough to dismount, take take my son's phone, and produce some epic pictures and video of a massive procession of Leafcutter ants we came upon on the ride back.
I have been visiting Belize for 35 years now, probably 15/16 trips over the years, and this was the most interesting, challenging, and satisfying adventure yet. Big thank you to Robert and Jungle Splash for the life-enriching adventure!
Review provided by Viator
Feb 25, 2025
Sunset Horseback ride + - WOW! This was an epic, beautiful lush Jungle horseback ride. With numerous high peaks that we visited, and the views were stunning. We had rain, and sun, but what makes the jungle more powerful then these 2 elements together. Just priceless. Thank you Robert. Great tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 27, 2025
Horseback riding to hidden waterfalls - This was my best experience in Belize. Robert has so much knowledge of the land and a great sense of humour. I felt safe as a solo female traveller and truly recommend this for anyone that wants an unforgettable experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 30, 2024
Magical day horseback riding - Best horseback riding experience of my life. Riding through the jungle was magical. The cave tour was one of a kind. Michael was an amazing guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oct 17, 2024
Memorable - By far exceeded all expectations. Sorry I didn’t write this review before now. Will definitely be repeat visitors. Horses were great under saddle, Robert was fantastic, we learned so much about this beautiful country. Thank you so much!!!
Review provided by Viator
Jun 18, 2024
Jungle tour/waterfall - Amazing! Highly recommend. As a fellow horse-person I completely appreciate the care/pride/and training that Robert put into his horses-especially hard during the dry season but the extra effort and associated cost showed. We were unable to complete the original ride due to fires in the area but the boys were very flexible and took us to the waterfall with a delicious lunch prepared for us as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 20, 2024
Horseback riding through the jungle on horseback. - I highly recommend this adventure!! So much fun and Roberto and David were great on the trails. What a adventure, was a hot day but worth the ride and adventure.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 23, 2024
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Returned forgotten GoPro - Absolutely incredible experience! We accidentally left our GoPro on site and didn't realize until we were back at our AirBnB. Roberto arranged for someone to bring it to us and it was returned promptly! After about an hour drive from the San Ignacio Welcome Center, we arrived at Roberto's family farm. The horses were so well looked after for and you could tell they were really loved. We had one girl who was decent rider but myself and my other friend both hadn't been on horses in almost 2 decades. Be prepared, the trek on the horses can be a little tough at times. There will definitely be trotting but the horses know what they are doing and I never truly felt unsafe. It is a long day, so I wouldn't recommend if you are looking for something relaxing. Roberto was very knowledgable on the local wildlife, flora, and history of the land. We stopped for lunch in front of the Isabella Cave, and it was delicious. We were able to climb down into the cave and even into some hidden caverns. Afterwards, we were lucky enough to take a ride on one of his pontoons down the river to some waterfalls. Highly recommend that tour if you are looking for a more laid back, party vibe. Overall an unbelievable experience and I cannot recommend this enough!!! Thanks to Roberto and his team!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 1, 2024
Take the tour to the forgotten jungle, you don’t know what you’re standing on! - What a fun experience! So cool to travel into the jungle on horseback and learn about the forgotten city. Roberto was an amazing guide and his brothers who picked us up were so nice. Their four very cute and sweet dogs joined us on the trip which was an extra bonus as who doesn’t love dogs? We stopped for a homemade lunch at this amazing cave that he then led us into to show us ceremonial areas and burial sites. I even got to hold an 800+ year old Mayan bowl that he found unexpectedly during another tour. He’s knowledgeable of the area as it’s where he grew up and was so so nice. It does get hot so be sure to wear SPF! They provide plenty of water and again, the lunch was so good and still hot to enjoy while at the cave. We will recommend this tour to anyone we know coming to San Ignacio, Belize. Just remember, if you haven’t ridden a horse in a while… your legs will hurt a bit!
Review provided by Viator
Mar 31, 2024
Absolutely incredible experience - Robert and team are excellent across the board. Pickup and transport details were communicated well. The drive is a rough road which can't be helped by the tour/team. This was well communicated also. The team is super friendly and knowledgeable so the drive was very pleasant despite the road condition.
Robert took us out on Azteca and Firefly. The trail is beautiful... a large chunk of it is under jungle canopy but we absolutely needed long pants and long sleeves to protect from the sun. (I still tanned through my waffle knit shirt).
It's about 3 miles out and 6 miles RT. The turnaround spot is a magnificent cave. Robert is passionate and knowledgeable about Mayan history and culture. His reverence for the past is contagious and the experience made an indelable impact on both of us.
Lunch was delicious! Empanadas!
We then road back 3 miles... we are healthy and physically fit but we were physically exhausted after the ride.
Robert took us down to the river to cool off. We saw a crocodile and played in a waterfall.
The whole day feel unreal in the best imaginable way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor