Horseback Ride to the Forgotten Jungle City

This was an incredible adventure. Roberto was very knowledgeable about the region and its history, and was able to adapt to our familiarity and knowledge in a way that made it all feel very accessible and authentic. We loved the horses and the dogs who joined us on the trail. It was not an easy ride (we didn’t expect it to be) but it was 1000% worth it. The cave was an added bonus that ended up being our favorite part. The lunch they served was surprisingly delicious too! My daughter and I are comfortable on horses but we don’t ride super often — we were a little sore but it wasn’t too bad.

This experience was truly magical and a once in a lifetime experience. Robert was an awesome guide with depthful knowledge and passion for this place and its history. He and his team truly made this a special day. The outing included spectacular views, exploring an incredible cave used by the Mayans, horseback riding up and down hillsides through dense jungle, and a truly magical visit to the site of the Forgotten City. I would absolutely suggest this tour for anyone who is looking for something totally unique, informative, and adventurous. Thank you so much Robert! I hope to get the chance to visit again!

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!

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.

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

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.

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!!!