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Horseback riding vacations in
Belize
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Covered in unexplored rainforests, Belize is a naturalist's paradise! A beautiful and peaceful country in the heart of the ancient Mayan World - it is an archaeologist's dreamland as well. Belize is one of the best kept secrets of the Caribbean and has much to offer from unique flora and fauna, to Mayan ruins hidden deep in the jungle. Horseback riding opportunities in Belize combine excellent horseback riding with exquisite jungle trails as well as some amazing resorts and ranches. Hidden Trails’ Belize horse riding holidays offer a unique and memorable taste of Central America.
Horse Riding in Belize
In Belize, Hidden Trails has selected some of the most diverse equestrian and multi-sport holidays for you.
Our Trailblazer Jungle Ride explores the lush interiors of the Mayan jungle - miles of jungle and riverside trails are awaiting you. Ride along the Belize River, visit Xunantunich, Cahal Pech or Che Chem Ha, or even travel to Tikal in Guatemala. Experience the wonderful country of Belize (official language is English) on our riding holidays in Belize.
Our Mayan Jungle Ride lets you discover ancient Mayan caves, the stunning Caracol temple and a hidden valley full of giant fruit trees. During this ride, you might also spot some of the local wildlife, including howler monkeys, tapirs and jaguars.
You can also join our multi-sport Island & Jungle Holiday to explore the island of Ambergris Caye and the crystal clear water of the Caribbean Sea.
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Belize History and Culture
The ancient Mayans once lived throughout Belize, and over 600 of their fascinating ancient cities can still be seen here. All of the incredible ancient ruins are worth a visit, from the major site of Altun Ha to the little known site of Uxbenka. The history of the Mayans began around 2500 B.C and they thrived for centuries in the area that is now known as Belize. The oldest site is believed to be Cuello in Orange Walk, built back in the Archaic era. Then came the pre-classic era in which the cities of Lamanai, home to the largest pre-classic structure in the Mayan world, and Cerros prospered. In the classic period, the crowning period for the Mayan civilization, the enormous sites of Caracol and El Pilar rose out of the forest and ceremonial centers like Xunantunich built extravagant temples and pyramids. However, the prosperity of the Mayans didn't last forever, and in 900 A.D. most of the great Mayan centers collapsed. But the culture and outposts of the civilization lived on and cities like Santa Rita and Lamanai were still thriving when the Spanish came in the 16th century. In fact, Lamanai lasted until the 1600s when British sugar cane farmers drove the remaining inhabitants out to make way for their farms.
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Belize Weather and Climate
There is a dry season and a rainy season each year in Belize. The dry season is when most tourists visit the country: from December through May. Rainy season lasts from June through November.
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Explore more Central America Horse Riding Vacations
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Holidays on horseback in Belize
See Mini Country Guide
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Below is a list of our trips in this area with video clips.
 Click on the 'watch video' icon
to view a video clip,
Belize
Travel restrictions
Effective February 7th 2022, land and sea borders re-opened to all persons qualified to enter Belize. Foreign tourists must still present evidence of pre-booked reservations at gold standard certified accommodations and adhere to health and safety protocols.
Effective July 12th 2022, the Belize tourism board advises that the government of Belize has decided to remove all public health measures at the points of entry in Belize (land and sea).
Effective February 15th 2022, all foreign tourists entering Belize must present evidence to Belizean immigration officials of Belize Travel Insurance coverage (in addition to any travel insurance a traveler may elect to purchase independently). The cost of the required insurance is US $18.00 for a period of 21 days (extendable), effective on the day of arrival. Insurance may be purchased in advance at www.belizetravelinsurance.com or upon arrival at the port of entry.
Effective July 12th 2022, all foreign tourists entering Belize will have the option to purchase the Belize travel insurance. It is no longer mandatory but is highly recommended by the Belize tourism board.
Measures taken by the government
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, a curfew is in effect across Belize from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Persons are not permitted to be in any public space during these times and risk a fine if found in contravention of the regulation.
Grocery stores and other stores are currently open with limits on the number of shoppers allowed. Restaurants and bars may continue dining-in services, with a reservation where feasible, operating at 50% capacity for indoors and 75% for outdoors for fully vaccinated persons only.
Individuals must carry proof of vaccination status and be prepared to present such proof upon entry into public buildings.
Testing
PCR and/or antigen tests are available for foreigners in Belize and test results are reliably available within 72 hours.
The following are vetted private labs currently offering same-day results for a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test that can be used for travel purposes:
Belize District: Central Health Region, Cleopatra White Polyclinic, Otto Rodriquez Polyclinic (San Pedro) & Caye Caulker Health Center.
Corozal District: Corozal Community Hospital
Orange Walk District: Northern Regional Hospital
Cayo District: Western Regional Hospital & San Ignacio Hospital
Stann Creek District: Southern Regional Hospital & Independence Polyclinic
Toledo District: Punta Gorda Hospital
Approved Private Covid-19 Testing Facilities:
Belize City: D’s Clinic, Belize Medical Associates, Belize Healthcare Partners, Belize Diagnostic Center & Caring Hands at Home Medical Services
Belmopan: Luke’s Medical Center & Belmopan Medical Center
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
Information not available.
Source:
US Embassy in Belize https://bz.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Published on October 6th 2022 (checked on April 5th 2023)
Travel Belize https://www.travelbelize.org/health-safety
Published on July 12th 2022 (checked on April 5th 2023)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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Belize
At A glance
Capital City: Belmopan
Land size: 22,806 sq km
Population: 412,387 (2022 est.)
Official language: English
Currency: Belize Dollar ($ / BZD)
UNESCO properties and sites: Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belize/
Nestled on the eastern coast of Central America, Belize is full of hidden gems, natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world, featuring colorful coral reefs and exotic marine species. Discover ancient Mayan ruins nestled deep within the jungles, such as the awe-inspiring site of Xunantunich or the mystical Caracol. Unwind on the sun-kissed shores of Ambergris Caye, where palm-fringed beaches and warm Caribbean waters await.
Belize offers a captivating blend of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife, making it the perfect destination for equestrian adventures. From thrilling jungle treks to leisurely mountain rides, Belize offers a range of horse riding experiences for riders of all levels.
Brief History
Belize was the site of several Mayan city-states until their decline at the end of the first millennium A.D.
As shown in archeological records, the Maya established a number of settlements including Caracol, Lamanai and Lubaantun. The first European contact with Belize occurred in 1502 when Christopher Columbus reached the area’s coast. In 1638, the first European settlement was established by England and for 150 years, many more English settlements were set up.
The British and Spanish disputed the region in the 17th and 18th centuries; it formally became the colony of British Honduras in 1862. For one hundred years after that, Belize was a representative government of England but in January 1964, full self government with a ministerial system was granted. In 1973, the region’s name was changed from British Honduras to Belize and on September 21, 1981, full independence was achieved.
Guatemala refused to recognize the new nation until 1992 and the two countries are involved in an ongoing border dispute. Both nations have voted to send the dispute for final resolution to the International Court of Justice.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belize/
https://www.travelbelize.org/facts-about-belize/
Cultural Insights
Ethnic and geographic identification coincides with the areas where ethnic groups settled. In the north and west there are the mestizos, people formed by the union of Spaniards and Maya. In the central part, there are the Creoles, formed by the intermarriage of the British and their African slaves. In the south, there are the Garifuna, also called Black Caribs, along the coast and the Maya farther inland.
Creole: Popular Creole dishes are universally enjoyed throughout Belize and include Rice and Beans, Beans and Rice (yes, they are two different dishes), Stew Chicken and Salad, and “Boil Up. The Kriol language is best described as a broken English dialect that is understood (mostly) and spoken by all cultures in Belize.
Mestizo: With the blending of these cultures (Maya & Spanish) came a fusion of traditions, practices and foods, unique to Belize. Take a trip to the North to immerse yourself in this foodie-haven and celebrate the many festivities held annually to celebrate Mestizo culture.
Garifuna: In 2001, UNESCO proclaimed the Garifuna language, music and dance to be among the masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. With festivals throughout the year, it’s impossible not to experience the warm and vibrant Garifuna culture during your visit to Belize.
Maya: Maya culture is still alive and well in Belize. Today, you can tour authentic sites left by this great culture and, in many cases, be guided through these sites by a direct descendant?a modern-day Maya. In many cities, you can also find Maya cuisine and festivals celebrating this ancient civilization.
Source: https://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Belize.html
https://www.travelbelize.org/culture/
Transportation
By Air
Commercial airlines all land at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Ladyville, just minutes from Belize City.
Source: https://www.travelbelize.org/getting-here/
Money
ATMs are widely available in larger towns and they generally accept foreign cards – but sometimes can be temperamental, so allow time for the unforeseeable.
The local currency is Belize dollars. However, US dollars are also accepted as currency.
Belize currency exchange is extremely easy for American visitors. The Belize dollar is locked at $2 Belize = $1 USD.
Large bills (anything above a $20) are a little more difficult to cash.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belize
https://www.travelbelize.org/facts-about-belize/
Health
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Medical facilities in Belize are limited and availability of prescription medicine inconsistent. Medical care for minor ailments is generally available in urban areas. Advanced medical treatment is very limited in Belize City or Belmopan and is extremely limited or unavailable in rural and remote areas.
Serious medical cases are normally evacuated to the United States (at the patient’s expense).
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If you bring your own prescription medications, you must carry a current doctor’s prescription for each medication. Please contact the Belize Customs Department at (501) 223-7092 or via e-mail at cusnet@btl.net for more information.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belize
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Belize.html
Electricity
Belize operates on a 110 /220 V supply voltage and uses type A, B and G plugs.
The Type A electrical plug (or flat blade attachment plug) is an ungrounded plug with two flat parallel pins. Although the American and Japanese plugs appear identical, the neutral pin on the American plug is wider than the live pin, whereas on the Japanese plug both pins are the same size.
The pins on Type A and Type B plugs have a hole near the tip that fits into ‘bumps’ found on the contact wipers of some sockets, so that the pins are gripped more tightly allowing for better contact and also to prevent the plug from slipping out of the socket. Some sockets have spring-action blades that grip the sides of the pins, making the holes obsolete.
The Type B electrical plug has two flat parallel pins and a round grounding (or earth) pin. The earth pin is longer than the other two so that the device is grounded before the power is connected. As with the type A plugs, the American and Japanese versions vary slightly.
The Type G electrical plug has three rectangular blades in a triangular pattern and has an incorporated fuse.
Source: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs
Communication
Time zone in Belize: Central Standard Time (GMT - 6)
International country code – 501
Significant investment in infrastructure have been made to provide high speed broadband to 80% of residences across Belize. (2021)
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/belize/
Entry Requirements
Visitors to Belize must possess a passport valid for a period of minimum 30 days if not travelling in transit to a third country.
In addition to a valid passport, visitors must have a return ticket with sufficient funds to cover their stay. Visitors are given a one-month stay, after which an extension can be applied for with the Immigration Department.
Visas are not required for citizens of the United States and its territories, Canada, United Kingdom and its territories, European Union, Caribbean and Central American countries.
You can check visa requirements here: https://immigration.gov.bz/visa/visa-who-qualify/
Source: https://www.travelbelize.org/getting-here/visas-and-immigration/
Embassies and Consulates
U.S. Embassy in Belmopan
Floral Park Road
Belmopan, Cayo
Phone: (501) 822-4011
Honorary Consul of Canada in Belize City
The Renaissance Tower of Belize, # 8 Newtown Barracks
Belize City
Phone: (501) 223-1060
Source: for USA https://www.usembassy.gov/
For Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates
UNESCO Sites
Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System
The coastal area of Belize is an outstanding natural system consisting of the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, offshore atolls, several hundred sand cays, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons and estuaries. The system’s seven sites illustrate the evolutionary history of reef development and are a significant habitat for threatened species, including marine turtles, manatees and the American marine crocodile.
Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/bz
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List of Tours
![]() Belize
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