The 5 Best Horseback Riding Tours in Costa Rica

1.Arenal Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 127 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $94Our pick

Ride a calm horse through reforested land and private farms near La Fortuna, then leave the saddle for a steep hike to La Fortuna Waterfall. You can swim at the river, spot monkeys and toucans, and visit a small Maleku cultural center. Guides such as Otto, Kevin, Danny, Pablo, and Carlos have earned warm praise.

“The experience was great! Our guide Otto was awesome and made the tour great. The horseback ride was a good length without getting too sore and the falls were beautiful”

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2.Horseback riding through the beaches of Esterillos near Jaco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89Best value

Ride along Esterillos Beach near Jaco with local guides Micha and Sylwia. The 90-minute outing suits beginners, families, couples, and experienced riders, with gentle horses, ocean views, a short forest section, wildlife, and sunset options. Groups are limited to six, and the ride returns to CR Beach Barn.

“It was a beautiful ride on the beach, and back through some more shadowy areas. The horses are very well trained and super good looked after! Happy horses! Mika was an amazing guide, gave us some great instructions and answered all our questions!”

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3.Arenal Canopy and Horseback Riding Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 78 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $162

Pair eight rainforest zip lines with a one-hour horseback ride near La Fortuna. You’ll cross cables up to 2,460 feet long, follow trails past farms and forest, and reach Silencio Observation Point for Arenal views. Guides such as Charlie, Dillon, Eddy, and Alberto are noted for calm instruction and friendly help. Hotel pickup, fruit, and water are included.

“Great experience with a peaceful horseback ride through the jungle. Zip lining was also so much fun and a great view. We even saw a white hawk!”

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4.PRIVATE Buena Vista: Zip line, Horseback, Hot Springs + Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 76 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $275

Spend about nine hours at Buena Vista with a private guide such as Eugenio, Elial, or JB. Ride horses, tackle eight zip lines, try the water slide, sample Costa Rican treats, paint on volcanic mud, soak in hot springs, and finish with lunch. Pickup is available from Tamarindo-area hotels on the guided option.

“Our guide (sorry if I butcher the spelling) Eli was incredible, the staff in general was incredible, and the food was incredible. If you want an amazing experience that is exciting, delicious, and relaxing then there’s no other choice!”

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5.3-in-1 Monteverde Cloud Forest Waterfalls, Wild Trekking and Horseback Riding

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 56 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $116

Expect a demanding 5 km downhill trek through Monteverde’s cloud forest, rustic bridges, four waterfalls, and a possible river swim. Then ride a calm horse uphill for about 30 to 35 minutes before lunch with wide views. Pickup is included from Monteverde and Santa Elena. Miguel may guide the horseback section.

“It is a hard hike, not recommended for anyone with any foot, knee or hip issues, very steep up and down hiking”

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