Horse Riding · COSTA RICA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend who has never been up: 14 costa rica horseback riding tours worth the money, each with its price, its rider verdict and the one thing to check before you commit.
Review of Arenal horseback riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, with horse details, steep hike warnings, value, tips, and booking advice.
“The horseback riding experience is very nice. However, we expected to be in the trails rather than being on the paved road.”
Ride through Guanacaste forest, rivers, and jungle to deserted Barrigona Beach on this scenic three-hour horseback tour from Sámara.
“We had a wonderful experience! Thank you to our amazing guide for this wonderful memory and honestly being one of the most fun guided tours we have ever experienced.”
Ride gentle horses along Esterillos Beach near Jaco, with jungle views, wildlife, sunset light, and small-group guidance.
“I had not been on a horse since I was a kid, so I didn't know what to expect. But Sylwia was extremely helpful and the horses were so well trained that everything went very smoothly. Riding on the beach during sunset is a magical experience that I would recommend to anyone traveling in this area. I will definitely come back on my next trip to Costa Rica.”
Review of Arenal Canopy and Horseback Riding Adventure in La Fortuna, with eight ziplines, rainforest trails, volcano views, price, tips, and practical details.
“Great experience for first timers. Guides for helpful and knowledgeable! Will recommend hundred percent.”
Ride through a private farm near Arenal, enjoy volcano views, spot wildlife, and choose a river route when clouds hide the peak.
“Beautiful view of the Arenal Volcano! Stunning! One very important thing to know about this tour is that they take you pretty far out to get to the volcano so to make the tour time efficient the horses canter/run a lot of the time. If you are not comfortable with a cantering horse or an experienced rider this tour will be uncomfortable for you. My husband and I were not prepared for this part of the trip. We thought they would just walk! And remember to wear pants!! I wore shorts and ended up with some pretty bad sores on my ankles from the stirrups. That being said, the tour…”
Review of Jaco’s zip line, horseback riding, waterfalls, and natural pool combo, with honest advice on value, fitness, safety, and planning.
“Staff was awesome. Made everyone feel welcome. Definitely would go back and try the different activities”
Hike past four Monteverde waterfalls, swim in a clear river, ride horseback uphill, and enjoy a Costa Rican lunch with transport included.
“The beautiful waterfalls!!! The gorgeous scenery and beautiful horses. Plus, very serene; no crowds of people, just the peaceful forest.”
Review of Jaco’s private rainforest horseback tour, with a waterfall, wildlife, hotel pickup, family-friendly rides, pricing, and practical tips.
“Good staff, well-mannered horses. Easy ride through some parts of the rainforest. They seemed to take care of the horses well and even rescued another horse from a different tour company because it wasn't treated properly.”
Ride through Monteverde’s cloud forest, plantations, and mountain trails with sweeping Gulf views, snacks, guides, and round-trip transport.
“The view is awesome. The farm family is so nice. The horses are nice too. I will come again! Love here!”
Review of Aquiares’ four-hour horseback coffee tour near Turrialba, with a waterfall, lookout, coffee mill, church, guides, price, and tips.
“If you are looking for a unique experience that combines culture and horseback riding, this tour will leave you in awe. I highly recommend it! The entire experience was truly amazing. We went horseback riding to a waterfall, passing through coffee fields, forests, and a village. Afterward, we returned to a charming farmer’s house for a quick snack, along with coffee / hot chocolate. The farmhouse is authentically Costa Rican, filled with character and charm, and beautifully designed with many unique pieces of furniture and art.”
Ride through Costa Rica’s jungle near Jaco, then cool off in a natural pool at Vista Los Suenos Adventure Park.
“Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and patient with us inexperienced horseback riders beautiful day”
Review of a full-day Costa Rican adventure from Playa Flamingo with horseback riding, rapids tubing, ziplining, hot springs, mud masks, and lunch.
“Overall, my girls and I had a really fun time. It was our first time ever going horseback riding, river tubing, ziplining, and going to a hot spring. Horseback riding through the rainforest was a little scary due to the terrain being uneven. River tubing is for the thrill-seekers but forewarning you - it can be VERY DANGEROUS! Unfortunately, I had a near-death experience when the rapids flipped my tube over and I fell in. 8 ziplines and 1 Tarzan swing was a lot of fun. The hot springs is the best way to end a day full of adventure! The mud masks were amazing too.”
Ride calm horses through a Costa Rican cattle farm, visit a mountain viewpoint, and enjoy a fresh four-course lunch near Orosi.
“The hosts of this tour are extremely friendly and personable. Beware as the road up is extremely rocky so get a 4x4 SUV and you're ok. The horseback riding seemed to go on and on which was fantastic and made this tour well worth the money. The farm has cows, goats, pigs, chickens and of course horses. The horses you ride are extremely well mannered and calm. The view in the hills is incredible and breathtaking. Coffee and banana bread was perfect before the tour and then afterwards we got a delicious lunch made from products of the farm! Don't book a horse back tour anywhere but here!”
Review of Vandara Hot Springs near Tamarindo, combining ziplining, horseback riding, mud baths, a waterslide, lunch, and culture.
“Great experience with zip lining, horse back riding, cultural information and hot springs. I would recommend it”
Sand, desert, mountain, jungle or ranch.
