The Best Places to Go Horseback Riding in Costa Rica

Never too young or old to ride a horse
Never too young or old to ride a horse | © Don Henise/Flickr
Jenn Parker

One of the most exquisite ways to explore the countryside, beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and volcanoes of Costa Rica is via horseback. This serene and natural mode of transportation provides an authentic and intimate experience with the diverse and wondrous ecosystems. While there are countless horseback riding tours and opportunities throughout the country, a few stand out above the rest.

Centaura

Centaura offers half day, full day, and multi-day horseback riding tours outside of La Fortuna near that world famous Arenal Volcano. Centaura has been named one of the top 15 best horseback riding destinations by CNN Travel. Centaura takes great pride in the level of care and training that their horses receive, as well as their ability to share the most magical parts of Costa Rica with their guests.

Centaura, San Carlos, Alajuela, Costa Rica +506-2475-5226

Ride to a waterfall

Horse Trek Monteverde offers horseback riding tours that range from 2.5 hours up to 8 days. They take exceptional care of their horses and have horses that are perfectly suited for all different levels of riders. Your guide, Marvin Anchia, is a professional horse trainer, as well as an experienced guide and Monteverde native. Regardless of which tour you decide to embark upon, you will undoubtably witness a wealth of wildlife and breathing taking beauty. You will also learn a great deal about the natural and cultural history of the area.

Horse Trek Monteverde, Monteverde, Costa Rica +506-2645-6673

1. Brisas del Nara

Park

Brisas del Nara is a family-owned business just outside of Quepos and Manuel Antonio. They offer full and half horseback riding tours around the Naranjo River, Cerra Nara Mountains, and Manuel Antonio National Park. You will surely see all sorts of unique flora and fauna, as well as have the opportunity to swim next to a waterfall in a natural pool. Tours include breakfast, lunch, snacks, transportation, and a bilingual and experienced guide.

Brisas del Nara, Naranjito, Puntarenas, Costa Rica +506-2779-1235

And we’re off | © Carolyn/Flickr

Rancho Tropical

Rancho Tropical is located on the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula, which has been recognized by National Geographic as “one of the most biologically intense places on the earth.” This part of Costa Rica is home to over half of the species that live throughout the entire country. A three-hour horse back tour through this mystical and marvelous zone is an experience that you will never forget. On this tour, you will explore multiple ecosystems and learn all about the incredible wildlife and vegetation on the Osa Peninsula.

Rancho Tropical, 15km South of Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica +506-8868-6481

Pura Aventura

Pura Avenura is a spectacular privately-owned farm in Guanacaste. It is home to expansive vistas and lush fields and forests. At Pura Aventura, not only can you enjoy a peaceful horseback ride through the countryside, you can also go zip lining, ATVing, and mountain biking. The horses are properly cared for and set out to pasture when they are not being ridden. A horseback ride through this beautiful property offers a unique opportunity for some wildlife encounters and an authentic feel of traditional Guanacaste life.

Pura Aventura, Hacienda La Norma, Guanacaste, Costa Rica +506-2658-0781

What a dreamscape

Horse Jungle

Horse Jungle provides guests with a memorable and exciting opportunity to explore the picturesque Playa Samara. Their horses are trained and professionally cared for and make for great beach companions. Riding along the beautiful Pacific Ocean in this captivating little beach town is a dreamy experience. Their tours also take you through the tropical jungle, where you will have a chance to encounter some unique plants and animals.

Horse Jungle, Playa Samara, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica +506-8650-1606

Beach horse

Caribe Horse Riding Club

Caribe Horse Riding Club is the premier horseback riding tour operator on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Their horseback riding adventures are suitable for all ages and experience levels. They range from a few hours to a couple of days. You will explore pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, and waterfalls all while on the back of a well-trained, mild mannered, and properly cared for horse. Caribe Horse offers a variety of tours that also include more than just horseback riding.

Caribe Horse Riding Club, Playa Cocles, Ole Caribe Road, Costa Rica +506-8705-4250

Beach break

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