Saddle Up – Exploring the Beauty of Costa Rica on Horseback.
Welcome to the Wild West. Costa Rica is a tropical paradise with immaculate beaches and ocean sunsets, but it isn’t just the ocean that brings beauty to this country. The jungle, the country side of Costa Rica is truly a sight to see. Yes, the beach town lifestyle is incredible — but being more inland, by the mountains and below the jungle canopies… this has a true feeling of Costa Rica.
Want to explore the mountains and countryside of Costa RIca? There are many ways to explore this country… You could rent an off-road vehicle. You could hike, You could even rent a bike… However, there is one way to see Costa Rica that is both efficient and peaceful. You can see the country on horseback, like an old Western. It is peaceful and serene. For those looking to take tours of the mainland on horseback, led by a friendly and knowledgeable local, there are a number of tours available throughout the country. It is a powerful, wild feeling to explore the mountains, countryside, beaches, waterfalls and even volcanoes — by horseback. This serene and old school mode of transportation is an authentic experience through the diverse and wondrous ecosystems of Costa Rica’s abundant biodiversity.
There are countless horseback riding tours and opportunities to choose from, here are a few stand out from the rest:
Centaura:
Centaura offers half day, full day, and multi-day horseback riding tours outside of La Fortuna. It is near the previously mentioned world famous Arenal Volcano. Centaura has been recognized as one of the Top 15 Best Horseback Riding spots according to CNN Travel. Centaura takes very good care of their horses and they share the most magical parts of Costa Rica on their tours.
Horse Trek Monteverde:
Horse Trek Monteverde is a family owned company that offers horseback riding tours that range from 2.5 hours up to 8 cowboy inspired treks. The horses are treated with respect and care, and are of good temperament making them perfectly suited for all different levels of riders. The guide for this tour is named Marvin Anchia, a professional horse trainer, a Monteverde native and seasoned tour provider. No matter which tour you choose, you will embark upon a memorable journey. They also educate their guests on the rich cattle raising history of Costa Rica and the immediate area.
El Silencio Horseback Riding & La Fortuna Waterfall Hike:
Welcome to horse-lovers paradise. Take a short journey to an incredible waterfall, soak in the serenity and surroundings by horseback. This tour is an hour-long adventure and is a great option for beginners who are nervous about riding a horse. The tour is around the Arenal Conservation area, taking you through farmlands and fields of tropical plant life. Towards the end of the tour, the guides take you to the Silencio Observation Point where you can see the Arenal Volcano.
This tour also takes you on a hike up to the La Fortuna Waterfall by foot to again enjoy a nice view and cool off.
Rancho Tropical:
Rancho Tropical is located on the southern point of the Osa Peninsula. National Geographic wrote that it is “one of the most biologically intense places on the earth.” This part of Costa Rica is home to abundant biodiversity and is home to half of the species that live in Costa Rica. The tour starts with a three-hour horseback tour through this mystical jungle foliage and is an experience that you will never forget for your entire life. On this tour, you will see many ecosystems and take in the wildlife of the Osa Peninsula.
Pura Aventura:
Pura Aventura is a locally owned property of farmland in Guanacaste Province. This grand vista and a lush jungle forest property is an epic way to experience Costa Rica. When you are at Pura Aventura, you can take a relaxed horseback ride through the countryside then take off to go zip-lining through the jungle canopies, rent a quad to check out the area or you can go mountain biking through the jungle paths. All of the horses that live on this property are properly cared for and get to roam freely when not ridden. Try a horseback tour through this beautiful property and experience the unique opportunity to encounter a variety of wildlife and bird species. A truly authentic experience to have in the countryside of Guanacaste.
Guanacaste Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding can be a bit of a reach for some visitors. If this is your first time horseback riding, or you are an experienced rider — Costa Rica is still the most memorable place to ride. Once you are saddled up and ready to go, the two hour journey takes you through the beautiful Guanacaste at a slow and easy pace.
Your guide will travel with you by horse through a dry, tropical rainforest where you will see diverse and unique plant life as well as jungle creatures. You will observe the abundant wildlife that Costa Rica is famous for. At the end of this trail you end up down beautiful mountain valleys and up to mountain tops for awe-inspiring views. This view is so grand, that when the sky is clear, you can see all the way to Nicaragua.
Caribe Horse Riding Club
Caribe Horse Riding Club is a Top Horseback Riding Tour Operating company here in Costa Rica. It is situated on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. These horseback riding tours are for all ages and experience. These rides can last from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on what you want to experience. The guides will take you to explore beautiful beaches, rainforests and epic waterfalls. The horses are well-trained and properly cared for. Caribe Horse offers more than just horseback tours and you are guaranteed to find an activity for every family member.
Costa Rican culture has a long history with cattle and horses. The people of Costa Rica have been working with horses for generations. In Guanacaste, the sabañeros are riders from rural areas where the horse is commonly used as a mode of transportation for day-to-day life. You see celebrations of this history at the many fiestas which are considered regional celebrations of Costa Rican history and their traditional culture. What a great way to explore a new country and have a great adventure, while learning about the country you are visiting.
Horseback riding is most definitely the best way to see the beautiful country of Costa Rica and to create memories that last forever in your heart.
Pura Vida.