Horseback riding

1. Costa Rica
2. Things to do
3. Adventure
4. Horseback riding

Riding along the beach or up the mountain is an adventure that takes you deep into unbelievable places and landscapes

On the beach

From the Pacific to the Caribbean

Exquisite ocean views and the constant sound of the water are part of the Pacific coast tour in the beaches of Playa Conchal, Avellanas, Playa Negra, Junquillal and San Juanillo. In certain cases, your horseback riding trip may take you up the nearby mountains and hills for a panoramic vista that is even more impressive.

Towards the south of the coastal region, passing through Playa Dominical and Playa Uvita is certainly a must. This region is home to the Catarata Nauyaca, a waterfall where your mount will take you after crossing fields and forests. Crystalline waters await where you can refresh yourself.

The magic of the Caribbean Sea is waiting in the surroundings of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, an ideal location for encountering wildlife.

Up the mountain

Horse lovers cannot miss a day trip from the Arenal Volcano, in Alajuela Province, to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve in Puntarenas.

Enjoy majestic vistas of the massif along the route while traversing trails through dense forests.

Beautiful landscapes and the countless birds that can be observed from horseback typify the country’s central region, where your ride will take you through the community of San Gerardo de Dota, nestled in the peaks of the Cordillera de Talamanca.

If that weren’t enough, the country’s northern region offers you the opportunity to ride and enjoy its marvelous and changing climate.

Some of the certified companies that carry out these tours will take you to the banks of the Río Sarapiquí, where you can take it all in.

Variety of tours

Many hotels, lodges and tourist spots offer horseback tours that combine the beach, forests, mountains and rivers for a truly unique experience. Those searching for something different can take a full moon ride at night or learn about exotic and medicinal plants during the ride.

Topes, exhibitions and festivals

The country has a full calendar of horseback parades that display the variety of breeds present, with experienced riders showing off their abilities. These parades are called topes.

December 26 is a much-awaited day, since the Tope Nacional is held in San José, as the country celebrates National Horseback Rider Day.

In these months of sunlight there are abundant options, from the Fiestas de Palmares in January, the topes in San Carlos between February and March, and the shows in Monteverde in April and August.

Let’s ride!

Costa Rica has a great love for horses, which began in the time of colonization with the development of activities in agriculture and herding, and they have remained part of the country’s cultural traditions.

Excursions on horseback have many advantages, and one does not need to be an experienced rider. Advantages include:

• Getting around faster.
• Routes are less tiring than on foot.
• Equipment can be carried.
• It is easier to get around obstacles like rivers or hillsides.
• Horseback rides can be combined with hikes, proceeding on horseback only on the more difficult portions.

Enjoying the crack of dawn in the forest, heading down white sand beaches or observing waterfalls up close—these are just some of the privileges that horseback riding allows.