Aruba: Horseback Ride to Natural Pool & Arikok Park

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English, Spanish or Dutch15:00

Guide in English, Spanish or Dutch09:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Ride into Arikok's highlands, then down to volcanic rock pools

You ride through Arikok National Park on the Nacho Trail, a vehicle-free route that climbs into the highlands with views of the whole island, then descends to the Natural Pool where you swim or explore for 30 minutes before heading back. Hotel pickup, guide instruction, park fees and water are all included. The whole experience runs about three hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Arikok National Park2h
2. Rancho Loco1h · entry included
3. Natural Pool30m · entry included

Horseback ride to Natural Pool

• Hotel pickup and transfer to Rancho Loco
• Receive horse riding instructions
• Pair with a horse and get comfortable
• Ride on Nacho Trail through nature
• Watch for wild goats and scenic views
• Descend to the coastline to Natural Pool
• Enjoy 30-minute break at Natural Pool
• Swim or explore the Natural Pool area
• Ride back to Rancho Loco
• Say goodbye to horse and have a cold drink
• Depart to hotel

The Experience

The trail narrows as the horse picks its way uphill, and suddenly the whole island spreads below you: white sand beaches, scrub brush burning gold in the sun, the ocean a flat blue line at the edge. You're on the Nacho Trail inside Arikok National Park, the only route through here without vehicle noise, and your guide points out wild goats moving between the huge cacti that dot the landscape. No riding experience is needed. Rancho Loco matches you with a horse during the instruction session at the ranch, and the pace is relaxed enough that you're not fighting the animal or yourself. The 2+ hour roundtrip ride is the whole point. It's the only way to reach the Natural Pool except on foot or in a 4x4, and the approach on horseback lets you see the terrain the way it actually is.

When you drop down toward the coast, the volcanic rock formation called Conchi comes into view: a miniature mountain range of stone rising from the water, the Natural Pool cupped inside it. You get 30 minutes to swim or just sit on the rocks and let the salt water cool you down. The formation is strange and beautiful in a way that photographs don't quite capture. The rocks are dark and weathered, and the pool itself is shallow enough to wade but deep enough to float. After you've had your time there, it's back on the horse for the descent to Rancho Loco, where a cold drink waits at the bar (you pay extra for that). Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so the whole thing (the ride, the pool, the return) is handled without you arranging transport or paying park fees separately.

Long pants and closed shoes are strongly recommended because the saddle and the brush can wear on bare skin, and the sun here is direct. Children as young as 8 can ride if an adult is with them, and helmets are mandatory for anyone 12 and under. The weight limit is 220 pounds fully clothed, strictly enforced for the horses' sake and yours. If you have hip problems, spinal issues, or poor cardiovascular health, this tour isn't the right fit. The ride is steady but it does ask something of your body.

What’s included

Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, professional guide instruction, 2+ hour horseback ride on the Nacho Trail through Arikok National Park, 30 minutes at the Natural Pool, bottled water, National Park entry fees, and helmets for children 12 and under (mandatory). A cold drink at the bar is available for purchase after the ride.

Days and timesMon–Sat · 2 departure times, from 09:00 to 15:00

Ages18 to 76 years · 8 to 17 years · Under 8 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupPickup optional · ends where it starts45 pickup points to choose from.Meeting point, per the operator: “Should you choose to drive to the ranch you must arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the tour time. You must also advise us that you do not require transpo…”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Rancho Loco Aruba

Is this one for you?Right for riders who want to reach the Natural Pool without a 4x4 or a long hike, and who can handle a moderate-paced ride on horseback. Plan for about three hours total, and bring long pants and closed shoes. The saddle and brush will thank you.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

Can children come?

8 to 17 years. Under 8: no ticket type, they can't be added to a booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Do I need horseback riding experience?

No. Rancho Loco's guides instruct you at the ranch and match you to a horse suited to your comfort level. The pace on the Nacho Trail is relaxed.

What's the Natural Pool like?

It's a shallow formation of volcanic rocks that create a small pool at the coastline, locally called Conchi. You get 30 minutes to swim or explore the area.

How long is the ride?

The roundtrip horseback ride is 2+ hours, plus 30 minutes at the Natural Pool. Total time from pickup to drop-off is around three hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or port are included in the tour price.

What should I wear?

Long pants and closed shoes are strongly recommended to protect your legs from the saddle and brush. If you wear shorts, bring a pool towel to place over the saddle.

What's the weight limit?

Riders cannot exceed 220 pounds fully clothed. This limit is strictly enforced for the safety and well-being of both horses and riders.

Is swimming included?

Yes. You have 30 minutes at the Natural Pool to swim or explore. Bring a towel if you plan to swim.

Are there any health restrictions?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, spinal injuries, hip problems, or pregnancy. Moderate physical fitness is required.

Do cruise passengers get a different tour?

Yes. Only the afternoon tour is offered to cruise ship passengers. No exceptions or refunds are given for booking the wrong time slot.