Aruba: Sunset Horseback Ride & Countryside Tour with Pickup

Horseback riding in Aruba’s wild cunucu at sunset with local guides

You’ll ride through Aruba’s rugged countryside with a local guide as the sun sets over the island’s wild northeast coast. Expect real moments: horse hooves on dusty trails, ocean views from a hilltop, laughter at the ranch bar after your ride. Hotel pickup makes it easy. All you have to do is show up and let Aruba surprise you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset horseback ride in Aruba

• Pickup from hotel or cruise port
• Drive to ranch near Palm Beach
• Complete waivers and get instructions
• Mount horses and start ride
• Ride through countryside to North East coast
• Stop atop hill to watch sunset
• Take photos of sunset and views
• Return to ranch and enjoy drinks
• Drive back to hotel or cruise port

The experience

Ever wondered what Aruba smells like when you’re far from the hotels? Turns out, it’s dry grass, dust, and something sharp I couldn’t name, maybe cactus flowers? We got picked up near Palm Beach (I was almost late, classic) and drove just a few minutes before landing at this ranch that felt more like someone’s backyard than a tourist spot. Our guide, Miguel, handed me a helmet and grinned when I admitted I hadn’t been on a horse since summer camp. “No galloping,” he said. “Just relax.” So I tried.

The horses seemed half-asleep but knew exactly where to go: winding through the cunucu, past these low stone fences and flashes of green where parakeets zipped by. The sun was already dropping, turning everything gold. Miguel pointed out an iguana perched on a rock. I swear it looked like it was posing for us. There were these tiny moments of silence except for the horses’ hooves crunching dry earth and someone behind me laughing because their horse kept stopping to snack on bushes.

We climbed up this gentle hill (my thighs noticed), and suddenly the whole north coast opened up: blue sea on one side, wild scrubland on the other. The wind picked up right then, salty and cool against my face. We all just sat there for a bit without talking much, watching that orange-pink sky melt into the ocean. I didn’t expect to feel so calm about it all: sometimes you forget how big the world is until you see it from a horse’s back at sunset in Aruba.

Back at the ranch, they had cold drinks waiting (I went for iced tea but those Dutch grilled sandwiches smelled way too good). People hung around swapping stories while Miguel teased me about my “expert” riding skills. It wasn’t fancy or anything. Just honest and warm in that way you hope travel can be.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Palm Beach or Eagle Beach areas, use of helmet for safety during your guided ride through Aruba’s countryside to watch sunset from a hilltop, plus time to unwind at the ranch bar afterward before heading back home.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:00

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 75 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 13 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 39 pickup points.Operator's directions: “We recommend navigating directly to "Rancho Notorious" using Google Maps or Waze.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

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

Operated by Rancho Notorious Enterprises NV

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (6 to 13 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

How long does the sunset horseback ride in Aruba last?

The guided horseback tour lasts about 1.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this Aruba horseback tour?

Yes, free round-trip transportation is included from most hotels in Palm Beach/Eagle Beach areas and cruise terminals.

Are beginners welcome on this horseback riding tour?

Yes, all skill levels are welcome and instructions are given before starting.

What should I wear or bring for this tour?

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for riding. Helmets are provided by the ranch.

Are food or drinks available after the ride?

You can buy cold drinks or Dutch grilled sandwiches at the cozy country bar after your ride.

Is galloping allowed during this Aruba horseback tour?

No, galloping is not allowed. Rides are relaxed and guided for safety.

Where does this Aruba horseback ride take place?

The tour goes through Aruban countryside (cunucu) to the northeast coast with sunset views from a hilltop.