Arenal Volcano: Horseback Riding Tour with Mistico Park Views

Summary

Horseback riding by Arenal Volcano through forested trails and hillside pastures

You’ll saddle up for a gentle horseback ride through Mistico Park’s private trails near Arenal Volcano, guided by a local who knows every hill and story. Expect muddy boots, glimpses of wildlife in dense forest, and wide-open views over Lake Arenal from grassy hilltops. There’s bottled water included—and probably more laughter than you’d guess.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that happened was my helmet strap wouldn’t buckle right. I fumbled with it for a good minute before our guide, Diego, just grinned and did it for me—didn’t say a word, just nodded like, “It happens.” That broke the ice. The horses at Mistico Park looked so calm, even the little kid next to me seemed less nervous than I felt. It had rained earlier so the air smelled green and muddy, if that makes sense. Not sure I’ve ever noticed that before.

We set off along this private trail that winds through thick forest—honestly, it felt more like we were guests in someone’s backyard than on a tour. Diego pointed out a sloth curled up in a tree (I totally missed it at first), and you could hear birds everywhere but never see them. The ride was about two hours, maybe five kilometers total? It went slow enough for us to talk or just listen to the horses’ hooves on wet ground. My horse kept stopping to sniff at something—I still don’t know what he was after.

There’s this part where you climb up toward the pastures on the highest hills of the park. Suddenly Arenal Volcano is just there—huge, quiet, kind of brooding in the clouds. Everyone stopped talking for a second. Diego told us some stories about eruptions from when he was a kid; he made it sound both scary and weirdly comforting, like living next to an old neighbor who sometimes yells but mostly keeps to himself. The view over Lake Arenal is something I didn’t expect—I thought it’d be all volcano but that blue just sneaks up on you.

I’m not sure I’ll remember every detail of that day trip from La Fortuna to Arenal Volcano, but I keep thinking about how peaceful it felt riding back down as the sun started peeking through again. My legs were sore and my shoes were muddy but honestly? Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback ride at Mistico Park

• Arrive at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
• Begin 2-hour horseback riding tour
• Ride 5 kilometers through forest and pastures
• Enjoy views of Arenal Volcano and Lake
• Return to Mistico Park parking lot

Top questions

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The tour lasts around 2 hours and covers about 5 kilometers.

Is this horseback ride suitable for children?

Yes, horses are trained for children and specialized infant seats are available; minimum height is 47 inches (120 cm) and ages from 5 years old can join.

Where does the horseback riding start?

The activity begins next to the parking lot of Mistico Park near Arenal Volcano.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and all areas are accessible as well.

What’s included in the horseback riding tour?

Bottled water, professional guide, security equipment, and the horseback ride itself are included.

Can infants or small children join?

Infants can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available too.

Are there any restrictions for pregnant travelers?

This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water to keep you cool in Costa Rica’s humidity, all security equipment fitted by your guide before you mount up, plus two hours of gentle horseback riding with stories along the way—starting right at Mistico Park’s parking lot so you have access to all facilities before or after your ride.