Horseback riding in Costa Rica: Barigona Beach & jungle

Gallop white sand at a deserted beach, then ride back through wild forest alone.

Horseback riding in Costa Rica takes you across jungle, river crossings and forest of Guanacaste to reach Barigona Beach, a deserted stretch where you gallop on white sand. A live guide leads the three-hour ride in English, Spanish or French, stopping to point out wildlife and flora, take photos and share a small snack. Children from age 5 are welcome. Helmets are provided but optional.

The experience

You start by mounting up and heading into the forest of Guanacaste, where the ride crosses rivers and cuts through jungle thick enough that the world outside feels far away. The guide stops along the way to talk about the animals and plants you pass (the fauna and flora of Costa Rica), and gives you moments to photograph what you see. A small snack breaks up the ride before you reach the beach.

Barigona Beach is where the ride opens up. The sand is white and the water runs clear, and the horse moves from forest floor to gallop. The speed and the space are what people come for. You have time to ride the length of it, feel the shift from jungle to open shore, and stand in a place that feels empty of other people. The ride back takes the same route through the forest, retracing the rivers and the trees.

The whole outing runs three hours. Helmets are there if you want one, but they are not required. Service animals are welcome to come along. If you have not ridden before, the guide works with all fitness levels, so the pace is built to hold a mixed group together.

What’s included

• Live guide in English, Spanish or French.
• helmet (optional).
• stops to observe wildlife and flora.
• photo breaks.
• small snack.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Horsejungle

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon and want to ride at your own pace through wild forest. The guide keeps the group small and the stops frequent, so you are not rushing between moments. The three-hour length fits a half-day without eating into the rest of your itinerary.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

Do I need riding experience to gallop on Barigona Beach?

No. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the guide works with riders of mixed experience. Children from age 5 are welcome.

What happens if I have never ridden a horse before?

The guide leads the group at a pace that works for everyone, so beginners ride alongside experienced riders. The three-hour route includes stops for photos and snacks, which also give you time to settle into the saddle.

Is the ride safe for someone with a bad back?

Horseback riding is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. If you have back concerns, discuss them with the operator before booking to see if this activity suits you.

What's included in the three-hour ride?

The ride includes a live guide in English, Spanish or French; a helmet (optional); stops to learn about wildlife and flora; photo breaks; and a small snack. A guide leads you through jungle, across rivers, and along Barigona Beach.

Can I bring my dog or service animal on the horseback riding activity?

Service animals are allowed. For pets, contact the operator to confirm whether your animal can join the group and how it will travel during the three-hour ride.