Costa Rica: Barigona Beach Horseback Ride & Wildlife Safari

Gallop white sands spot wildlife riverside snack Guanacaste

You’ll ride horseback with a local guide through Costa Rica’s forests and rivers to reach deserted Barigona Beach. Expect fresh ocean air, wildlife sightings, a riverside snack break, and plenty of laughter along the way. If you’ve ever wanted to feel alone with nature (but not lost), this is your day.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided horseback ride across rivers and forests to Barigona Beach with all equipment provided—including an optional helmet—and a small snack break along the way before returning from Guanacaste’s wild side.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback safari and beach ride

• Cross rivers on horseback
• Ride through jungle and forest
• Observe Costa Rica wildlife
• Stop for fauna and flora talk
• Take photo breaks
• Enjoy a small snack
• Gallop on Barigona beach white sand
• Admire crystal clear water

The Experience

I’ll admit, I was nervous about the horses at first — they looked way more confident than me. But our guide, Luis, just grinned and handed me a helmet (not even required, but I took it anyway). The air smelled like salt and wet leaves, and as soon as we started riding toward Barigona Beach, the world got quiet except for the hooves and some distant birds. Luis kept pointing out things I’d have missed — a flash of blue from a motmot bird, or the way the trees twist toward the sun here. I tried to remember the names but honestly, I forgot most of them by lunch.

Crossing one of the rivers was… well, colder than I expected. My horse barely blinked at it; I got my shoes soaked and laughed so hard I nearly dropped my phone. The jungle part felt different — thicker air, smells shifting between sweet flowers and something earthy I couldn’t name. We stopped for a snack under these tangled branches while Luis told us about jaguars (don’t worry, he said they’re shy). He knew every sound in that forest — he could tell which monkey was nearby just by their calls.

And then suddenly there’s Barigona Beach — empty except for us and this wild stretch of white sand. The horses seemed to know what to do; mine broke into a gallop before I made up my mind. Wind in my face, salt on my lips, nothing but ocean ahead. It’s not easy to explain how free that felt. Sometimes when it’s loud back home, I still think about that view — just sky and water and hoofbeats fading out behind me.

Top questions

Is Barigona Beach really deserted?

Yes, Barigona Beach is described as deserted—expect very few people around during your visit.

Do I need experience to join this horseback tour?

No prior horseback experience is needed; suitable for all fitness levels.

Are helmets provided on the tour?

Yes, helmets are included but not required—you can choose whether to wear one.

Will we see wildlife during the ride?

The route crosses jungle and forest areas in Guanacaste where you may observe Costa Rican wildlife.

Is there food included on this horseback safari?

A small snack is included during one of the breaks on the tour.

Can service animals join this activity?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available close to the starting point.

Is this suitable for travelers with spinal injuries?

No, this activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.