Horse riding tour Long Beach: River, jungle and beach

Ride into the forest, cross the river, and walk your horse into the ocean

A horse riding tour from Long Beach through Guanacaste forest and across Buenavista river to Buenavista Beach, where you ride into the Pacific on a deserted stretch of grey sand. The tour runs about 2.5 hours with a trained guide, small groups, and calm, well-cared-for horses; helmets are provided. Children from age 5 are welcome, and guides speak English, Spanish and French.

The Experience

You start at the gate and cross Buenavista river on horseback, moving into the Guanacaste forest that covers this part of the region. The pace follows the horses' rhythm—calm and steady—and the guide points out the animals and plants as you go: monkeys, birds, butterflies, crocodiles if they're there. The forest opens onto Buenavista Beach, a long stretch of grey sand with no buildings, no crowds, just the Pacific. Your horse wades into the waves while you're still mounted, a moment most riders don't forget. The ride back crosses open fields where wild cows and horses graze, and you're back where you started after about 2.5 hours.

Horses here are selected and groomed for the work, and the guides are trained and passionate about what they do. Groups stay small for the sake of the animals and the experience, though the operator takes larger parties if you book as one. Helmets are provided. The tour works for kids from age 5 up, and for riders of any fitness level—the horses do most of the work, and the pace is set by them, not by speed.

What’s included

• Helmet.
• trained guide in English, Spanish or French.
• calm, groomed horses.
• river crossing and forest ride.
• beach access and ocean paddle.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Horsejungle

Is this one for you?If you speak English, Spanish or French, you can follow the guide comfortably without translation—pick the language when you book. Small groups are the default, though larger parties are welcome if you arrange it.

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Top questions

What animals might I see on the ride through Guanacaste forest?

Monkeys, birds, butterflies and crocodiles are typical in the Guanacaste forest along this route, though sightings depend on the time of day and season. The guide will point them out as you ride.

Can my 6-year-old ride on this tour?

Children are welcome from age 5, so a 6-year-old can ride. Helmets are provided for all riders.

What is Buenavista Beach like when we get there?

Buenavista Beach is a long, deserted stretch of grey sand with no infrastructure or buildings—typical of Costa Rican Pacific beaches. You ride your horse into the waves at the water's edge.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs about 2.5 hours from start to finish, including the river crossing, the forest ride, the beach, and the return through the fields.

What languages do the guides speak?

Guides speak English, Spanish and French, so you can choose the language that suits you when you book.