Horseback Riding in Papagayo: Dry Forest & Wildlife

Ride at your own pace through working farmland and forest

A two-hour horseback ride in Papagayo pairs you with a horse matched to your experience level and a bilingual guide who leads you through dry forest and working ranch land. You'll move at a pace suited to the weather and trail conditions, watching for wildlife (monkeys, iguanas, frogs, birds) in their natural habitat. Hotel pickup from major resorts on the Papagayo Peninsula is included.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 112 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Horseback Riding Tour 8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00 Guide in English or Spanish Pickup is included for the Dry Rain Forest Tour

Beach tour on horseback 8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00 Guide in English or Spanish Tour times depend on tide conditions, and high tide may mean the tour is rescheduled or cancelled. Pickup is included.

None of these options right for you? See 12 alternatives ›

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• transportation from your Papagayo Peninsula hotel.
• a bilingual guide fluent in Spanish and English.
• a horse and western saddle matched to your experience level.

Times

• Monday to Saturday 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 10 · max 8 per booking 4 private ›

Live guide English and Spanish Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Book up to 1d before

Ages Adult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Stroller-friendly Pets welcome

Operated by Witch's Rock Canopy Tour

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 11 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The ride starts with a brief assessment of your riding background so the guides can match you to the right horse and western saddle. From there you follow your guide into the Papagayo dry forest and across the ranch, where the landscape and animal life shift with the season. Cows graze alongside wild iguanas; howler monkeys call from the canopy; white-faced capuchins move through the trees. The guides (professionals who speak Spanish and English) set the pace based on trail conditions and what the day brings, so no two rides follow the same route or rhythm.

Bottled water is provided, and the two-hour window gives you real time in the saddle rather than a rushed loop. Transportation from your hotel (Four Seasons, Andaz, Planet Hollywood, Marina Papagayo, Nekajui, or other Papagayo Peninsula locations) is included, so you don't arrange separate logistics. Wear long pants or capris, closed-toe shoes, and clothes you don't mind getting dusty. The guides will brief you on safety before you mount.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of wildlife might I see on the ride?

Howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas, frogs, butterflies and native birds are commonly spotted in the dry forest and on the ranch. Sightings depend on the time of day and season, but the guides know where animals are most active and will watch for them as you ride.

Do I need riding experience to book this?

No. The guides evaluate your experience when you arrive and match you with a horse and saddle suited to your skill level. The ride is tailored to the weather and trail conditions, so beginners and experienced riders both work with professionals who keep safety first.

How long is the actual time in the saddle?

The ride lasts two hours total. That includes mounting, the guided route through the forest and ranch, and time to observe wildlife along the way.

What should I wear?

Wear long pants, capris or knee-length shorts: no flip-flops or open-toed shoes. Comfortable, relaxed clothing is best. The guides recommend clothes you don't mind getting dusty since you're riding through dry forest and ranch land.

Is hotel pickup really included?

Yes. Transportation from Four Seasons, Andaz, Planet Hollywood, Marina Papagayo, Nekajui (Ritz) and other locations within the Papagayo Peninsula is included in the booking. If your hotel is outside the peninsula, ask about availability when you reserve.