Horseback Riding near Arenal Volcano: Private Tour from San Jose

Ride into the rainforest, then relax in thermal pools

A private horseback riding tour from San Jose that combines a morning ride through a biological reserve with afternoon time in Baldi Hot Springs' thermal pools and buffet lunch. The tour includes two hours on horseback, professional guide in English or Spanish, private transportation, and access to multiple hot spring facilities. Not recommended for pregnant travelers. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The experience

Arenal Volcano frames the day from start to finish. You'll ride for two hours through a private biological reserve that protects pristine rainforest, with the volcano visible across the landscape. The horses are gentle and suited to riders of varying experience. A professional naturalist guide leads the way and handles the logistics of the morning ride.

After the ride, a short drive takes you to Baldi Hot Springs, where the largest thermal pool complex in the region waits. A buffet lunch is included, and then the afternoon is yours to move between the multiple pools at your own pace: some warm, some hotter, all fed by geothermal springs. This is where the tour shifts from adventure to recovery.

The full day runs about twelve hours from pickup at your San Jose hotel to return. Private transportation means your group travels alone, and the guide speaks English or Spanish. The combination of morning activity and afternoon wellness leaves time to relax before heading back, but not enough to explore the Arenal area beyond what's on the itinerary.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your San Jose hotel.
• professional naturalist guide in English or Spanish.
• two hours of horseback riding through a private biological reserve.
• Baldi Hot Springs entrance and access to all thermal pools.
• buffet lunch.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Greenway Nature Day Tours

Is this one for you?The twelve-hour commitment means you leave early and return late, so this works best as a full-day excursion rather than a half-day activity. If you want to explore other parts of the Arenal region or spend time in town, this tour fills the entire day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

How far is it from San Jose to Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs?

Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs are located in the northern zone of Costa Rica, several hours' drive from San Jose. The full journey, including the horseback ride and hot springs time, takes approximately twelve hours total.

What is the horseback riding experience like for someone who has never ridden before?

The two-hour ride uses gentle horses suited to different skill levels and takes place on trails through the private biological reserve. A professional guide leads the group and manages the pace, so beginners can participate comfortably as long as they have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

What should I expect at Baldi Hot Springs?

Baldi Hot Springs has multiple thermal pools fed by geothermal water, ranging in temperature. After lunch, you have free time to move between the pools and enjoy the facilities at your own pace before the return drive to San Jose.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included at Baldi Hot Springs after the horseback ride and before your pool time.

What does the private guide do during the tour?

The professional naturalist guide leads the horseback ride through the rainforest, provides information about the landscape and wildlife, and manages the day's logistics. Guides speak English or Spanish depending on your preference.