Horseback Riding near Manuel Antonio: Jungle & Waterfalls

You swim in mountain pools beneath waterfalls on the same ride where you started in the jungle.

Horseback riding through a private ecological reserve at Tocori, minutes from Manuel Antonio, with a guided nature walk, a swim at two mountain waterfalls, and lunch included. Don Gilberto and his family lead the ride and share the history of the region as you move through the tropical jungle on horseback, then explore on foot before cooling off in the clear water.

The experience

The ride itself runs about an hour through Tocori's private reserve, paced to match your comfort and experience level. You're not watching the landscape pass. You're moving through it on horseback, with time to stop and walk sections of the trail on foot. A guide walks alongside, pointing out the plants and animals that make up the rainforest, and you get to touch and taste them as you go. The whole experience is built around what Don Gilberto's family knows about this land, from the Quepos Indians who lived here to how Manuel Antonio has changed.

After the ride and the guided walk, you reach the two Tocori waterfalls and swim in the mountain pools beneath them. While you're in the water, the team brings out fresh local fruit and a homemade tropical drink made by locals, not a packaged snack, but something prepared for the day. Lunch is included, and the minivan ride back to your hotel in Manuel Antonio is part of the booking, so you don't arrange transport separately.

The activity takes five hours total from pickup to drop-off. Children from age seven can ride, and the guide speaks English or Spanish, so the commentary reaches you in whichever language works. A moderate level of fitness helps (this is horseback riding and walking in heat and humidity), but the pace is set by the group, not by a schedule.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• one-hour horseback ride through the private reserve.
• guided nature walk.
• lunch and fresh local fruit.
• homemade tropical drink.
• swimming at two mountain waterfalls.
• air-conditioned minivan transport.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SaturdayDepartures at 07:30, 11:00, 13:30 and 14:00

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 8 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Costa Rica Groups Travel Company

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so language isn't a barrier to understanding the history and ecology of the region as you ride. If you're comfortable on horseback and can handle five hours in tropical heat with walking and swimming included, this works for most fitness levels from age seven up.

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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: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (7 to 8 years). Children under 7 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.

How long is the actual horseback riding part?

The ride through Tocori lasts about an hour, tailored to your comfort and riding ability. After you dismount, you walk sections of the trail on foot with the guide before reaching the waterfalls.

What happens at the Tocori waterfalls?

You swim in the mountain pools beneath two waterfalls. While you're cooling off, fresh local fruit and a homemade tropical drink are served. It's part of the experience, not a rushed snack stop.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Manuel Antonio, the horseback ride, the guided nature walk, entry to the reserve, lunch, fresh fruit, a homemade tropical drink, and transport by air-conditioned minivan are all included. Gratuities are separate.