Jaco Horseback Riding: 2-Hour Ranch & Jungle Adventure

Ride through Jaco's open range and into jungle where wildlife appears on the trail

A 2-hour horseback riding adventure in Jaco pairs you with a horse matched to your ability and takes you through open pasture and into lush beach jungle. The guide briefs you on safety and riding basics, then leads the group to spot sloths, white-faced monkeys, scarlet macaws and other wildlife. Helmets, water and pickup are included. Children from age 5 are welcome.

The experience

You start at the ranch, where the guide meets you and pairs you with a horse suited to your experience level: first-time riders get a calm, well-trained mount, and experienced riders get a horse that can handle a faster pace. After a safety briefing and riding instructions, you head out on a 2-hour ride down through the open range. The terrain shifts from pasture into the thick beach jungle that borders Jaco, where the canopy closes in and the wildlife becomes visible: sloths move through the branches overhead, white-faced monkeys call from the trees, and scarlet macaws cut across the sky.

The ride is paced to the group's comfort level, so nobody is rushed or held back. You bring a camera to capture the animals and the landscape, and the guide points out what to look for and keeps distance between riders and wildlife. Wear long pants and closed shoes for protection, apply sunscreen before you go, and bring the water bottle the tour provides. The whole experience (briefing, ride and return to the ranch) takes about 2 hours, so it fits into a morning or afternoon without eating your whole day.

What’s included

Helmets, bottled water, guide in English or Spanish, horse matched to your riding level, safety briefing and riding instructions, pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 10:00, 13:00 and 15:30

AgesAdult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 to 75 years) · Youth (9 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 34 pickup points.Operator's directions: “We'll be meeting at the ranch located off Calle El Tucan and Calle Camboya.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Jaco Horse Riding Tours

Is this one for you?You ride alongside the guide rather than watch a demonstration, so this suits anyone who wants to be in the saddle for the full 2 hours, whether you've ridden before or are trying it for the first time. The guide handles the route and the pace, which means you focus on the ride and the wildlife instead of navigating or managing a group.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (9 to 17 years); Child (4 to 8 years). Under 4: they 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 24h before the start.

What kind of wildlife will I actually see on the ride?

Sloths, white-faced monkeys, scarlet macaws and other animals are usually spotted during the 2-hour ride through the open range and beach jungle. What you see depends on the time of day and the season, but the guide knows where to look and will point them out.

I've never ridden a horse before, will I be safe?

The horses are well-trained and gentle, and the guide pairs you with one matched to your ability level. You get a safety briefing and riding instructions before the ride starts, so first-time riders are set up to be comfortable for the full 2 hours.

How long does the whole experience take?

The ride itself is 2 hours, and the full experience from arrival at the ranch through the safety briefing and return is about 2 hours total, so you can fit it into a morning or afternoon without a huge time commitment.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear long pants and closed shoes for protection while riding. Bring sunscreen and a camera. The tour provides a helmet and bottled water. Comfortable, practical clothes work better than anything loose or heavy.