Arenal Forest Horseback Riding: Cross Rivers on Calm Horses

Ride rainforest trails and cross the Arenal River on horses bred for the terrain

Pacos Horseback Ride is a two-hour guided tour through Arenal's rainforest and open fields on calm, well-cared-for horses, including a river crossing, a visit to a small farm, and a riverside stop with fresh tropical fruit. Small groups keep the pace relaxed and allow personal attention for both beginners and experienced riders. Children from age 5 can participate; pickup is included, and the guide speaks English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback ride through Arenal forest

• Pass over Lake Arenal Dam
• Ride horses along rainforest trails
• Cross the Arenal River on horseback
• Enjoy views of Arenal Volcano
• Visit small farm with animals
• Stop riverside for fresh tropical fruits
• Participate in fun photo shoot

The Experience

The ride starts on rainforest trails that open onto fields with views of Arenal Volcano on clear days. You'll cross the Arenal River on horseback—the horses know the route and the water—then stop at a small farm where you can see pigs, sheep and other animals up close. The tour wraps with a riverside break where you eat fresh tropical fruit and the guide takes photos for you to keep and share.

Small groups mean you're not moving in a line of twenty; the pace stays relaxed enough for children and first-time riders, but the terrain is real rainforest and river, not a ring. The horses are calm and well-trained for the landscape. You get a helmet, and the guide rides with you and speaks English or Spanish. Pickup is included, so you don't arrange transport to the start.

What’s included

• The ride includes a guide in English or Spanish.
• riding helmets.
• a riverside picnic with fresh tropical fruit.
• a photo shoot to capture and share memories.
• a visit to a small farm with animals.
• all fees and taxes.
• and hotel pickup.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Xplore Arenal

Is this one for you?You ride the horses yourself on rainforest trails and across the river—this is not a guided sightseeing tour where someone else handles the animals. Small groups and calm horses make it work for beginners and children from age 5, but if you need a completely hands-off experience or have spinal, cardiovascular or pregnancy concerns, a different activity will suit you better.

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Top questions

Can my five-year-old ride on this horseback tour through Arenal?

Children from age 5 can ride on the tour. Kids under 5 cannot participate, but infants and small children can come along in a pram or stroller if someone in your group stays with them during the ride.

What happens if I've never ridden a horse before?

The tour is designed for both beginners and experienced riders. The horses are calm and well-trained, the group stays small so you get personal attention, and the pace is relaxed. The guide rides with you and can help you settle into the saddle and the rhythm of the trail.

Do I ride across the Arenal River, or does the guide lead the horse through?

You ride across the Arenal River on horseback. The horses know the crossing and the water is part of the route, not a detour. The guide is with you the whole way.

What is included in the two-hour tour price?

The tour includes the horseback ride itself, a riding helmet, a visit to the farm, a riverside stop with fresh tropical fruit, a photo shoot, pickup from your hotel, and the guide. All fees and taxes are included in the price.

What is Arenal Lake, and will I see it on the ride?

Arenal Lake is the largest lake in Costa Rica, a man-made reservoir at the base of Arenal Volcano that supplies nearly 70% of the country's renewable energy. The tour passes over the Lake Arenal Dam, and on clear days you'll have views of the volcano across the landscape.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

All areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility questions or need specific arrangements, contact the operator before booking.