Horseback Riding Arenal Volcano: Private Cattle Farm Trails

Rainforest, river crossings, and a viewpoint facing the volcano cone

Horseback riding around Arenal Volcano takes you through lush primary forest and cattle pastures on a private farm at the volcano's base, with a bilingual guide leading the way on well-trained horses. The route climbs from the lowest to the highest part of the property, stopping at a lagoon where the horses drink and you stretch, then reaching a lookout with direct views of the volcanic cone and old lava fields. Hotel pickup from La Fortuna is included. The ride takes about two and a half hours and suits riders of all skill levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback riding around Arenal Volcano

• Begin horseback ride on private cattle farm
• Pass through tropical rainforest and pastures
• Cross scenic rivers and creeks
• Stop at lagoon for horse refreshment and rest
• Continue to lookout with volcano views
• Observe wildlife and take photos
• Enjoy cold organic fruit drink if weather permits

The experience

The trail starts on private property that was originally used by Don Tobias, a well-known horse breeder in the Arenal area. You'll ride through lush primary forest and open pasture where herds of sheep, horses and cattle graze, with chances to spot howler monkeys, sloths and colorful toucans in the canopy. The pace is gentle and the horses are accustomed to riders of varying experience, so you can focus on the landscape and the wildlife instead of managing the animal.

Halfway through, you'll reach a beautiful lagoon where the horses stop to drink and refresh themselves. This is your chance to dismount, stretch and take in the surroundings before continuing uphill. The trail climbs steadily toward the volcano's slopes, and as you gain elevation the views open up. When the weather cooperates, the stable serves a cold drink made from organic fruit (banana, pineapple, papaya or lime), at the high viewpoint, where you can see the whole volcanic cone from base to top and take photographs without the glare of midday sun.

The bilingual guide (English and Spanish) handles the logistics and knows the property well enough to point out wildlife and explain what you're seeing. Bring long pants, a t-shirt, binoculars, camera, sunscreen and insect repellent. A helmet and safety gear are provided. Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected La Fortuna hotels are included, so you don't arrange your own transport to the stable.

What’s included

• Helmet and safety gear.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from selected La Fortuna hotels.
• bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• well-trained horse matched to your size and experience.
• access to the private farm trail and the high viewpoint.
• a cold drink made from organic fruit at the lookout (when weather permits).

Options for this experience

4 options

Shared tour at Los Lagos StableGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30 and 13:00Hot springs: after the ride, you can relax in the thermo-mineral pools at no charge. Los Lagos Stable: a good fit for travelers who have never ridden before, as our horses suit beginners. Pickup is included.

Shared tour at Arenal Volcano ParkGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 13:00Arenal 1968 entry ticket: gives you free access to the base of Arenal Volcano along both short and long trails. Pickup is included.

Shared tour at La Fortuna WaterfallGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 13:00La Fortuna Waterfall: entry ticket is included. Pickup is included.

Private tour around Arenal VolcanoGuide in English or Spanish · 11 departure times: the first at 00:30, the last at 14:00Premium option at Arenal 1968 Park: suited to clients who want personalized service and to ride at their own pace, without other tourists around. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day12 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 49 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 5 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Tico Paradise Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Choose the private option at Los Lagos Stable if you want to set your own pace and avoid coordinating with other riders. The shared departures work better if you're traveling solo or with one other person and don't mind a small group. Riders need moderate fitness because the trail climbs steadily uphill, but the gentle pace and well-trained horses mean you can manage it without prior saddle experience.

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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 (7 to 11 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.

Can I do this horseback riding tour if I've never ridden before?

Yes. The horses are well-trained and accustomed to riders of all skill levels, and the pace is gentle throughout the ride. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness because the trail climbs uphill, but experience in the saddle is not required.

What animals will I see on the ride around Arenal Volcano?

You'll pass through pasture where herds of sheep, horses and cattle graze on the private farm. In the forest canopy, you have good chances to spot howler monkeys, sloths and colorful toucans, especially in the early morning when wildlife is most active.

Does the horseback riding tour include a meal?

Lunch is not included. The stable does serve a cold drink made from organic fruit at the high viewpoint when the weather allows, but you'll want to eat before or after the ride.

How long is the horseback riding tour around Arenal Volcano?

The ride takes about two and a half hours from start to finish, including the stop at the lagoon and time at the viewpoint. Hotel pickup and drop-off add time before and after the ride itself.

What should I bring on this horseback riding tour?

Bring long pants, a t-shirt, binoculars, camera, sunscreen and insect repellent. A helmet and safety gear are provided by the stable. Avoid heavy bags. A small backpack or crossbody bag works best on horseback.

Do I need to choose a specific starting location for this tour?

Yes. You can book a shared ride starting at Los Lagos Stable, Arenal Volcano Park, or La Fortuna Waterfall, or arrange a private ride at Los Lagos Stable. Each option has its own meeting point, so confirm your choice at checkout.