Quepos: Horseback Riding & Waterfall Ranch Tour with Lunch

Ride Through Three Generations of Costa Rican Ranch Land

You ride through working ranch land for a few hours, hike into the jungle to see wildlife and a centuries-old tree, visit a waterfall, get a massage, and eat lunch with a view. Hotel pickup and all entry fees are included, so you show up and the logistics are already handled.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback riding and nature tour

• Ride through ranch fields
• Explore cattle, creeks, and birds
• Take short jungle hike
• Learn about wildlife and plants
• See legendary 400-year-old tree
• Visit one of nine waterfalls
• Enjoy traditional Costa Rican massage
• Have Costa Rican lunch with views

The experience

You mount up at Rancho Típico Don Juan, a working cattle ranch that's been in the same family for over 85 years. Juan and his son Randall lead the ride through open fields where you'll see cattle grazing, creeks running, and birds moving through the canopy. The pace is steady, nothing rushed, and the horses know the trails. After an hour or so on horseback, you leave the animals and walk into the jungle on foot, where the real detail work starts.

Randall points out poisonous frogs, shows you plants you'd never notice alone, and stops at a tree that's been standing for over 400 years. It's the kind of thing that sounds like a line until you're actually standing next to it. The jungle hike is short enough that you're not exhausted, but long enough that you feel like you've actually been in there. Then you reach one of nine waterfalls on the property. The water is cold and clear, and there's time to sit with it before heading back.

At the house, a traditional Costa Rican massage happens (it's part of the package, not an upsell), and then lunch arrives: a casado (rice, beans, salad, plantains, and protein) eaten on a porch with jungle views. The whole day runs about five or six hours from pickup to drop-off. Groups stay small, usually under a dozen people, which means Juan and Randall actually talk to you instead of shouting instructions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, horseback riding through the ranch, a guided jungle hike with wildlife and plant education, access to one of the property's nine waterfalls, a traditional Costa Rican massage, a full lunch (casado) with jungle views, drinking water, towels, and photos from the guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (30 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 18 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (3 to 5 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.Operator's directions: “We can meet us in the parking lot at 8 am”

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Rancho Tipico Don Juan

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to ride and explore without arranging transport or figuring out which waterfall to visit: the fixed itinerary and family guides handle the planning, and the small group size means you actually get to talk to people who've lived on this land for decades.

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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 (13 to 18 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (3 to 5 years). Under 3: 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. No refund if you cancel.

How long is the horseback riding part?

About an hour through the ranch fields and open areas. The full tour, including the jungle hike, waterfall, massage and lunch, takes roughly five to six hours total.

Is this suitable for beginner riders?

Yes. The ranch caters to all riding levels. The pace is steady and the horses are accustomed to mixed experience groups.

What's included in the price?

Horseback riding, jungle hike, waterfall access, massage, lunch (casado), drinking water, towels, photos, and hotel pickup with air-conditioned transport.

What's the minimum group size?

Two people minimum. Groups typically stay under twelve.

Is there a weight or fitness requirement?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. It's not recommended for people with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

What should I wear?

Closed-toe shoes or boots for riding, comfortable clothes you don't mind getting wet or dirty, and sunscreen. Bring a change of clothes if you plan to swim at the waterfall.

Is the lunch vegetarian-friendly?

A casado typically includes rice, beans, salad, and plantains. Let the operator know in advance if you have dietary restrictions.