La Fortuna: Horseback Riding & Waterfall with Volcano Views

Your horse gets a better view of Arenal Volcano than most tourists do

You ride through forested trails and volcanic terrain to a viewpoint overlooking Arenal Volcano, then drive to La Fortuna Waterfall for a guided walk down to the 70-meter cascade where you can swim. The day includes your horse, the naturalist guide, waterfall entry, transport between the two sites, bottled water and fruit, so you show up and the rest is arranged.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Begin tour at stables
• Ride through El Silencio Reserve
• Visit lagoon crater and volcano viewpoint
• Return to stable
• Drive 30 minutes to La Fortuna Waterfall
• Walk 300 meters down to waterfall base
• Learn about geology and basalt columns
• Take photos and swim near waterfall

The Experience

The moment you realize you're sitting on a horse that's about to climb toward an active volcano, something shifts. You're not watching a screen or reading about it—you're actually here, in El Silencio Reserve, and the trails are real dirt under hooves. The ride starts at the stables and winds through cattle grazing fields, patches of forest with shade trees you'll be grateful for, and then the climb gets steeper. Your guide knows the pace; they're not rushing you. The volcano viewpoint hits differently when you're on horseback—you can frame the shot with your horse's ears in the foreground and Arenal rising behind, and it actually looks like you did something.

After maybe two hours of riding (the pace depends on the group), you head back to the stables where a vehicle is waiting. Then it's a 30-minute drive to La Fortuna Waterfall. The walk down to the base is 300 meters on steps with rest areas built in, so it's not a scramble—your guide, a naturalist, points out the basalt columns as you go, explains how the rock formations got there, and suddenly the geology makes sense instead of just being pretty. The waterfall itself is 70 meters tall and loud. You can swim in the river at the base (just not directly under the falls), and the water is cold enough that you'll feel alive. The combination of the two—the quiet ride through the reserve, then the power of the waterfall—lands differently than doing either one alone.

The whole day is structured so you're not arranging transport between the two spots or figuring out entry fees; that's handled. You get bottled water, fruit, and the entrance ticket is included. The group stays small enough that the guide can actually talk to people, not just point and move on. If you've never ridden before, mention it when you book—they'll match you with a horse and a pace that works. The one thing to know upfront: this takes moderate fitness and a solid seat. The weight limit is 264 pounds, and if you have spinal issues or are pregnant, this isn't the one.

What’s included

• Horseback riding through El Silencio Reserve.
• naturalist guide for both the ride and the waterfall walk.
• transport from stables to La Fortuna Waterfall.
• waterfall entrance ticket.
• bottled water.
• fresh fruit.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Jacamar Naturalist Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall in one morning without arranging two separate trips—the horseback ride and the waterfall are connected by transport and timing, so you move through both without gaps or logistics to figure out.

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Top questions

How long is the horseback riding part?

The ride through El Silencio Reserve to the Arenal Volcano viewpoint takes roughly two hours, depending on the group's pace and fitness level.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

Yes, you can swim in the river at the base of La Fortuna Waterfall, though not directly under the falls themselves.

What's included in the price?

Horseback riding, the naturalist guide, waterfall entry ticket, transport from the stables to the waterfall, bottled water, and fruit.

How far is the walk to the waterfall base?

The walk down is 300 meters on steps with rest areas along the way, so it's manageable without being strenuous.

Is this suitable for first-time riders?

Yes, if you mention when booking that you've never ridden before, they'll pair you with an appropriate horse and adjust the pace accordingly.

What's the weight limit?

The maximum weight for this tour is 264 pounds (120 kg).

How long is the drive between the riding and the waterfall?

The drive from the stables to La Fortuna Waterfall takes about 30 minutes.

Will I get wet?

You'll get wet if you choose to swim at the waterfall base. The horseback riding itself doesn't involve water unless there's rain.