Private Horseback Riding in Costa Rica: Rivers & Rain Forest

Gallop through pastures and cross rivers on your own terms

Private horseback riding across a 1,800-acre ranch in Costa Rica, where you ride through rivers, rain forest trails, rolling hills and open pastures with a bilingual naturalist guide who tailors the route to your pace and interests. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and children from age 5 are welcome; the ride lasts around 3.5 hours.

The Experience

The ride starts on the ranch itself, where you cross rivers and move through plantations and rolling hills before heading into the rain forest trails. Because the adventure is private and customized, the guide adjusts the route based on what you want to see and how you want to ride—whether that means long gallops across big pastures or a slower pace through the forest. A bilingual naturalist guide leads the way, so you learn about the landscape and wildlife as you go.

You'll spend roughly 3.5 hours in the saddle, moving through terrain that shifts from open country to dense forest. The ranch covers over 1,800 acres, which means the trails don't loop back to the same views—each section feels like a different part of Costa Rica. Rivers are part of the route, so the horse does the work crossing them while you stay mounted.

Public transportation options are available nearby if you need to arrange your own way to the ranch. Children from age 5 can ride, and the guide will customize the experience for younger or less experienced riders. The private format means you're not waiting for a group to gather or keeping pace with strangers—the day moves at your speed.

What’s included

• Private horseback riding across the 1,800-acre ranch.
• bilingual naturalist guide in English or Spanish.
• access to rivers, pastures, plantations, rolling hills and rain forest trails.
• customized route based on your pace and interests.

Good to know

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

Operated by Centaura

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to set the pace yourself and see the ranch on your own terms—the private format means the guide tailors the route and speed to you, not to a group schedule or a fixed itinerary.

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Top questions

Can I choose how fast we ride, or is the pace set?

The ride is customized to you, so the guide adjusts the pace and route based on what you want. If you want to gallop across the pastures, you gallop; if you prefer a walk through the forest, that works too.

What's included in the 3.5-hour ride?

The private horseback riding adventure includes the guide, the horse, and access to all the terrain on the ranch—rivers, pastures, plantations and rain forest trails. The guide is bilingual and acts as a naturalist, explaining what you're seeing along the way.

Are there rivers to cross, and do I need to know how to swim?

Yes, crossing rivers is part of the ride, but you stay mounted on the horse the whole time. The horse handles the crossing, so you don't need to swim or dismount.

What's the rain forest section like?

The rain forest trails wind through dense vegetation on the ranch property. The guide knows the paths and can point out wildlife and plants as you ride through, so it's not just scenery—you're learning about the ecosystem.

Can my young child ride with me?

Children from age 5 are welcome on the ride. The guide customizes the experience for younger riders, adjusting the pace and choosing terrain that works for their experience level.