Liberia: Ponderosa Adventure Park Safari & Waterfall Day

Summary

Safari animals horseback rides waterfall kayaking zipline day trip in Liberia Costa Rica

You’ll feed giraffes right from your hand during the animal safari at Ponderosa Adventure Park near Liberia, then paddle a kayak or ride horseback to a cool waterfall deep in Guanacaste’s countryside. With options for ziplining and a hearty Costa Rican lunch upgrade, every moment feels personal—especially when you catch yourself grinning at a zebra’s curiosity.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at Ponderosa Adventure Park—besides the heat—was the sound of zebra hooves on gravel and a giraffe’s head poking over the fence like it was sizing us up. We’d barely made it through the gate before our guide, José, handed out carrot sticks and said, “They know you have snacks.” He wasn’t kidding. A giraffe’s tongue is way rougher than you’d expect—like a cat’s but about a hundred times bigger. I laughed so hard I almost dropped my phone. That was just the start of the animal safari; José kept tossing out facts about antelope and wildebeest while we bumped along in the open truck. Honestly, I didn’t expect to get that close.

After that, we had choices—kayaking on this slow green river (I went for it), or heading straight for horseback riding. The kayaks smelled faintly of sun-warmed plastic and river mud, but gliding under those trees was actually peaceful. There were kids shrieking nearby from the mini canopy zipline (I’m not big on heights so I skipped it), but everyone seemed to be having their own adventure. At one point, a local family waved at us from their horses—they looked like they did this every weekend.

Lunch was an upgrade, but worth it: rice and beans with some kind of spicy chicken stew that tasted better than anything I’ve managed to cook at home. The dining area was open-air, with fans spinning lazily overhead and a breeze carrying hints of sugarcane from somewhere nearby. We finished off by riding horses out toward a small waterfall—not huge or dramatic, but cold enough to shock your feet awake if you dared to wade in. My shoes are still drying out as I write this.

I left Ponderosa Adventure Park with dust on my jeans and more animal selfies than I’ll ever post. It’s funny—I keep thinking about how quiet it got by the waterfall after all that noise earlier. If you’re near Liberia and want something different from just beaches or resorts, this day trip really sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Adventure at Ponderosa Adventure Park

• Arrive at Ponderosa Adventure Park
• Join supervised safari tour
• Enjoy animal safari experience
• Choose activities: zip lines, kayaking, horseback riding
• Visit waterfalls during horseback ride

Top questions

Is transportation included in the Ponderosa Adventure Park ticket?

No, only entry fees are included unless you book transportation separately.

What activities are part of the full day pass at Ponderosa Adventure Park?

The full day includes animal safari, kayaking, horseback riding to a waterfall, mini canopy zipline, plus lunch.

Where is Ponderosa Adventure Park located?

It’s in El Salto near Liberia city in Guanacaste province, Costa Rica.

Is the park suitable for families with young children?

Yes, it’s family-friendly and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Are meals included with the standard entrance ticket?

No, meals are only included if you purchase the full day package upgrade.

Can visitors interact with animals during the safari?

Yes—you can feed animals like giraffes during the guided safari tour.

How long does it take to reach Ponderosa Adventure Park from Liberia?

The park is located very close to Liberia city—just a short drive away.

What’s included

Your entry includes all fees and taxes for access to Ponderosa Adventure Park’s African-style animal safari near Liberia; if you choose the full day upgrade you’ll also get lunch plus four extra attractions like kayaking on the river, horseback riding out to waterfalls, mini canopy zipline adventures—all supervised by certified local guides throughout your visit.