Horseback Riding in Rio Celeste: Swim the Natural Pool

Two hours on horseback ends at a swimming hole the national park keeps closed to visitors.

A 2-hour horseback ride from El Pilon through farmland and primary forest to Rio Celeste's natural swimming pool, led by a local guide who owns the operation. The route passes a Tarzan swing and hanging bridge before reaching the river, where you swim in water the national park restricts. The guide speaks English or Spanish; children from age 1 are welcome, and the ride suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback ride to Celeste River pool

• Start tour in El Pilon town
• View Arenal Volcano and Caño Negro
• Ride horse through farmland and forest
• Stop at Tarzan swing and hanging bridge
• Swim in natural pool at Celeste River

The Experience

The ride starts in El Pilon with views of Arenal Volcano and Caño Negro spreading across the landscape. From there, the horse trail cuts through working farmland and into primary forest, where the canopy closes overhead. Two stops break the ride: a Tarzan swing strung between trees and a hanging bridge that crosses a ravine. Both are built into the route, not detours—they sit where the trail naturally goes.

The destination is a natural pool in Rio Celeste where the water runs a pale blue-green. This spot is off-limits inside the national park itself, which means you reach it without the crowds that pack the official entrance. You swim here; the guide does not narrate from the bank. Bring a towel and plan to spend time in the water before the ride back.

The guide is a local owner, not a hired hand rotating through tours. He speaks English or Spanish, so the commentary lands in whichever language works for your group. The operation is small and personalized—not a commercial outfit running the same loop all day. Service animals are allowed to ride along.

What’s included

Local professional guide who speaks English or Spanish; access to the natural swimming pool in Rio Celeste that is closed to national park visitors.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by David Tours - Rio Celeste Horseback Riding

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to swim in the Celeste River's natural pools—something the national park forbids—with a local guide who handles logistics and timing so you're not bound by park hours.

Traveler reviews

4.88★★★★★★★★★★

226 verified traveler reviews

5 ★215

4 ★4

3 ★1

2 ★3

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the riding like if I haven't been on a horse before?

The ride suits all fitness levels and the pace is steady through farmland and forest, so beginners ride comfortably. The trail is not technical or steep; the horse does the work.

Can I bring my young child on this ride?

Children from age 1 are welcome, and infants sit on an adult's lap during the ride, so families with small kids can go together.

Is this the same as swimming in Rio Celeste at the national park?

No—the national park restricts swimming in the river itself. This tour reaches a natural pool on private land where swimming is allowed, so you get in the water without the restrictions or the lines at the official entrance.

How long is the whole experience?

The ride takes 2 hours total, including the stops at the Tarzan swing and hanging bridge and time to swim in the pool.

Do I need to arrange my own way to El Pilon?

Public transportation options are available nearby, so you can reach the starting point in El Pilon without a private transfer if you prefer.