Arenal Volcano Horse Riding Tour
Perfect for beginners and experienced riders – horses are mellow and very patient for first-time riders and you’ll be matched with a horse ideal for your riding capabilities. Ride through rainforest trails with stunning Arenal Volcano views and visit the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall where you can swim. You’ll see the only nature reserve with direct access to La Fortuna Waterfall and well-treated horses on beautifully kept grounds. Highly rated by travelers who call it “an absolute must-do” and “highlight of our Costa Rica trip.
Overview
Ride horseback across a private cattle ranch that climbs the lower flanks of Arenal Volcano, crossing clear streams and passing grazing sheep and cattle in open pastures.
Your horse carries you steadily uphill through patches of old-growth forest until you reach a high lookout that frames the entire volcano cone against Lake Arenal. Snap photos from a spot few visitors reach.
The wranglers know every horse by name and match you to one that fits your experience level, keeping the pace relaxed even on steeper sections. Cool off midway at a quiet lagoon where the horses drink and you stretch your legs. When weather cooperates, finish with a fresh fruit drink made from pineapple, papaya, or lime grown right on the farm.
This 2.5-hour ride starts with pickup from hotels between La Fortuna center and the national park. Real talk: saddles aren't padded luxury, so long pants help avoid chafing.
Spots cap at 15, book ahead to secure yours.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off between La Fortuna downtown and Arenal Volcano National Park (air-conditioned vehicle).
- Experienced wrangler guide.
- Well-cared-for horse matched to your riding level.
- Safety helmet.
- Fresh organic fruit drink (weather permitting).
- Private transportation outside the specified route.
- Lunch or additional snacks.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Gratuities for wranglers.
Itinerary
- Get picked up from your hotel between La Fortuna downtown and Arenal Volcano National Park. Exact time varies 10-15 minutes, so be ready in the lobby on schedule.
- Arrive at the private ranch stables, meet your horse, get fitted with a helmet, and receive basic riding instructions from the wranglers.
- Start the ride through pasture land, watching cattle, sheep, and horses grazing as you cross small creeks.
- Enter sections of primary forest where shade cools the trail.
- Stop at a peaceful lagoon midway for the horses to drink and for you to stretch, take photos, or just look around.
- Continue climbing gradually to the high lookout point near the volcano.
- Spend time at the viewpoint taking in full views of Arenal Volcano from base to peak, plus Lake Arenal and surrounding valleys.
- Ride back down the same trail at an easy pace.
- Return to the stables, enjoy a cold organic fruit drink if weather allows, then get dropped off at your hotel.
What to Expect from the Tour
Here's practical advice to help your ride go smoothly, based on common experiences with terrain, horses, and weather. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.
- Gear essentials. Long pants and closed shoes aren't optional for comfort. Several guests said jeans or riding pants prevent saddle rub on the 2.5-hour trip, and sneakers with grip handle wet grass better than sandals. One brought binoculars that paid off big at the viewpoint.
- Horse matching. Wranglers ask your experience level upfront and pair you right. Beginners got calm horses that followed the guide automatically. A few nervous riders felt safe within minutes because the animals stay steady even on inclines.
- Terrain notes. The trail climbs steadily but never steeply, with flat pasture sections mixed in. Guests called it manageable for moderate fitness, though back issues flare on longer trots—mention concerns early so they adjust pace.
- Weather perks. Clear days deliver postcard volcano shots. When clouds part at the top, views hit hard. Rain makes streams fuller and forest greener, but trails stay rideable—one group loved the fresh smell after a light shower.
- Group setup. Max 15 keeps it personal. Past riders said smaller packs within the group formed naturally, letting everyone chat with wranglers or ride quiet if preferred.
- Best time to visit. December to April offers drier trails and clearer volcano views. Guests in early 2025 said morning rides in January stayed cool with reliable sightings of the peak. May to November brings possible showers but lusher pastures and fewer riders.
| Month/Season | Upsides | Downsides | Recommended Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec-Apr (Dry) | Firm ground, open volcano views | Dustier pastures, warmer by noon | 8-10 AM for cooler ride |
| May-Nov (Rainy) | Greener scenery, cooler temps | Chance of mud, clouds may hide peak | 9 AM to finish before afternoon rain |
Common issues. Skip if pregnant, serious back problems, or heart conditions. Guests found saddles firm but horses smooth-gaited, with stirrup adjustments helping most. Rain rarely cancels—ponchos available at stables if needed. Riding beats driving for feeling the ranch scale up close.
FAQ
Do I need riding experience?
No prior experience required. Wranglers match beginners with gentle, well-trained horses that follow the lead horse automatically. Past first-timers felt confident after 10 minutes, saying the calm animals and clear instructions made it easy and fun.
What if it rains during the ride?
The tour continues unless heavy downpour makes trails unsafe (rare). Light rain is common and adds freshness without issue—stables provide ponchos. Guests who rode in drizzle said the volcano sometimes peeked through clouds dramatically, and pastures smelled amazing afterward.
Is this safe for kids?
Yes for children 6+ who meet the height to reach stirrups comfortably. Smaller kids can ride double with an adult. Families reported kids loving the horses and lagoon stop, but measure your child beforehand—one family noted 10-year-olds handled solo rides perfectly.
How strenuous is the horseback ride?
Moderate fitness needed for balance in the saddle over 2.5 hours, with some uphill sections. No trotting or cantering unless requested. Guests with average fitness enjoyed it, but those with back or hip issues felt soreness next day—stretch at the lagoon and speak up for slower pace.
Can I bring a camera or phone?
Yes, and you’ll want one for the viewpoint shots. Small saddle bags or zip pockets keep gear secure. Wranglers pause at the best spots for photos. One guest used a neck strap for their phone and got steady volcano panoramas without worry.
Why choose this over other horseback tours?
This route stays on private ranch land with exclusive access to the high lookout close to the volcano base. You avoid crowded public trails and get authentic farm scenery with livestock. Past riders said the family-run stables and personal horse matching made it feel genuine compared to bigger operations.
Book it today with Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Tours or simply following this link.