Locating the Best Horseback Riding Locations in Costa Rica 

Horse riding and Costa Rica are simply a match made in heaven. With the country’s vast array of pristine wilderness – and abundance of trodden, and not-so-trodden paths – a day spent horse riding here is an unforgettable adventure and ideal for anyone who wants to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit.

Explore the far reaches of beautiful Costa Rica and let a valiant steed show you the way.

These are the most popular, professional and revered horse riding companies in the country.

Discovery Horseback Tours – Puntarenas Province

Leaders in their field, this multi-award winning company has always placed their horse’s welfare before profits since their inception, and their commitment to ethical and professional service made them the poster-kids of horse riding in Costa Rica. What we love about these guys is that they epitomize all that is utterly unique and delightful about this country. The company was started by a couple of foreigners – who arrived here with backpacks and never left – and have built one of the most admired business in the country, employing some of the most experienced and committed locals.

Their stunning 1500-acre ranch sits just outside Jaco and can also be easily reached from Los Suenos or Playa Hermosa. Daily tours include a fabulous half-day Back Country expedition which will see you ride through local villages, butterfly farm, rivers and forests (suitable for beginners) as well as a more challenging Road-less-travelled Expedition where you, and your adventurous steed, will be put through your paces on a fantastic run through some of the most remote parts of the property.

Centaura Farm – Alajuela Province

CNN famously rated Centaura as providing one of the world’ very best horse riding experiences and, with that kind of accolade, you know you’ll be in for an unforgettable Costa Rican adventure. Offering a plethora of unique experiences, from riding on deserted beaches, through pristine cloud forests and mountain tops, the guys and gals at Centaura have an adventure, and horse, to suit every desire imaginable. With Centaura you’ll have the best of horse riding and Costa Rica, right at the tip of your hooves. You’ll find Centaura farm right nearby Arenal Volcano.

Horse Trek Monteverde – Puntarenas Province

Monteverde’s premier agency can tailor make trips to suit your needs, from half day introduction classes to 8-day expeditions to some of the most stunning and remote wilderness of this region. On this week long trek you are guaranteed to get a taste of every wonder which makes this country so special: nature, hospitality and adventure. Young, old, experienced or not, this ranch is ideal for anyone and everyone. Rest assured that you’ll be riding with experienced and professional leaders who could ride through this region blindfolded. Your comfort, security and satisfaction are unsurpassed priorities here.

Traveling to Guanacaste? Then let Casagua show you the way, along with their extended families of born-and-bred local steeds. Kay and Esteban have developed a legion of cult followers through the years, and are particularly renowned for their friendliness and attention to detail. First time on a horse and a little anxious? Head here! Casagua offer personalised and small group tours, so if you’re at all worried about your ability –or lack thereof – these guys will surely put your mind at ease. They have a gentle-natured horse to match your fears. Pick and match your likes, and plan the kind of Costa Rican horse riding experience you’ve always dreamed about. Beaches, forests, jungle and mountains, there’s nowhere you can’t go…when you’re on the back of a horse!

Finca Caballo Loco – San Jose Province

This wonderful horse riding ranch is in the Central Valley just a wee little drive away from the capital, San Jose. Wonderfully conveniently and superbly rated, Finca Caballo Loco offers a wealth of tours through astonishing wilderness; through rivers, along vertiginous canyons, into secondary forests and splendid jungles. If you’re only in Costa Rica for a few days, and wish to pack it all in, then this central ranch is just the ticket to get you in, and on the back of a horse, in no time at all.