Explore Costa Rica on horseback

During traditional festivities in Costa Rica, you'll often notice horses and their riders parading down the street—this is because the country bears a deep tradition of horsemanship, particularly in the Guanacaste region, which is home to many ranches.

Horseback riding gets you closer to nature across Costa Rica's diverse terrain. The long, sandy beaches of the Pacific coast in Guanacaste, like Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, or Samara, provide a dreamy setting for a ride with a breathtaking sunset. You can also explore beautiful volcanic trails throughout the country. A journey in Tenorio National Park, for example, takes you through fields and forests of centuries-old trees and flocks of tropical birds.

Around Arenal volcano, your trusty steed will lead you through pastures, rivers, jungles, and waterfalls on trails that range from a few hours long to a few days. There's also the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, the epicenter of Costa Rica's sabanero cowboy culture, where you can discover a unique facet of the country's heritage. Get a taste of freedom as you set off from your ranch and gallop through the region's vast plains.

No trip to Costa Rica is complete without visiting the Nauyaca waterfalls on horseback. It's a beautiful, 7-mile trail, interspersed with plenty of opportunities to take a refreshing dip. Horseback riding is not only thrilling, but it's also an environmentally friendly way to get around. Interested in a multi-day excursion on horseback? Just ask your local Evaneos agency to organize one for you.