Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a popular mode of transportation and favorite pastime for both Ticos and Gringos alike. Stables that rent horses can be found throughout the country, but are too great in number to list here.
Most
stables will offer two rates: by the hour and by the day. For longer trips
or to accommodate inexperienced riders, many stables will offer the services
of a guide. If you are a novice rider or unfamiliar with the territory, we
recommend you take a guide. Their presence could prove invaluable should something
go wrong.
Make sure that the stable you choose is providing a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and the horse. Some companies mistreat their animals, presenting you with a pitifully hungry and exhausted animal. In addition, inspect your equipment before you head out. Some homemade saddles can be far from comfortable.
As stated above, horseback riding can be found everywhere in
Costa Rica. There are, however, some destinations that are perhaps best traveled
by horse. A ride on the beach along either coast can be a great way to enjoy
the ocean scenery. In Guanacaste's cowboy country, traveling by horseback
is as much a part of the culture as beans and rice. And probably the most
renowned horseback trek exists along 
the
jungle trails between Lake Arenal and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The six-hour
journey can be the highlight of any visit to Costa Rica, but can also be very
treacherous if attempted during the rainy season. Between May and November,
the cliffside trails are muddy and slippery, presenting a grave danger for
the horse and the rider.
Below are listings of companies that offer horse back riding:
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Hills of Portalon Equestrian Estates |
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Location:20 miles south of Quepos Airport |
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Desafio Expeditions |
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Location: Monteverde |
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