Horseback Riding Arenal to Monteverde (Mountain Route)

The mountain route takes you to the heart of the Monteverde Cloud Forest by navigating the infamous Castillo Trail, up the steep Mountainside from the Arenal Lake basin and crossing the fierce Cano Negro River three times, all while enjoying spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano.

To begin this adventure tour and transfer combination, you will be picked up from your Arenal hotel by a minivan and driven to the Arenal Dam. You will then board a comfortable, covered power boat. The next 30 minutes will present you with the special opportunity of viewing the volcano and its surrounding beauty from the picturesque Arenal Lake.

Once you arrive to the other side of the lake, you will be met by your horses. The journey continues through pastures and streams, which soon transform into dense forests and crystal clear rivers. The terrain continues to change throughout the ascent to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, over 1,100 meters above the lake basin, where the journey began.

The tour concludes at the Mirador Lodge, where you will be transported to your Monteverde lodging accommodations.

Please note: This is a difficult trail. For the safety of the rider and the horse, it is only offered during the dry months, normally between February and May. This trip is not suitable for inexperienced riders.

Tour includes: Experienced and professional guides, riding equipment, rain poncho, picnic lunch, water, transport to and from Hotels and luggage transfers.

Riders are advised to wear long pants, a sweater or jacket, Hiking boots or sneakers and to bring sun-screen and insect repellent.

All boats and mini-vans are comfortable, safe and fully insured. The drivers, boat captains and tour guides carry cell phones and can contact the main office at any point.

For safety reasons, these tours may not be offered in bad weather conditions. Taxi-Boat-Taxi shortcut, however, run daily, all year round.

Car Transfer Option:

If you have a rental car, but would prefer to make the trip from La Fortuna (or Monteverde) by boat and Horseback, arrangements can be made with the rental company to drive your car around the lake, where it will meet you at your final destination. Full, written, responsibility for your car is assumed by the tour operator, and only experienced, fully insured drivers are used.