The mountain route begins in the heart of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you will navigate the infamous Castillo Trail down the steep mountainside to the Arenal Lake basin, crossing the fierce Cano Negro River three times. Expect spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano and wildlife along the way.

To begin this adventure tour and transfer combination, you will be picked up from your Monteverde hotel by a minivan and driven to the Mirador trailhead. You will then embark on a three and a half hour horseback ride to the Arenal Lake, where you will be reunited with your luggage and treated to a scenic boat ride across the lake. This portion of the trip features unmatched views of the volcano.

The tour concludes at Lake Arenal, where you will be transported to your La Fortuna 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, 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 minivans 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.