A horseback riding tour is a wonderful way to experience Monteverdes green, mountainous countryside. Until recently, horseback riding was the most common form of transport in the region, and considering the state of the roads, some would argue that it is still the easiest way to get around.
View more tour photos in the Horseback Riding in Monteverde photo gallery (activity photo gallery opens in new window)
Horseback riding is not permitted in the Reserves, but there are a range of horseback tours on private land and trails, where you can appreciate the beauty and tranquility of rural Costa Rican life, a world away from the tourist crowds and traffic.
Emiliano Arguedas, a local farmer who has lived and worked in Monteverde all his life and whose family was one of the original settling families to arrive in the region, operates a stable from his 139 hectare family farm. All the trails used are located on his land. Previously devoted to environmentally harmful dairy and forestry activities, the farm is now devoted entirely to horseback riding and grazing. The private land encompasses a large area of protected forest that is undergoing a reforestation program developed and managed by Emiliano's son, Alonzo.
Visitors are given the rare privilege of exploring this beautiful private reserve on horseback, from where they will see amazing views of the Gulf of Nicoya and its pacific islands, as well as enjoy Coffee and sugarcane plantations, primary and secondary tropical forest, open fields and an array of local wildlife that includes toucans, green parrots, bellbirds, emerald toucanets, blue-crowned motmots and white-faced monkeys.
Visitors can choose from three two hour tour options, all offering distinct views and attractions. The 6 am tour is great for Bird Watching, the mid-morning tour from 8am-10am captures the best of the weather and the clearest views and the afternoon tour offers spectacular sunset skies.
All tours are suitable for inexperienced riders. Private tours can be arranged as well as group tours with prior notice.
All Emiliano's horses, with health certification and insurance, are easy to handle and are very well cared for. Emiliano's son Alonzo is a veterinarian and looks after the horses himself.
All saddles are equipped with a rain poncho, and helmets are available on request. Some basic English is spoken, otherwise smiling and rudimentary sign-language is usually sufficient!
Emiliano Arguedas, a local farmer who has lived and worked in Monteverde all his life and whose family was one of the original settling families to arrive in the region, operates a stable from his 139 hectare family farm. All the trails used are located on his land. Previously devoted to environmentally harmful dairy and forestry activities, the farm is now devoted entirely to horseback riding and grazing. The private land encompasses a large area of protected forest that is undergoing a reforestation program developed and managed by Emiliano's son, Alonzo.
Visitors are given the rare privilege of exploring this beautiful private reserve on horseback, from where they will see amazing views of the Gulf of Nicoya and its pacific islands, as well as enjoy Coffee and sugarcane plantations, primary and secondary tropical forest, open fields and an array of local wildlife that includes toucans, green parrots, bellbirds, emerald toucanets, blue-crowned motmots and white-faced monkeys.
Visitors can choose from three two hour tour options, all offering distinct views and attractions. The 6 am tour is great for Bird Watching, the mid-morning tour from 8am-10am captures the best of the weather and the clearest views and the afternoon tour offers spectacular sunset skies.
All tours are suitable for inexperienced riders. Private tours can be arranged as well as group tours with prior notice.
All Emiliano's horses, with health certification and insurance, are easy to handle and are very well cared for. Emiliano's son Alonzo is a veterinarian and looks after the horses himself.
All saddles are equipped with a rain poncho, and helmets are available on request. Some basic English is spoken, otherwise smiling and rudimentary sign-language is usually sufficient!
See links below for online tour reservations - e-mail
horsbackridinginmonteverde@anywherecostarica.com with questions, or
call toll free (888) 456-3212 for reservations.
Also see other contact options for information, reservations, and group sales.
Horsback Riding in Monteverde Times and Booking
| Tour Name | Start Time | End Time | Duration | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Morning Bird Watching Tour | 06:00 AM | 08:00 AM | 2.00/hrs | Times & Booking |
| Morning Tour | 08:00 AM | 10:00 AM | 2.00/hrs | Times & Booking |
| Sunset Tour | 03:30 PM | 05:30 PM | 2.00/hrs | Times & Booking |
