10 Reasons to Try Horseback Riding in Jaco, Costa Rica
From Pacific sunsets to rainforest trails and wildlife, here are 10 reasons horseback riding in Jaco should be on your Costa Rica itinerary.
Jacó has no shortage of things to do, from surfing to ziplining to sport fishing. So why spend a few hours on horseback? Here are ten good reasons horseback riding deserves a spot on your Costa Rica itinerary.
1. You Get Beach and Rainforest in One Town
Jacó is one of the few places where a long Pacific beach and tropical forest sit right next to each other. On horseback you can experience both: the open coastline on the Sunset Horseback Riding tour, and shaded river trails on the Exclusive Jungle Horseback Riding tour.
2. Pacific Sunsets Are Spectacular
Jacó faces west, so the sun sets over the ocean. Watching it from the back of a horse on the sand is a memory most riders keep for a long time.
3. It Is Easy for Beginners
You do not need riding experience. Guided trail rides are calm and steady, and your guide leads the way. Our beginner's guide explains exactly what to expect.
4. It Is a Great Family Activity
Riding is something parents, teenagers and grandparents can do together, at the same pace, sharing the same views. Message us with your group's ages before booking so we can recommend a tour.
5. You See Wildlife Without Hiking
Horses move quietly through the forest, and you are sitting higher than you would be on foot. Riders sometimes see scarlet macaws, iguanas, butterflies and tropical birds.
6. It Is Close to Town
There is no need for a long day trip. Our base at Finca Samudio in Jacó is close by, so a ride fits easily into a morning or late afternoon.
7. The Photos Are Amazing
Horses, ocean, palm trees, jungle and golden light — it is hard to take a bad photo. Sunset rides in particular produce some of the best pictures of a trip.
8. It Is a Break From the Crowds
Jacó's main beach area can be busy. Riding takes you along quieter stretches and into the forest, where the loudest sound may be a river or a bird.
9. There Is an Option for Every Schedule
- One hour: the Exclusive Jungle Horseback Riding tour, $50
- Two hours at sunset: the Sunset Horseback Riding tour, $75
- Two hours into the jungle, seasonally: the Waterfall Horseback Riding tour, $75
10. It Is a Real Connection With Costa Rican Culture
Horses have long been part of rural life in Costa Rica, from cattle ranches in Guanacaste to small farms in Puntarenas. Riding with local guides is a small window into that tradition, and a reminder that there is more to Costa Rica than beaches and nightlife.
Ready to Ride?
If any of these reasons sound good, choose your tour and book online, or send us a WhatsApp message with your questions. For a full overview, read Jaco Horseback Riding: The Complete Guide. For more ideas around town, see the best things to do in Jaco for nature lovers.
A Few Practical Tips Before You Go
To make the most of whichever ride you choose, a little preparation goes a long way:
- Book a few days ahead in the dry season, when sunset rides fill up fastest.
- Wear long, comfortable pants and closed-toe shoes.
- Bring sunscreen, water and insect repellent for jungle routes.
- Keep your phone on a strap or in a zipped pocket for photos.
- Tell us your experience level and any concerns when booking.
Horseback riding in Jacó is simple, scenic and suitable for almost everyone. Whether you ride for an hour in the jungle or two hours into the sunset, it is one of the best ways to see this corner of Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
