Why Choose Horse Back Riding on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast?
Costa Rica packs beaches, mountains and tropical forest into a small country, and the Central Pacific is where those landscapes sit closest together. In Jacó, the coastal hills rise almost straight up from the shoreline, which means a single ride can include ocean views and green jungle without hours of travel in between.
Riding is also one of the gentlest ways to experience that scenery. You are not racing to the next viewpoint, and you can enjoy the landscape without the effort of a long hike in the heat. Many visitors find that a ride becomes one of the calmest, most memorable parts of an otherwise busy beach holiday.
What to Expect During Your Horse Back Riding Tour
Every ride starts at our base at Finca Samudio in Jacó. When you arrive, your guide checks the booking, asks about your riding experience and pairs you with a horse. Telling us honestly whether you have ridden before helps us make that match.
From there the route depends on the tour you chose:
- Sunset Horseback Riding (2 hours, $75): a late-afternoon ride along Jacó Beach timed so you are near the water as the sun goes down over the Pacific.
- Exclusive Jungle Horseback Riding (1 hour, $50): a relaxed ride on rainforest trails beside a river that flows toward the ocean.
- Waterfall Horseback Riding (2 hours, $75, seasonal): a longer jungle ride toward a natural waterfall, offered only when the season and weather make it suitable.
The pace is that of a guided trail ride rather than a riding lesson. Your guide leads the group, sets a comfortable speed and stays with you for the entire ride.
Horse Back Riding Locations Near Jacó, Costa Rica
All of our rides depart from Finca Samudio, about 800 meters from Colegio CTP (use the third entrance) in Jacó, Puntarenas. Jacó itself is the busiest beach town on the Central Pacific, and many travelers also stay just north in Playa Herradura or just south in Playa Hermosa. From any of those areas, reaching us is a short drive — open our contact page for Google Maps directions.
If you are coming from San José, Jacó is roughly a 1.5 to 2 hour drive, which makes a ride possible as part of a longer coastal trip.
Horse Back Riding Tours, Prices, and Reservations
Our prices are simple and per person, in US dollars. You can reserve online through our secure WeTravel checkout or message us on WhatsApp if you would like help choosing.
| Tour | Duration | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Horseback Riding | 2 Hours | $75 | Book Sunset |
| Exclusive Jungle Horseback Riding | 1 Hour | $50 | Book Jungle |
| Waterfall Horseback Riding | 2 Hours | $75 | Book Waterfall |
Prices are per person in USD. The Waterfall tour is seasonal and depends on weather. Secure checkout via WeTravel opens in a new tab.
Tips for Your Horse Back Riding Adventure
Wear long pants or comfortable shorts you can sit in for an hour or two, and closed-toe shoes — sandals and flip-flops are a poor choice in stirrups. Sunscreen, a hat that will stay on and a bottle of water make the beach ride far more pleasant. For the jungle and waterfall rides, insect repellent is worth packing. During the green season (roughly May to November), a light rain jacket is useful, since short afternoon showers are common.
Leave large bags at your hotel and keep your phone in a zipped pocket or a small cross-body bag so both hands are free. For more ideas, read our tips for first-time riders or the complete guide to horseback riding in Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is horse back riding the same as horseback riding?
Yes. "Horse back riding" and "horseback riding" describe the same activity; the one-word spelling is simply more common. Both refer to the guided rides we offer in Jacó.
Where can I go horse back riding in Costa Rica?
Riding is available in many regions of Costa Rica. Our rides take place on the Central Pacific coast in Jacó, Puntarenas, where you can ride on the beach and in the rainforest near town.
How much does horse back riding cost with Jaco Horse Tours?
The Exclusive Jungle ride is $50 per person, and the Sunset and seasonal Waterfall rides are $75 per person.
Do I need riding experience?
No previous experience is required to book a guided ride. Tell us your experience level when booking so we can match you with a suitable horse and tour; the one-hour Jungle ride is a popular first ride.
Can I ride on the beach in Costa Rica?
Yes. Our Sunset Horseback Riding tour follows Jacó Beach in the late afternoon. See our page on horseback riding on the beach for details.
How do I reserve a ride?
Use the booking button to reserve through our secure WeTravel checkout, or message us on WhatsApp at +1 305-791-5707 with your date and group size.
Back to the Jaco Horse Tours homepage or browse all horseback riding guides & adventures.
