Why Choose the Central Pacific for Horseback Riding?
The Central Pacific is the closest beach region to San José and the international airport, so it is easy to include in short and long itineraries alike. Jacó has a broad beach facing west for sunsets and forested hills directly behind it, giving riders both coastal and jungle scenery in one place. Other activities — surfing, national parks, restaurants — are close by, which makes it easy to build a full day around a ride.
Tours and Adventures Compared
- Best for sunset views: Sunset Horseback Riding, about 2 hours, $75 per person, late-afternoon departure on Jacó Beach.
- Best for a short or first ride: Exclusive Jungle Horseback Riding, about 1 hour, $50 per person, rainforest trails beside a river.
- Best for a longer jungle adventure: Waterfall Horseback Riding, about 2 hours, $75 per person, seasonal and weather-dependent.
If you can only choose one, think about when you are free and what you want to remember. Evenings suit the sunset ride; a free morning or a shorter window suits the jungle ride.
What to Expect During Your Tour
Each adventure starts at our ranch with a short check-in. Your guide asks about your riding experience, matches you with a horse and helps you mount. The guide leads the group along the route for your tour and stays with you throughout. The pace is relaxed, the focus is on scenery, and no previous experience is required — just tell us your level when you book.
Horseback Riding Locations in the Jacó Area
Our tours start at Finca Samudio, 800 m from Colegio CTP (third entrance), Jacó, Puntarenas. Riders staying in Jacó, Playa Herradura, Los Sueños or Playa Hermosa can reach us quickly. We do not run tours in other regions of Costa Rica, so if you are staying elsewhere, plan your ride for a day you will be on the Central Pacific coast.
Prices and Reservations
| 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 Booking Horseback Riding in Costa Rica
Book a few days ahead in the dry season, roughly December to April, when demand is highest. In the green season, ask us about the Waterfall tour before booking, since it depends on conditions. Check the cancellation terms shown during the WeTravel checkout. Pack closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, water and insect repellent, and dress in comfortable clothes you can ride in. Read the complete guide to horseback riding in Costa Rica for more travel planning advice.
Combining a Ride With a Central Pacific Itinerary
Many visitors spend two to four nights on the Central Pacific as part of a longer Costa Rica trip. A ride fits easily into that stay: arrive from San José, ride at sunset on your first or second evening, and use the remaining days for surfing, national parks or simply the beach. If you are continuing south toward Manuel Antonio or north toward Guanacaste, Jacó makes a convenient stop along the coastal highway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best horseback riding tour in Costa Rica for sunsets?
On the Central Pacific, our two-hour Sunset Horseback Riding tour on Jacó Beach is designed around the sunset. It costs $75 per person.
How much does horseback riding cost in Costa Rica?
Prices vary by operator and region. Our tours cost $50 per person for the one-hour Jungle ride and $75 per person for the two-hour Sunset and Waterfall rides.
Do you offer tours outside Jacó?
No. All of our tours start at our ranch in Jacó, Puntarenas.
How far is Jacó from San José?
Jacó is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from San José by road, depending on traffic.
Can I book online?
Yes. Use the booking buttons to reserve through our secure WeTravel checkout.
Are tours available in Spanish?
You can contact us in English or Spanish on WhatsApp. Ask us about language preferences for your ride.
Back to the Jaco Horse Tours homepage or browse all horseback riding guides & adventures.
