Horse loving adventure seekers will discover new thrills combining the exploration of Costa Rica’s lush rainforests on horseback and by zipline. Beginning on horseback, you’ll ride through the forest and along cascading streams in sunlight filtered by giant trees. After a typical lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll continue your adventure this time flying high above the tree canopy with spectacular views of the forest floor and the surrounding area.
Your tour will start when you are picked up from your lodging and driven through the Braulio Carrillo National Park to the less traveled region of Sarapiqui. You’ll arrive at a working farm where you’ll be introduced to the fine riding horses of Costa Rica, a particular breed derived from Spanish Andalusian and Peruvian Paso combined. These strong horses have a high step and are very well-mannered.
You’ll be matched according to your riding ability to one of the horses. Don’t worry if you have never ridden before, there will be a perfect horse for you. Along with your guide, you’ll ride on easy trails kept free of underbrush due to the limited sunlight reaching the forest floor through the giant tree canopy.
You’ll cross over gentle rippling streams finding magnificent scenery all around you. With any luck, you’ll encounter some of the abundant native wildlife living in the forest. This is one of the few areas where the rare Great Green Macaw can be found. The ride will last from 1.5 to 2 hours and when it comes to an end you’ll be back at the farm ready for lunch.
You’ll dismount and head over to a local restaurant where the traditional midday meal will be provided. This typically consists of a choice of meat or protein, beans and rice, chopped salad and possibly fried plantains and a tortilla. In rural areas, everything stops during lunch as this is the main meal of the day and not to be missed!
After lunch, your guides will go over the ziplining equipment and safety instructions with you. You’ll wear a harness that will be clipped onto each of the heavy steel cables strung between platforms. Your guide will lead you through the rainforest to the first platform. If this is your first time, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is. Fully supported, you’ll zip over the forest canopy with amazing views everywhere you look.
A guide will receive you at each of the strategically placed platforms built around the trees and assist with hooking you up for your next ride. You’ll be soaring 180 feet above the rainforest on 9 ziplines of varying lengths, some reaching nearly 40 mph! Your last ride will be over a sparkling river and you’ll end by rappelling down to the river’s edge.
This exciting combo tour includes professional bilingual guides, lunch, all safety equipment, and transportation from Alajuela and San Jose. One way transportation can take from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic conditions and the location of your hotel. Combined time of horseback ride, zipline, lunch, and round-trip transportation typically takes from 6.5 to 8.5 hours.
Fully enclosed shoes are required and long pants are recommended. There is a maximum weight restriction of 200 pounds. You’ll likely want to bring along rain gear, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the highlights of the day.
The Adventure Combo Canopy and Horseback Riding is available from Alajuela, Alajuela suburbs, Escazu, Heredia, and San Jose
6 and up
Latitude: N 10° 28' 24.68"
Longitude: W 84° 1' 0.26"