Horseback riding is a way of life in many rural Costa Rican communities and annual rodeos are a national pastime. Take the reins and explore the beautiful cloud forest trails high up in the mountains near the continental divide in one of the most unique places on earth.
You’ll meet your guide and be introduced to your horse before being assisted as you mount up. The horses are very gentle so even if this is your first horseback ride, your trained horse knows the way and will carry you along. Your local guide will take you deep into the rain forest where the paths are clear under the dense canopy blocking the sunlight above. In this mystical, primeval place you’ll be surrounded by the world’s most diverse species of orchids and other flowering air plants, like giant bromeliads growing nestled in the branches.
As you ramble through this woodland paradise your guide, who traverses these paths every day, will point out to you the exotic flora and fauna found in this uncommon area. In addition to the lush foliage and interesting insects camouflaged in ways you would never see them on your own, rare birds may be spotted just by following their distinct vocalizations. You’ll discover how alive the forest is and may even encounter a sleeping sloth or family of monkeys. Every day offers something different so it is impossible to predict what you will see but your guide will be sure to show you what’s available.
You’ll cross rivers and streams before coming out onto back roads leading past working farms. You’ll pass coffee and banana plantations, both important agricultural crops sustaining the lives of the farmers and their families. You may see smoke coming out of the chimney’s from the wood burning stoves still used for cooking as well as heat at this high elevation.
This half day tour includes approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours on the trail, round trip transportation and naturalist guide. Because you’ll be at about 5,000 feet and in the cloud forest environment, you may want to wear long sleeves and bring a rain jacket. Closed toe shoes are recommended for the stirrups. There are three horseback rides each day at 8:00am, 11:00 am and 3:00pm. On the 3:00pm ride you’ll be on the trail at the time of sunset. Schedules are subject to change.
Whether you are a seasoned rider or never ridden before, there will be a horse here waiting to meet you!
The Horseback Riding - Extremo is available from Monteverde
8 and up
Latitude: N 10° 20' 37.06"
Longitude: W 84° 50' 38.79"