Arenal Canopy and Horseback Riding Adventure

If you’re looking to pack an afternoon with excitement, this Arenal Canopy and Horseback Riding Adventure in La Fortuna offers a compelling mix of adrenaline and scenic beauty. For around $163 per person, you’ll spend approximately 4 hours exploring Costa Rica’s lush landscapes through ziplining and horseback riding. Guided by friendly, professional guides, this tour promises panoramic views of Arenal Volcano and the surrounding rainforest, with hotel pickup and drop-off included for added convenience.

What makes this experience genuinely stand out are two things: the exhilarating zipline circuit—featuring eight cables spanning up to 2,460 feet—and the tranquil, scenic horseback ride offering close-up views of the volcano and lush vegetation. Both activities are suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, and the guides are praised for their helpfulness and safety focus.

A small consideration is that the tour requires a moderate physical fitness level and might not be ideal if you’re seeking a completely adrenaline-fueled experience alone. Also, if you or your travel companions prefer to skip certain parts, you might find that refunds are not offered unless you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

This tour suits travelers who love outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, and well-guided experiences. Families with children aged 5 and up, as well as couples and groups of friends, will find this combo appealing, especially given the positive reviews from those who value knowledgeable guides and scenic views.

Key Points

• Two Activities in One Day: Perfect for travelers wanting a varied outdoor experience, combining ziplining with a horseback ride.
• Stunning Views: Expect breathtaking vistas of Arenal Volcano, the rainforest, and farmlands, with frequent opportunities for memorable photos.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Chuki, Eddy, Marvin, and Harvin are consistently praised for their professionalism, safety assurance, and local knowledge.
• Great Value: For roughly $162.72, you get all activities, fruit, bottled water, and transportation, making it a cost-effective adventure.
• Flexible Experience: Horses are trained and suited for different riding levels, and zipline safety and comfort are prioritized.
• Reviewers Love It: With a rating of 5.0 from 76 reviews and a 96% recommendation rate, this tour receives high praise for fun, scenery, and safety.

Starting with a Smooth Pickup

The journey begins with hotel pickup in La Fortuna, which is a real plus—no need to worry about navigating to a meeting point or arranging transportation. Once on the way, you’ll quickly feel the anticipation building as you approach the adventure site. The shuttle service is often praised for its efficiency and friendliness, as one reviewer noted how Jorge, their driver, even stopped to show them sloths en route—a thoughtful touch that sets a friendly tone.

The Ziplining Experience: Soaring Through the Rainforest Canopy

The first half of the tour is dedicated to ziplining, where you’ll climb to a 43-foot-high tower and then fly across a series of eight cables, some stretching over 2,460 feet and reaching speeds up to 35 mph. The cables connect 12 platforms, five of which are perched in the trees, providing different vantage points.

What we love about this part is how guides like Marvin and Harvin ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable—especially important if you’re a first-timer or a little nervous. The views of the rainforest, the volcano, and the green lake are truly stunning, and many reviews mention how the scenery adds to the thrill. The Tarzan swing is a highlight, described as stomach-dropping but exhilarating, perfect for adrenaline junkies.

A key point to consider: since some zip lines are described as “slow and short” in one review, if you’re seeking a high-adrenaline challenge, you’ll appreciate the longer, faster cables and the last zip line, which is the highest and gives a phenomenal view. The safety equipment and instructions provided by the guides ensure that even less confident zipliners can enjoy the experience.

Transitioning to the Tranquility of Horseback Riding

After the rush of the zipline, you’ll switch gears to a more relaxed activity—horseback riding through farmland and rainforest trails. Once matched with a horse (with different options for varying experience levels), you’ll follow your guide along peaceful paths, with scenery that includes ferns, sugarcane, and enormous higueron trees.

The riding pace is kept slow enough for beginners and those less confident, as one reviewer appreciated how their guide kept everyone comfortable. The ride culminates at Silencio Observation Point, where you get a stunning view of Arenal, including its lava trails—a sight that’s worth the ride alone.

Many travelers found the guides like “Eddy” helpful and informative, sharing insights into the landscape and Costa Rican culture. The horses are described as well-trained and cared for, which adds peace of mind, especially for families with children aged 5 and up.

The Authentic Touch: Food and Convenience

At the end of the tour, fresh fruit and bottled water are included, a thoughtful gesture that refreshes after the activities. The reviews highlight how the friendly guides and the organized nature of the tour enhance the overall experience, making it more than just a series of activities—it’s a well-coordinated adventure that feels personal.

Overall Value and Experience

The price point of around $163 includes all activities, transportation, and refreshments, which is quite reasonable given the quality of guides, scenery, and safety standards. Many travelers, including one who mentioned “good value for money,” felt this excursion was worth the cost—a sentiment echoed across numerous reviews.

What Could Be Better?

While most reviews are glowing, some mention language barriers—guides may not speak fluent English, which could pose a minor challenge. Also, if the weather turns rainy, some activities might be less comfortable, though most still report having fun despite the weather. It’s worth noting that cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing some flexibility if weather conditions aren’t ideal.

This adventure is ideal for families, couples, and groups who enjoy outdoor pursuits and scenic views. It’s well-suited for beginners and those with moderate physical fitness, thanks to the gentle pace of horseback riding and guided ziplines. Travelers seeking expert guides and a mix of adrenaline and relaxation will find it hard to beat.

If you want a well-rounded Costa Rican outdoor experience—with the safety and professionalism that reviewers rave about—this tour ticks most boxes.

The Arenal Canopy and Horseback Riding Adventure offers an engaging way to see the countryside around La Fortuna while enjoying two distinctly different activities. The professional guides, breathtaking scenery, and good value make it a worthwhile choice for a memorable day. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, a peaceful ride, or a bit of both, this tour delivers.

It’s especially well-suited for those who want a structured, guided experience that emphasizes safety, scenery, and local knowledge. If you’re visiting Costa Rica and want to combine adventure with authentic natural beauty, this tour will likely leave you with great stories—and perhaps a new appreciation for the rainforest’s layers of life.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, including pickup, activities, and return transportation.

What activities are included?
You will enjoy eight zipline cables and a horseback ride through farmland and rainforest trails. Fruits and bottled water are also provided.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 5 years, and guides are experienced at making activities safe for kids and beginners.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity, closed-toe shoes, and weather-appropriate gear (like a rain jacket if rain is forecast).

Can I skip parts of the tour?
While you can choose not to participate in some activities (e.g., ziplining), refunds are only available if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance.

Are guides helpful if I don’t speak much Spanish?
Most guides are very professional and helpful, but some reviews mention limited English. Still, their safety instructions are clear.

What is the main highlight?
Many say the scenic views of Arenal Volcano from the horseback ride and the thrilling zipline circuit are the tour’s standout moments.

This tour balances adventure with tranquility, making it a perfect choice for those craving an active, scenic day in Costa Rica.