2 Hour Beach Horse Back Riding in Puerto Viejo

Imagine riding a gentle, well-cared-for horse along the powder-white sands of a Caribbean beach, with waves lapping at your feet and lush jungle surrounding you. That’s exactly what this 2-hour horseback riding tour in Puerto Viejo offers—an immersive experience that combines the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s coastline and jungle. The tour costs $99 per person, lasts about two hours, and is perfect for those looking to connect with nature in a relaxed setting.

What we love most are the friendly, spoiled horses—rescues that are well looked after—and the stunning views from the Punta Uva lookout, a highlight that frequently earns rave reviews. Plus, the fact that the tour includes riding through both jungle trails and along the Caribbean beach makes it an authentic nature experience, far from touristy crowds.

One thing to keep in mind: the activity starts promptly at 8:00 am, and private transportation isn’t included, so planning your pickup or meeting point is essential. This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate gentle adventures, are comfortable around animals, and seek a peaceful, scenic escape—whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned equestrian.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines jungle trails and beach rides for a true Costa Rican adventure
• Friendly Horses: Well-cared-for rescue horses with individual personalities
• Stunning Views: Punta Uva lookout offers breathtaking coastal vistas
• Accessible for Most: Suitable for most travelers, including beginners
• Guided by Knowledgeable Hosts: Guides like Vicki are praised for their helpfulness and patience
• No Transportation Included: Be sure to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point

An In-Depth Look: What to Expect on This Horseback Ride

When you sign up for this tour, you’ll meet your guide, likely Vicki, at the designated meeting point near Punta Uva around 8:00 am. The tour is designed to be a relaxed, enjoyable ride that lasts approximately two hours, with a mix of riding on the beach and through the jungle. It’s a private experience, meaning your small group will get personalized attention, perfect for beginners or those who prefer a quieter, more intimate adventure.

The Route: Beach and Jungle

The ride begins on Playa Grande, a gorgeous stretch of powder-white sand that’s perfect for strolling on horseback. As you cruise along the beach, you’ll get sweeping views of the turquoise sea and maybe even spot some wildlife. The horses, described as very friendly and well-behaved, are all rescues—so knowing they’re rescued and loved adds a special touch. Many reviews emphasize how well taken care of these horses are, and their distinct personalities make each ride more engaging.

After a relaxing beach trot, your guide will lead you to a short hike to the Punta Uva lookout. It’s about five minutes uphill, but the effort is rewarded with priceless views of the coast and surrounding jungle—an image you’ll likely want to capture. This spot is often called a top 5 “most beautiful beach” in the world, and it’s easy to see why once you’re there.

The Experience: What You’ll Feel and See

Most travelers comment on the peaceful pace of the ride. It’s not a vigorous gallop but a gentle cruise, suitable even for first-timers. Vicki, the guide, is praised for her helpfulness and patience, making beginners feel comfortable. As Lois B put it, “Victoria was awesome and her horses were so well behaved.” The horses, all rescues, are described as having independent personalities, which adds a layer of charm and authenticity.

The views from the lookout are a highlight, offering panoramic scenes of the coastline, lush greenery, and the sparkling Caribbean. We loved the way the trail alternates between the forest in the jungle and the open beach, providing diverse scenery. Sandra S also mentions the “spectacular views” and how the trail was “in the forest and on the beach,” giving a real sense of variety.

Additional Details: Comfort and Practicalities

The tour includes the use of Australian saddles and bridles, which are comfortable and stable, enhancing the riding experience. Since private transportation isn’t included, plan to meet at the specified location, which is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

The tour starts promptly at 8:00 am, ideal for early risers wanting to beat the heat and the crowds. The two-hour duration strikes a nice balance—long enough for a substantial ride but not so long as to tire out beginners or casual riders.

What Travelers Say

The reviews reflect a strong overall satisfaction, with a 4.5/5 rating based on 14 reviews. Travelers frequently highlight the friendly guides, notably Vicki, and the spectacular scenery. Kevin M. calls it “such a beautiful ride,” emphasizing the personalities of the horses and the helpfulness of the guide. Sandra S appreciated the kindness of the hosts and the well-cared-for rescue horses.

Lois B summarized her experience as “Pure Magic,” noting how riding through jungle and beach made it “so beautiful.” Raquel T recommends the experience as a “great” ride, especially noting the relaxed atmosphere. These positive comments reinforce the tour’s value for those seeking a peaceful, scenic adventure with authentic Costa Rican charm.

The Value of This Experience

At $99 per person, the tour offers a good value considering the personalized attention, the scenic diversity, and the chance to enjoy Costa Rica’s natural beauty on horseback. The inclusion of friendly rescue horses and the stunning lookout make it more than just a ride; it’s a memorable, photo-worthy experience. The fact that it’s private means you won’t be part of a large, hurried group, allowing you to take your time and absorb the scenery.

While transportation isn’t included, many travelers find the meeting point accessible or opt for a short ride or taxi, which adds a small extra cost but keeps the experience flexible. The tour’s early start helps avoid the heat and crowds, making for a more comfortable ride.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This horseback ride is perfect for nature lovers and those wanting a peaceful way to explore Costa Rica’s coast. It suits beginners or those with limited riding experience, thanks to the friendly guides and calm horses. It’s ideal for travelers who value authentic encounters—riding rescue horses, visiting a top-rated beach, and enjoying panoramic views. If you’re looking for a relaxing yet scenic adventure that combines beach, jungle, and coastline, this tour will meet your expectations.

It’s also well-suited for couples, small groups, or families with older children, given the gentle pace and safety emphasis. Those on a tighter schedule should plan around the start time and arrange private transport in advance.

FAQs

Do I need riding experience?
No, most travelers, including first-timers, can participate. The guides are patient and helpful, and the horses are well-behaved.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation isn’t included. You need to meet at the designated spot near Punta Uva, which is accessible by public transit or taxi.

What kind of horses are used?
The horses are rescue animals that are very friendly and have their own personalities. They are well taken care of.

How long is the ride?
The ride lasts approximately two hours, including the time on the beach and the hike to the lookout.

Can I do this at sunset?
The tour is offered in the morning or at sunset, allowing you to choose your preferred time of day.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for riding and sun protection. Shoes with a heel for safety are recommended.

Are dogs allowed?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and some reviews mention the guide’s two dogs accompanying the ride.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable for most ages, but check with the provider if you have very young children.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of jungle and beach scenery, the friendly, rescued horses, and the stunning view from the lookout make it a memorable Costa Rican experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

For anyone dreaming of riding along Caribbean sands with the jungle as a backdrop, this two-hour horseback adventure in Puerto Viejo hits the sweet spot—combining natural beauty, friendly guides, and authentic rescue horses. It’s a peaceful, scenic escape that suits beginners and experienced riders alike, especially those eager to experience Costa Rica’s “Pure Vida” lifestyle in a relaxed setting.

You’ll love the stunning views from the Punta Uva lookout, and you’ll appreciate the calm, well-behaved rescue horses that make the ride so enjoyable. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful morning on the beach or a sunset ride with incredible coastal vistas, this tour offers great value and genuine connection with nature.

In all, this experience is a wonderful way to add a memorable touch of Costa Rica to your trip—one that balances adventure, scenery, and a touch of local charm. It’s best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic, and authentic encounter with nature, leaving with beautiful photos and memories of Costa Rica’s vibrant coastline.