Arenal Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Feel like a jungle explorer as you venture into the lush rainforest around Arenal Volcano on a horseback ride from La Fortuna. Mount your horse and follow a guide along a scenic trail that hugs a river canyon, stopping to admire the Pino Blanco and La Fortuna waterfalls. Cool off with an optional swim, and learn about Costa Rica’s indigenous culture at the Maleku Village.
- Go where cars can't as you ride a horse through the tropical rainforest of Arenal
- No horseback riding experience is required
- Family-friendly activity suitable for ages 5 and up
- Bring swimwear for a dip, and long pants for the horseback ride
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Horseback ride
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Use of helmet
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Minimum age is 7 years
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- A maximum of 14 people per booking
- Wear long pants for the horseback riding
- Bring your swimwear
- Restrooms are available in between the activities
- The maximum weight limit is 220 pounds.
- Visitors must be in good physical condition, as the hike to La Fortuna Waterfall is considered a moderate hike.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 145 reviews
CHRISTOPHER_W, Apr 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed the experience! My wife and I have never ridden horses before, our guide Danny showed us how to handle them and they were well tempered for the ride up and back, about half an hour each way. At the top of the ride is a trailhead with about 500 steps down to the base of the waterfall. It is steep but as someone who hikes often it was not difficult, most of it is well maintained stairs and hand railing. There is a narrow river out of the waterfall that’s about 3 feet deep you have to cross to get to the rock formation to approach the waterfall itself and swim around there. Good idea to bring a bag with water shoes and a towel for this portion.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed review. We are delighted to hear you and your wife thoroughly enjoyed the experience, especially as first time horseback riders. Danny will be glad to know his guidance helped make you feel comfortable and confident throughout the ride. We also appreciate you sharing such helpful details about the hike and waterfall access for future visitors. It is wonderful to know you enjoyed both the adventure and the natural beauty along the way. Thank you again for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for another memorable experience in the future.
Natalie_K, Mar 2026
We had such a great time riding horses and swimming in the waterfall pool. The horses were very well trained and even new youth riders had a blast. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
So happy to hear you enjoyed both the horseback ride and the time at the waterfall, such a special combination. It’s great to know the horses made the experience enjoyable for everyone, even the younger riders.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for more memorable moments in nature!
Makenzie_H, Jan 2026
The experience was great! Our guide Otto was awesome and made the tour great. The horseback ride was a good length without getting too sore and the falls were beautiful
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re happy to hear you had a great time and truly enjoyed the tour. It’s wonderful to know the horseback ride felt well balanced and comfortable, and that the waterfall made such a strong impression. We’re glad everything came together to make it a memorable experience for you.
T_W, Dec 2025
It was the best experience I’ve had so far in Costa Rica! Kevin was amazing and the horses are so gentle. The waterfall was awesome!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that this was the best experience you’ve had in Costa Rica so far. It’s great to know that you enjoyed the horseback ride, felt comfortable with the horses, and were impressed by the beauty of the waterfall. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure.
Donna_J, Sept 2025
We had an amazing time on our horseback riding/waterfall tour with Danny and Pablo. Both Danny and Pablo went above and beyond to make our trip one we won't forget! We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone-make sure to ask for Danny and Pablo as your tour guides!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for sharing such a great review.
We’re thrilled to hear that your horseback riding and waterfall tour was such a memorable experience. Danny and Pablo truly enjoy going the extra mile for our guests, and your kind words reflect the passion and dedication they bring to every tour.
Thank you for your recommendation. It would be a pleasure to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure.
Ninad_P, Dec 2024
The horseback riding experience is very nice. However, we expected to be in the trails rather than being on the paved road.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad you enjoyed the horseback riding experience. While parts of the route include paved sections, our trails are designed to provide a mix of scenic views and ease of access.
Erica_F, May 2024
We did 2 activities with Mundo Aventura, 12 course zipline and horse riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, both of which we did not enjoy at all.
For the zipline they bring you to a base in a tractor-trailer and then you have to hike for a good 20 minutes all uphill on steps which are old and some of which are extremely steep (NOT MENTIONED IN THE ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION).
Horse riding was an absolute nightmare. They get you on the horses and then the guide proceeds to tell you, "These horses like to go fast". NOT SOMETHING I SIGNED UP FOR bouncing on top a horse, hanging on for dear life. Get off the horse to hike downhill for 1800FT in steep conditions which look as if they were carved out during the Roman period, have a swim for an hour then die crawling back up. I was on all 4s at one point gasping for air (THIS HIKE DOWN AND UP IS NOT MENTIONED IN THE ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION).
When we were down by the falls there was a lady with a CANE! I can only imagine how she got back up that cliff. Shocking.
I am no athlete, nor am I a couch potato, yet this was shocking and excessively exhausting to complete before and or after each of these activities.
Jen_M, Mar 2024
The guides were amazing and the waterfall was as well. The problem I had with this tour is as a horse owner myself, I felt the route for the horses was very unstable and unsafe. All concrete and rock hills, the horses were actually slipping going back down. Rather than a scenic trail, it was actually a rocky/semi-paved road that was shared by large tractors carrying tourists. The horses were often trotting up and down these steep hills. I wouldn’t do this tour via horseback again, although the guides were great and so was the waterfall.
Tom_G, Mar 2024
Great staff and horses were quite easy to control. We had several small children in our group and they all had a blast. Very safe and beautiful ride and the hike to the waterfall also amazing. Great for beginners . A little tame for experienced riders.
Justin_B, Jun 2023
Fun experience and great way to get to la fortuna waterfall. Our only criticism is the group of 23 horseriders is very large. Be prepared for that.
Sharmelle_G, Apr 2023
The hike is very rigorous. If you are not athletic it will be hard. I went with my 17 year old daughter and even she had to stop a couple times going back up. The climb down is hard but going back up I didn’t think I’d make it sour of the rain Forrest alive. Danny was my house and he was very patient with me.
Response from Host, May 2023
Thank you for joining us for Horseback Riding adventure with a visit to the La Fortuna Waterfall and for sharing your feedback with us.
We understand that the hike to and from the waterfall can be challenging for some, especially going back up, but we're glad to hear that our guide Danny was patient & supportive for you to be able to conquer the quest and get to enjoy this incredible nature setting.
We always want to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests, and we appreciate your feedback. We hope you enjoyed the overall experience and hope to welcome you back soon for another adventure. Pura Vida!
Tamar_K, Mar 2023
Our family loved the horseback riding and the waterfall is very pretty too. We were two adults and a seven year old and it worked for all.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Tamara, thank you for sharing your positive experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family enjoyed the horseback riding tour with us and found the waterfall beautiful. We always strive to create an experience that works for everyone, and we're glad to hear that it was the case for your family. Thanks for choosing Arenal Mundo Aventura!
Kathryn_F, Feb 2023
The guides were relaxed and friendly.
Paired the horses well according to everyone’s specific abilities
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thank you Kathryn, we are happy to read that you enjoyed your Horseback Riding trip at Arenal Mundo Aventura. We would have liked to read why one star is missing on your evaluation as we always thrive to better our experiences and service. We hope to welcome you back one day. Many more adventures are available at AMA. Pura Vida!
Matt_M, Feb 2023
The entire ride is on the road to the top, shared with tractors taking zip liners up to the top. My wife got kicked in the foot by another horse and has a nice bruise this morning. We were really hoping for a walk through nature or the farm.
The walk to the waterfall and the waterfall itself was very pretty. That made the trip worth it. But quicker ways to see it are available.
David_T, Mar 2022
Sweet horses, gorgeous waterfall. It was raining quite hard at times , as it does so often here in Costa Rica, but it didn’t stop us from having a terrific time on this tour
Response from Host, Mar 2022
That is the adventure spirit. Thank you so much David for this wonderful review. We are so glad you made us part of your Costa Rica memories joining our horseback riding experience. We hope you will return soon and get to experience any of other fabulous adventure combos. La Fortuna invites to keep exploring. Thank you & Pura Vida!
Lone_B, Feb 2022
The tour was planned to 4 our, it took 2,5 our..
Up of the trays with rocks and stone all over..
The poor horses was skinny and fought with a terrain, who wasnt good for their legs.
No good animal welfare.
Beautifull waterfall.
Tina_G, Jan 2022
Rode horses up for 30 minutes to the top of the steps to go down to the waterfall. It's about 400 steps. The horses were well behaved. The guide was very friendly. He went down to the waterfall with us and stayed with our bag while we went into the waterfall pool and did waterfall pictures. Even in the rain it was good tour.
Maxine_M, Oct 2021
Excellent time. I have been riding for many years and these horses were well behaved and well kept. The guide was also very knowledgeable about his botany. We were lucky enough to see howler monkeys and a hawk on our ride and hike. The trek down to the waterfall is steep but well worth it. I would recommend bring a small bag with water a snack and a camera. They provide fresh fruit after tour, but would definitely recommend having breakfast first and snack if you get hungry easily. I thought they were providing lunch and I was famished by the end of the ride. Our guide Paz was interactive and hilarious. Definitely would do this trip again.
Tina_M, Jul 2021
Loved this excursion. My boys thought this was the best thing we have done since being in Costa Rica. The horses were fun our guide was super friendly and the water fall and the surroundings were beautiful.
Craig_D, Jul 2021
Horses were the most well behaved horses I’ve ever been on! The hike to the waterfall was so amazing. Crystal was a fantastic guide.
Response from Host, Jul 2021
Thank you Craig !
margaret_D, Mar 2019
Just beware, the hike is rigorous! You don’t ride the horses to the waterfall, there is a hike down and up. That being said, it was a wonderful experience. Our guide Carlos was pleasant company, had interesting and informative things to say about things alingbthe way. Our group was small. The horses are typical service animals, not flashy or pet like. Carlosntreated them with kindness which made us feel good. The waterfall (Fortuna) and swim refreshed and invigorated us while also amazing us. Worth the price and a good day.
Vijaya_S, Jan 2019
The whole experience was great ! They pick you up from the hotel and take you to the place where the horse riding begins. The guide was excellent! Waterfall and hike were breathtaking . You have to be fit enough to hike up the last stretch to the waterfall.
Daniel L, Aug 2018
A pity.The horses are injured and should be at rest.You just ride 45 minutes on a rocky way to reach the place to walk to the waterfall La Fortuna.There you have to go down the stairs ( slope of 600 meter) to reach a hole where you have 100 people bathing in a rapid river, you make a short halt and after go up the stairs.On the way back, you stop in a tourist gift shop presented as a village of natives???A real tourist trap.Buy a picture of the waterfall it is cheaper and less exhausting
Geoffrey_R, Feb 2023
Achat dune excursion à cheval de 4h pour 5 personnes. Nous n'avons fait que 3 heures au lieu de 4h....et sur ces 3h il y a seulement une marche à cheval sur un chemin qui ne se trouve pas du tout dans la jungle puis ensuite on pose les chevaux pour marcher un bon moment et arriver à une rivière où une foule de personnes se baignent. Bref passez votre chemin vu le budget de cette ballade
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Geoffrey, thank you for your review. Please kindly not that our tour time may vary depending on the number of participants in each tour. In your case, we were lucky to actually have a small group which also makes for a more personalized experience. We are sorry that the tour may have not fulfilled your expectations, we however do lay out in the tour descriptions what to expect. The La Fortuna Waterfall is a highlight for many visitors that join us here every year and we are glad to have a direct access via Arenal Mundo Aventura.
We very much appreciate your review as all your observations help us to better. Thank you so much!
From $94.21
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Arenal Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall
145
4 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$94.21
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Sporting Events
- Extreme Sports
- Climbing
- 4WD Tours
- Tickets & Passes
- Outdoor Activities
- La Fortuna
- Sporting Events - Monteverde
- Extreme Sports - Monteverde
- 4WD Tours - Monteverde
- Extreme Sports - Miramar
- Climbing - Miramar
- Sporting Events - Puntarenas
- Extreme Sports - Puntarenas
- Climbing - Puntarenas
- 4WD Tours - Puntarenas
Attractions in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
- Lake Arenal Tours & Tickets
- Arenal Volcano National Park Tours & Tickets
- Baldi Hot Springs Tours & Tickets
- Celeste River (Río Celeste) Tours & Tickets
- Tabacon Hot Springs Tours & Tickets
- Venado Caves (Cavernas de Venado) Tours & Tickets
- La Fortuna Waterfall Tours & Tickets
- Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center Tours & Tickets
- Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa Tours & Tickets
- Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park Tours & Tickets
- Sarapiqui Canopy Tours & Tickets
More attractions near La Fortuna, Costa Rica