1,5 Hours Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal
Recommended by 96% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica
- 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
With clear waters and crushed-seashell sands, Playa Conchal is one of the Gold Coast’s most scenic beaches. On this private tour, saddle up and explore the beach from the back of a (well-trained and well-taken-care-of) horse. Follow your guide along the seashore, getting the chance to see wildlife such as iguanas, monkeys, and many types of birds.
- A private horseback riding tour along Playa Conchal
- Spot wildlife including birds, iguanas, and monkeys
- No prior horseback riding experience is required
- A private tour means more attention from your guide
What's Included
- licensed guide
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- C653+762, Guanacaste Province, Brasilito, Costa Rica
We also can start tours from the Westin or W Conchal or Reserva Conchal
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Playa Conchal
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Ethan_A
Our 2 guides were very helpful and knowledgeable. The 1.5 hr ride was just perfect to ride across the beautiful Playa Conchal beaches and into the surrounding forest area. They showed us manta rays, monkeys, plants, fruits, and the beautiful scenery of the Playa Conchal beach. Because we have ridden horses before, we were able to gallop and my daughter full ran across the beach! What a wonderful experience we had!
Reviews
4.8
based on 249 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Amy_G, Jun 2026
They were super sweet and accommodating! They assisted novice riders with a lead and offered slower calmer horses. For those who wanted to ride faster, they had horses that liked to trot and gallop! 🏇 They took our pictures and were friendly! Loved this experience and would totally do it again! Who doesn’t love the idea of riding through the ocean and the up to the hillside for an incredible view?!! Amazing!
Jennie_M, May 2026
Absolutely one of the best parts of our trip! The horses were safe and well trained. Our guide let us go as fast or as slow as we wanted. My daughter even got to gallop and ride in the ocean! The water was unbelievably blue and the whole ride was picturesque. Such an amazing experience!
Response from Host, May 2026
Hello and thank you so much for you rewarding us with this glowing review !!
You are right to mention the amazing scenery we have here as an addition to our loved and healthy horses !
have a beautiful day
Kara_D, Apr 2026
I would not recommend this horseback riding experience in Conchal/Playa Conchal.
The condition of the horses was deeply concerning. Several appeared clearly undernourished, with hip bones visibly protruding. What made this even more troubling was that we passed multiple other tour groups along the route, and their horses all looked significantly healthier and better cared for by comparison. The difference was hard to ignore and really took away from the experience.
Beyond that, the guide was minimally engaged and provided little to no instruction, even though our group consisted entirely of beginner riders. At times, he would ride ahead and leave us behind, which felt unsafe.
Overall, the lack of proper animal care is unacceptable and overshadowed everything else. I would strongly encourage others to choose a different company that prioritizes the health and well-being of their horses.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Dear Readers
We highly recommend do the tour by yourself and call us to see the horses before the ride because this comment must concern another company than ours ! We are providing the best cares to our horses and have the healthiest here around. Also they are not waiting all day because we only go out upon appointments. So do not be confused and trust all the good reviews you have seen and read about us ! Thx ! Don’t let the internet trolls win and keep on trusting our services
Andrew_D, Oct 2025
Unbelievable time, our guide was amazing guide / teacher since this was our second time riding horses. Will definitely be back and would recommend to anyone traveling to the area.
Mohammad_S, Aug 2025
My wife and I scheduled the tour because we wanted the full experience but on the day of our tour, which was scheduled at 9am, our 18 months old son came down with a fever. I requested 45 minutes prior to our tour to reschedule for next day or Monday. She did not do anything to help us. She charged me for something she did not provide service for. What kind of policy is this? She is not able to refund me or reschedule me for another day for something we did not have control over. I called her on WhatsApp to talk to her and she canceled my phone call. Situation was handled very poorly. I feel like I paid 150 for nothing and my money went to complete waste. Don't trust this place, specially if you're booking with small kids. Very unprofessional on how my situation was handled.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello Mohamed
I’m truly sorry to hear about your situation and that your little one wasn’t feeling well. As a parent, I completely understand how unexpected and stressful that can be.
That said, please note that our tours require preparation and staffing, and according to Viator’s cancellation policy, changes or cancellations cannot be accepted within 24 hours of the scheduled activity. A last-minute request, just 45 minutes before the tour, unfortunately falls outside of what is possible.
It’s similar to ordering food at a restaurant: once it’s prepared, the cost still applies even if you’re suddenly unable to enjoy it. In this case, everything was already arranged and ready for your experience.
I did reply to your WhatsApp messages, though I wasn’t able to take your call at that exact moment. I understand this isn’t the outcome you hoped for, but I kindly ask you to see that we are not responsible for the circumstances that prevented your participation.
Wishing your baby a speedy recovery.
Christine_G, Jul 2025
So beautiful! The beach was fantastic with manta rays swimming near by! Use bug spray before you go!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much! We’re so glad you enjoyed the beachand how incredible to see manta rays nearby right? Great tip about the bug spray too, this is what we always recommend too ! as well as sunblock. Hope to see you again soon
Luke_C, Jul 2025
Ricardo was so knowledgeable and helpful . Couldn’t have had a better time on our tour! Highly recommend to anyone visiting the area
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hey Luke !! thx so much ! glad you liked our team and thanks so much for the positive review !!
Ethan_A, May 2025
Our 2 guides were very helpful and knowledgeable. The 1.5 hr ride was just perfect to ride across the beautiful Playa Conchal beaches and into the surrounding forest area. They showed us manta rays, monkeys, plants, fruits, and the beautiful scenery of the Playa Conchal beach. Because we have ridden horses before, we were able to gallop and my daughter full ran across the beach! What a wonderful experience we had!
Matthew_S, Apr 2025
I have a family of 6 with 4 kids under age 12. My oldest has special needs and the crew showed up and showed out! They brought extra hands to help make the experience great for kids! Additionally the crew have become excellent photographers and set you up with many drop gorgeous photo gems for the ages!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure to host your beautiful family. We’re so glad the extra support made the experience smooth and enjoyable for everyone—especially the kids! And we’re thrilled you loved the photos—we always aim to capture those special moments. Sending a big hug to all of you, and we hope to welcome you back again someday!
Michael_B, Apr 2025
Definitely go in the morning before it gets too hot. Saw some monkeys and nice beaches and other hotels
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Yes Michael ! I agree !! I also love morning ride. Riding early in the morning is better because the weather is cooler and more comfortable for both horse and rider. The trails or arenas are usually quieter, creating a more peaceful and focused environment. Plus, it sets a positive tone for the rest of the day, energizing both mind and body.Thx for choosing us !!
hmarmon, Jan 2025
Our guide Gustavo was great. Friendly, funny, informative, kind, attentive and eager to please. Wanted to make sure everyone was comfortable and feeling good and confident! Riding on the beach was so nice!! Beautiful water and view. Ride was safe and calm.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience and that Gustavo made the ride enjoyable for you. He truly loves what he does and always goes the extra mile to ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident.
Riding on the beach is such a special experience, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the beautiful views and calm ride. We’d love to have you back anytime for another adventure!
Warm regards,
Nicole
Cynthia_L, Jan 2025
What a wonderful time. We rode along amazing beaches, and it was perfect for my 8 year old who had never ridden before. He now wants to take rising lessons!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hello this is super cute and exactly what we are hoping for the kids. We are super happy to learn he’s wanting to be back on horse ! thx a lot for your lovely review
Patricia_B, Jan 2025
Such a wonderful experience we had horseback riding on beautiful beaches! Our guides were very friendly, attentive and accommodating.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hey Patricia ! It has been lovely to get to know you and your daughters ! Thank you so much for choosing us and writting us this beautiful review. Take care !
Jeannie_G, Dec 2024
I read all the reviews and would recommend not doing this on a Saturday or in the afternoon. and maybe if you can confirm your guide in advance. I had high expectations so maybe that was why I was so disappointed but the horses were very tired and sweaty as if they had been overworked. Their ears back and one couldn’t keep up with the group. Nicole let me know the morning of that she would not be my guide but that Orlando would take great care of us and is a great guide. We arrived and Orlando put us on the horses. We all felt bad for the horses as they seemed tired and hungry, tutor was at 3 so they had a long day. The beaches we walked on were packed with people not secluded or private. My husband’s horse had a horseshoe come half off in the first 10 mins and had to bring the horse back and they had no more horses so he got no tour. We ended up doing an hour instead of two because of that, the overcrowded beaches and the overworked horses. Orlando was not our guide. Juan Carlos was and he was very nice but there was a language barrier and there was very little talking about the area, Costa Rica or the flora and fauna. He did point out an iguana. Overall a huge disappointment. Nicole was responsive on text and offered for us to come back the next day but we had plans. No offer to refund my husband for no tour or for shortening the tour. Overall would recommend going with another company.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
hi Jeannie !
we are sorry the experience was not fulfilling your expectations and would like to give some details for the readers:
* horses did not work all day, we just had 1 ride just before yours. We always take horses extra for the rides out and then they go home.
* Beaches are crowded in the peak season (between Christmas and New Year) and especially afternoon for sunset.
* you have not asked for refund for your husband. Would have it make it better ? please send a request, we’ll be happy to help. A horse can loose a shoe. Most of the time the horse can keep up without problem especially in the sand.
* Juan Carlos is a young costa rican guys that has to improve its communication skills true.
We thank you for your kindness and non aggressive words. pura vida and yes please come ride for free with me again anytime
Janna_C, Dec 2024
Such a fun ride! We saw
Monkeys and beautiful beaches. The horses were sweet and easy to ride. Our guide was great too. We loved it!!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you so much ! so glad you liked it and took time to write this great review!
pura vida
Patrcia_G, Oct 2024
Lizette was an amazing guide. We rode Pinto and Simba, who were super gentle and calm. Lizette pointed out several birds, showed us iguanas and crabs. The scenery was incredible and she even took photos to send to us. Definitely a must do experience. Nicole was on top of communication and we knew exactly where to go to meet up....
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your horseback ride along the beautiful Playa Conchal. It’s always our goal to provide a memorable and unique experience while showcasing the stunning natural beauty of the area.
We’re glad you had the chance to enjoy the peaceful beach, ocean views, and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way. If you ever return, we’d love to take you on another adventure.
Thanks again for choosing us, and we hope to see you soon!
Samuel_A, Sep 2024
It was a great experience horse back riding with my 2 kids. It was an amazing ride. Nicole was very accommodating and made it happen inspite of weather issues
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience with Pacific Horses! We’re thrilled to hear your positive feedback and are grateful you chose us for your equestrian needs. Your review helps us continue to provide the best service possible, and we truly appreciate your support. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future!
Sarah_P, Sep 2024
Our horseback riding tour was fantastic! Our guide was super fun, friendly and knowledgeable about the lands! He took our pictures several different times and had fun with us! The horses were great and well trained. The beach was absolutely breathtaking. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone. Nicole the owner is very responsive to messages and communicates well!
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for your awesome review of Pacific Horses! We’re over the moon (or should we say saddle?) to hear you had a great experience. If horses could read, they would be neighing with joy right now! pura vida
Robert_T, Aug 2024
We had a fun ride with scenic views on Playa Conchal. Horses had good energy and our guide was super nice.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you so much Robert for this very positive review ! sending you good vibes back and sunshines from Costa Rica !
Lauren_P, Aug 2024
Great time. Checked off my bucket list. Had the best guide & perfect weather. Spent quality time with my daughter.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Family is so important and we are glad we could be part of your happiness for 1 hour and a half ! Keep these nice memories and Pacific Horses in your heart for a long time hopefully. Take care
DeShawnda_B, Aug 2024
I booked this excursion for my family during our Costa Rica visit. Communication before the excursion was awesome and we were able to meet the guide at the Reserva Conchal beach club where we were staying to start our ride. It was a nice trail and our guide took a few pics for us. My only complaint was even though he did point out howler monkeys he didn’t talk much so we didn’t get much info about the area and where we were riding.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
I am truly sorry and this is very unusual indeed. We are generally very communicative and lively ! We love to entertain and talk about nature and overall the life here. Sorry you experienced this and hopefully you'll be back for a more dynamic ride next time ! pura vida !
cesar_i, Jul 2024
Everyone involved were very nice and accommodating going to extra mile to make sure we felt safe and enjoyed our time.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience with Pacific Horses! We’re thrilled to hear your positive feedback and are grateful you chose us for your equestrian needs. Your review helps us continue to provide the best service possible, and we truly appreciate your support. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future!
Danny_B, Jul 2024
Very relaxing and enjoyable ride. Great stops for pictures. Melvin was a wonderful guide. Would definitely recommend
Elizabeth_J, Jul 2024
My three teenagers went on this horseback riding tour and had a great time! They loved seeing the monkeys! The tour guide was amazing.
China_J, Jun 2024
Gustavo was the best tour guide in ever!!! We had so much fun riding with Jalapeño Rambo and Mystery. The beach was beautiful the Mountain View’s the water it was amazing even with rain. Thank you so much Gustavo you are amazing 😊
Jeff, Jun 2024
Our guide Letecia (sp) met us at the beach near the W Reserva Conchal resort enabling us to easily meet her for our ride. She was courteous, informative, and took us on a wonderful 1.5 hour tour throughout the Reserva Conchal property. The horses were very well mannered and easily guided. The photos she took of us on the beach were especially memorable. We highly recommend this tour company. You won't regret it. Thank you. Jeff & Tracey F.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Tracey and Jeff Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for Pacific Horses! We truly appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear about your experience. We truly love to take perfect pictures for you to share and keep ! please come back and recommend us to your friends ! Pura Vida, with love and sunshines
Natalie_S, May 2024
Nicole is the owner/operator and always quickly responded and provided any necessary updates. She owns all her horses and rotates their work days. You can absolutely see that these are happy horses! And of course, Gustavo. He is your guide and one of my favorite people I met in Costa Rica. Just such a friendly, knowledgeable, and fun person! They have given my sister her most cherished memory on our trip. Thank you Nicole and Gustavo!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you Natalie !! It has been a pleasure hosting you and we are grateful you posted some stars and nice comments here. I sometimes wish we could rate travellers here too actually ! you would deserve so sweet words too. Take care !
Geoff_W, May 2024
Incredible experience! So welcoming and intimate. We had an amazing time. Tough to beat the views. Guide recommended we went earlier (9am) vs our booking of (12 noon). Appreciate the expert opinion as it was extremely hot by noon - amazing experience would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Great way to spend your anniversary Geoffrey ! Glad you liked it, sure the trip from Tamarindo to Conchal was worth it. It has been a pleasure welcoming you !
Haley_G, May 2024
My experience today with Pacific Horses in Playa Conchal was very disappointing. I booked this for me, my boyfriend, and his parents. We got there at 3:30 when our scheduled time was at 4. I get a message from Nicole one of the owners about 10 minutes before our ride. It said urgent please call. She thought our ride was for the next day and didn’t have horses for us to ride. I booked this the day prior and got a confirmation email that my payment and time was received. This was very unpleasant that this business messed up my booking. Nicole was able to get us 4 horses but our guide ended up walking since there wasn’t enough horses.
Then the horses we got had already been out on a tour before us and had no water or hay offered to them when they got back. The horses were sweating and I felt bad that we got on them for a second time. I’m not sure if they were out for more tours earlier in the day too. However, the beach was beautiful that we rode on and we got to see monkeys which was cool.
Another disappointment was our guide on his phone for a majority of the ride. I thought he would tell us more about the nature around us and the horses. Instead he took calls and even stopped and talk to people along the path of the trail. For the majority of the ride I was at the rear end of the line and the guide kept throwing things at the horse I was riding to get him to go faster. The horse was being just fine and the pace at which we were moving was a good pace for the rest of the group. There was no need for him to make the horse go faster by throwing things at him or hitting him with a branch.
When we ended the ride it hadn’t even been an hour and a half which is what’s promised in the title of the booking. Worst of all the horses we rode who clearly needed water were sent right back onto the trail with a new group of people.
I ride horses and know about caring for them properly. They are huge animals and drink between 5-15 gallons of water in 24 hours. It is so painful to see these horses mistreated in the hot Costa Rican weather. The high was 90 degrees Fahrenheit with 88% of humidity. If you’re looking for a good business that treats their animals well on the trail don’t choose Pacific Horses. Sorry for the long review, but wanted people to know before they choose this business.
Response from Host, May 2024
Deeply sorry for the bad experience I have no excuses but saying (as I warned a few minutes 4 pm) that I absolutely forgot your ride this day and thought it was for the day after. After talking to you on the phone you said you were leaving the next day and had to do the ride has planned (understandable). I got an emmergency team of 4 horses so you could go anyway. And I am deeply sorry your ride didn’t exceed our usual standard. I have offered you a refund in a private message as I totally and personally messed up and this review is reflecting a very exeptionnal unusual case. Waiting for your reply. Thx in advance !
Pete_K, Apr 2024
This whole thing was a big disappointment from the beginning, the meeting place is not clearly posted.
The horses looked tired.
And the tour guy spent time on his cellphone almost non stop. We cancelled and went back to the hotel after about 20 minutes into this experience.
If the tour guy was a genuine he would explain few things and spend some time interacting with us. Instead we ended up going through the beach full of people and small kids and when he got free from being on the phone he would talk for few minutes to us and then go back to his phone.
Response from Host, May 2024
Hello ! very unsual ! could you please reach out and tell me when this was ? cannot find your booking. please text me +506 8456 5289 or nicolepacifichorses@gmail.com
We are definitively not offering this kind of disappointing experience
From $85.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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1,5 Hours Private Horseback Riding Tour in Playa Conchal
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