A horse riding holiday in this peaceful democracy in Central America is easily accessible, safe and a wonderful way to get off the beaten track. Costa Rica is celebrated for its outstanding commitment to environmental protection and human rights and has a criollo/gaucho horse culture. Horseback rides take you on palm-fringed beaches, by glorious waterfalls, past active volcanoes and through mystical cloud forest. Costa Rica is home to the highest density of species on Earth, driven by altitude variations, so expect to encounter an astonishing variety of wildlife along the way. From birds and monkeys to sloths and exotic plants, the country’s biodiversity is on full display, and there’s no better way to take it all in than on horseback.
The country’s name, “Costa Rica,” means “rich coast,” and it was first visited by a European in 1502 when Christopher Columbus arrived. It later became a Spanish colony, which is why Spanish remains the official language today. During colonial times, Costa Rica was largely ignored by Spain. While this led to hardship, it also gave the country space to grow in its own way - paving the way for the unique, vibrant nation we know and love today.
At Unicorn Trails, we offer a handpicked selection of horseback riding vacations across Costa Rica. Our experienced team is here to offer you independent, personalised advice, helping you find the perfect riding holiday that suits your interests, experience, and sense of adventure.
Experience the Natural Beauty of Costa Rica on a Horseback Vacation
Costa Rica has over 1,000 km of Pacific beaches to the west and more than 200 km of Caribbean coastline to the east. Although it represents just 0.1% of the world’s total landmass, this small country is home to an incredible 5% of the planet’s biodiversity.
Approximately 23% of Costa Rica’s territory is protected within conservation areas, which is more than any other country in the world. These national reserves protect an extraordinary variety of plants and animal life, including over 400 species of birds, big cats, tapirs, monkeys, sloths, green and loggerhead turtles, spiny-tailed iguanas (world’s fastest lizard), and many many more.
This small nation also ranks first in the Happy Planet Index, which measures how much of the Earth's resources a country uses and as a result how happy its inhabitants are. If you want to live a long and happy life, then come to Costa Rica!
A horse riding vacation in Costa Rica is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the unspoiled natural beauty of what many consider the ‘greenest’ country in the world.
Our Range of Horseback Tours in Costa Rica
At Unicorn Trails, we offer a variety of horseback tours in Costa Rica to suit every level of rider. Due to very different locations and terrains the best way to experience the variety of the country is to combine two or more locations.
Costa Rica, A Taste of Guanacaste
This ranch-based vacation includes all the culture of Costa Rica's Guanacaste ranching region. The 8-day program has 5 days of riding for 3-5 hours each day. Riders must be able to walk, trot, and canter comfortably, and groups are small, with 2-7 riders. You'll stay on a 50-acre family ranch with tropical trees, near the beach, waking up to monkey calls and horses in the fields. From November to July, you can join local horse parades featuring music, food, and dancing. Many of the horses were born on the ranch, they are well-trained, and most have a smooth gait. They range from 14-16 hands high and have good temperaments. You'll ride on country roads, trails, beaches and coastal mountains with guides who speak English and Spanish.
Costa Rica, Classical or Natural Horsemanship Retreat
Learn classical dressage or natural equestrianship on this relaxing vacation at an organic farm on a remote hilltop. The 7-day program includes 5 private lessons, each about 45 minutes long, and it works for all skill levels, even beginners. Non-riders are also welcome and can focus on learning groundwork. In the classical equestrianship training, horses learn to carry themselves with strength and grace. Riders learn to use their seat with balance and light aids. Alongside the lessons, you can enjoy trail riding and other tours. You'll stay in beautiful apartments with semi-private rooms, and the meals are vegetarian (vegan available if you ask), using fresh produce from the farm. You can even pick herbs for your tea from the medicinal garden.
Costa Rica, Cloud Forest
Experience the cloud forests, jungles and mountains of Costa Rica on this Western-style riding vacation on a working farm. The 7-day program includes 5 riding days of 3-5 hours each. You should be an intermediate rider who can adapt to Western style, and groups are small with 2-6 people. This vacation is based on a cattle ranch, and there are plenty of chances to explore the hilly countryside, meadows, cloud forests and jungles with mountains and ocean views. Your hosts are a welcoming German/Costa Rican team. Their ranch has 200 hectares of pasture for their cattle, and you'll stay in air-conditioned lodges, each with a small kitchen and living area. There's also an outdoor swimming pool where you can cool off after riding.
Escape to Costa Rica
Just 2 hours west of San Jose Airport this is the perfect place to start your horseback vacation. Based on a luxury ranch you can ride beautifully bred and schooled horses which are the pride and joy of the owner. This untouched paradise, where comfort never sacrifices sustainability, is a place where guests can wander, reflect and adventure. Ride in a different direction each day through the 1,200 acres of untouched tropical forest interspersed with open meadows. The horseback riding is tailored to the needs and wishes of the individual ride from a smooth amble to plunging into rivers and cantering across meadows.
Costa Rica, Silver Saddles Riding Weeks
This vacation for mature riders offers great riding, beautiful horses and professional guides in the Guanacaste region. The 8-day program has 6 riding days of 3-5 hours each. It works for novice riders who can walk, trot, and canter on a good horse. Groups are small, with 2-6 people, and these tours are flexible and can be adapted to your riding level. There is also the opportunity to choose a 5-7 night program with options to add beach or mountain stays. Western saddles are used, and the riding style is relaxed with neck-reining. There's a mounting block at the ranch and help available on trails if you need it. Weight limits are 200 pounds for beginners and 215 pounds for experienced riders.
Getting to Costa Rica
For the Guanacaste and the Silver Saddles programs, guests will need to fly to Liberia Airport (LIR). Please note that transfers from the airport are not included and will incur an additional cost. While there are currently no direct flights from London to Liberia, there are plenty of convenient indirect options available. For the Horsemanship Retreat and Cloud Forest programs, riders will need to fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Airport transfers are included for these programs. Although there are no direct flights from London to San José, connecting routes are widely available. We’re happy to assist you with your travel arrangements, please ask us for more information.
The Best Time of Year for Horse Riding in Costa Rica
The best time for Costa Rica horse riding holidays is during the dry season (December to April). May and June are also good along the west coast but August through to mid-November is the rainy 'Green Season.' You'll need to pack light clothes for warm weather but bring a light jacket for cooler evenings in the mountains. Don't forget sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat to protect you from the tropical sun. Good riding boots and comfortable riding trousers will make your time in the saddle more enjoyable. Temperatures stay pretty steady year-round. The central valley averages about 72°F (22°C) during the day and 60°F (15°C) at night. Rain forest areas are much warmer with very high humidity.
Book your Equestrian Vacation to Costa Rica with Unicorn Trails
At Unicorn Trails, we only offer horse riding holidays in Costa Rica with well cared for, healthy horses, expert local guides, and warm, welcoming hosts. With small group sizes, you’ll enjoy a more personalised experience, and not only improve your riding skills but also make memories that will last a lifetime while exploring one of the most beautiful and environmentally friendly countries in the world.
Get in touch with us today to speak to one of our experts. We’re here to help you find the equestrian vacation in Costa Rica that’s just right for you.
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