Description
There is a slower, deeper way to experience the rainforest: from the saddle, at the gentle rhythm of a horse's stride. This ride explores a private 80-acre reserve in the hills near Los Sueños and Herradura Bay, a haven of transitional forest where wildlife is refreshingly easy to spot.
When you arrive, your guide, who is also an experienced horse handler, introduces you to your mount and walks you through the basics of riding safely and confidently. The horses are calm and well used to beginners, so no previous experience is needed. Before long you will be ambling along shaded trails, splashing across streams and listening to leaves crunch beneath the hooves.
Along the way, your guide points out native plants and explains the role of this transitional forest, where dry-forest and rainforest species intermingle, as a biological corridor for the region's wildlife. Keep your eyes open: scarlet macaws often fly in pairs above the treetops, toucans perch on high branches and white-faced capuchins sometimes peer down curiously from the canopy.
The ride ends at a series of natural pools fed by small cascades, where you can dismount, slip into your swimsuit and plunge into cool, clear water. Afterward, fresh tropical fruit and cold water round out a perfect morning or afternoon. It is an ideal outing for families with children, couples and any traveler who wants to connect with nature at an easy pace, with hotel pickup in Jaco or Los Sueños making it effortless to fit into your stay.
