
Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs
Traveler rating
3.4/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs worth booking?
Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs is a 4-hour experience in Monteverde, Costa Rica, from $89 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.4/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- 3.4/5 (5)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $89 per person
1- Trained and certified guides for greater security. 2- Horses trained from babies to have peace of mind when riding. 3- Totally private trails, at no time will you go by road. 4- You can use a private hot springs in the Hotel Los Lagos for free!!! 5- Magical landscapes full of flora and fauna.
What you get
About this experience
1- Trained and certified guides for greater security. 2- Horses trained from babies to have peace of mind when riding. 3- Totally private trails, at no time will you go by road. 4- You can use a private hot springs in the Hotel Los Lagos for free!!! 5- Magical landscapes full of flora and fauna.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Trained Horses
- Hot Springs (Optional)
- All Fees and Taxes
- Security Eqipment
Not included
- Tips for driver or guides
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 25 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Varco Travel
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos



What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Physical effort
1 mentionExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Skip the middle man and book directly.
The horse back riding was fine, but don't bother with this tour. All they did was give us a ride to the resort. Just book it through the resort directly. They have bus service to and from local hotels about every hour. Plus, then you are free to use the resorts hot springs and other facilities as long as you want.
via Viator
Not The Ride I Hoped For
The guides were good - knowledgable and seemed to know their horses well. The horses seemed well cared for. The scenery was very good - a nice view over La Fortuna & Arenal. The route: Probably the biggest disappointment was that 3/4 of the route was on a steep paved road with the occasional car or bus moving slowly past our group. I don’t think the horses were very happy about the steepness and some slipped a bit (horseshoes on pavement doesn’t offer good traction). But this was probably a safer descent than half of the way we went up: pretty steep jagged sharp rocks and other large stones that wouldn’t be pleasant or safe to fall on if tossed from an unruly horses (see next issue). The other candidate for “biggest disappointment” was my girlfriend's horse kicked me in the toe and kicked or bit at least 3 other horses/riders at other times during the journey. These two issues spoiled the ride for me. My girlfriend’s horse was also quite unruly - the guide admitted she (the mare, not my girlfriend, although also true) was a feisty one - well, if so, why is she still giving rides? Her difficult horse ruined my girlfriend’s day and we were both sore and grumpy from the experience that night. Other reviewers commented that this is not a beginner’s ride, and I fully agree. I took several years of horse ridding lessons as a kid, so I’m not a beginner, but I’m also way out of practice. This ride is too steep, has too many big rocks and tight passage areas and the horses are not docile enough for beginners. My girlfriend hated it (she was on the kicking/biting horse). Overall, this was the low point in an otherwise good time in Costa Rica.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent experience. With good prices.
Excellent experience. Very professional guide. I did not realized two hours of ride had gone so fast. Love to recommend to others.
via Viator
Exhilarating experience and well worth it
This was an excellent excursion. There was only the two of us and the guide. We met inside the Hotel Lago which is a beautiful resort with stables. Our guide Mario took us up the mountain side on well behaved horses. We saw great views of the volcano and picturesque scenery. Mario took my phone and took great videos and pictures. We stopped at the top for a break and then back to the stables. After the ride we were allowed to stay by the pools, one hot and one cold. Unfortunately it poured and there was a really bad storm so we couldn't swim. However the ride was great and well worth the sore bum after!
via Viator
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Natural Beauty!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! It was a beautiful and breathtaking experience. The staff employees were down to earth friendly, and attentive. They also have good judgement picking out which horse works best for you. Horses are such beautiful creatures, and will also decide who they choose riding them. I was honored being the chosen one , and rode the horse named Enelo It means “INSPIRATION”. It was also adventurous going up the hills to see the beautiful Volcanic Arenal. I saw their hot springs which was inside the resort, and that was also breathtaking to look at. I had an amazing experience, and would definitely go back. Thank you for everything.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Varco Travel, who run 5 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.9.
See everything Varco Travel runsWhy this scores 51
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Monteverde.
How much does Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs cost?
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Prices start at $89 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Monteverde usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Monteverde is not rushed.
Is Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.4/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Monteverde, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Monteverde can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Monteverde and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Monteverde within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Monteverde?
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On Outty we rank every Monteverde experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Original Canopy Tour Monteverde, Zipline, Monteverde Cloud Forest Guided Tour with Expert Naturalist, Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Tour (Regular). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Monteverde?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Monteverde?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs?
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Included: Private transportation; Trained Horses; Hot Springs (Optional); All Fees and Taxes; and Security Eqipment. Not included: Tips for driver or guides. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 60 listed pickup locations in and around Monteverde. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Horseback Riding to Arenal Volcano with Hot Springs?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 3.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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