
Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 60 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall worth booking?
Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall is a 4-hour experience in Monteverde, Costa Rica, from $89 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 60 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (60)
- 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- Entrance to La Fortuna Waterfall included. 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- Entrance to La Fortuna Waterfall included. 5- Magical landscapes full of flora and fauna.
What's included
Included
- Professional bilingual guide
- Safety helmet
- Round-trip private transportation (select hotels)
- La Fortuna Waterfall admission ticket
- Trained horse and riding equipment
Not included
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Hotel pickup outside central La Fortuna zone
- Food and beverages
What you'll see and do
Get ready for a great horseback ride to the impressive La Fortuna waterfall. Immerse yourself in the scenery on your way to this mighty 65-meter waterfall in La Fortuna that plunges into dense jungle and sparkling natural pools. As we make our way, we will be on the lookout for toucans, iguanas, parakeets, and sloths. Dismount the horses, we will have the chance to change into bathing suits or use the bathroom before we hike down to the waterfall. Please note this a moderate hike with steps. At the base of the waterfall, you can quickly swim and enjoy the refreshing pools.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Varco Travel
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 60 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
60 verified traveler reviews for Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Such a fun experience. We...
Such a fun experience. We got to ride horses to the base of the waterfall and our tour guide Cell brought us up on foot to different spots to view the waterfall
via Viator
So I would never go to a...
So I would never go to a different country and expect people to speak my language, but I had specifically chose on the site that my guide speak English as I do not speak Spanish. All prior communication through whatsapp was in English which was a bit misleading. It was my first time riding a horse and I had to use context clues to figure it out (And the cutest two dogs) The hike to the waterfall was silent while I saw other guides pointing out different plants and animals. I love that I tried something new, I just know it would have been an amazing experience if it wasn't for the language barrier.
via Viator
perfect La Fortuna afternoon
I really enjoyed this and everyone I met with the company was very friendly and accommodating. It was a great afternoon.
via Viator
The waterfall hike is...
The waterfall hike is intense! Take your time. Zel was our guide; he was very knowledgeable and friendly. The horse ride hurts a bit on the way back but definitely worth it.
via Viator
Unsafe and Uncomfortable Horseback Tour
We were disappointed with this experience. The guide made some inappropriate flirtatious comments to my friend and did not focus enough on ensuring the group’s comfort and safety. He was insistent with people who were clearly afraid of riding, even after they explained that the horse did not obey and asked not to continue. The horses showed signs of poor treatment — they seemed conditioned, had visible sores, and sometimes slipped on the uphill path. What we thought would be a short ride turned into almost two hours round trip. For those not used to horseback riding, it was painful and exhausting. Overall, the horses appeared mistreated, the ride felt unsafe, and the experience was not enjoyable. I would not recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Hi Evelyne, Thank you so much for your feedback. We are very sorry that this experience did not meet your expectations. We also want to apologize about the inappropriate flirtatious comments that your friend receive from the guide. This is something we will not tolerate and will take matters right away. We are also sorry that you thought this was a short ride, as the description explains we ride just like you said like 2 hours round trip to the waterfall. Also in the tour, the hike to the waterfall and back could be around 1 hour. We do disagree in the safety and treatment of our horses. We take pride in the horses we have and the care they get from us. I know you mentioned that they appeared mistreated and we respect you thoughts about this but trust us when we say we do take care of our horses as we love them and they are part of the family. The ride and trails are part of private trails and safety has never been an issue. We understand your expectations could have been others but from all of our reviews and from our experience, we know that our horses, our safety and the experience provided will always be our priority. All the best, Daniel
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
- 21
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
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 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Monteverde.
How much does Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall 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 La Fortuna Waterfall 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 La Fortuna Waterfall worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 60 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 La Fortuna Waterfall?
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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 La Fortuna Waterfall 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 La Fortuna Waterfall?
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Around 21 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 La Fortuna Waterfall 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 La Fortuna Waterfall?
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Included: Professional bilingual guide; Safety helmet; Round-trip private transportation (select hotels); La Fortuna Waterfall admission ticket; and Trained horse and riding equipment. Not included: Gratuities for guide and driver; Hotel pickup outside central La Fortuna zone; and Food and beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall 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 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall 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 La Fortuna Waterfall?
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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 La Fortuna Waterfall 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 La Fortuna Waterfall 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 La Fortuna Waterfall?
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Across 60 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money, knowledge and storytelling. 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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