
Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 52 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers worth booking?
Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers is a 2-hour experience in Alajuela, Costa Rica, from $78 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 52 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (52)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $78 per person
Enjoy a safe and family-friendly horseback riding tour through the beautiful landscapes of Arenal. Ride calm, well-cared-for horses along rainforest trails, open fields, and across the Arenal River. Small groups allow for a relaxed pace and personal attention, making this tour perfect for both beginners and experienced riders, including children. Along the way, enjoy nature, possible wildlife sightings, and views of Arenal Volcano on clear days. The tour includes a fun photo shoot to capture memories and share on social media, a visit to a small farm with cute animals like pigs and sheep, and a relaxing riverside stop with fresh tropical fruits.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a safe and family-friendly horseback riding tour through the beautiful landscapes of Arenal. Ride calm, well-cared-for horses along rainforest trails, open fields, and across the Arenal River. Small groups allow for a relaxed pace and personal attention, making this tour perfect for both beginners and experienced riders, including children. Along the way, enjoy nature, possible wildlife sightings, and views of Arenal Volcano on clear days. The tour includes a fun photo shoot to capture memories and share on social media, a visit to a small farm with cute animals like pigs and sheep, and a relaxing riverside stop with fresh tropical fruits.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-person Tour Guide
- Horseback riding Helmets
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Lake Arenal
We wil pass over the Lake Arenal Dam. Arenal Lake is a breathtaking man-made lake located in northern Costa Rica, at the base of the iconic Arenal Volcano. Spanning approximately 85 square kilometers (33 square miles), it is the largest lake in the country and a crucial source of hydroelectric power, supplying nearly 70% of Costa Rica’s renewable energy. Beyond its ecological and economic importance, Arenal Lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake’s calm yet expansive waters are perfect for activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, and boat tours. Its strong winds from December to April also make it one of the best spots in the country for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Surrounded by lush rainforest, rolling hills, and stunning volcano views, the lake is home to an abundance of wildlife, including howler monkeys, toucans, and various species of freshwater fish. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a chance to connect with nature,
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Alajuela
Cross the Arenal Lake Dam, then take the right for two km, you will two speed bumps, and finally you will get to a security point, take the right to get the ground rout for 300 meters, at your right hand you'll find the Pacos Horses advise
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 55 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Cross the Arenal Lake Dam, then take the right for two km, you will two speed bumps, and finally you will get to a security point, take the right to get the ground rout for 300 meters, at your right hand you'll find the Pacos Horses advise
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
- Xplore Arenal
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Kids under 5 years old can't participate
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 51 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
5 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
51 verified traveler reviews for Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best Horse Back Tour!!
First off, the guides are amazing. You can tell they love the horses and that the horses are all taken care of exceptionally! Secondly it was such a beautiful tour through the river & jungle. Since it’s the shoulder season it was just my husband & I on the tour, which made it even more special! Our guide was so knowledgeable! He pointed out leaf cutter ants & Toucans to us. They also had some sheep, baby cows, pigs and a donkey we could pet while waiting for our ride to start. Would 100% recommend this place to people looking to do horseback riding in La Fortuna. And my husband and I will also be bringing back our families next time!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! ❤️🐴 We’re delighted to hear that you and your husband had such a special experience with us at Pacos Horses. Our team truly loves and cares deeply for our horses, so your kind words mean a lot to us. We’re also happy you enjoyed the river and jungle trails, discovered some of Costa Rica’s amazing wildlife, and had the chance to meet our other farm animals! It was a pleasure having you both with us, and we would absolutely love to welcome you back with your families on your next visit to La Fortuna. We look forward to sharing another unforgettable adventure with you! 🌿🐎 Warm regards, The Pacos Horses Team
via Tripadvisor
The best time on our honeymoon
Such a beautiful and amazing experience with Pacos Horses! Our guide was so nice and knowledgeable. He made us feel safe and made the whole tour so much fun! This was the highlight of our entire honeymoon!!! Thank you so much for the amazing time! We will come back. Pura Vida!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! ❤️🐴 We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a beautiful experience with Pacos Horses and that our guide made you feel safe, comfortable, and happy throughout the tour. It means so much to us to know that the horseback riding was the highlight of your honeymoon! 🥰 Thank you for choosing us to be part of such a special trip. We’ll be looking forward to welcoming you back someday! Pura Vida! 🇨🇷🌿
via Tripadvisor
Excellent family horse riding experience
This was the only horse-riding company that could accomodate our 5-year old daughter in the area, and both she and the rest of the family had a wonderful time. She was provided with a double-saddle, thus was able to sit with my wife, and from chatting with the guides I discovered they have a variety of speciality saddles so that they can also support people with disabilities. None of us are experienced with horses, and when my son was uncomfortable one of the guides led the horse so that he didn't have to worry. The tour itself was done in torrential rain, but we still enjoyed it even though we were dripping and smelling of wet horse. The ride was through a variety of paths, across the fields and into the jungle, and through the river itself which was quite exciting. The horses knew exatcly what to do, making it easy for beginners like ourselves.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful and detailed review! 🐴💚 It was truly a pleasure having you and your family with us. We’re especially happy to hear that your daughter enjoyed the experience and that our team was able to make the ride comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. We really appreciate your kind words about our guides and horses. Our goal is always to make sure every guest feels safe, comfortable, and well taken care of, whether it’s their first time riding or they have more experience. And yes… it sounds like you got the full Costa Rican experience with that torrential rain! 🌧️😂 We’re so glad you still enjoyed the adventure, including crossing the river and exploring the different trails. Thank you for choosing us and for trusting our team with such a special family experience. We would be delighted to welcome you back again in the future! 🇨🇷🌿🐴 Pura vida! 💚
via Tripadvisor
Great horse riding experience!
Alonso and Giovanni were amazing tour guides. He used my phone to take great pictures and the experience was amazing! We finished with a great fruit snack with a spectacular view of Arenal . Great way to see the area! My kids loved it. Wear long pants and rain jacket. Your clothes could get splashed with mud
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🤠🌋 We’re thrilled to hear that Alonso and Giovanni made your experience so special. They truly love sharing the beauty of Arenal with our guests, and we’ll make sure to pass along your kind words to them. It’s great to know you enjoyed the photos, the horseback ride, and the fresh fruit snack with the spectacular view of Arenal Volcano. We’re especially happy that your kids loved the tour — creating memorable family adventures is exactly what we aim for. And thank you for the helpful tip about long pants and a rain jacket — Costa Rica’s trails can definitely get a little muddy, especially during the rainy season, but that’s part of the adventure! 🌿🐴 We hope to welcome you and your family back to Pacos Horses on your next visit to La Fortuna!
via Tripadvisor
Challenging but fun
Was definitely a lot of fun and we had a great time. I don’t necessarily agree with the description that this tour is beginner friendly or kid friendly. These horses trekked up and down very steep areas and upstream in the river, not just across. Had my partner and I not both had experience on horses I definitely would have been intimidated. Regardless, we really enjoyed and would recommend to anyone looking for an adventure.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We're delighted to hear that you had a great time and enjoyed the adventure. 🤠🌿 We also truly appreciate your honest feedback regarding the tour's difficulty. Safety is our top priority, and our guides carefully match each horse to the rider's experience while providing instructions throughout the ride. Although many beginners and families successfully enjoy the tour, the natural terrain around Arenal does include hills, river crossings, and uneven paths, which are all part of the authentic experience. Your comments are very valuable and will help us review how we describe the tour so future guests know exactly what to expect. Thank you again for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 18
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Alajuela.
How much does Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers cost?
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Prices start at $78 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Alajuela usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers take?
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Plan for about 2 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 Alajuela is not rushed.
Is Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 52 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Alajuela, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers?
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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 Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers?
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Around 18 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 Alajuela 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 Alajuela and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers 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 Alajuela 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 Alajuela?
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On Outty we rank every Alajuela experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner, Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose, Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose. 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 Alajuela?
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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 Alajuela?
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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 Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers?
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Included: Snacks; All Fees and Taxes; In-person Tour Guide; and Horseback riding Helmets. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 120 listed pickup locations in and around Alajuela. Be ready about 55 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers 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 Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers?
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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 Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Alajuela. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Pacos Horseback Ride Through Arenal’s Forest and Cross Rivers?
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Across 52 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, good for families, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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