Horseback Ride from Arenal Volcano to Monteverde

Horseback riding between the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde . This is a great way to travel between the two places and offers some of the best views of Arenal Volcano and the Lake, as well as lush mountains and typical farms. Going by horse gives you the opportunity of changing a travel day into an adventure - horseback riding Costa Rica at its best!

Desafio Advenutre Company operates a route that we call the 'Lake Trail'. This is along the south shore of Arenal Lake and does not involve riding up or down the steep mountain to Monteverde. There are other trails such as the Castillo or Rio Chiquito Trail; you might read about them in your guidebooks, which are often unsafe and unfair on the horses when the weather is bad.

The Desafio trip offers one-way transportation for people and luggage (which will either be taken by packhorse or by boat as circumstances allow). With advance notice it is also possible for us to make arrangements to chauffeur your car around the lake while you ride by horse. However, you must have permission from your rental car company and you need to check whether you will be charged to add an additional driver.

The trip breaks down as follows:

15 minute or so car ride from your hotel to Arenal Lake

15 minute boat ride across Arenal Lake

3 Hours horseback riding including break around part of Arenal Lake as shown on the map above

1.5 hours land transport from Rio Chiquito to your Monteverde Hotel.

Along the Lake Trail there are many tropical birds, views of Arenal Volcano and scenic jungle. This horseback ride is suitable for riders of any experience level and the trail is along a little used back road. Horseback riding Costa Rica tends to be at a slower pace due to the nature of the terrain.

Desafio Adventure Company uses stables and pasture land near Arenal Lake which allows us to operate this great trail. We rent land on either side of the trail so that the horses do not have to travel back and forth on the same day. Less work for the horses! We have quality horses and we want to maintain them in the best condition as possible.

Read this article for more information on the different trails used and why there have been concerns about some horseback riding tours being offered by other outfitters. We pride ourselves on the quality of our quarter-horse breed and the class of our horseback riding tours. We offer a number of unique adventure rides around Costa Rica and would encourage you to read more about our stables and horseback operations. 

For the price of $60 we are able to provide a driver for your rental car so you can take advantage of this spectacular trip.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are a few hotels which are located outside the Monteverde and La Fortuna / Arenal areas that are outside our range of included pick up and drop off points. We are happy to provide transportation to these locations for an additional charge at a competitive price. These hotels include but are not limited to the Arenal Observatory Lodge.

Make this part of your package vacations in Costa Rica!

Details:Horseback Ride from Arenal Volcano to Monteverde