HORSEBACK RIDING · GUANACASTE
Horseback Riding at Congo Trail
At Congo Trail, the ride happens entirely inside a private dry-forest reserve in Sardinal — no roads, no traffic, just trails winding up into the hills. It's a short, easy ride (about 45 minutes) on calm, well-trained horses, gentle enough for first-time riders and children alike. Your local guide stays with you the whole way as you climb to lookouts over the mountains and valleys, with the transitional dry forest alive around you: howler monkeys calling overhead, white-faced capuchins moving through the canopy, iguanas basking, and birds everywhere. It's the kind of ride that works for the whole family — safe, scenic, and full of wildlife — and it's one of the four activities in the Congo Trail Family Combo.
Included in the Family Fun Four Pack
Horseback riding at Congo Trail is a short, easy ride of about 45 minutes on calm, well-trained horses inside a private dry-forest reserve in Sardinal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica — no roads or traffic, just trails up to lookouts over the hills. It is gentle enough for first-time riders and children, and it is included in the Family Fun Four Pack.
Duration
45 Minutes
Group
Private
Guide
Local Guide
Level
All Ages / Beginner
Type
Family Combo
What is the Congo Trail horseback ride like?
- Ride through private dry-forest trails at Congo Trail — no public roads, completely traffic-free
- Climb to lookouts over the mountains and valleys of Sardinal, Guanacaste
- Calm, well-trained horses suited to first-timers, children and riders of any age
- Spot howler monkeys, capuchins, iguanas and plenty of birds along the way
- Part of the Congo Trail Family Combo — one of four 45-minute family adventures
Good to Know
- This is one of the four activities in the Congo Trail Family Combo, all on the same private property in Sardinal
- About 45 minutes in the saddle at an easy, family pace
- Calm, well-trained horses — comfortable for beginners and children
- Suitable for all ages; depending on a child's confidence and skill, they can ride on their own or accompanied
- A local guide stays with your group throughout, even when others are on the property
- It's a private dry-forest reserve, so the ride stays safe and traffic-free the whole way
- Wear long pants and closed shoes; bring sun protection and water — this is dry forest
Photos from the Trail
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ride take place?
Inside Congo Trail, a private dry-forest reserve in Sardinal, Guanacaste. The whole ride stays on private trails — no public roads or traffic.
Is it suitable for children and beginners?
Yes. The horses are calm and well-trained, and the ride is short and easy. Depending on their confidence and skill, children can ride on their own or accompanied, and a guide stays with the group throughout.
How long is the ride?
About 45 minutes, as one of the four activities in the Congo Trail Family Combo.
What might we see along the way?
The transitional dry forest is full of life: howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, iguanas and many birds, with lookouts over the mountains and valleys.
How is it different from the Río Celeste horseback ride?
That ride is in the Tenorio rainforest above Río Celeste; this one is a shorter, family-focused ride through the Guanacaste dry forest at Congo Trail, part of the Family Combo.
When do we have to cancel by?
Twenty-four hours before your tour begins, counted from the start time and not the day. Cancel before that and you get a full refund.
Book direct with the operator
- We run these tours ourselves. No middleman, no reseller.
- Private to your group — minimum four guests for this experience, no strangers in your van.
- The price you see is the price you pay: taxes and door-to-door pickup included.
Ready to ride at Congo Trail?
Tell us your dates and we’ll build your private ride at Congo Trail — or pair it with Llanos de Cortés — around your group.
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By the Guanadreams team, led by Miller Contreras — naturalist guide, born and raised in Guanacaste.
Part of our Nature Experiences