NATURE · COSTA RICA
Rio Celeste Horseback Ride
On the forested slopes above Río Celeste, the rainforest opens just enough for a horse to find its footing — and that's where this ride goes. At an easy, unhurried walk, your local naturalist guide leads you along trails most visitors never reach: the same Tenorio rainforest that feeds the famous turquoise river below. The horses are calm and sure-footed, the pace is gentle enough for first-time riders, and the views do the rest — Tenorio Volcano rising green beside you, Arenal floating on the far horizon, and the valley opening between the trees. It's Río Celeste from a different angle entirely: not the busy waterfall trail, but the quiet high ground, at the pace of a horse.
Duration
2 Hours
Group
100% Private
Guide
Local Naturalist
Level
Easy
Type
Add-On
What You'll Experience
- Ride forest trails on the slopes above Río Celeste, deep in the Tenorio rainforest
- Travel at an easy walking pace on calm, sure-footed horses — perfect for first-time riders
- Go with a local naturalist guide who knows these trails and the wildlife along them
- See two volcanoes from the high ground — Tenorio rising beside you, Arenal on the horizon — far from the busy waterfall trail
- Enjoy a private ride at your own group's pace, with time to take it all in
Good to Know
- This is an add-on to your Rainforest Combo — transport, your guide and everything else are already covered by the parent experience
- About 2 hours in the saddle at a relaxed walking pace
- Private and naturalist-guided, so the route and pace bend to your group
- Beginner-friendly — calm horses and easy trails, no riding experience needed
- Weight limit is 250 lb (113 kg) per rider, for the horses' wellbeing; there's no minimum age, so families can ride together
- Wear long pants and closed shoes (a small heel helps); bring a light rain layer — this is rainforest
- Wildlife is wild — sightings are never guaranteed, but a quiet pace and a local guide put the odds in your favor
Photos from the Trail
Frequently Asked Questions
On the forested slopes above Río Celeste, in the Tenorio rainforest near Bijagua, northern Costa Rica — with Tenorio Volcano right beside you and Arenal on the horizon.
The hike follows the trail to the turquoise waterfall; this ride climbs the quiet forested slopes above it on horseback — a different route, a different pace, and far fewer people.
No — the horses are calm and sure-footed and the trails are easy, so it’s comfortable for first-time riders. Your guide stays with you throughout.
There’s a 250 lb (113 kg) weight limit per rider for the horses’ wellbeing. There’s no minimum age, so children can ride with the group.
It’s a private, naturalist-guided ride, and it’s an add-on to your Rainforest Combo — woven into that experience with everything already included.
Ready to ride Río Celeste?
Tell us your dates and we’ll build your private rainforest experience — or pair it with Llanos de Cortés — around your group.
Part of our Nature Experiences