“Wow, this is beautiful,” I thought to myself as we approached the viewpoint. Despite Arenal Volcano hiding behind some clouds, the view was breathtaking.
Deep green forest stretched in front of us for miles and miles.
A slight mist hung quietly over the top of the trees and birds sang cheerily in the distance. It was quiet, so very quiet as we rode deeper into the forest.
With a view like this, it was a wonderful way to introduce my family to the rain forests and mountains of La Fortuna.
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La Fortuna Horseback Riding Tours Experience
At the view point, we listened to our guide as he explained to us the importance of this very spot.
From here we could see the site of Tabacon old town before it was destroyed by the 1968 eruption of Arenal Volcano.
For this reason, the El Silencio Mirador is actually considered in the high risk zone but as Arenal Volcano has stopped erupting and throwing rocks and lava as of 2012, many people hike and horseback ride through this area just like us.
Want to book this tour? Get 7% off with our La Fortuna tours discount here!
Nudging our hoses along, we made our way through the 555 acre (225 hectares) nature reserve surrounded by old growth trees as far as the eye can see.
We stopped to observe a giant Ceiba tree and took some photos.
Trotting just a hundred feet more, we reached another viewpoint that overlooked the Arenal Volcano National Park. A herd of cows sleepily observed us as we got closer.
There was still so much more to see so we headed back towards the viewpoint to turn onto another trail that would take us through the reserve.
We passed by a lake, towered over by the Arenal Volcano. Unfortunately the clouds rolled in but I can imagine on a clear day, how beautiful this view must be.
Even though the El Silencio Reserve is a popular place for hikers, the Arenal horseback riding tour goes through a horse only trail, no hikers allowed.
Why You Should Take a La Fortuna Horseback Riding Tour
If you are interested in horseback riding but have never done it before, this is a great tour for first timers.
Explore the rainforests and see Arenal Volcano on your trusty steed, trained and well mannered without worry, even if you have never ridden before.
About halfway in, a light sprinkle came down and I turned my head to the sky, licking the raindrops off my lips savoring the cool fresh water. My horse had the same idea, pausing to nibble on some of the dewy grass.
Who wouldn’t want to horseback ride through all this spectacular scenery?
If you plan to visit the Northern Pacific coast, which is dry tropical forest, the views are so different on the Guanacaste coast.
La Fortuna is intense green all year round due to its location in the Northern lowland rainforests.
My parents had never gone horseback riding before and taking them through a nature reserve in the rainforest was, in my opinion the best way for them to try it for the first time.
Horseback Riding Tips
- Wear long pants and closed toed shoes. No sandals, no flip flops.
- You could wear shorts but the horse hair will rub up on your skin, which can get irritating.
- If you go in rainy season, bring a rain jacket or poncho.
- You can bring a backpack with you.
- If you want to bring your phone, you can. Keep it on a strap or in a waterproof phone pouch.
- Horses know where to go so sit back, relax and enjoy the views!
- Suitable for first time horseback riders. Small group setting offered.
Watch a video of the horseback riding in Arenal tour here. This is one of the best Arenal horseback riding tours and we highly recommend it!
Want to do this Arenal horseback riding tour? Get 7% off with our La Fortuna tours discount here!
If you are looking for the type of horseback riding tour that lets you run off and ride however you want, this is not the tour for you. This tour focuses on safety, so everyone has to wear a helmet, there is a minimum age limit for children and you must follow the guide’s instructions.
If you know how to ride, you can let the guide know and they’ll let you know when you can trot, run or go faster.
Read about other things to do in La Fortuna below.
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