Sunset rides, jungle trails, and which operators actually take care of their horses.
Horseback riding in Santa Teresa is one of those activities that actually lives up to the postcard version in your head, but only if you pick the right operator and the right time of day. Here is what you need to know before you book, including which outfits genuinely care about their animals and which tours are worth the money.
Why It Works Here
The geography does most of the heavy lifting. You have jungle trails that open onto empty beaches, volcanic rock formations at low tide, and a stretch of coastline where the sun drops into the Pacific in a way that makes even jaded long-timers stop and stare. Add a horse and a local guide who knows the terrain, and it is genuinely hard to have a bad time. That said, not all operators run things the same way, and horse welfare varies more than the tour brochures suggest.
If you are planning a beach ride specifically for the sunset, pair this with our sunset spots guide so you know exactly what conditions to expect at different times of year.
The Operators Worth Knowing
Ollie's Adventures is the name that comes up most consistently among residents when the conversation turns to horse welfare. Owner Adrian runs a rotation system where horses work one month and rest one month, spending their off time in large pastures or roaming jungle and beach freely. That is not marketing language, that is an actual management practice that matters. Their standard two-hour group tour covers jungle trails, beach sections, and a mountain viewpoint, departing at 8am or 3:30pm for $68 per person as of mid-2026. The Cabo Blanco tour, which takes you to a secret beach inside the reserve and through old Mal Pais, runs $78 per person and departs at 8am or 3pm. If you are an experienced rider, book private: you pay an extra $20 for a private guide and can actually trot, canter, or gallop instead of plodding in a line. Private rates run $48 for one hour up to $78 for three hours plus the guide fee. Confirm current pricing at olliesadventures.net before you show up.
The Hacienda Ranch tours (offered through operators including Costa Rica Outdoors and Waves) take place on a working family ranch of roughly 1,900 hectares about 20 minutes north of Santa Teresa toward Manzanillo. This is a different experience from the local beach rides: you cross rivers, climb hills, ride through forest, and end up on lonely beaches that most tourists never see. The ranch is part of the Caletas-Ario Wildlife Refuge corridor, so wildlife sightings, monkeys, iguanas, birds, are genuinely common. Tours run about two hours, departing 8am or 3pm, and require a minimum of two people. Transportation is not included; a shared 4x4 transfer for up to five people runs around $65 extra. Budget roughly $95 per person for the tour itself as of 2026, and confirm with the operator. You need a 4x4 to get there independently, this is not a paved-road situation.
Tropical Tour Shuttles offers a simpler two-hour beach and forest ride around Mal Pais at $45 per person, which is the most affordable option listed by any operator in the area. Departures at 8am and 3pm. It is a fine entry-level option, but do your own due diligence on horse condition when you arrive. Price alone is never a reason to choose a horse tour.
Ventura Santa Teresa Hotel runs one-hour morning, afternoon, and three-hour evening tours that include the Cabo Blanco area and old Mal Pais. These are bookable through the hotel reception and are a convenient option if you are already staying nearby. The evening three-hour tour is specifically designed around sunset timing, which makes it one of the more logical choices for first-timers who want the full picture-postcard experience.
Timing: Morning vs. Sunset
Both work, but they are different experiences.
- Morning rides (8am) are cooler, the light is golden and soft, wildlife is more active, and the beach is empty. If you are riding in the dry season (December through April), mornings are dramatically more comfortable for you and the horses.
- Afternoon and sunset rides (3pm-3:30pm) deliver the dramatic Pacific sunset that this coastline is famous for. The tradeoff is heat, especially in the transition months of November and May. In rainy season (May through November), afternoon rides can get wet fast, though a warm rain on horseback through jungle is not the worst thing that has ever happened to anyone.
For the sunset specifically, check the actual sunset time for the date you are visiting. It shifts by almost an hour between December and June. A 3pm departure in December gets you to the beach well before dark; in June you might be cutting it closer.
What to Wear and Bring
Tour operators are consistent on this and they mean it:
- Long pants, not shorts. Saddle chafe is real and the jungle brush is scratchy.
- Closed-toe shoes. Flip flops are a no.
- Sunscreen applied before you leave, not on horseback.
- Bug spray, especially for afternoon rides near the jungle edge.
- A hat that will actually stay on.
- Water. Bring more than you think you need.
- A camera or a phone in a secure pocket. You will want it.
Horse Welfare: What to Look For
This matters and we are going to say it plainly. Before you get on any horse in Costa Rica, spend two minutes looking at the animal. Ribs showing through the coat, sores around the saddle area, and a dull or anxious demeanor are all signs to walk away. A well-cared-for horse is alert, has a healthy weight, and stands calmly. Operators who are proud of their animals will not mind you looking.
Ollie's Adventures has the most transparent and documented welfare approach of any operator currently running in the Santa Teresa area, based on their rotation system and the owner's stated priorities. The hacienda-based tours also have a reasonable track record because the horses are working ranch animals with a life outside of tourist rides. Neither situation is perfect, but both are meaningfully better than the lowest-cost options where horses work every day with no rest rotation.
For more context on responsible wildlife and animal experiences in the area, see our wildlife guide.
Combining With Other Activities
A morning ride pairs well with a surf session in the afternoon. Check the tide guide if you are planning both in one day, since low tide on the beach affects both the riding terrain and the surf breaks. If you are doing the Cabo Blanco tour, consider combining it with a proper hike into the reserve on a separate day. Our Cabo Blanco hiking guide covers what the reserve actually looks like on foot.
For families wondering if kids can join: most operators accept children, but confirm minimum age and weight requirements when you book. Our Santa Teresa with kids guide has more on age-appropriate activities across the area.
Getting There
Most tours depart from or near the operator's base in Santa Teresa or Mal Pais. The hacienda-based tours require your own transport or the paid transfer. If you do not have a rental car, a local taxi or pre-arranged 4x4 transfer is the practical option. See our getting around without a car guide if you are navigating the area on a budget.
FAQ
Do I need riding experience? No. Every operator listed here accepts complete beginners and will match you with a calm, experienced horse. If you are an experienced rider, say so when you book, especially at Ollie's, so you can get a private guide and actually ride at pace.
What is the best time of year for beach rides? Dry season (December through April) gives you the most reliable conditions. Rainy season rides are still possible and often beautiful, but expect mud, afternoon showers, and insects. See our best time to visit guide for the full seasonal breakdown.
Are prices negotiable? Occasionally for private tours or groups, but do not expect it. These are small operators, not package-tour companies, and the pricing reflects actual costs including horse care.
How far in advance should I book? In high season (December through March and July through August), book at least two to three days ahead. In low season you can often book same-day, but calling ahead is always smarter than showing up and finding the tour full.
Is the Cabo Blanco tour actually inside the reserve? It goes to the beach adjacent to the reserve boundary and through old Mal Pais village. You are not riding through the protected forest interior, but the scenery is genuinely remote and the beach is beautiful. For the full reserve experience on foot, the Cabo Blanco hiking guide is what you want.
Browse the full list of vetted activity operators on the peninsula at /directory/activities.