Horseback To Shaman Waterfalls

Overview

The tour starts with hotel pickup and a drive of roughly 40 minutes from Quepos to Londres, with the guide talking through local history along the way. At the riding center there are restrooms, stables and an open-air waiting area, and everyone gets instruction, safety tips and practice time in the corral before setting out.

The ride itself lasts about 2.5 hours round trip through primary rainforest, climbing to a maximum altitude of 600 meters. Valley views open up along the trail, and the listing notes birds and reptiles as common sightings. The destination is the Shaman waterfall, where the group stops for about 30 minutes to rest on the grass, swim, or both, before riding back the same way. Lunch or dinner with local ingredients, plus snacks and beverages, is served at the riding center before the return transfer.

No riding experience is needed and the whole outing runs about five hours door to door. Reviewers frequently describe the horses as calm and well trained, which makes this a realistic pick for first-time riders, families with children aged 8 or older, and anyone who wants a slower, animal-paced look at the forest rather than a hike.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupRound-trip transportation to the riding center is included. The drive to Londres takes about 40 minutes.
2. Arrival and riding lessonAt the property in Londres there are restrooms, stables, a corral and an open-air waiting area. Riders receive instruction, safety tips and practice time.
3. Rainforest rideAbout 2.5 hours round trip on horseback through primary rainforest, reaching a maximum altitude of 600 meters, with valley views along the way.
4. Shaman waterfall stopRoughly 30 minutes at the waterfall to rest on the grass or swim before mounting up again.
5. Return ride and lunchThe group rides back along the same trail to the riding center, where a lunch or dinner made with local ingredients is served.
6. Hotel drop-offTransportation back to your hotel is included after the meal.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this tour fits and how to prepare for it.

• Riding experience. The listing states no previous experience is required, and several reviewers confirmed the horses are calm, docile and easygoing, which suited first-time riders. Expect a short practice session in the corral before the trail begins.
• What to bring. The listing recommends comfortable shoes, a towel and swimwear. You will want the swimwear for the waterfall stop, which lasts about 30 minutes and is meant for swimming.
• Physical limits. Riders must weigh no more than 107 kg (235 lbs), and children must be at least 8 years old. One reviewer advised skipping the tour if you have prior injuries, since you spend the full ride on horseback.
• Food and drink. Beverages, snacks, and a lunch or dinner made with local ingredients are all included, along with equipment and a bilingual guide. Several reviewers singled out the homemade meal at the riding center as a highlight of the day.
• Language and guides. Guides work in Spanish and English. Reviewers often mention guides who helped riders feel comfortable with the horses, pointed out wildlife such as parrots, and even helped with Spanish practice along the way.
• Photos and pace. One reviewer said their host took photos of them on horseback that turned out well, so a phone or camera can come in handy. The pace is set by the trail, roughly 2.5 hours of riding split by the waterfall break.

Common issues. One reviewer visited when the guide said the waterfall was not in season and found the water flow disappointing in height, even though they still enjoyed the ride itself. That review is the only noted complaint; otherwise the practical limits are the rider weight cap of 107 kg (235 lbs) and the minimum age of 8. Most of the day consists of riding, so travellers expecting a long waterfall visit should note the stop is about 30 minutes.

Common Questions