Pura Vida in Papagayo - WRCT Adventures Private Horseback Ride

This was a lot of fun! We did a private ride because we have been riding a long time and didn’t want to worry about other riders. The tour guide was very friendly and great to have a conversation with. He was also very knowledgeable. The trail it self was nice, did have some steep sections which I found fun. It wasn’t just all flat. It is a dry forest so was hot but plenty of shade.

In May, I did the “Pura Vida in Papagayo - WRCT Adventures Private Horseback Ride,” which started at 200 year old casona (ranch house) and then went through a local cattle farm and the Papagayo dry forest. Overall the entire ride was delightful, but it almost always is in this area. Every time I go on rides in this area of Costa Rica is a new and different experience. The time of day, the time of year, the horse chosen, paths taken, and animals seen along the way, means no two rides are ever the same. The real bonus on this trip was the people we met on the ride. My friend and I ended up taking the ride with two other guests, who were two of the most interesting people that I have ever met. I usually do only private rides, but I now may be more open to doing group ones—what a lucky set of circumstances. Despite being an extremely hot day, the trail offered lots of shade. I was very happy not to get a single insect bite throughout the entire ride, which is rare for me. I also got an incredibly good horse, which is also rare for me. The first time I ever went horseback riding in Costa Rica was during a stay at the Four Season Peninsula Papagayo (about a decade ago) through this same company. It was during September and the rainy season, so the landscape was much different. We were able to even see a few waterfalls. The ride in May was just as beautiful, but occurred during the height of a prolonged dry season. There were no waterfalls but I was able to see more of the backbone of the land and the whole ride had a different vibe. What I like most about horseback riding anywhere is the sense of being completely in the movement of the natural world. It’s a great way to really immerse yourself in the landscape. And what better way to understand a culture and a people than to experience the land in the way it was experienced for centuries. Guanacaste is known for its unique cowboy culture, or Sabanero, and its long tradition of breeding Criollo horses. These horses are known for the sure footedness and this horse was a good example. You get to experience the real Guanacaste, like an actual Costa Rican would. My Pura Vida definitely includes riding a horse past stone corrals, through gorgeous greenery, and deeper into a fairytale like landscape of Costa Rica. I would like to thank everyone at Witch’s Rock Canopy Tour (WRCT) Adventures for making the ride an unforgettable one. I am looking forward to trying a sunset horseback ride on the beach in the not too distant future.

We booked a beach horseback ride with WRCT Adventures for 9 people, including 4 kids. During the lead up to our visit, I sent a lot of emails and questions in preparation for our ride to make sure it was right for our group, and the staff were so helpful and kind and patient in responding to me. Our horse ride was happening on the birthday of one of our kids and was her birthday wish. When I let them know it was a birthday trip, they arranged to have picnic items for the birthday girl. They had cake and drinks, and even thought to bring plates, forks, napkins, candles, and a knife. I appreciated the thoughtfulness and the birthday girl felt so special. I really appreciated how helpful the company was in the planning process and how they helped plan a ride that would meet our needs. During the ride, the horses were great and the staff was attentive and helpful. The beach was pretty, and everyone enjoyed getting a ride on the beach. We would use this tour again if we visited and we recommend them for the horseback ride.

In June 2025, my little family of four went horseback riding with "Witch's Rock Canopy Tour - WRCT Adventures Private Horseback Ride". We booked the tour (and paid for it in advance) with the assistance of Jeremy at their office (whom we met the morning of our tour). WRCT picked us up (on time) and dropped us off at our hotel (which took care of the transportation side of things). Since we went to Costa Rica during the 'off-season', the tour was truly private. It was us 4 and our 2 guides. My 2 kids rode with the guides and my wife and I had our owns horses. Everything was great. The main guide Wilmur was fantastic - great with kids, gave good instruction and was knoweldgeable about the area. The course had small hills, rocks and water streams.. My kids were smiling the whole time. When we were finished, the shuttle bus was waiting for us and they had bottles of water to cool us down. Great half day activity for families. I highly recommend horseback riding with Witch's Rock Canopy Tour.

If you are looking for something fun and unforgettable to do while you’re in town. 🐴 Book a spot with Gringo Jay! It’s a relaxing horseback ride through beautiful scenery — no experience needed! It’s easy, affordable, and the perfect way to spend a sunny day with friends or family