As we galloped over unsteady rocks and slid sideways on gradients I wouldn’t have attempted on foot, I realised that horseback riding in La Fortuna should have been the activity I was most apprehensive about when planning an adventure-packed trip to Costa Rica. Never mind zip lining. This was the real deal.
I’d been horse riding twice in my life. One time, aged 8, I rode what was actually probably a pony along the Pembrokeshire coast of Wales. We were being led by a ‘supervising adult’ who carried the reins, so you can imagine how thrilling the whole experience was for me. The second time, my equine friend Betty seemed more interested in eating the poisonous plants of Zion National Park, Utah, than putting one hoof in front of the other.
I really wasn’t prepared for full-on gallops, steep, unsteady ravines and high-velocity river crossings, but you live and learn.
Our destination was La Catarata de la Fortuna, a 70-metre waterfall surrounded by luscious green vegetation. We were a team of three travellers, plus a guide and his dog, which kept yapping at the feet of my horse, making it rear up.
One positive thing I will say about the speed at which we moved was that it created a welcome breeze on what was a typically hot and uncomfortable morning. And, let’s not undermine the exhilarating buzz that comes with not knowing if you’ll finish an activity with all your limbs intact.
When I wasn’t preoccupied with trying to avoid being flung from the saddle, I saw some beautiful scenery. If you’ve been, um, dare I say, ‘lucky’ enough to catch an episode of the dating series Love in the Wild, which hit our Blighty screens for the first time earlier this year, it’s exactly those views of rolling hills, pristine lakes, crystal rivers and Indiana Jones-style hanging bridges that passed us by in a blur.
An hour or so later, we demounted and tethered the horses – and to my surprise, also the dog – and I realised I’d been gripping so tightly to the front of the saddle that blisters had formed between my thumb and finger.
As we descended into the valley on foot, the view of Arenal volcano was obscured intermittently by zip liners whizzing by. On reaching the valley floor, we clambered over boulders to the waterfall’s plunge pool and splashed about in its brisk waters, taking time out only to snap a few obligatory photographs.
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It had been our original intention to experience horse riding as part of the notorious jeep-boat-jeep service between La Fortuna and Monteverde, but the guys at Arenal Backpackers recommended that we do the waterfall ride in the morning and take the jeep-boat-jeep in the afternoon. It was a great tip. The hostel’s competitive prices were:
Regular jeep-boat-jeep: $22
Horse ride to the waterfall: $35
Jeep-boat-jeep including horse ride: $55
So, we saw more, spent just $2 extra and had time for a dip in the swimming pool in between!
Check out more Costa Rica pics in my Photophile!
View from the jeep-boat-jeep (the boat bit, naturally)
Those are pretty good prices for Costa Rica. Although after a few horse rides including one on a pregnant horse in Central America I decided I would rather walk these things.
I love horse riding since my school time because in my school, we have to take part in such outdoor activities. Through your blog, I memorized my back days, those days was my greatest days ever. If I got any chance for horse riding I’ll not miss the chance!
That’s cool! I wish my school had had horse riding as an activity! Where are you from? I’m the same. I’ll do it whenever I get the chance too!
I enjoy horse riding in La Fortuna. It is most adventure places. I’d been horse riding twice in my lifetime. It is so adventurous for me. Thanks for sharing this valuable article………………..
No worries! I’ve only ridden a horse a few times too. It’s great fun!