Arenal Canopy and Horseback Riding Adventure: Zipline and Saddle in La Fortuna
Combine a high-speed canopy run with a gentle hour on horseback in the shadow of Arenal Volcano. This four-hour La Fortuna outing pairs adrenaline on 750‑m ziplines with slow, scenic riding through farms and observation points.
The Experience
Before You Go
Hydrate before and during
Bring at least 1 liter of water — the combination of sun, exertion and humidity dehydrates quickly.
Wear closed-toe shoes
Sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes protect feet for both horseback and platform approaches.
Pack a lightweight rain shell
Expect brief, heavy showers during the wet season; a compact waterproof keeps you comfortable between platforms.
Secure cameras and phones
Use a tether or leave devices in a zippered pocket—platforms and zipline runs are windy and fast.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Silencio Observation Point for clear volcano views and photography
- •Low-traffic farm trails near Higuerón trees that are excellent for birding after the ride
Wildlife
- •Keel-billed toucan
- •Howler monkey
Conservation Note
Operators work with local reserves to minimize trail erosion and keep riders on established paths; supporting bilingual guides helps fund community conservation efforts.
Arenal dominated local life since its eruption cycle began in 1968; the area shifted from cattle ranching to ecotourism as visitors arrived to view lava flows and volcano vistas.
What to Bring
Closed-toe hiking shoesEssential
Provide traction on muddy trails and stable footing mounting horses and platforms.
Lightweight rain jacketEssential
A compact waterproof protects you from tropical downpours common in the wet months.
Gloves for ziplineEssential
Grip and protect your hands during braking and while handling harnesses.
Small binoculars or camera
Helps spot birds and capture volcano and canopy perspectives from observation platforms.
Common Questions
Is prior horseback experience required?
No — guides match horses to rider ability and provide basic instruction; let the guide know your comfort level before you start.
How long are the ziplines and how fast do they go?
Lines range from about 80 to 750 meters with average heights near 38 meters; certain runs can reach speeds up to 60 km/h depending on weight and wind.
Are transfers included from La Fortuna hotels?
Most bookings include hotel pickup and drop-off within the La Fortuna area — confirm your pickup point when you book.
Is this safe for kids?
Children five and older can participate under guide supervision; staff will assess each child for harness fit and ability to follow safety instructions.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
La Fortuna, Alajuela
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate cardiovascular fitness and core stability help for horseback balance and repeated zipline platforms.
Ready to Explore La Fortuna?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now