Horseback Riding and Rafting Adventure

The combo experience

This is our green season adventure, and the order of the day plays to it. You start on horseback in the morning, riding shaded jungle trails to a natural waterfall pool while the weather is at its calmest. Then, after lunch, you take on the Naranjo: a full Class III-IV run through mountain gorges, farmland valleys, and dense jungle. The Naranjo only reaches those grades when the rains are actually falling, which is exactly why this combo runs May through November and nowhere close to it in the dry months.

Both halves of the day happen on the same private property in Londres, about 40 minutes from Quepos. That means no second transfer, no logistical gap between activities. You ride out in the morning, come back for lunch, and step straight into the rafting gear. The two activities complement each other well: the horseback ride is quiet, shaded, and at its own pace, and the rafting is loud and wet and technical. By the time you get back to Manuel Antonio, you've had a genuinely full day.

Groups run from 2 people, with a maximum of 6 per raft. Your bilingual guide is with you through both activities. The pace of the horseback section is suitable for beginners, though the rafting itself requires a minimum age of 10 and a willingness to work the paddle when the guide calls it.

The horseback ride is also available on its own at Horseback Riding through the Jungle. If you want just the rafting, see Naranjo River Whitewater Rafting as a standalone tour. If you prefer a gentler river, Savegre River Rafting runs year-round at Class III.

Part 1: Jungle horseback ride to the waterfall pool

Pickup is at 8:00 AM from your hotel in Manuel Antonio. The drive to Londres takes about 40 minutes, passing through Quepos, banana country, and up into the hills. The day starts at the stables on a working farm, and you notice it: rabbits, goats, ponies, horses, sheep, and chickens occupy different corners of the grounds. Take a few minutes to walk around and get acquainted with your horse before the ride starts. Kids rarely want to leave this part.

The ride out covers about 45 minutes on jungle trails. The terrain sets the tone for the morning: shaded canopy overhead, dense vegetation on both sides, valley views where the trail opens up. Birds are consistent company, and your guide will point out whatever's moving in the trees. Green vine snakes are common. Toucans show up regularly. The horses know the trails and keep a steady, comfortable pace.

At the far end of the trail, the route arrives at a natural pool fed by the hillside. The water is cool, clear, and completely surrounded by jungle. This is your swim stop, and it tends to stretch a bit longer than planned. When the group is ready, the 45-minute ride brings you back to the farm, where snacks are waiting while you trade the saddle for rafting gear. Lunch comes later, once you're off the river.

The horses are chosen for temperament and are well-suited for beginners. The weight limit for riders is 265 lbs (120 kg). If someone in your group can ride but doesn't want to raft, or the other way around, let us know when you book and we'll sort out the details.

Part 2: Naranjo River whitewater rafting

The afternoon belongs to the river. The property sits alongside the Naranjo, so there's no transfer: after the snack break you go straight into a full safety briefing and get fitted for your equipment, helmet, life vest, and paddle. The guide covers commands, body position in the raft, and what to do if someone goes over the side. This isn't a formality. The Naranjo asks for your attention.

The river section runs about 1.5 hours. The terrain changes as you go: steep mountain gorge at the start, then farmland and palm plantations open up, and toward the end the Naranjo softens and lets you look around. In the middle of the run there's a natural rest stop where everyone catches their breath and takes in the view before the second half of the rapids.

The classification holds at Class III through the early green season. During peak rains, typically September through November, the volume climbs and certain drops push into Class IV territory. Your guide reads the river every time and adjusts the approach accordingly. No two runs are identical.

After the float-out at the take-out point, the group walks back to the property for lunch: fresh local ingredients, prepared on site, and everyone has earned it by then. Then it's the 40-minute drive back to Manuel Antonio, arriving mid to late afternoon.

What's included

• Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio
• Certified bilingual guide for both activities
• Guided horseback ride through jungle trails, about 45 minutes each way
• Swim stop at the natural pool in the jungle
• Snacks at the farm between activities
• Full safety briefing and all whitewater rafting equipment (helmet, life vest, paddle)
• About 1.5 hours on the Naranjo River, Class III-IV
• Mid-river rest stop with views
• Lunch with fresh local ingredients after the rafting
• Beverages throughout the day

What to bring

• Sunglasses with a croakies cord (they stay on in the rapids)
• Bathing suit and water shoes
• Extra dry clothes for the afternoon
• Beach towel
• Long pants (recommended for the horseback ride)
• Hat and sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent
• Camera in a waterproof case or bag for the rafting portion
• Cash for tips or anything extra

A typical day

• 8:00 AM Hotel pickup from Manuel Antonio
• 40-minute drive to the Londres property
• Meet the farm animals and get acquainted with your horse
• 45-minute horseback ride out through jungle trails with valley views
• Swim stop at the natural pool at the end of the trail
• 45-minute ride back to the farm
• Snacks while you swap the saddle for rafting gear
• Safety briefing and equipment fitting at the put-in
• About 1.5 hours on the Naranjo River, including a mid-run rest stop
• Float-out at the take-out point and walk back to the property
• Lunch with fresh local ingredients, served on the farm
• 40-minute drive back to Manuel Antonio, arriving mid to late afternoon

More adventures

Naranjo River RaftingView tour → Horseback Riding through the JungleView tour → Savegre River RaftingView tour → El Chorro Saddle & Paddle ComboView tour →