Saddle & Paddle: Naranjo River Rafting & Horseback Combo

The combo experience

The Naranjo is not the river to cut your rafting teeth on. It's a full Class III-IV run through mountain gorges, farmland valleys, and dense jungle, and it only reaches those grades when the rains are actually falling. That's what makes this combo worth planning around: you get the Naranjo at its best in the morning, and then the afternoon keeps the energy going with a completely different kind of physical experience, on horseback through the rainforest to a natural pool.

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 wrap up at the river, have lunch, and ride out in the afternoon. The two activities complement each other well: the rafting is loud and wet and technical, the horseback ride is quiet, shaded, and at its own pace. 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.

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. The horseback ride is also available on its own at Horseback Riding through the Jungle.

Part 1: Naranjo River whitewater rafting

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. Your guide uses the time to cover what to expect on the water, which is a better use of the drive than waiting until you're standing at the put-in.

The property where the day takes place sits alongside the Naranjo River. Before getting in the water, you go through 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 hour 45 minutes. 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 rainy 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. This is a real meal, and most people are ready for it.

Part 2: Jungle horseback ride to the waterfall pool

The afternoon begins at the stables on the same Londres property. The farm is a working place, and you notice it: rabbits, goats, ponies, horses, sheep, and chickens occupy different corners of the grounds. Take a few minutes to walk around before the ride starts. Kids rarely want to leave this part.

The horseback ride covers about 1.5 hours on jungle trails. The terrain is different from the river: 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 ride back to the farm takes another 30 minutes or so, and then it's the 40-minute drive back to Manuel Antonio.

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 didn't raft, or rafted but doesn't want to ride, let us know when you book and we'll sort out the details.

What's included

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

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 with the guide covering river basics
• Safety briefing and equipment fitting at the put-in
• 1 hour 45 minutes 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
• Meet the farm animals and get acquainted with your horse
• 1.5-hour guided horseback ride through jungle trails with valley views
• Swim stop at the natural pool at the end of the trail
• Ride back to 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 →