Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a great country to explore on horseback, and there are many tour companies that offer a range of rides all over the country. There are a variety of horseback tours in the Monteverde area or longer adventures of up to five days across the Continental Divide, towards the Caribbean and Arenal Volcano. Short rides include cloud forest tours and full moon adventure rides, starting at sunset with views towards Arenal Volcano. Longer treks offer spectacular views, journeying through forests and over mountains, along rivers, valleys, and across farmlands, staying in interesting villages with comfortable accommodation en route. During the tour, there is an option of taking a speedboat across Lake Arenal to the foot of the active volcano. Here, you can see the spectacular glow of the lava at night and spend some time in the hot springs of Tabacon. These are just a few examples of the rich variety of horse riding available to travellers in Costa Rica. You do not need to be an experienced rider to enjoy this activity as most operators offer a range of trails to accommodate beginners and experienced riders who want something more challenging.

The Sky Walk is a well-thought-out combination of suspension bridges and walking trails through the Monteverde rainforest. These bridges span canyons and drainages, and bring visitors face to face with the upper level of the forest canopy. Various companies also offer visitors a unique and exhilarating way of viewing the cloud forest - a canopy adventure with a system of platforms connected by zip lines and suspension bridges criss-crossing the top of the forest, providing a vantage point from in and above the canopy. There is also the more sedate option of a ski lift traversing the treetops. Monteverde's cloud forest is one of the most famous ecotourism areas in Central America. It is called a cloud forest rather than a rain forest because of the altitude. At an elevation of between 3,840ft and 5,120ft (1,200m to 1,600m), the clouds go through the forest creating a misty and often dripping, mystical habitat supporting a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. It has been acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics. Because of the fragile environment, there are restrictions on the number of visitors allowed into the reserve at any one time. The canopy is alive with over 400 species of birds, including the resplendent quetzal most easily seen during the March/April nesting season, as well as thousands of insect species and plants. In the shadows below are over 100 species of mammals, including five species of cats, although a glimpse of a jaguar is a very rare thing.

Costa Rica is known for its rafting opportunities, gorgeous routes made more attractive by the warm river water and the spectacular scenery. You can go rafting or paddling on many rivers in Costa Rica and there is something to suit all levels of ability and bravery. For experienced paddlers, there are challenging, adrenalin-pumping sections of class four rapids, as seen in sections like Pascua on the Reventazon River. Thrill-seekers can enjoy big volume runs through class three rapids. For those looking for something calm and leisurely, there are beautiful easy trips suitable for the whole family. You can devote a few hours to the activity or a few days. The multi-day trips are an incredible way to experience Costa Rica as they pass through untouched natural scenery, spending your nights in various wilderness camps and lodges. Costa Rica has a good safety record with white water rafting and there are a number of reputable companies offering white water activities in the country. One of the most established whitewater rafting companies is Rios Tropicales, who offer a large variety of trips on the Pacuare, Reventazon, and Sarapiqui Rivers among others. The Rio Toro River is another popular white water challenge in Costa Rica but its class three to four rapids are not for the faint of heart.