Katrina Julia
- Feb 27, 2021
- 4 min read

Costa Rica Adventure: Horseback Riding at Sunset Playa Matapalo, Costa Rica

I love horses and horseback riding. I imagine many young girls go through a loving and learning about horses. My first time riding was at a Girl Scout Camp in Texas around the age of 9. When I was 11 years old, my mom signed me up for a Horseback Riding Camp on the beach in Poland. I loved it! 3 weeks of daily riding, grooming and feeding the horses! I felt like I experienced heaven.

Over the past decades, I've gotten to ride from time to time. Most recently, in South Carolina in 2011 on the beach during a visit for a triathlon I did.

When I decided to travel to Costa Rica, I knew I wanted to experience Horseback Riding at sunset. I explored a couple of options, and everything fell into place with my third Airbnb in Costa Rica: Mountain Paradise in Week 7: Creating and Scaling a Life and Business I Love.

Diann, the owner of the Mountain Paradise Airbnb near Playa Matapalo shared the Horseback Riding experience as one of her favorites. I learned about Playa Matapalo via My Tan Feet, Visit Costa Rica, and Two Weeks in Costa Rica with its beautiful landscapes, black sand, and turquoise water.

I pictured myself riding at sunset. The reality blew the vision away in every way.

Horseback Riding at Playa Matapalo, Costa Rica

Horseback Riding at Playa Matapalo

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Horseback Riding in Playa Matapalo, Costa Rica

So, how did my horseback riding experience go in Playa Matapalo, Costa Rica? Horseback riding at sunset came highly recommended in Matapalo by the Airbnb owner at Mountain Paradise.

From the moment I reached out, Claudia responded with friendliness and ease. I ended up booking for Tuesday, February 23, 2021. I figured out logistically it made sense for me to go to Nauyaca Waterfalls in the morning with a break mid-day, and end my day horseback riding at sunset.

Claudia started off the experience by taking me on a tour of her farm with insights and tastings of plants, vegetables and fruits. Claudia and her daughter introduced me to the horse I would be riding, Luna. We started off as fast friends!

Horseback riding at and near sunset is incredible in every way. We started off walking on a path near the beach spotting numerous sloths. A few times, Luna tried to get lazy and not listen. Claudia helped me out right away!

We made our way to the beach near sunset going near and in the water with Luna. Priceless.

Location

We met at Claudia's Farm in Playa Matapalo. She is located right near the restaurant and the store.

You can find her via Finca Arco Iris Claudia Horseback Riding.

Depending on if you are staying in Manuel Antonio, it may be anywhere from 20 minutes to 30 minutes walking, by bus or by car. Since I stayed near Rio Portalon, her farm is about 10-15 minutes away. However, when I did the Horseback Riding at Sunset, I was returning from Nauyaca Waterfalls from the direction of Dominical.

I am a little crazy doing a 12km/8 mile hike up and downhill visiting a waterfall before going horseback riding for several hours. #myworkoutslookalittledifferentnow

Horseback Riding Fee and Hours

I love finding about new experiences from locals or those that have experienced the area a lot.

The current charge for the horseback riding is $50. For the sunset ride, we met at 3pm to start the farm tour. We started the horseback riding about 4pm to 7pm or so.

What to Wear to Horseback Riding

Wearing leggings and/or pants will help with your legs rubbing against the saddle. I wore leggings, a tank top, and a gauzy cover up. I have ridden with shorts before. It isn't always the most comfortable.

This way, you are covered - literally!