THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Ride historic ranch tracks with Don Juan's family through pasture and jungle, hike to a 400-year-old tree, and cool off beneath one of nine waterfalls before a traditional casado lunch. This five-hour excursion blends hands-on ranching culture with wildlife viewing and a short jungle hike.
Ride historic ranch tracks with Don Juan's family through pasture and jungle, hike to a 400-year-old tree, and cool off beneath one of nine waterfalls before a traditional casado lunch. This five-hour excursion blends hands-on ranching culture with wildlife viewing and a short jungle hike.
On a humid morning just outside Quepos the trail pushes forward through grazing fields and broken forest, and the horses move with a deliberate, sure-footed calm. Don Juan and his son Randall — third-generation ranch hands here for more than 85 years — lead small groups across cattle pasture, along creek beds and up into short stretches of jungle.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Rancho Tipico Don Juan · Quepos, Puntarenas
On a humid morning just outside Quepos the trail pushes forward through grazing fields and broken forest, and the horses move with a deliberate, sure-footed calm. Don Juan and his son Randall — third-generation ranch hands here for more than 85 years — lead small groups across cattle pasture, along creek beds and up into short stretches of jungle.
The terrain reflects the region's volcanic history: fast-draining soils, narrow gullies and nine small waterfalls cut into the hillside. Riders will dismount for a guided jungle walk to study local plants and amphibians, including colorful poison-dart frogs, and to visit a locally revered tree estimated at over 400 years old. The outing finishes with a swim beneath one of the ranch cascades and a traditional casado lunch on the family’s veranda with broad jungle views.
Expect mostly gentle, well-used ranch tracks with occasional muddy or rocky sections and short steep steps on the jungle portion. Guides give basic riding instruction, control pace for mixed-experience guests and point out cultural and natural features. Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes for the hike, a light rain layer year-round, sun protection and insect repellent. Photos and cold water are provided, and the operation emphasizes low-impact access; follow guide directions at waterfall edges and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Logistics: tours run about five hours, require a two-person minimum, and may be canceled for heavy rain. This is a culturally rich, accessible ride that pairs hands-on ranch life with wildlife viewing and a cooling waterfall swim.
moderate.
5 hours.
Moderate; able to mount/dismount, sit on horseback for several hours and walk short uneven trails during the jungle segment.
No — guides provide basic instruction and manage pace for mixed-ability groups, though riders should be comfortable sitting in the saddle and following directions.
Yes, but policies depend on age and weight; infant seats are available for transport but confirm age and weight limits when booking.
Air-conditioned vehicle transport is listed as an inclusion; pickup points are arranged at booking and depend on where you are staying in Quepos/Manuel Antonio.
The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or guests with serious back or heart conditions; inform the operator of any medical limitations before booking.
The ranch has been family-run for three generations; cattle ranching and small-scale agriculture shaped the local landscape for decades before tourism grew in Quepos and Manuel Antonio.
The operators encourage low-impact visits—stay on trails, avoid single-use plastics and do not feed wildlife; waterfalls and riparian zones are sensitive to trampling and contamination.
Rancho Tipico Don Juan operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
On a humid morning just outside Quepos the trail pushes forward through grazing fields and broken forest, and the horses move with a deliberate, sure-footed calm. Don Juan and his son Randall — third-generation ranch hands here for more than 85 years — lead small groups across cattle pasture, along creek beds and up into short stretches of jungle.
On a humid morning just outside Quepos the trail pushes forward through grazing fields and broken forest, and the horses move with a deliberate, sure-footed calm. Don Juan and his son Randall — third-generation ranch hands here for more than 85 years — lead small groups across cattle pasture, along creek beds and up into short stretches of jungle.
The terrain reflects the region's volcanic history: fast-draining soils, narrow gullies and nine small waterfalls cut into the hillside. Riders will dismount for a guided jungle walk to study local plants and amphibians, including colorful poison-dart frogs, and to visit a locally revered tree estimated at over 400 years old. The outing finishes with a swim beneath one of the ranch cascades and a traditional casado lunch on the family’s veranda with broad jungle views.
Expect mostly gentle, well-used ranch tracks with occasional muddy or rocky sections and short steep steps on the jungle portion. Guides give basic riding instruction, control pace for mixed-experience guests and point out cultural and natural features. Bring sturdy closed-toe shoes for the hike, a light rain layer year-round, sun protection and insect repellent. Photos and cold water are provided, and the operation emphasizes low-impact access; follow guide directions at waterfall edges and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Logistics: tours run about five hours, require a two-person minimum, and may be canceled for heavy rain. This is a culturally rich, accessible ride that pairs hands-on ranch life with wildlife viewing and a cooling waterfall swim.