Ride from a small ranch through jungle tracks and sleepy village roads to a secluded beach near Sámara. This 2.5-hour tour is beginner-friendly, wildlife-rich, and scheduled around tides to make the most of the shoreline.
Ride from a small ranch through jungle tracks and sleepy village roads to a secluded beach near Sámara. This 2.5-hour tour is beginner-friendly, wildlife-rich, and scheduled around tides to make the most of the shoreline.
The morning light filters through tall trees as you mount a steady horse on a small ranch just outside Samara. Hooves crunch a mix of sand and leaf litter, the jungle pressing in on one side and a widening sky toward Buena Vista Beach on the other. The surf calls; the trail answers.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Explore Samara Tours · Samara, Guanacaste
The morning light filters through tall trees as you mount a steady horse on a small ranch just outside Samara. Hooves crunch a mix of sand and leaf litter, the jungle pressing in on one side and a widening sky toward Buena Vista Beach on the other. The surf calls; the trail answers.
This route follows local tracks used by fishing families and small village roads that cross seasonal rivers. The Nicoya Peninsula’s volcanic past created low ridges and sheltered coves—terrain that channels runoff into narrow creeks and supports dry tropical forest and mangrove edges. The area around Samara has long been a fishing and small-farm community influenced by Chorotega and colonial-era trade, and current tourism still moves at the island’s easy pace.
Expect to share the ride with wildlife: howler monkeys announce themselves from the canopy, coatis investigate the trail edge, and tropical birds thread the light. Guides match horses to rider experience and offer short breaks with fruit and bottled water.
Practical details: the tour is about 2.5 hours, with morning and late-afternoon departures to match tides and avoid midday heat. Rainy-season river crossings may reroute you to Samara Beach if the Buena Vista ford is impassable. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen, and drink—saddle time is steady but continuous. For families and first-time riders this is an accessible, low-stress way to experience Costa Rica’s coastal wilds without technical skill required.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Light fitness—able to mount/dismount, sit in a saddle for up to 2.5 hours, and walk short stretches if needed.
Yes—horses are matched to rider ability and the pace is calm; guides provide basic instructions before setting out.
Pickup from hotels in Samara is included; confirm your location at booking so the operator can schedule the exact pickup time.
If the river crossing to Buena Vista is unsafe during rainy season, the ride will be rerouted to Samara Beach to keep the route safe and scenic.
Yes—infant seats are available and the tour is family-friendly, but the operator notes it is not recommended for people with back problems or pregnant travelers.
Sámara grew from fishing and small-scale farming on the Nicoya Peninsula; local Chorotega influences and coastal trade shaped village routes still used by riders today.
Avoid feeding wildlife and stay on designated trails to protect fragile dry-forest understory and prevent erosion near beaches and riverbanks.
Explore Samara Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The morning light filters through tall trees as you mount a steady horse on a small ranch just outside Samara. Hooves crunch a mix of sand and leaf litter, the jungle pressing in on one side and a widening sky toward Buena Vista Beach on the other. The surf calls; the trail answers.
The morning light filters through tall trees as you mount a steady horse on a small ranch just outside Samara. Hooves crunch a mix of sand and leaf litter, the jungle pressing in on one side and a widening sky toward Buena Vista Beach on the other. The surf calls; the trail answers.
This route follows local tracks used by fishing families and small village roads that cross seasonal rivers. The Nicoya Peninsula’s volcanic past created low ridges and sheltered coves—terrain that channels runoff into narrow creeks and supports dry tropical forest and mangrove edges. The area around Samara has long been a fishing and small-farm community influenced by Chorotega and colonial-era trade, and current tourism still moves at the island’s easy pace.
Expect to share the ride with wildlife: howler monkeys announce themselves from the canopy, coatis investigate the trail edge, and tropical birds thread the light. Guides match horses to rider experience and offer short breaks with fruit and bottled water.
Practical details: the tour is about 2.5 hours, with morning and late-afternoon departures to match tides and avoid midday heat. Rainy-season river crossings may reroute you to Samara Beach if the Buena Vista ford is impassable. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, bring sunscreen, and drink—saddle time is steady but continuous. For families and first-time riders this is an accessible, low-stress way to experience Costa Rica’s coastal wilds without technical skill required.