El Encanto can accommodate beginners as well as experts where our knowledgeable staff can curate an hand-tailored experience for a group or in a private session as you journey through the tranquil, lush beauty of the Rainforest.
Here, El Encanto is beyond just a horseback riding facility. It’s a vibrant, ecological farm, spanning over 500 hectares, where our horses thrive and 160 heads of cattle are nourished at home. The El Encanto Reserve spans 300 hectares solely preserved for environmental protection amidst a tropical forest inside the North Atlantic Biological Corridor, which runs alongside the Braulio Carrillo National Park. 200 meters above sea level, the Rainforest microclimate here is home to natural aquifers and thriving biodiversity of noble trees including Guarumo, Bota Rama, Sotacaballo, Manú as well as rare species of birds and wildlife.
El Encanto Stables are home to more than 100 horses of different breeds. Our facility also provides boarding as well as training for local horses of the area.
Our benchmark breed is the Costariccense de Paso, known in English as the Costa Rican Walking Horse. While the Costariccense de Paso is the emblematic breed of El Encanto, we also have sure-footed, graceful Azteca, Peruvian and Andalusian Horses as well as many unique crossbreeds.
What makes our horseback riding unique, aside from the wonderful horses, is the experience that takes place solely in nature, without ever encountering a public road. Here the unique landscape allows you to immerse yourself in the flora and fauna, journey across rivers and tropical jungle terrain unlike any ride you have ever experienced on horseback.
At El Encanto, we have the ability to make any experience level an extraordinary, unforgettable adventure! Check out available rides to book one of our horseback riding adventures.
Amidst the tranquil majesty of the Sarapiquí region’s Rainforest, our beginner ride takes you over lush and spacious, yet safe terrain where you will become familiar with horse handling techniques, communicating with your horse with rein and voice commands and achieve a true connection with your horse for an unforgettable experience.
An unique combination of relaxation and adventure, our intermediate ride wades through rivers, glides across lush fields and traverses jungle terrain. Over an hour of adventure, immerse in the serene rhythm of nature and riverside vistas as you gain connection and proficiency with your horse.
Prepare your McClellan-style saddle and gear to your liking with expert guidance then plunge through rivers, ascend steep jungle terrain and gallop across undulating meadows alongside our thoughtful guides. Explore over 1,200 acres of enchanting tropical landscape over the course of 2.5 hours for the ride of your life!
Journey through a tropical forest, abounding with life and energy, astride a horse. You will journey through our reforestation area where more than 5,000 trees are awakening to the rhythm of the forest then venture further into the jungle where the serene River Gùacimo feeds into a natural swimming pool. While your horse rests, you can snack, relax or refresh in the water before a captivating ride home. Available hours for the Gúacimo River Ride are at 10:00 pm and 3:00 pm and will last 3.5 hours. Remember to wear a swimsuit beneath your riding attire to enjoy a swim.
Individually crafted for any experience level, embark on comprehensive one-on-one training with our expert horsemen where you will achieve deep connection with your horse. These rides can be customized to suit the preferences and needs of the group to provide an unforgettable and unique experience.
The emblem of El Lugar, the Costarricense de Paso is the ultimate horse riding experience. Known in English as the Costa Rican Walking Horse, the Costarricense de Paso is Costa Rica’s national horse breed. The celebrated breed is an outcross between the Andalusian and Peruvian Paso, who trace their lineage back to Spain’s lauded equine history. The Andalusian dates to the 7th century and was the chosen breed for the Spanish court as well as Carthage’s Calvary thanks to its power and unrivaled will. The Peruvian Paso dates to the Spanish conquest of Peru in the 16th century and was known for its easy, natural gait coupled with its ability over challenging terrain. In crossbreeding these two exceptional horses, the Costarricense de Paso was created in 1850. The official registry was established in 1972, and by 1994, the Costarricense de Paso was recognized as the National Breed of Costa Rica. Described as, “an animal that is characterized by its beauty, resistance, energy and elegance in his movements,” this rare breed is beloved for its smooth gait and natural action. Their heads are high yet their noses remain level; the unrivaled juxtaposition of power and grace, the Costariccense de Paso delivers comfortable, serene power that is unlike anything you have ever experienced in a saddle.
We recommend wearing pants, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, hats and using sunblock as well as bug spray for any of our horseback riding adventures. There is a weight restriction of 130 kilos (286 pounds). Available hours for beginner or intermediate rides are at 6:00 am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 4:00pm and 5:00pm. Available hours for the Gúacimo River Ride are at 10:00 pm and 3:00 pm and will last 3.5 hours.
Whether you are staying at El Lugar or simply traveling in Costa Rica, our staff is delighted to schedule a ride for you through the front desk, by phone or over WhatsApp. Reach out to us to make the pinnacle of your horse riding dream a reality.
El Lugar is approximately two hours northeast of San José airport in the northern lowlands (Heredia province).
Please contact us if you require more detailed travel information.
