Ride through the tropical forest on one of our sturdy ponies, tracing the river basin to a natural swimming hole deep in the jungle.
Take a ride through the tropical forest on one of our sturdy ponies, tracing the river basin to "Posa del Encanto" — a natural swimming hole on the Savegre River — before continuing through Rafiki's forested trails.
Horses are still central to life and transportation in the Savegre Valley. We partner with the Duarte family, local outfitters since 2002, whose well-trained mounts and bilingual guides and wranglers make every ride feel effortless, whether you're a first-timer or an experienced rider.
Want more adrenaline? Combine horseback riding with whitewater rafting for our "Ultimate Safari" combo.
Whether you have ridden in the past or trying it out for the first time, Rafiki has a horseback safari for you. For those timid folks, we do have a few alternate routes. For the ones who want a little more action, ask your host or email us. We may have some more rigorous rides that might interest you!
Rafiki uses horses contracted from a local family. The Duarte family has been working with us since the beginning (2002). Memo Duarte grew up the Savegre Valley, but had to leave in order to find work when logging was outlawed in the 1990's. He found out that there was an opportunity to come back to his family's ranch and start a new business in something he loved. Through micro loans and bartering services of transporting wood, Memo was able to buy the first horses, saddles and tack. Through the years, we have managed to find better mounts and better trails, but the roots of the company still lie firmly with the Duarte's dedication. Memo has always provided us with well mannered horses willing to take you for ride. Rafiki sends a bilingual guide and a wrangler with every trip, insuring that you and the horses safely make it through the journey.
Boots or close toed shoes, Long pants, Camera, Sunscreen, Bug spray
Enjoy a ride along the river with vistas of the Savegre River, the flat part of the valley and the ecosystem associated with it. You will then make another lopp in the mountains where you will visit a waterfall and experience. the steeper terrain of the propertry.
Price includes lunch and 13% Costa Rica sales tax. Transportation is not included, but can be arranged if you are not staying the night with us. Signing up for a package saves you money on activities and lodging!
You can add a horseback ride onto the whitewater rafting. This ride goes through Rafiki's reserve and ends in the village of Rio Blanco. The ride offers stunning views of the Savegre Valley followed by the full whitewater rafting trip. Truely the ulitmate Safari!
Price includes 13% Costa Rica sales tax. This is only an add on to the Rafting trip, so pleased let us know if you are interested via email.
"Been back here 5 times over the last 15 years and I'll be back next time. So worth the trek into the jungle to search these guys out. All the guides grew up in the area and just make the whole trip special. Everyone was great but Kenneth struck an awesome cord with our group. Randall (I think) was our captain, but all the guys are great, just can't remember their names. You won't go wrong here in any way, and be sure to take the plunge down the slide when you get back to the lodge, Pura Vida!"