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Rio Celeste Horseback Riding: Swim in Natural Pools Unavailable in National Parks
4.9
212 Ratings
Calle Asentamiento el Pilón
Experience a personalized horseback riding tour in Rio Celeste, where you can swim in natural pools not found in national parks. Avoid waiting lines and crowded tourist destinations.
Experience a personalized horseback riding tour in Rio Celeste, where you can swim in natural pools not found in national parks. Avoid waiting lines and crowded tourist destinations.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Rio Celeste - Tour starts in the local town El Pilon with panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and Caño Negro then we will take the horse trail through farm land and primary forest where we will stop in the Tarzan swing and the hanging bridge before we get to beautiful natural swimming pool in the river Celeste
- Rio Celeste - Tour starts in the local town El Pilon with panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and Caño Negro then we will take the horse trail through farm land and primary forest where we will stop in the Tarzan swing and the hanging bridge before we get to beautiful natural swimming pool in the river Celeste
What's Included
- Expert local guide
- Expert local guide
Additional Information
Visitors are offered the unique opportunity to swim in the beautiful natural pools of the Celeste River, an activity that is not allowed and unavailable in the national park. Without the hassle of waiting lines or overcrowded tourist spots, this isn’t a standard commercial tour. Tourists will enjoy a personally-crafted tour led by a local guide and proprietor.
Visitors are offered the unique opportunity to swim in the beautiful natural pools of the Celeste River, an activity that is not allowed and unavailable in the national park. Without the hassle of waiting lines or overcrowded tourist spots, this isn’t a standard commercial tour. Tourists will enjoy a personally-crafted tour led by a local guide and proprietor.
Location
Calle Asentamiento el Pilón
1/2 Mile Northwest from Station El Pilon Tenorio National Park (waterfall entrance) in the Guatuso direction, then turn left in the grave road continue 1/2 mile turn left in front of the local School and continue 1/2 mile on left side before the La Posada Rest and Hotel
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(212 Ratings)
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Breanna_r
Mar 19, 2026
Gorgeous river, nice horses, & friendly guide! - Excellent guide, the most gorgeous river you’ll ever swim in, nice easy horses, and a few fun surprises along the way. I highly recommend it!
Review provided by Viator
Mercy_d
Feb 26, 2026
Once in a lifetime experience! - This was a once in a lifetime experience! It exceeded my friends and I’s expectations! David was so kind, hospitable, and funny. It was evident he’d been doing this a while. Two of my friends had never ridden a horse but had no problem since the horses were so well trained. After the horseback riding and swimming, we went back to eat at their restaurant which was great. We would come back in a heartbeat!
Review provided by Viator
K2727dhchrish
Feb 25, 2026
Great experience and fun for all! - David and Elias were a blast! we had two families do the horse ride to the beautiful Rio Celeste River! Fun surprises and beautiful views along the way. The horses were also very calm, well trained, and easy for even those in our group that have never ridden before. We'd also highly recommend eating a delicious lunch at the restaurant at the end of the tour if you can! We would love to return to this area and tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarais2016
Feb 19, 2026
Horseback riding - Amazing fun adventure. Enjoyed it 100% would definitely recommend. The horses and scenery were beautiful. Did it with my husband and it was everything I wanted to do
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dheeras2022
Jan 6, 2026
Wonderful experience Expect the unexpected - Amazing experience riding horses down to the rio celeste river. Diving into the water.
Dinner back was great with lots of options. David and his help are great. The horses are amazing. There are some surprises too :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nayomio
Jan 4, 2026
Trot and swim! - Wonderful family experience. David and his brother guided us on very well trained horses. They explained the surrounding area and identified birds as they came into view. We were first taken to a rope swing to enjoy an exhilarating swing literally through the rainforest. We then traveled down to the beautiful blue waters of the Rio Celeste river. This is one of the most naturally beautiful places that I have ever experienced. While there, David treated us to the sweetest pineapples. After returning back to the stables, we enjoyed authentic Costa Rican meal at the restaurant on the property. It was simple but delicious.
I enjoyed the sincere kindness of David and his family. This was the highlight of our trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kerry
Jan 1, 2026
Interesting ride with well trained horses - A great ride for all types of abilities. The horses are sure footed and well trained even on slightly challenging terrain.
The route is interesting and David and his staff are very good. I thought the ride would be shorter than it was and pleased to have some extra time on the horses. Having worked with horses I can see how good these horses are at their job.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juliawy5712rp
Dec 29, 2025
Great Way to Spend half a day! - This was a great way to spend half a day. David and his helpers were fantastic. This was a great way to enjoy nature - ride horses and swim in the river. My 3.5yr old was able to sit with my friend on the horse and had a great time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mehdie431
Dec 28, 2025
Highly recommend - David and Eduardo were brilliant hosts going out of their way to help ensure we had the best time and the horses were comfortable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nekima_w
Dec 27, 2025
Horses and Swimming - So much fun! About 1.5hrs from La Fortuna. Horses are well trained and don't go too fast, which we appreciated as novice riders. Rio Celeste is absolutely beautiful! The water is so crystal blue. Our guide was excellent! He even swam with us. We went as a family with our teenager. Beautiful rapids at the lake you visit. Guide provides pineapple slices at the end of your swim and then you hike back on horseback. Multiple times available throughout the day. Guide speaks English and Spanish.
Review provided by Viator