Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge
Experience breathtaking Costa Rican landscapes on horseback, from lush rainforests to stunning Pacific beaches. Ideal for all skill levels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking Costa Rican landscapes on horseback, from lush rainforests to stunning Pacific beaches. Ideal for all skill levels.
"The best horseback riding experience we have had and can’t wait to come back on our next trip."
🐴 Book Your Ride Ahead
Popular tours, especially sunset rides, fill up fast. Reserve your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Guides are happy to stop and take photos for you on the beach. Capture those memorable moments!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beach Gallops
Pacific Coastline
Feel the wind in your hair as you gallop along the sandy shores. An exhilarating experience for riders of all levels.
Forest Trails
Lush Rainforest
Explore the vibrant jungle canopy and discover hidden waterfalls on horseback. A truly immersive nature experience.
Sunset Ride
Pacific Coastline
Witness breathtaking ocean sunsets from horseback. A romantic and unforgettable way to end the day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Horseback Riding Adventures
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Uvita unsafe or fear mongering?
🐴 Book Your Ride Ahead
Popular tours, especially sunset rides, fill up fast. Reserve your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Guides are happy to stop and take photos for you on the beach. Capture those memorable moments!
Advice for Dominical area
Ojochal in May
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Closed-toe shoes are recommended for riding. You'll be on horseback for a good portion of the tour.
🐒 Wildlife Spotting
Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds along the trails.
Going to OSA but hiking not feasible any longer for this senior.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐴 Book Your Ride Ahead
Popular tours, especially sunset rides, fill up fast. Reserve your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Guides are happy to stop and take photos for you on the beach. Capture those memorable moments!
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Closed-toe shoes are recommended for riding. You'll be on horseback for a good portion of the tour.
🐒 Wildlife Spotting
Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds along the trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the exceptional horseback riding experience at Rancho La Merced, highlighting the well-cared-for horses and the stunning scenery of both forest trails and the beach. Guides are consistently praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to cater to all skill levels, making it a top recommendation for families and riders of all abilities. The sunset rides are particularly memorable.
"Such an amazing horseback riding experience. As my first time riding a horse without any help lol I was a bit scared but Ivan & Edgar were so nice and helpful to help me feel comfortable safe during the ride. 100% recommend this experience to anyone who is considering doing a horseback riding tour. The views were so beautiful and the trail was so nice! Thank you to the team!! 🐎🐴"
Karina Contreras
"We had an amazing time! The guides were awesome, the horses were in great condition and the barn environment was clean and well cared for. For 3 advanced riders we were all pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed the entire ride from walking through their farm land to galloping on the beach while they kept the beginner riders safely together as well. Highly recommend!!"
Jennifer White
"We had an unforgettable experience on the beach and forest horseback ride! From start to finish, everything was so thoughtfully organized. The horses were incredibly gentle and well cared for—perfect for our 8-year-old, who felt confident and safe the entire time. Our guide was absolutely amazing—knowledgeable, patient, and so kind, making sure everyone was comfortable and having fun. Riding through the forest and along the beach was magical, and it ended up being one of the absolute highlights of our trip. Highly recommend to families and anyone looking for a unique, peaceful adventure."
C H R I S T O P H E R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rancho La Merced is located near Uvita, Costa Rica. Many visitors arrive by car or taxi from Uvita. If you're staying in Uvita, some tour operators may offer transportation as part of their package.
Yes, there is typically parking available for visitors. If you are arriving for a specific tour, confirm parking arrangements with the tour operator.
While the refuge itself is a protected area, many visitors experience it through guided tours, particularly horseback riding. Check with local tour providers for access details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the refuge may be included with guided tours. For specific horseback riding tours, the ticket price usually covers the tour and access to the ranch facilities.
Operating hours can vary depending on the tour operator. Horseback riding tours often run in the morning and late afternoon, with sunset rides being very popular.
Prices can vary, but expect to pay around $70-$100 USD for a guided horseback riding tour, which often includes beach and forest trails.
It's highly recommended to book tours in advance, especially for popular times like sunset. Same-day bookings may be possible but are not guaranteed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The refuge is home to howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and a variety of bird species. Keep an eye out during your activities.
Reviews consistently praise the excellent condition and gentle nature of the horses, noting that the staff truly cares for the animals.
Absolutely! The guides are experienced and patient, ensuring beginners feel comfortable and safe. The horses are gentle and well-trained for all skill levels.
Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Many visitors opt for long pants to prevent chafing. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also advisable.
Yes, children are welcome! The horses are gentle, and guides ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for younger riders.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, guides are very accommodating and will often stop to take photos of you and your group on the beach. You can also bring your phone or camera if you can secure it safely.
Late afternoons, especially during sunset, offer beautiful golden hour lighting. Early mornings can also be great for wildlife photography.
The beach itself provides stunning backdrops. Your guide can also point out scenic spots along the forest trails.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The combination of forest trails and beach rides offers a varied and engaging adventure that will captivate younger imaginations. The opportunity to see wildlife like monkeys and sloths adds an educational and exciting element to the outing. Booking a tour, especially the sunset ride, promises to be a highlight of your family's trip to Costa Rica.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
The tranquil atmosphere of the forest trails and the exhilarating gallops on the beach offer a perfect blend of adventure and serenity. The attentive guides ensure a personalized experience, allowing you to focus on each other and the breathtaking scenery. It's a perfect way to create lasting memories together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Horseback Riding Experience
The trails themselves are a major draw, taking riders through both the lush forest and along the picturesque beach. This combination provides a diverse and engaging experience. For more advanced riders, there's the opportunity to gallop on the beach while beginners continue at a walk, demonstrating the tour's ability to cater to different skill levels within the same group. The sunset beach ride is particularly recommended, offering magical views and an unforgettable end to the day.
Beyond the ride itself, the facilities are noted as impressive, and the team's genuine care for the animals shines through, distinguishing it from purely profit-driven operations. This commitment to animal welfare and guest satisfaction makes Rancho La Merced a standout choice for a memorable horseback riding adventure.
Wildlife Encounters
Beyond primates, the refuge is also a prime location for spotting sloths, often found leisurely moving in the canopy. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diverse avian population, with numerous species of tropical birds flitting through the foliage. The coastal areas can also offer glimpses of marine life or shorebirds. Early mornings and late afternoons are generally considered the best times for wildlife viewing, as animals are often more active during these cooler parts of the day.
Social
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