I am a firm believer in exploring the great outdoors whenever you get a chance, especially when you are on vacation and the world is your proverbial oyster. In my recent post on "rainforest tours Costa Rica" I mentioned that I have a deep love for all of Mother Nature's Central American handiwork. There is no better way to experience this unparalleled beauty than by signing up for the amazing waterfall tours Costa Rica has to offer. Sure, you can take the adrenaline junkie route and search for "kayak tours Costa Rica" and "canopy tours Costa Rica" prior to planning your vacation, but a waterfall tour is not to be missed.
On one of my recent visits to the country, I did a quick online search for "rainforest tours Costa Rica" and found a tour operator that offered an amazing deal. Imagine riding through the lush jungle on horseback, taking in the abundance of gorgeous flora and fauna. Sounds like pure magic, does it not? It gets better. The exhilarating trail through the jungle culminated in a fabulously relaxing mineral spa treatment at a secret natural spring. The experience, as a whole, seemed like something out of a fairytale.
If you are an inexperienced rider, you might be worried that this type of tour is not ideally suited to you. The good news is that a waterfall tour often caters for novice riders who are interested in enjoying a completely new side of the rainforest, rather than a physically intense ride. These horses are trained to remain calm and gentle, keeping the rider feeling comfortable every step of the way. Think of it as one of the most eco-friendly ways to explore a world completely untouched by human hands. It really provides a sense of other-worldly amazement without any unnecessary distractions.
While the experience is truly amazing, I feel that it is my responsibility (as a fellow traveler) to warn readers of this post that preparation is key. You may wish to equip yourself with just a few additional items in your backpack, to make your life simpler at the end of the day. Always pack a towel and a change of clothes, since nothing is more uncomfortable than a damp horseback ride. Sunscreen is another important item. You may feel like the dense foliage keeps you completely protected from the sun's vicious rays but the fact of the matter is that you can never be too careful.
One of the best things about a waterfall tour on horseback is the fact that you have the opportunity to slot it in on a day when you want to take things easy. These tours usually take about two to three hours in the morning, freeing up the rest of your day to book a pamper session back at the lodge or to explore the cultural side of town a little more. Of course, if you feel like taking a nap, that is perfectly acceptable since technically you will have done something exciting for the day already.