We take a sunset 🐴 ride on the beach, at Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica's souther zone, with Rancho La Merced in Uvita Costa Rica. Riding along pastures and through the jungle, crossing a small stream, we make our way toward the beach and a beautiful sunset. Both experiences riders and beginners will enjoy horseback riding in Costa Rica at Rancho La Merced. It is also a nature reserve full of diverse wildlife and hiking trails. The ride on the beach as well as taking the horseback tour to a beautiful waterfall are two of the more popular activities, but there is plenty to see and do at Rancho La Merced, located just North of and less than 5 minutes from Uvita, Costa Rica city center. Take a sunset horse back ride in Paradise!
Saddle up for an authentic Costa Rican adventure at the Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge. Whether you are a first-time rider or a seasoned equestrian, our horseback tours offer a unique way to explore 506 hectares of primary and secondary tropical rainforest, mangroves, and pristine coastline.
Located just steps from Punta Uvita and the Marino Ballena National Park, this reserve is a sanctuary for biodiversity and sustainable tourism.
Choose Your Riding Adventure
At Rancho La Merced, we don't just offer a ride; we offer an immersion into nature. Our horses are expertly trained to ensure a safe, pleasant journey through various terrains:
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Mountain & Waterfall Trek: Wind through the lush forest trails to a hidden waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip.
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Beach Ride at Playa Hermosa: Feel the sea breeze as you ride along the sands adjacent to the famous Whale Tail (Marino Ballena).
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Nature & Sustainable Ranching: Discover how we balance conservation with a sustainable livestock operation while spotting local wildlife.
Tour Times & Scheduling
To ensure an intimate and high-quality experience, we keep our groups individualized based on your booking.
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Daily Nature Tours: Offered every morning at 9:00 AM and afternoon at 2:00 PM.
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Sunset Beach Tour: Our most popular experience! Scheduled for 4:00 PM, this tour is timed specifically with the Pacific tides to ensure there is plenty of beach to ride on as the sun goes down.
Pro Tip: Because our beach and sunset rides are tide-dependent, please check the live availability calendar during the booking process to find the perfect date.
A Wildlife Sanctuary with a Mission
Rancho La Merced is more than a tour destination; it is a vital link in the Tapir’s Path Wildlife Corridor.
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Diverse Ecosystems: Explore the mangroves of the Morete River, tropical wet forests, and coastal pastures.
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Wildlife Sightings: Keep your eyes peeled for incredible birds, reptiles, and mammals that thrive in this protected environment.
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Award-Winning Conservation: We are proud recipients of the Blue Flag (Bandera Azul) and the CST (Certification for Tourism Sustainability) from the Costa Rican Tourism Bureau.
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Protected Heritage: As a long-standing member of ASANA, we have prohibited hunting for years, ensuring the animals you see are living in a safe, natural habitat.
Experience Uvita Like a Local
Escape the crowded tourist paths and enjoy the "pleasure of riding" in a reserve dedicated to the soul of Costa Rica. From the shade of the mangroves to the golden hues of a Pacific sunset, your perfect ride is waiting.