Combining ATV + Cabalgata: the ultimate half-day

April 2026 6 min min read

Half a day, two completely different rhythms: about 2 hours of ATV adrenaline through jungle and rivers, then roughly 1.5 hours on horseback across our family finca at the pace Guanacaste was meant to be seen. It's our most-booked combo, it costs from $150 per person, and it needs zero experience in either saddle. Here's how it works, hour by hour.

What exactly is the ATV + Cabalgata combo?

One booking, two classic Costa Rican experiences back to back: the full ATV trail ride (the same route as our flagship tour — jungle, river crossings, viewpoint) followed by a guided horseback tour across our family finca, with trained horses, a bilingual guide and a snack break. Total time is about 4 hours including the transition between activities.

'Cabalgata' simply means horseback ride in Spanish — and doing one on a working Guanacaste finca, where sabanero (cowboy) culture was born, is about as authentic as it gets.

Part 1 — The ATV ride (about 2 hours)

You start with the briefing, gear up (helmet and goggles included) and head out on jungle trails with river crossings and a viewpoint stop. You pick Single ($150 per person) or Double ($195 per quad, driver + passenger 5+). No off-road experience needed — the guide sets the pace.

Note that the ATV minimum applies here like on all our ATV tours: bookings require at least 2 machines, in any mix of Singles and Doubles.

Part 2 — The cabalgata (about 1.5 hours)

Trade handlebars for reins. Our horses are trained for beginners and matched to each rider's size and confidence — if you've never been on a horse, you're exactly who they're used to carrying. The ride crosses open finca land: cattle pastures, big skies, slow rhythm, with a snack break along the way.

After two hours of engine and adrenaline, the contrast is the whole point. Guests consistently tell us the quiet half is the part they didn't expect to love.

How much does it cost?

ATV Single + Cabalgata: $150 per person. ATV Double + Cabalgata: $195 per quad (that covers driver and passenger). All prices include the 13% IVA, plus helmets, trained horses, bilingual guide and a light snack.

Prefer the family setup? The UTV + Cabalgata combo runs $339 for the UTV (up to 5 riders) plus $45 per person for the horseback portion — the best pick when small kids or grandparents are in the group.

Do I need horseback riding experience?

None at all. The horses are calm, trail-trained and used to first-timers; the guide rides with the group the whole time and helps everyone mount, adjust stirrups and get comfortable before setting off. Helmets are provided.

Kids can join the cabalgata at most ages when accompanied by an adult — tell us your group's ages when booking and we'll confirm the right setup.

Morning or afternoon? How to plan your day

Our recommendation: take the 8:00 AM departure. You ride in the cooler hours, the light on the finca is gorgeous, and you're done by early afternoon — showered and on the beach by 2:00 PM with the day's best story already in the bag. The 11:00 AM slot works great too if mornings aren't your thing.

In the green season, morning departures also stack the odds of dry weather in your favor, since showers tend to arrive later in the day.

Who is this combo for?

Couples who want adventure and romance in the same morning. Friend groups where half want speed and half want photos. Travelers with just one free day in Guanacaste who want maximum variety per hour. And honestly, anyone who suspects that the best version of Costa Rica involves both a splash of adrenaline and a slow ride into a big landscape.

If your crew leans more family — small kids, mixed ages — look at the UTV + Cabalgata version of the same combo instead.

Plan it for the morning, bring closed shoes and a change of clothes, and leave the afternoon free for the beach. One booking, two adventures, zero regrets.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the ATV + Cabalgata combo last?

About 4 hours total: roughly 2 hours on the ATV trail and 1.5 hours on horseback across the finca, plus the transition and snack break.

How much does the ATV + Cabalgata combo cost?

$150 per person on an ATV Single, or $195 per Double quad (driver + passenger). Tax included. ATV bookings require a minimum of 2 machines. The UTV version is $339 per vehicle plus $45 per person.

Do I need horseback experience for the cabalgata?

No — the horses are trained for beginners, the guide helps everyone get set up, and helmets are provided. Most of our riders are on a horse for the first time.

Can kids do the combo?

Yes — kids 5+ can ride as ATV Double passengers, and the cabalgata suits most ages with an adult. For younger kids, the UTV + Cabalgata combo welcomes children from 2+.

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