Horseback Riding in the Foothills of El Yunque
If horseback riding is one of those things that you enjoy, you can certainly do it during your visit to Puerto Rico. There are a few places around the island that offer different types of rides — forest trails, on the beach, through fields. We went on a 2-hour trail ride at Carabalí Rainforest Park in Luquillo, in the foothills of the El Yunque rain forest. Located just a minutes east of the main road (Road 191) into El Yunque National Forest, it is convenient for people spending time in the north-east part of the island.
While I am not trained rider, I do like horses. I had ridden a number of times when I was younger, but it has been a while.
The Horses
Carabalí Rainforest Park is a large place — about 600 acres. They have over 70 horses for the trail rides alone, plus they house and train many other privately-owned competition horses. We went during a local holiday weekend in July and the place was busy! I bet they had all 70 horses saddled and ready to go. This is the place all the cruise lines have their riding tours through, so they are used to large groups. They offer a 1-hour and a 2-hour tour.
The type of horse that is prevalent in Puerto Rico, and that you will be riding at Carabalí Rainforest Park, is the Paso Fino. They have a gentle gait, so you are not bounced around so much (or so they say!). My horse was named Semilla and Ray’s was Shea. They were gentle horses. They knew the ropes — when one horse walked, they all started walking. You didn’t really even have to "steer" the horse — they knew which way to turn while out on the trails. So this would be great for beginners! But, if you needed to, you could get them to do what you wanted with a gentle pull on the reins.
The horses were strong and capable trail horses. They seemed well-fed, clean and well-groomed. The day we went was a hot day, so the horses were hosed off before and after their rides. They spent the time between rides in a sheltered corral with water and fans. It looked like a nice place.
Our Tour
They asked each of the people in our group how much experience we had — I guess to better match us up with horses. Then they started getting us each settled on our horses — adjusting the stirrups and showing us how to hold the reins. Once everyone was ready — off we went.
It was a leisurely, enjoyable trail ride. As our horses walked through fields and some forested areas we got to see some of the Puerto Rican countryside. The rain forest mountains could be seen in the distance. Our guide, David, was nice , he told us about some of the things that we were seeing — fruit trees, the rain forest in the distance or the river.
We rode along the Mameyes river and, after about 45 minutes of riding, we stopped at the river for about 20 minutes to rest the horses and allow people time to swim or use the restroom (note that the 1-hour tour stops at the river for only a few minutes).
After our break, we continued on through some more fields, forests and a neighborhood of haciendas until we got back to the stables. We only trotted or galloped a very small amount (though people that didn’t want to could just walk their horses).
For a trail ride, it was fine (similar to what I remember from other rides). One thing I really liked is the horses seemed to get along. They didn’t make you keep the horses in a single file — you could ride side-by-side with other people in your party.
Some Observations & Hints
I was surprised they didn’t offer helmets. If you want to use one, you can borrow one from the ATV area.
They allow children as young as 3 years old on the horses (another surprise!). For the kids, they have a loose "seat belt" thing that goes around the saddle — it is supposed to prevent kids from slipping off sideways.
They offer a 1-hour tour or 2-hour tour, both require reservation.
To avoid chafing on your legs against the saddle and blanket, wear long pants. And closed-toe shoes are required for safety. While riding in the fields, it is sunny, so wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. People on the 2-hour tour should wear a swimsuit under their clothing so you can jump in the river.
Besides being reasonably priced, the location is great. You can do this and still have plenty of time for the rain forest, zipline, beach, biobay or other activity in the north-east part of the island. In addition to horseback riding, Carabalí Rainforest Park also offers ATVs, go-karts and hay rides.
Carabalí Rainforest Park Details
check their web page for current prices
If you're happy, let them know it — Don't forget to tip your your bartender, tour guide or trip operator if you enjoyed yourself. Gratuities are appreciated and typically aren't included in the price they charge you.
They are open everyday, 9a-5pm. The 2-hour tour is not offered as often as the 1 hr tours. Reservations are required.
The 1-hour tour is offered throughout the day.
There is a weight limit.
You can call 787-889-5820 or 787-889-4954 for more info from 9:30am – 6:00pm.
Visit their web site for more info
They are located about 1 – 1½ hours from the San Juan area
They are located off of located just off Route 3 in Luquillo on Road 992, KM 4. They can provide transportation from SJ Hotels for an additional charge.
They now offer a beach ride! Book Beach Horseback Tour
Other horseback riding places in Puerto Rico
Campo Rico Trail Rides
- Located in San Juan. The ranch in San Juan is about 10 minutes from the SJU airport.
- They offer trail rides through the forest and fields.
- 1 and 2 hour tours. Children ages 8 years and up can ride their own horse. .
- Open 7 days a week with 2 rides daily — 9am and the 3:00pm.
- Call 787-629-0222 for reservations, or visit their web site for more info
Tropical Trail Rides
- Located in Isabela — (The Isabela trip is good for people staying in the north-west part of the island).
- The ranch in Isabela is about 2 hours west of San Juan or 30 mins north-east from Rincon.
- They offer trail rides through the forest and along the beach.
- . Children ages 6 years and up can ride their own horse. .
- Open 7 days a week with 2 rides daily — 9am and the 3:30pm.
- Call 787-872-9256 for reservations, or visit their web site for more info
Island View Stable (Hacienda Buena Vista) – Humacao
- Book Hacienda Buena Vista Horseback Tour Now
- Check out their Facebook page or web site.
- Call (939) 891-8282
- 15 Academy Dr, Palmas Del Mar, Humacao
La Vista Rides
- Located in Rio Grande.
- They offer trail rides through the forest and to a river.
- Open 7 days a week with 2 rides daily — 9am and the 3:30pm.
- Phone 787-315-1359, or visit their web site or Facebook page for more info
Hacienda 8A
- Book Hacienda 8A Horseback Tour Now
- Located in Las Piedras
- More info on their Facebook page and web site.
- Call 787-567-0982 for info
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