Horseback riding in Nicaragua is the thing you have to do when you are visiting Nicaragua! Never thought we would do a horseback riding tour but after some research, it quickly turned out this was a must-do activity here! We don’t think there is a similar place in the world where you will experience the most the wild beauty of the Nicaraguan coast, as you will experience it on a horseback!
And Rancho Chilamate is not by chance rated as #1 in Nicaragua when it comes to horseback riding. The beauty of the ranch and the incredibly friendly and helpful staff blown us away! Such a breath-taking experience from the beginning until the end! And you know what… You don’t need any riding experience! Both of us were beginners and we never felt so comfortable on a horse.
Tip: make sure you have a good travel insurance that covers activities like this.
The eco-friendly ranch
10 km away from the busy town of San Juan Del Sur and 3,5 km from Yankee Beach, Rancho Chilamate lies on a peaceful setting in the heart of Las Fincas Reserve. Blue and her crew invites you as a guest and let you leave feeling like a friend or family. This eco-friendly ranch, provided by solar energy, offers 4 rooms to choose from. It has its own organic vegetable garden and supports local efforts to clean up and beautify the area. The horses are happy, healthy and well trained. Every evening they treat their guests with their famous family-style Ranch dinner at the ‘Big Table’. Just perfect!
Read also: Best places to stay in Nicaragua
Time to cowboy up
If you book the horseback riding in Nicaragua without staying on the ranch, which is perfectly possible, they pick you up at Barrio Cafe in the town of San Juan Del Sur. After a warm welcome and some refreshing fresh-squeezed watermelon juices, you get dressed up like a real cowboy or cowgirl. Passing through saloon doors, you walk into a full room of gear where you pick out your own jeans, shirt, hat and cowboy boots. So cool!
When you’re ready, you fill out a small form and then you will get matched to a horse depending on your personality and riding experience. I was matched by ‘Cruiser’ and Mik by ‘Pinto’, our heroes!
What’s the best ride?
The one we’ve booked and highly recommend is the Sunset Beach Ride. This ride leaves from the ranch through the local community, into open fields, and over hilltops with spectacular views, crossing the river several times where you will have the chance to spot some wildlife. At Yankee Beach, you take a break for a refreshing beer and some snacks. And for the thrill-seekers among us, you will get the chance to canter on the beach.
Running with a horse along with stunning ocean views during sunset… there is no better way to end your day! It’s not just a ride, it’s a real magic moment. Returning under the moonlight counting stars.. do we need to say more?
Experience it yourself
“We really loved every single minute! Thank you Blue, Anna, Laura, Hannah, Pierre-Yves and Noël and for making our experience that memorable! We can’t wait to come back someday.”
Wanna do this horseback ride of a lifetime by yourself? Visit Rancho Chilamate or book the sunset ride here.
A tour includes: pick up and drop off in San Juan Del Sur – western boots, hat, and good tack – strong healthy loved-up horses – English-speaking trail boss – Fun and Rum – 3 hours in the saddle -and …a portion of every ride goes to the local community development fund
Have a nice ride!
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