Explore Panama on horseback

By: Pablo Imberti Posted: 20/08/2021

In this article, we will discover the horseback trails and routes of Panama. You will have the opportunity to enjoy its breath-taking landscapes and rich culture during your equestrian holidays.

Its natural beauty, biodiversity and stunning landscapes will enchant you when you go on holidays in Panama.

Near the capital, you can find different habitats, such as the Metropolitan National Park, Crossroads, Mount Ancon and Chagres, Soberanía and Gamboa National Parks.

The diversity of bird species you can see is spectacular. Due to its geographical position, Panama is a rest point for several migratory bird species, when they migrate south or the other way round.

Another setting for your next horseback trip is the beach.

If you ride on the Pacific coast, you can watch humpback whales. These gentle giants pass by these coasts every year on their way to their breeding sites from July to September.

The agro tourism

In Panama the equestrian tourism is much related to agro tourism.

Other important produces are rice and seeds for reforestation, and if you visit their lakes, you’ll learn the local secrets of tilapia fishing.

What destinations do we recommend?

>If you are looking for horseback adventure, Panama is a paradise, which you’ll adopt as your own. Horseback activities in this country will make your heart beat faster!

The content team of Ampascachi has searched and selected some equestrian tourism operators, and gathered this useful information so you can choose from the following alternatives.

Panama Horseback Adventures

They are located and operate from their island ranch on Isla San Cristobal in the beautiful archipelago of Bocas del Toro.

They offer a genuine adventure in the Panamanian rainforest.

Dave Hopper, the owner and host at Panama Horseback Adventures, has extensive equine knowledge and experience and can organize horseback rides on the island for up to 10 people. They also hire local guides and organize rides in English and Spanish.

His story

The island was pretty much unexplored in terms of riding and horseback trails.

With a team of local Indians who knew their way around, they worked really hard to cut the hidden trails around Isla San Cristobal whilst ensuring they did not damage any of the delicate ecosystems on the island.

Since then they have cut several kilometres of trails and added more horses to their stables.

At present, he is working on a night ride that be developed for more experienced riders, who can cope with different terrains and a few small jumps in the moonlight.

What about their horse rides?

All their rides have a one-day duration. They don’t offer accommodation but provide several recommendations on the island.

In all, they have four rides around different parts of the island plus some other rides that can be customized according to your ridings skills:

• Horseback trails on the beautiful island of San Cristóbal
• Full day tour for novice riders
• Half day tour
• Distance ride for experts

Horseback trails on the beautiful island of San Cristóbal

Dave and his team will take you riding through beautiful island countryside, surrounded by jungle and stunning vistas.

This is a great group day out and only a short boat ride from Bocas Town. The transportation from Bocas is included in the price.

Dave has recently added a new distance tour for expert riders that goes from the front side of San Cristobal through to Dolphin Bay.

Full day tour for novice riders

This loop trail is approximately 15 km long and seems to be just the right length for novice to intermediate riders.

Their tour begins at 10am when they collect you from one of the docks in Bocas Town.

As we travel by boat we will pass over the coral reefs where we are sometimes visited by dolphins who live in Bocas throughout the year.

On arrival at Isla San Cristobal their guides discuss experience levels and general safety. They will assign horses according to best fit and adjust the saddles to fit the riders.

Then your trek will begin!

You ride into the jungle through old growth vegetation and wildlife. It isn't long before you arrive at one of the breathtaking vistas looking out at the ocean and other islands of the Archipelago.

Along the top of one of the tallest hillsides in the area you ride through meadows of flowers and butterflies.

Eventually, you begin your descent back into the jungle, before finally arriving at the baseball field of the local indigenous village.

The local children usually meet them with curiosity and you will get the chance to find out about the village history and culture while taking incredible photos.

A short walk takes you to the very nice and clean village restaurant where your lunch of genuine local food will be prepared. The restaurant is usually served by island women in the traditional Ngobe dress.

Lunch is followed by a walk to the artisan centre and you can discover how the locals make their products from items found in the jungle.

After you will return to your horse and saddle up for the journey back into the jungle and through the cacao trees. You ride into the grazing meadows of a beautiful ranch before beginning your climb once again up the hillside. As you reach the top the other side of the archipelago is stretched before you, to enjoy the view.

The ride back has lots more interesting sights, sounds and smells with a mixed terrain and vegetation before arriving back at the ranch.

By last you take the return trip by boat to town.

Half day tour

The half day tour covers a shorter version of the full day and does not go as far as the Indian pueblo and does not include lunch. This trek is ideal for children and novice riders.

Distance ride for experts

This ride leaves from the front side of San Cristobal and goes to picturesque Dolphin Bay where you have lunch at waterside restaurant, "El Valle de las Ranas" (Valley of the Frogs); it’s very famous around here.

Experience the inner heart of San Cristobal's jungle and indigenous farms. You can see the famous poison dart frogs and hear the howler monkeys.

This is a longer tour with over 6 hours of saddle time and you can expect to return to Bocas Town just before dark. This tour is also offered for intermediate riders but only as an overnight trip.

A four person minimum applies and the price includes accommodation.

More information about them on their website: http://www.panamahorseback.com/

Boquete Outdoor Adventures

Located in Boquete, is a company that offers different adventure tourism activities, among which you can find equestrian tourism rides ranging from 1 to 5 days, all included.

Boquete is a charming mountain village nestled in a fertile valley and a mecca for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, bird watchers, backpackers and people seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you are traveling with a non-rider, the adventure tourism offer is so wide that you will probably want to join them, too.

Where will I stay?

Whatever horse ride you do with them, they will recommend staying at Buena Vista Boquete.

Offers diverse types of accommodations to fit their diverse guests’ needs.

Each room has a great view, free Wi-Fi, Smart TV and rooftop patio access. They also have a communal kitchen where you can have a quick breakfast in the morning before leaving for your adventure rides.

Ride Horseback Riding on the Slopes of Volcano Baru

In these rides and in its trails, you can spend your horseback riding day meandering through green rolling hills, wading through pristine streams, and enjoying panoramic valley views.

Route characteristics:

• It’s meant for intermediate to experienced levels.
• There is a weight limit of 95kgs in full riding gear.
• Minimum age: 12 years (smaller kids can ride with an experienced adult).
• The guide will select the area for riding based on your experience and comfort on the horses.
• You have to be in good physical condition to face the horse trek. They must be able to mount and dismount by themselves.
• Available all year round except October 1-31.
• We recommend morning trips during the rainy season months of July-November.
• Don’t forget to bring your camera, hat, long pants, rain coat or waterproof, sturdy shoes and sunglasses.
• Trip details and trails may change due to severe weather.

After a horseback riding safety orientation, you will have two hours of guided horseback riding through the small local town of Caldera.

Then, you ride around the mountains and lowlands of the valley, an area with beautiful landscapes and picturesque views for photos opportunities.

The tour goes to a lower elevation in the Caldera del Volcan region, which is generally warmer and sunnier year round.

More information on their website: https://www.boqueteoutdooradventures.com/

Junglecat Panama

JIs an adventure tourism company located in the beautiful city of Santa Fe, and among its main offers there is a complete list of horseback tours around the area.

They don’t have accommodations, but they will provide a number of very good alternatives for your consideration.

Junglecat Panama Team

Martin Zipprich and Elizabeth Wilkinson are the owners and founders of Junglecat Panama.

After ten years’ experience managing hotels, resorts and lodges in Zambia, South America and the USA, Martin found himself in the beautiful mountains of Santa Fe.

Here the idea of Junglecat Panama was born. The preservation of local culture, community and environment is his primary objective allowing him to bridge the gap between tourist and local thus providing an authentic Panamanian experience.

Elizabeth Wilkinson grew up in Botswana and has enjoyed horse riding and competing from a young age. While at university in New Zealand she taught children and adults at the Auckland Equestrian Centre part time.

After having moved to Panama the dream to own a trail riding company has become a reality.

Rides in the Highlands of Panama

Their unique, private horseback adventures take you through the valleys and hillsides of Panama’s continental divide.

In your rides, there are opportunities to gallop, traverse clear water rivers and cross suspension bridges.

General information to take into account

• They take a maximum of 10 people in each riding group.
• Tours with 4 or more people have two licensed guides.
• It is suitable for all riding levels.
• There is a weight limit of 95kgs in full riding gear.
• Under 5's can ride with a guide or with a parent, 5 years and up will have their own pony.
• Your bring Water bottle, swim suit, rain jacket, hat, sunblock, insect repellent.
• Dressing in long pants such as jeans, leggings, hiking pants. Closed toe shoes.

Horseback Rides with Junglecat Panama

The options are plenty and if you plan ahead they can organize private tours with customized rides. We will now describe two of their programs.

Bermejo Waterfall

If you are interested, the tour can incorporate a stop at a historical pre-Columbian petroglyph site located in a cave on the river bank. The ride is perfect for intermediate riders and up.

Local Coffee Farm

Accommodations: "Villas en Casa Mariposa"

These “Boutique Villas” are located on a beautiful property with spectacular valley views.

The hotel is the perfect retreat for plant enthusiasts, animal lovers, bird watchers, hikers and entomologists, and of course people wanting to see the beauty of Panama in its most genuine expression.

Here the wildlife is flourishing, and the grounds provide a safe home while staying in one of the 3 very private Villas.

They include full kitchens, hot water, fans and screen Windows. A full breakfast is delivered to your room the afternoon before, for you to prepare in the morning at your leisure.

Learn more about this great Adventure Tourism Team in Panama on their web site: https://www.junglecatpanama.com/ or on facebook photos https://www.facebook.com/junglecatpanama/photos/

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling Central America on horseback?

Besides, we recommend that you download our eBook on Central America where you can find countries with rainforests, beaches and volcanic areas for an exhilarating horseback riding vacation.

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