Horseback Ride Tour to Natural Pool in Arikok National Park
Description
Get back to nature with Rancho Loco on the one and only horseback riding tour through Arikok National Park to the Natural Pool, Aruba’s most popular and most remote nature destination only reached by walking, horseback or 4x4. Our expert guides instruct and match you to your horse, no experience is needed. Your tour takes you into the Park for a relaxing ride on the Nacho Trail (no vehicle traffic) to experience a nature lover’s treasure that contains some of the most diverse flora, fauna and huge cacti in the region. Keep an eye out for wild goats as you ride up into highlands for photo worthy views of the island before descending to the coastline to reach the famous Natural Pool, a stunning formation of volcanic rocks that resemble a miniature mountain range, known locally as “Conchi”. Spend 30 minutes exploring the area or swimming in the pool before heading back to the ranch. Say goodbye to your trusty steed and have a cold drink at the bar (extra) before departing.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your tour takes you for a relaxing ride on the Nacho Trail (no vehicle traffic) where you will experience a nature lover’s treasure that contains some of the most diverse flora, fauna and huge cacti in the region. Keep an eye out for wild goats as you ride up into hills for photo worthy views of the protected pristine white sands of Moro Beach, locally known as “Little Aruba” before descending to the coastline to reach the famous Natural Pool, a stunning formation of volcanic rocks that resemble a miniature mountain range, known locally as “Conchi”.
Your tour starts with hotel pickup and transfer to Rancho Loco, where a friendly local guide will provide instructions on how to handle a horse. Pair up with a well-trained equine friend and get comfortable in the saddle before taking off for your 2+ hour roundtrip horseback ride with additional time spent mid-tour at the pool.
Enjoy a 30-minute break and take in the beautiful setting of the natural pool while cooling off or just exploring the area. After spending time swimming or resting, it’s time to get back on the saddle and head back to Rancho Loco. Say goodbye to your trusty steed and have a cold drink at the bar (extra) before departing to your hotel.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Transportation is provided from/to the major hotel areas in Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. If your hotel is not listed, send a message to let us know where you are staying. We do not provide transportation to/from private residences, Saveneta or San Nicholas areas. HOTEL PICKUPS BEGIN AT 8:00 A.M. FOR THE MORNING TOUR AND 2:00 P.M. FOR THE AFTERNOON TOUR. YOU WILL BE ADVISED OF THE EXACT TIME WHEN YOU RECONFIRM YOUR RESERVATION AND HOTEL INFORMATION. This operator requires you to contact them directly prior to this tour/activity. Please provide hotel and room number so in case of changes we have a way to reach out to you and notify changes. Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions. Hotel pickups commence approximately 60 minutes prior to the tour time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation. Tour duration: 2.5 - 3 hours and does not include transport time or set up time. SPECIAL NOTE TO CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS: We only offer our afternoon tour to cruise ship passengers. No exceptions. No refunds will be given for misinforming us.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Riders shall *not exceed* 220 lbs fully clothed which is strictly enforced for the well being of our horses and riders
- Long pants and closed shoes are *strongly* recommended but not required. If you choose to wear shorts, please bring a pool towel to put over the saddle to protect your legs.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age is 8 years old
- Special note to cruise ship passengers - We only offer our afternoon tour to cruise ship passengers. No exceptions. No refunds will be given for misinforming us.
- Not recommended for travelers with hip problems
Reviews(1,238)
Absolute, hands down, best horseback riding experience for all level riders! Gorgeous views, dusty trails, and a dip in the natural pool make this the BEST horseback riding experience I've had so far. The staff is AMAZING -they are ALL so friendly, funny, and extremely good at what they do! They make you feel comfortable, confident, and like a part of their Ranch Family. They know their horses' personalities, energies, and riding styles and pairs you with the perfect horse based off of your personality and aura/energy. It's a great opportunity to let loose and connect with nature in order to give you the best experience possible! Dress comfortably, bring/wear a hat/sunscreen, and bring a towel if you plan on wearing shorts or getting wet. You will learn, laugh, make memories, and have so much fun - BOOK IT NOW!
We did the morning ride and were picked up from our hotel right on time and were greeted by Christy when we arrrived on the ranch. After she gave us a rundown and water, we headed over to meet our guide, Patrick. Safety for all is a priority, and once we were paired with our horse, we headed out for our ride. Patrick often rode along side the group, making sure we were comfortable and stayed on pace. There was a decent amount of trotting. Unfortunately, the water was too rough when we got to the natural pool so we weren't able to swim, but it was a beautiful area and we were able to walk into the tide pools and explore a bit to take pics and cool off before hopping back on the horses. A few of us shorties, including myself and my mom needed to use the rock there to get a bit more height to get back in the saddle and Patrick and Anderson were right there to help us easily get back on. We had lots of laughs and enjoyed seeing this special part of the island in such a fun way. A few things to note: We each got one bottle of water, they have more bottles to buy if needed or you can bring your own. They will weigh each family privately in a back area to confirm weight restrictions. Sunscreen! There are two saddlebags on each horse. Each saddlebag has a side pocket for bottle of water and a rolled beach towel fit into one bag. The other bag could fit a reusable water bottle, go pro, etc without issue. Any backpacks stay at the ranch with Christy who locks them up until your return. Many horses also had a little pouch at the front of the saddle too for a cellphone. Once back at the ranch, you can buy more water, pop, or beer Thanks again to Patrick, Anderson, Patrick's daughter (sorry I can't remember her name), and Christy for a great adventure!
The natural pool does close due to rough seas and high tide which we didn’t know. Check tide forecast otherwise you may only get to look at it and not actually swim. Horses were very well taken care of and matched to riders. The guides did a great job facilitating the ride.
The horses were well trained and taken care of. The tour guide was amazing The experience was great!
From pickup to drop off everything was organized. The ride was a lot of fun. The tour guides made sure we were safe, but had a great time. The ride itself and natural pool were gorgeous. I would definitely do this again.
In my experience, the tour operators in Kochkor are reliable. However, you should be wary of the drivers, as they will try to make extra money by taking you on supposedly attractive detours or excursions. It is also possible to negotiate a return journey to Bishkek, but be careful! Under no circumstances should you pay the fare in advance, not even if it is demanded at the petrol station! This is shamelessly exploited, and the agreed journey will not be completed as agreed!
You posted this to the wrong company. This is Rancho Loco a horseback riding tour. There are no vehicles on the tour only horses!
It was an amazing experience. The people there were amazing and we had an amazing group. I went with my girlfriend who loves animals and she loved it. I also am an animal lover so it was nice getting assigned your horse. You really get to bond with the animal and you see how amazing they are. The tour was great! amazing views and the natural pool. We loved it
Staff is amazing!!! Everyone is so friendly and makes you feel extremely comfortable in the short time you are there. Would 100% book again.
This was a great experience for me and my family. As beginners the guide was professional, friendly and patient. Would definitely recommend them!!!
I really cannot recommend this excursion enough. The horses are so well trained and well taken care of, the staff is SO friendly, and make you feel so safe and secure while having a bunch of fun. Patrick is probably one of the most knowledgeable horsemen I know, and I’ve been riding horses and working at barns for over 10 years. He’s hilarious, and makes sure everyone is safe and having fun. Truly one of a kind guide, and his daughter was so sweet and soft spoken as she led our group looking out for dogs and motorbikes that would potentially scare our horses (they never spooked) - the views of the natural pool and water was so amazing. I recommend bringing goggles - I forgot that part and missed the opportunity to see all the cool fish below us in the pool. Truly amazing experience. Would recommend 10000 times!
