This spectacular old mountain trail was used before the Spanish conquest of Costa Rica. There is quite a distance between the Arenal Volcano and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. La Fortuna (the village near the volcano) altitude is 350 meters above sea level, Monteverde is straddling the Continental Divide at 1,500 meters (4,500 feet, that's why it's called a cloud forest). Because of the mountain range, there is no direct road, it makes a detour by Tilaran. 

Generations of locals have been using the Cano Negro trail pass to go from Arenal to Monteverde, saving time, and using the only mean of transportation they had: horseback. We invite you to re-live this exciting journey with us.

Horse, boat, and 4x4 Adventure    it’s the most exciting way to go!   Pick up at your hotel Monteverde drive by a 4x4 some what bumpy but very scenic road with great vistas of the cloud forest and the Continental divine. From Mirador Monteverde where your horse will be given to you for an adventure in the cloud fores. This fantastic horseback rie from Mirador Monteverde to decent from 3600 feet to the Lake Arenal. The horseback ride will give you the oporunity to be in the Continental Divine and great views of the Volcano and river crossing on the jungle trail. They the lake crossing by boat with again great photo oportunities of the Volacano. From the dam on the other side of the lake a vam will take you to your hotel. Total time 5 hours, one way. We do this trip from Monteverde to La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano) also.

We leave at 8h30 am from Arenal, & 8h am from Monteverde, for the best views and weather (morning tends to be clearer on the mountain). Go with a friendly Monteverde horseman using his fresh and healthy horses, in a small group (2 to 6 persons), stop along to take some photos, relax and enjoy yourself

Our exciting horseback adventure

1. Pick up in La Fortuna, or from your hotel in the Arenal area at 8h30 am.
2. Dam: after a 30 minutes ride by mini bus, we reach the dam of lake Arenal, boarding our covered 22 passenger boat, for a fun 30 minutes cruise with great views of the active volcano. We go to #3, or #A, depending on trail conditions. Your luggage will be sent safely by mini bus to your hotel in Monteverde.
3. Castillo to Monteverde by an exciting horseback ride, climbing 1,200 meters (3,600 feet) from the lake to the Continental Divide, at the Monteverde Mirador. 3 river crossings, part lush forest, part magnificent open views of the volcano, the lake, and the surrounding mountain range. OR from #A to #4, no river crossing. In rainy season, we use the alternative Chiquito trail. It's a 3.5 hour ride, plus a 30 minute pick-nick break.
4. to Monteverde - a 30 minute ride by 4x4 brings you directly to your hotel in the Monteverde Cloud Forest area , or at our office in the center of the village of Santa Elena (Monteverde Tree House Tourist Center) if you don't have an hotel reservation. There is several budget lodging possibilities within a few minutes walk of our offic
5. We will take care of your luggage for you...