My girlfriend and I went out with Marvin on a sunset ride to Mal Pais. It was probably the most romantic thing we did the whole trip. One special thing that Marvin does is that he keeps his rides limited to just your party; it was just my girlfriend and I, as opposed to traveling with 5+ other people like some other tours. Marvin was wonderful and really made an effort to make us feel at home. At Mal Pais he gave us our space and even cut up pineapple and opened a couple coconuts for us to drink from. Plus his dogs were hilarious and ran with us the entire ride! On the way back he gives you head lamps so you can see where you're going in the moon-lit Costa Rican night through the jungle.

When our trip was over, he also recommended a restaurant to us which ended up being one of the best on our trip!

Don't skip this if you're here with your significant other(s)!

We had a divine Christmas Day ride with Marvin and the happy, well-kept horses that he calls his "boys". He is extremely knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, kept all four of us (Ages 10-74) safely and happily on our horses, and showed us terrain that we wouldn't have seen otherwise. He is funny and engaging, and we all had a blast.

In comparison to the other outfittes in Montezuma, Marvin shines. The two other Montezuma outfitters do NOT take good care of their horses, who are often visibly exhausted, lame and dispirited. Last year, there were two deaths among their number. Truthfully, a ride up the Montezuma beach to the waterfall sounds fun, but it's a long, hot trudge with little change in scenery and VERY hard on the horses with the sloped terrain and unsure footing.

In addition to the rainforest options, Marvin will arrange sunset rides in Malpais, if you want a more satisfying experience. Transportation to his stable in nearby Cabuya is easily procured and the 15-min coastal drive is lovely. In Cabuya, the bakery there is FANTASTIC for lunch or tea.

I've gone on horseback tours in over a dozen countries, and El Pinto's ride was by far the best. Marvin, the owner/operator, takes only small semi-private tours which is by far the best way to go horseback riding and Marvin's horses are super healthy and well trained.

I recently went horseback riding in Fortuna, and the horses there were sick, full of ticks, and without shoes. The tour was also too big, as we were a group of eight riders.

El Pinto's tour was refreshingly superior. Marvin led us through the jungle and up into the mountains above Montezuma. It was breathtaking and by far the most visually diverse horseback riding tour I've ever experienced.

Marvin was raised on a farm in the mountains and he's been riding horses every day of his life. It is his expertise and his love for the horses that sets this tour apart from the rest.

I enjoyed the tour so much, I went riding again a week later.
Five stars.

Marvin took my wife, daughter and family friend for a 3 hour ride along the beach. The horses were obviously well cared for, well mannered and perfect for our group of inexperienced riders. Marvin was an excellent guide who speaks english and kept the girls entertained throughout entire trip. Thanks again, Marvin!