Horseback Riding in Costa Rica
ODYSSEY |
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The ambitious Costa Rican Odyssey will take you through dramatic river canyons towards the arid Pacific Coast with its beautiful beaches, then on to toward the template mountain slopes, passing through the mystical cloud forest valleys and descending to majestic Arenal Volcano. It is organized for energetic people offering a maximum view of this many faceted country.
Mario was a jewel of a leader. He made us feel like a part of his extended family. He was capable and always ensured that we were happy and our trip was very enjoyable. He seemed to have a great rapport not only with us but with all the individuals he dealt with. Everyone loved our horse master at Maravilla. He played a big part in making that part of the trip a great experience. He was wonderful with the horses and with the guests. All the staff we dealt with was efficient. But more importantly they made us feel special. Everywhere we went, all the Costa Rican people were friendly and seemed happy to see us. I had a wonderful time and would highly recommend it to all my friends!
- Marian Pohley Jan-Feb 2010
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | You will be met upon arrival at the San Jose International airport. Overnight at a San Jose hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight.
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| Day 2: | Cien Fuegos Eco-ranch and stables. (Approx. 3 hours in the saddle)
Morning transfer to Cien Fuegos, located along the Trinidad River in the dry central Pacific region, the starting point of your riding adventure. After horse assignment and a short presentation, you will head towards Hacienda La Maravilla, riding along rolling hills and meadows into the gallery forest along the Cuarros River – an excellent spot for wildlife encounters. Meander across the river following a country lane passing farmland, rural homes and finally arriving at the hacienda grounds. For the next 3 nights you will stay at Cerro Lodge.
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| Day 3: | Coastal Ride (approx. 5-6 hours in the saddle). Today’s ride will take you to the Pacific coast following country lanes and an old ranch trail which lead to Tivives Crag. The Spaniards first started their conquest of the Central Pacific around 1561 from this very spot. Ride across the Cascajalillo mangrove swamps and along the coast. Depending on tide times, lunch will be served at a local café or as a picnic on the beach, or back at Maravilla. Again, depending on the tide, you climb on horseback towards Cuevas Crag, enjoying unique views of the Pacific Ocean or alternatively, ride along the shoreline towards Guacalillo beach. Follow a country lane back to Hacienda Maravilla. |
| Day 4: | La Mariana Estate and countryside (approx. 3-6 hours in the saddle)
Enjoy an exploratory ride of the hacienda’s 1000 acres and its private reserve, riding through rolling hills and savannahs towards the transitional-dry forest and the lush gallery forest. Here, the terrain is picturesque, predominantly flat with gentle slopes and forested valleys. As you ride over the higher areas you will have excellent views of the Pacific Ocean and perhaps spot some of the local area’s wildlife too. Return to the hacienda in time for lunch and a siesta. This afternoon there is an optional ride in the southern part of La Maravilla Hacienda. After a few gentle hill climbs you may experience an ocean view sunset – the Pacific coast is reputed to be among the world’s best places to experience this event. |
| Day 5: | Machuca River Canyon (approx. 3-4 hours in the saddle)
Your final ride will take you to the Machuca River basin, passing Cascajal village as you ride into the area where this river canyon broadens onto the plains. Head towards the Jesús María River basin, allowing exploration of the plains and forested valleys along the Machuca River Canyon, where the land is very fertile and most commonly used to cultivate melons. In the afternoon you will take a 3-hour transfer to the northern region, home to Arenal Volcano, which last erupted in 1968 and remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Overnight in Arenal. |
| Day 6: | Thermo-Mineral Hot Water Springs and transfer to Monteverde across Arenal Lake
Today is a relaxing day to explore the Volcano Arenal area. Enjoy some time on your own at the beautiful Arenal Hot Water Springs and Gardens. These Thermo-Mineral waters are said to have healing powers and will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. In the afternoon transfer to Abangaritos along the International Highway and pass the Continental Division Line, a location where the arid Pacific area greets the humid Cloud Forests. Spend the next three nights at La Ensanada Lodge which is a family run lodge, located on a 1000-acre hacienda where cattle and horses are raised and salt and fruit are produced. |
| Day 7: | Exploratory ride at Ensenda (approx. 4 hours in the saddle)
Take an exploratory ride at La Ensenada to learn more about your horse and the terrain where you will be riding the next few days. Explore inner grounds at Hacienda Ensenada where the majority of the area is used for grazing beef and dairy cattle. It also includes a protected wetland area which has been declared a "national refuge for fauna" including mangrove swamps and the wetlands at the Abangares River delta. La Ensenda Wildlife Refuge protects some of the remaining primary and secondary forests of the northern Puntarenas province. Free afternoon to enjoy the swimming pool. Overnight at La Ensenada Lodge. |
| Day 8: | Ensenda Lodge (Salinas and Miradores rides) (approx. 5 hours in the saddle)
This morning you ride toward the eastern side of Ensenada where the "salinas" (salt water lagoons) are located, including Laguna Augusta and Laguna Jacana. During high tide and with some luck, this is a great ride for bird-watching as these wetlands and lagoons are frequented by numerous aquatic birds. Part of this ride is adjacent to the tropical mangrove swamps of the Gulf of Nicoya. The mangroves and the salt lagoons offer bird lovers and photography enthusiasts alike the opportunity to see many different species of birds such as pelicans, herons, parrots, Montezuma oropendula, bellbird, white iris, great egret and others. Later this afternoon, follow "La Pizota" trail which winds over varied terrain including plains, grassland, and rolling hills -- natural lookout points with excellent views of the Gulf of Nicoya. Depending on the time, you may see the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. |
| Day 9: | Ensenda Lodge (farms and rural land trail) (approx. 4-5 hours in the saddle)
This morning's ride further explores the area. Follow trails skirting the mountain slopes which meet the Pacific Ocean along the eastern edge of the hacienda. Then continue on a rural road visiting the community of Manzanillo where life is rustic and simple, and will give you a better feel about rural life in Costa Rica. Then enter a sister property of Ensenada, crossing the Cañamazo River and continuing on farm trails through reforestation plantations of teakwood and melina trees. Later on, you will cross the Congo River and head back to the lodge crossing the Abangares River and stopping at a village tavern for a drink. The ride back to Ensenda offers some wonderful opportunities for cantering. Arrive in time for lunch. Afternoon transfer to San Jose (2 1/2 hours) for your last night stay in Costa Rica. Depending on the time you leave for San Jose, your guide could arrange a visit to the artisan's town of Sarchi which is en route. This picturesque village is considered the cradle of wood crafting and decorating in Costa Rica, particularly known for its production of colorful ox-carts. The custom of painting decorations on the carts was begun in Sarchí around the turn of the 20th century. |
| Day 10: | Breakfast, and depart. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | San Jose |
| Length of Ride | 10 days, 9 nights and 6 1/2 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-8 |
| Riding Per Day | 4-6 hours hours |
| Pace | moderate |
| Tack | modified McClellan |
| Horses | criollo, criollo crosses |
| Weight Limit | 210 lbs |
| 2012 Dates | Jan 19-28, Jan 26 - Feb 4, Feb 23-March 3, March 8-17, March 15-24, March 29 - April 7, April 5-14, April 19-28, May 3-12, June 21-30, July 19-28, Aug 23 - Sept 1, Sept 20-29, Oct 4-13, Oct 18-27, Nov 8-17, Nov 15-24, Nov 22 - 01 Dec, Dec 13-22, Dec 20-29, Dec 27 - Jan 5, 2013 |
| 2012 Price | $2,010
Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid. |
| Single Supplement | $295 |
| Transfers | Included from and to San Jose airport |
| Additional Information | Dinner on the first and last night not included. |
| 2013 Dates | Jan 17-26, Jan 24 - Feb 2 |
| 2013 Price | $2,010 |
| Single Supplement | $295 |
| Transfers | Included from and to San Jose airport |
| Additional Information | Dinner on the first and last night not included. |
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