Horseback Riding in Costa Rica
RAINFOREST ADVENTURE |
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This stationary itinerary lets you enjoy miles of riding on nature, rural and coastal trails. Learn about the local fauna and flora with your knowledgeable equestrian guide but also enjoy the non-riding activities built into this itinerary to show you some of the variety Costa Rica has to offer; ocean kayaking, snorkeling, a canopy tour, nature hikes, visits to local communities and a crocodile boat safari. The Rainforest Adventure has something to offer for everyone and is a great choice for a family getaway.
We rode through rivers and up steep rocky slopes, down slippery hills and across grassland cleared for cattle. We galloped on the black sand beaches, pausing to watch scarlet macaws play along the shore. Our guide Mario was also fantastic. He pointed out all the wildlife and would call for the birds to appear. It was a great vacation, and was made so by our intelligent, strong, and responsive horses and our capable guides."
- Karen Eaton and David Rigsby
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Arrival San José
You will be met at the San José International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Welcome dinner to get acquainted with your fellow adventurers.
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| Day 2: | Cien Fuegos Eco Ranch & Stables
Morning transfer to Cien Fuegos Eco Ranch and Stables, located along the Trinidad River in the dry Central Pacific Region. Upon arrival you will be introduced to your horse, the ranch and its facilities, as well as the guides. Your familiarization ride will take you to the Hacienda La Maravilla, riding along rolling hills and meadows into the Gallery Forest alongside Cuarros River – an excellent spot for wildlife encounters. Cross the river following a country lane while passing farmland and rural homes. Arrive at Maravilla in time for lunch, then an afternoon hike. Dinner at Maravilla and overnight either at Maravilla or Villa Lapas.
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| Day 3: | Maravilla
Life at Maravilla is friendly, relaxed and informal. Coffee and other drinks will be available early to quietly welcome the day. After a leisurely breakfast explore the Tarcoles River by boat. This river is home to one of the largest colonies of crocodiles in Costa Rica, with specimens up to 10-23 feet in length. The area where the river merges with the Guacalillo estuary and flows into the ocean is one of the prime locations to see endangered birds such as the Mangrove Cuckoo, Mangrove Hummingbird, Mangrove Vireo and the Panama Fly Catcher. Also commonly encountered are water birds like Pelicans, Boat–billed Herons, Spoon-billed Egrets and Cattle Egrets. The boat tour will be scheduled at high tide. After lunch enjoy a 3-hour trail ride across the northern part of the hacienda near the Cuarros River. The terrain is picturesque, predominantly flat with gentle slopes and forested valleys.
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| Day 4: | Pacific Coast
Today’s ride takes you on a splendid journey, following a route which was first used by the Spaniards as they began exploring and settling along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica nearly 500 years ago. Ride through river valleys, jungle and gallery forest before following the rural road to Tivives Crag which before a land slide into the sea was known as Port of Landecho. From here you have unforgettable views of the Pacific. Riding time about 5 hours. Visit to Orotina and Caldera Port town by vehicle after the ride. Return to the hacienda.
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| Day 5: | La Leona Ranch
Explore the southern region of the privately owned La Leona Ranch on today’s 3-hour ride. Ride across savannas, large mango plantations and explore some of the dry forest. Conclude the day with ocean kayaking and snorkeling.
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| Day 6: | Rural communities
Today explore the center of the local communities and meet with the people who have hosted your stay during the week. Pass through Santa Rita village, then travel along old railroad tracks, now overgrown and arrive at La Ceiba town where you will stop for a short break and refreshments. Return for lunch to Maravilla. Then an afternoon Sky Way Tour and Canopy Tour. |
| Day 7: | Machuca River Canyon
Your final ride will take you to the Machuca River basin, passing Cascajal village. Ride into the area where the river canyon broadens onto the plains. Heading towards the Jesus Maria River, explore the plains and the forested valleys along the Machuca River Canyon where the land is very fertile and most commonly used to cultivate melons. Finish the ride at a local hacienda and transfer to Maravilla for lunch. Afternoon transfer to San Jose for your final overnight.
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| Day 8: | After breakfast transfer to the San Jose International airport for your departure. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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Criollo horses
South American tack
Room at Maravilla
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | San Jose |
| Length of Ride | 8 days, 7 nights and 6 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate Intermediate Novice Beginner |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-10 |
| Riding Per Day | 3-5 hours |
| Pace | slow to moderate, to suit riders |
| Tack | modified McClellan, some Western |
| Horses | Criollo, Criollo crosses |
| Weight Limit | 210lbs |
| 2008 Dates | Jan 26 - Feb 2; Feb 2-9; Feb 9-16 (Villa Lapas only); March 8-15 (Villa Lapas only); Mar 15-22; April 12-19; May 10-17*; June 28 - July 5*; July 19-26; Aug 9-16; Nov 15-22; Dec 6-13
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| 2008 Price | $ 1,780 (Maravilla)
$ 2,080 (Villa Lapas)
*low season price:
$ 1,610 (Maravilla)
$ 2,000 (Villa Lapas) |
| Single Supplement | $ 235 (Maravilla), $ 450 (Villa Lapas); low season Villa Lapas $ 395 |
| Transfers | included from and to San Jose International airport |
| Additional Information | Two accommodations choices are available for the 5 nights during the ride, either staying at Maravilla Lodge or the Villa Lapas ecolodge.
Dinner on the first night is not included in the price. |
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