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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Costa Rica
Intro to Costa Rica
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Arenal Volcano & Waterfall Horse Journeys
Arenal
Costa Rica
Some would say that Costa Rica is as magical as the fabled ‘Land of Oz’; at once, both welcoming and mysterious, it is a most enchanting landscape far away from the realities of home!
This horseback trek takes you cantering across the lush rolling hills, exploring thick jungle rainforest, fording the rushing rivers, and trotting down remote country roads through sleepy villages. Impressive views from the hilltops, you will feel your breath taken away as we survey all that the region around the Arenal Volcano has to offer. Dominating the vista, the famous volcano is only one of many! From our vantage point, you can actually look the other way and count 3 more volcanoes in the far distance, while across the northern plains Lake Nicaragua shimmers on the horizon. You’ll be sure to spot all sorts of unique and beautiful creatures here in Costa Rica, including curious monkeys (without wings and witches!), happy sloths, dozens of species of flamboyant tropical birds, the intriguing poison dart frogs and maybe even an ocelot or other wild cat - just to name a few!
Your guides will teach you about
the environment here and the
rainforest's complex circle of life. There is something indescribable about the energy here. Some say you will feel a shift in your consciousness. The real world slips and you find the Costa Rica motto, ‘Pura Vida’ (pure life) has a special meaning from the back of your horse. The spirit of the horses will touch you. They are fearless, sure footed, hardworking and extremely versatile animals who do so much for their people and country. The horses on this trail are well cared for and trained using natural horsemanship techniques. A wide variety of mounts to choose from, ranging from highly spirited Criollos for the advanced riders to low key Quarter Horses for those who are just learning that special bond between horse and rider. And so many individuals in between, to suit your needs and dreams. We will help you choose just the right horse. In fact, maybe your horse will choose you; the unexplainable bond between two souls in Spanish is called "Vinculo."
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Short Getaway
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Meeting:
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Monterrey
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Airport:
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San Jose
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Transfer:
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La Fortuna or San Jose
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Accommodations, all meals, all guided riding, saddle bags, one entry to the Hot Springs
| A | 2013 | 5 day Ride, AP | 5d / 4n | $981 |
| B | 2013 | 7 day Journey, AP 5 riding days | 7d / 6n | $1520 |
Tax:
13
%
Rates Note:
*Rates decrease for groups of 4 or more, please enquire.
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from La Fortuna per car each way
- to be paid locally
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$25
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2013
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Transfer from San Jose or Liberia (1-6) each way
- to be paid locally
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$170
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2013
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Extra day w/ food and lodging pp
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$100
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There is a shuttle service from San Jose to Arenal / La Fortuna with several departures every day. From La Fortuna we can arrange a transfer to the ranch for ~$25 each way (per car). If you prefer to rent a car - please get a 4x4 vehicle since the unpaved road to the ranch can get muddy.
Tour Dates for 2013
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| A |
2013
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01/01
- 12/31
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5d / 4n
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5 day Ride, AP
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2
/8
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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01/01
- 12/31
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7d / 6n
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7 day Journey, AP 5 riding d...
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2
/8
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Gratuities, alcoholic beverages
Itinerary:
5 Days / 4 Nights Getaway - 3 riding days
Day 1: Welcome Dinner.
Arrival to the ranch and get acquainted with the other riders and horses. (Dinner only)
Day 2: Waterfall Ride.
Get to know your horse better as head out to our private waterfall. Ride through pastures, rivers, rainforest. Go for a refreshing swim at the waterfall and then head to Finca Tuete, a working dairy farm. After caring for your horse, release him into the pasture just off your private deck. Enjoy a restful night of sleep in a large 4-plex cabin on the hilltop with a wrap-around verandah porch with a amazing 360° view of Arenal and the Northern Plains. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Hours in the Saddle: 4
Day 3: Rainforest and Mountain Ridge Ride.
Mount up and start your ride to the top of the world! Gallop along the mountain ridge and enjoy the stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, Lake Nicaguara and the Northern Plains of Costa Rica. Explore rainforest, traverse rivers, and trot along the rural back roads. Return to Finca Tuete. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Hours in the saddle: 6
Day 4: Liberty Riding.
Free morning to ride at Liberty at Finca Tuete. Take the opportunity to ride bareback and swim with your horse in the pond or learn to work with the cattle. Soak in Hot springs at Eco Termales that evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Hours in the Saddle: Flexible
Day 5: End of Journey.
Departure after breakfast (Breakfast only)
7 Days / 6 Night Vacation - 5 riding days
Day 1: Welcome Dinner.
Arrival to the ranch and get acquainted with the other riders and horses. (Dinner only)
Day 2: Waterfall Ride.
Get to know your horse better as
head out to our private waterfall. Ride through pastures, rivers,
rainforest. Go for a refreshing swim at the waterfall and then head to
Finca Tuete, a working dairy farm. After caring for your horse,
release him into the pasture just off your private deck. Enjoy a
restful night of sleep in a large 4-plex cabin on the hilltop with a
wrap-around verandah porch with a amazing 360° view of Arenal and the
Northern Plains. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Hours in the Saddle: 4
Day 3: Trek to Venado.
Ride across countryside through open pastures, rainforest and country roads to Finca Ojo de Agua in Venado Valley. There will be plenty of opportunities to canter and play with your horse as we ride to the 90-acre horse farm with over 40-acres of it being protected, primary rainforest! What a treat! Go for a refreshing swim in the Rio Nilo or at the base of the local waterfall at the end of the day. After caring for your horse, you will be transported back to the ranch to have dinner and spend the night, only 30 minute car ride away! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Hours in the saddle: 6.
Day 4: Cowboy for a Day.
After breakfast we head back to Finca Ojo de Agua. Activities will vary on this day depending upon your interest. Learn to work with the cattle or play traditional rodeo games on horseback. After caring for your horse, you will be transported back to the ranch to have dinner and spend the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Hours in the Saddle: Flexible
Day 5: Rainforest and Mountain Ridge Ride.
Mount up and start your ride to
the top of the world! Gallop along the mountain ridge and enjoy the
stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, Lake Arenal, Lake Nicaguara and
the Northern Plains of Costa Rica. Explore rainforest, traverse rivers,
and trot along the rural back roads. Return to Finca Tuete.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Hours in the saddle: 6
Day 6: Day at Liberty.
Free morning to ride at Liberty at
Finca Tuete. Take the opportunity to ride bareback and swim with your
horse in the pond or learn to work with the cattle. Soak in Hot springs
at Eco Termales that evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) Hours in the Saddle: Flexible
Day 7: End of Journey.
Departure after breakfast (Breakfast only)
Optional add on tours available:
PARADISE ON A PLATTER
Culinary Tour! Experience the fresh tastes of Costa Rica! Learn traditional cooking techniques, with hands-on participation. Prepare authentic cuisine with fresh, tropical ingredients. The day begins with a trip to the local markets. You will proceed to a beautiful farm, where our hostess, a local Costa Rican woman, will open up her kitchen and show you it how it’s done, Tico style! This tour offers a rich, cross-cultural experience. As all tours that are part of our rural tourism program, it is very flexible. At the end of the day share a delicious meal with your new Costa Rican friends! Or enjoy the less formal version of this tour and help our cooks make lunch at the Lava Lizard. Learn to prepare a variety of traditional Costa Rica recipes.
Time: Full day
Cost: $65.00 per adult Kids $45 each
Degree of difficulty: Easy
CANOPY ZIP LINE
Experience one of the safest, highest and longest canopy tours in Costa Rica! After detailed safety instructions you will hike through primary rainforest in this 1200 acre nature preserve to reach the first platform. After 3 practice zip lines over pristine jungle, you will zoom over two waterfalls 300 feet above the ground. This really is a safe adrenaline rush! There are a total of 10 zip lines; the longest is nearly 1 kilometer. This tour includes a tour of a butterfly garden, frog garden and a visit to a traditional Maleku Indian Village. Transportation is not included.
Time: Allow 4 hours, offered three times daily at 8:00AM, 10:30AM and 1:30PM. NEW! EXTREME ZIP LINE Shorter version (60 min.) with a BIG Thrill OR Dare the Combo Zip line with a 300 foot Rapel down the Penas Blancas Waterfall!
Cost: Regular Canopy Zip at Mundo Aventura-Adult: $60, Student: $48, Child (<12): $40. EXTREME Adult: $40, Student: $36, Child: $32. Combo: Adult: $105, Student: $80, Child: $65.
Degree of difficulty: Moderately strenuous, you may take the option of having a "taxi" on the zip lines, a guide will link his harness to yours. He does all the work and your hands are free to snap one of a kind photographs. Please Note: It is often better to wait until you get here to make these reservations. Weather conditions can often affect planned activities. Some Commercial operators will not offer refunds with a less than 48 hour notice. We are happy to help make the reservations upon your arrival.
CANYONING
Trek through the forest on magical trails that lead to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica, a place very few people get to experience, then rappel down the beautiful and pristine canyon.
Time: Trips offered several times during the day. Ask for current times sechedules
Cost: $90.00 to $98.00, includes lunch, transportation is not included.
Degree of difficulty: Moderately strenuous, no experience necessary, kids welcome*. The Desafio trip is the more strenuous and has minimum and maximum age requirements. Please Note: It is better to wait until you get here to make these reservations. Weather conditions can often affect planned activities. Some Commercial operators will not offer refunds with a less than 48 hour notice. We are happy to make these reservations upon your arrival.
WHITEWATER RAFTING
If you are ready for exhilarating fun consider a whitewater rafting trip. You will be paddling your day away as you roar through lush canyons and sneak under waterfalls traveling through large expanses of tropical rainforest. The rivers vary from an easy Class II and III rivers to adrenaline pumping Class IV whitewater.
Cost: $65.00 Balsa River Class II and III; $85.00 Toro River Class III and IV, includes lunch. Students less 10%.
Time: Full Day
Degree of difficulty: Moderately strenuous
Meeting:
Monterrey
Airport:
San Jose
Train station:
La Fortuna bus station
Transfer:
La Fortuna or San Jose
Distance:
3 hrs
There is a shuttle service from San Jose to Arenal / La Fortuna with several departures every day. From La Fortuna we can arrange a transfer to the ranch for ~$25 each way (per car). If you prefer to rent a car - please get a 4x4 vehicle since the unpaved road to the ranch can get muddy.
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Tack:
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Western
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Horses:
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Costarricense de Paso, Quarter, Criollos
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Pace:
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Moderate with some catners. Some long days in the saddle over rough terrain and through rainforst
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
16
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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The Horses
The typical Costa Rican horses are the Costarricense de Paso, also known as Criolla, and are a combination of several Spanish horses (Barb, Andulusian, Arab) and the Peruvian Stepping Horse. This magical combination has created horses with a smooth, comfortable gait and wonderful personality. The spirit of the Costa Rican horses will touch your soul. They are fearless, sure footed, hardworking and extremely versatile. The horses are cared for and trained using natural horsemanship techniques. There are a variety of horses to choose from a herd of 18. Options range from highly spirited Spanish mounts to low key Quarter Horses and everything in between. The riding style is Western. The horses for these trips are trained by outstanding professionals. They can perform as fancy "dancing" show horses one minute, and then turn around and race and run in a rodeo the next, and then be a infallible trail mount next.
The Guides
All treks are led by three guides; a bilingual naturalist, a local cowboy, and a horseman. Your guides will become fast friends and lifelong kindred spirits. They will give you guidance and encouragement to improve your horsemanship skills and facilitate a Vinculo (special connection) with your equine companion.
The Culture
The Costa Rican people call themselves Tico’s. They are friendly, welcoming people who are proud of their country and are incredibility hospitable. Horses are a part of the culture and used for work on farms and ranches. Community events such as Rodeos, Topes (dancing horse parades), Cabalgatas (group cross-country rides) and Endurance Rally’s are yearly events in many communities. Experiencing the culture and people of Costa Rica is an important element of the Equestrian Journeys’ experience.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least 30 days after arrival or for the length of stay, whichever is greater. Passport Note(a) Nationals listed above must obtain an exit visa from the Immigration Department in S. more
Costa Rica has around 30 different micro-climates! On this horseback trek, you will be riding through at least 3 of these. The ranch is located in the region of 'humid rainforest' - on the Caribbean slope. The weather is wetter, the rainforest greener and denser than on the Pacific Slope. We usually only schedule the treks during times of the year with the best chance for good weather. However, you may get wet on one or more of the trekking days! Good thing the temperatures are warm: 80’s in the day and 70’s at night almost all year round!
You should bring light weight, but tough clothes that will allow you to go into the forest with the greatest protection and comfort. Remember that you will probably get wet at some point, either by rain (you can not have rain forests without rain!) or by walking up or through the river beds. Cotton clothing is best, avoid synthetics that trap body heat and moisture, bring T-shirts, blue jeans or long cotton pants, light natural fabric jacket, sweater, athletic shoes, boots, bathing suit and cotton shorts. If you have your own hiking boots, or other specialized equipment, such as binoculars, magnifying glass, Swiss army knife, etc., bring them along. No luggage limit as all transfers are by land.
The tone here is casual wear - it is not necessary to dress up to go to dinner. Comfortable lightweight is best. In the higher elevations, San Jose, the volcanoes, or Monteverde, temperatures are cool and sweaters or light jackets are suggested.
Pack as lightly as possible!!
Suggested items, and Starred (*) items we consider essential:
Walking or athletic shoes with a good tread suggested for walks
Riding boots with a bit of tread will be the most comfortable.
*Sturdy waterproof sandals or river shoes
*Insect repellant - with DEET
*Sunscreen - with high sun protection factor, such as SPF 30-40
Hat or cap rain and sun protection-your personal riding helmet if you like your own, or we do provide riding helmets.
Sunglasses NOTE: If you wear glasses remember to bring a croakie so you won’t loose them during activities.
Binoculars (being in Costa Rica without good binoculars are like snorkeling without a mask)
*Flashlight
Pocket knife
Extra socks
Check batteries in camera – the most often heard complaint from our guests is that their camera batteries don’t last through the day.
Shirts made from light weight, natural fibers. 1 pair of shorts should be enough if you are just coming for the trek, if you plan to stay in Costa Rica for more time, you will want to bring a few more pairs.
For Riding you may want jeans or other durable riding pants. Long pants are required.
One or two swimming suits
Poncho or rain gear. Durable rain gear with a hood.
Light jacket or sweater for higher elevations and chilly nights
*Day pack (For valuables/camera/passport-so you can carry these items with you at all times). We do provide saddle bags. The Day pack is good for other excursions.
*Container for drinking water. In most of Costa Rica it is not necessary to buy bottled water. The water in our area is pure spring water.
Plastic zip lock bags - for keeping books, binoculars and other items dry and for wet clothing.
Money in small demonations-$20’s, 10’s, 5’s and 1’s. It is hard to cash $100 bills in some places; most places do not take travelers checks. ATM machines are commonly found in any city with a bank. Bring a back up bank card if possible. Notify your bank and credit card company that you will be in traveling in Costa Rica so you won’t have trouble using your cards out of your home country.
*Easy to carry healthy snacks, energy bars.
Small first aide kit with moleskin for blisters from hiking boots.
Ear plugs – Costa Rica has lots of dogs and roosters and birds can be very noisy at dawn.
Spanish/English dictionary and calculator for figuring currency exchange.
*Map of Costa Rica. www.mapcr.com is a good map. Plan your route in advance, even if you plan to use a GPS. Double check your planned route with your hotel or rental car agency-if you plan to drive.
SENSIBLE PRECAUTIONS: Almost
all encounters with noxious insects & plants can be avoided by
watching where you walk and sit, by not touching non-recognizable
insects, plants, etc; by tucking pants in your socks, by using an insect
repellent, by spraying shoes and ankles to avoid bites, by always
following tour guide's instructions to the letter, and finally, avoid
using perfumes, after-shave, or other scents that will attract insects.
Please leave your valuables at home.
Most important of all to bring to Costa Rica: Sense of adventure, open mind and big smile!!!
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
The main ranch is situated on 26-acres of rolling hills with an
unbelievable, panoramic Arenal Volcano view of the surrounding
mountains and valley. Lodging here includes a small, intimate facility of six cabins, two 2-bedroom houses, two barns, and a small, family style restaurant for guests only. The accommodations all have
rooms with private bathrooms for each room, however single travelers may be paired up to share a room if necessary. All lodging are crafted from nine types of tropical hardwoods, harvested using environmentally responsible methods. They
rooms feature WIFI (best signal on the porches), iPod docking stereo
systems, orthopedic beds with 800 count Egyptian cotton sheets, coffee
makers, mini-fridge, microwaves (in some), rocking chairs, hammocks,
ceiling fans, games, robes, reference books, spacious porches and
private bathrooms with hot showers. There
are no phones, television or air conditioning - they are all situated
to catch the breeze. Guests are welcome to use the phone for local calls
at the main lodge. The 2 bedroom Heliconia House is available for groups. It is next to the main lodge and has all the amenities noted above as well as air conditioning. The Hummingbird Hacienda is situated on a private hill at the back of the property, offering guests the ultimate in privacy and deluxe accommodations. All lodgings are beautifully landscaped, teeming with birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Spa services (massages, facials...) are available!
MONKEY CABIN and TOUCAN CABIN: One Queen Bed and one set of bunk beds.
VOLCANO CABIN: One Queen Bed and one Single Bed
CONGO CABIN and COCO CABIN and MARIPOSA CABIN: Two Queen Beds
HUMMINGBIRD HACIENDA: 3 queen beds, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom,full
kitchen,laundry room with washer and dryer, front and back porches.
Sleeps up to 8.
HELICONIA HOUSE: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, One Queen Bed, One full sized bed and One set of bunk beds. Sleeps 6
The
dairy farm you will overnight at sees its guests sleep comfortably in a
large 4-plex cabin with a wrap around verandah porch, perched on the
mountain top with phenomenal views!
Meals
Many of the meals are prepared with ingredients produced at the ranch or on the host farm. Hearty meals and snacks are provided during the trek and included. Special diets can be accommodated. The water is safe to drink.
Sample Dinner Menu at the main lodge
Happy Hour 6pm-7pm Dinner Served at 7pm
Sunday
Freshly Baked Bread-‘Cream Cheese Rolls’ Tomato Soup
Option 1: Chicken Breast Medallions wrapped in Smoky Bacon with Mushroom cream Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetables in Garlic Butter
Option 2: Beef and Cheese Enyucados (deep fried yuca patty stuffed with beef and cheese) with Fresh Tomato Salsa and Sour Cream.
Option 3: Vegetarian Stuffed Tomato with Mushroom Cream Sauce and Vegetables in Garlic Butter. Passion Fruit Mousse
Monday
Freshly Baked Bread- ‘Yuca Rolls’ Savory White Bean with Pork Soup
Option 1: Jumbo Shrimp with Costa Rica Caribbean Sauce, Plantain Chalupitas & Rice.
Option 2: Grass Fed, Free Range Costa Rica Beef Cheeseburger and Yuca Fries.
Option 3: Vegetarian Black Bean Cheeseburger & Yuca Fries. Traditional Tres Leches Cake
Tuesday
Freshly Baked Cold Rise Yeast Bread Ayote Soup (A type of Costa Rican Yellow Squash)
Option 1: Chicken Breast on Grilled Chayote (similar to zucchini) with Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce, Green Papaya Salad and Rice. $
Option 2: White Fish Ceviche and Patacones (fried green Plantain chips)
Option 3: Vegetarian Stuffed Chayote w/ Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce & Green Papaya Salad. Grandma Darlene’s Lemon Bars and Home Churned Ice Cream.
Wednesday
Freshly Baked Bread- ‘Cream Cheese Rolls’ Avocado Shrimp Salad with Ginger-Soy Dressing
Option 1: Pineapple Pork Chop with Yuca and Stir Fried Vegetables.
Option 2: Fish or Chicken Burrito-Soft Flour Tortilla filled with black beans, rice and cheese. Served with Fresh Salsa and Guacamole.
Option 3: Vegetarian Burrito- Soft Flour Tortilla stuffed with veggies, beans and cheese. Served with Fresh Salsa and Guacamole. Coconut Flan with Passion Fruit Glaze
Thursday
Freshly Baked Rolls Cream of Tomato Soup
Option 1: Vegetable Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Garlic Cream Sauce, Mango Cabbage Salad and Rice
Option 2: Green Salad with Grilled Chicken Breast with Sesame Ginger Dressing
Option 3: Vegetarian Rice & Lentils with Caramelized Onions. Served w/ Tzatziki Sauce. Carrot Cake and Home Churned Ice Cream
Friday
Freshly Baked Bread – ‘Cold Rise Yeast Rolls’ Chayote Soup (similar to zucchini)
Option 1: Beef Lasagna with Caprese Salad
Option 2: Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
Option 3: Vegetarian Lasagna with Caprese Salad Banana/Pineapple Flambé
Saturday
Freshly Baked Bread – ‘Bread Of Heaven’ Heart of Palm Salad
Option 1: Coconut Encrusted Fish with Passion Fruit Sauce, Ripe Plantain, Mixed Vegetables and Rice.
Option 2: Chicken or Fish Quesadilla with Pico de Gallo, Avocado and Sour Cream $
Option 3: Vegetarian Fried Potato Tortas with Curried Sour Cream Chocolate Coffee Cheesecake
Dinner includes fresh juice of the day, coffee/tea.
Soda, beer, wine and mixed drinks available at an extra charge.
*Menu is subject to change based on availability of produce.*
Breakfast Served 7am to 9 am Early,
Sunday: Traditional Gallo Pinto (Rice & Black Beans, Cilantro, Sweet Red Peppers, Garlic & Onions), Our Own Farm Fresh Eggs, Plantains, Fried Cheese.
Monday: Fresh Buttermilk Pancakes, Raw Cane Sugar Syrup, Eggs and Bacon
Tuesday: Banana Bread, Made to order Omelets (ham, sausage, cheese, onion, sweet pepper, mushroom) and Yogurt.
Wednesday: Traditional Gallo Pinto, Our Own Farm Fresh Eggs, Plantains, Fried Cheese.
Thursday: Fresh Buttermilk Pancakes, Raw Cane Sugar Syrup, Eggs and Bacon
Friday: Fresh Corn Tortillas with Cheese, Farm Fresh Eggs & Steve’s Pork Sausage
Saturday: French Toast, Raw Cane Sugar Syrup, Yogurt
Breakfast Includes: Fresh in Season Fruit, Coffee and Tea and Fresh Fruit Juice, Oatmeal, Cold Cereal, Toast, Homemade English Muffins available Daily.
‘Traditional Medicinal’ Juice Shot Served Daily: Chan (chia)-Tamarindo-Rice/Pineapple-Flax Seed-Noni
Food Organically Produced at the ranch: Milk, Cream, Sour Cream, Butter, Buttermilk, Cheese, A variety of fruits and vegetables, Chicken, Eggs, Beef, and Pork.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
Western
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Costarricense de Paso, Quarter, Criollos
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Moderate with some catners. Some long days in the saddle over rough terrain and through rainforst
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
3
out of 5) Low Intermediate+
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
16
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
8 riders
|
|
The Horses
The typical Costa Rican horses are the Costarricense de Paso, also known as Criolla, and are a combination of several Spanish horses (Barb, Andulusian, Arab) and the Peruvian Stepping Horse. This magical combination has created horses with a smooth, comfortable gait and wonderful personality. The spirit of the Costa Rican horses will touch your soul. They are fearless, sure footed, hardworking and extremely versatile. The horses are cared for and trained using natural horsemanship techniques. There are a variety of horses to choose from a herd of 18. Options range from highly spirited Spanish mounts to low key Quarter Horses and everything in between. The riding style is Western. The horses for these trips are trained by outstanding professionals. They can perform as fancy "dancing" show horses one minute, and then turn around and race and run in a rodeo the next, and then be a infallible trail mount next.
The Guides
All treks are led by three guides; a bilingual naturalist, a local cowboy, and a horseman. Your guides will become fast friends and lifelong kindred spirits. They will give you guidance and encouragement to improve your horsemanship skills and facilitate a Vinculo (special connection) with your equine companion.
The Culture
The Costa Rican people call themselves Tico’s. They are friendly, welcoming people who are proud of their country and are incredibility hospitable. Horses are a part of the culture and used for work on farms and ranches. Community events such as Rodeos, Topes (dancing horse parades), Cabalgatas (group cross-country rides) and Endurance Rally’s are yearly events in many communities. Experiencing the culture and people of Costa Rica is an important element of the Equestrian Journeys’ experience.
Passports
Passport valid for at least 30 days after arrival or for the length of stay, whichever is greater.
Passport Note
(a) Nationals listed above must obtain an exit visa from the Immigration Department in San José at least three weeks before leaving Costa Rica. Those who stay for less than 30 days are exempt if in possession of a disembarkation card.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA for stays over 90 days;
(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Bulgaria and Ireland for stays over 30 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The immigration authorities are strict about detaining foreigners who are undocumented or tourists who have overstayed.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/1 |
| Australian |
No/2 |
| Canadian |
No/1 |
| USA |
No/1 |
| Other EU |
No/1/2 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
|
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Arenal Volcano & Waterfall Horse Journeys
Tour Code:
IT-CRLL01
5 days /
4 nights
~$981.00
Dates :
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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