Caribbean Border Trail Adventure Caribbean Coast Costa Rica This is a unique adventure trail along the Caribbean Coast all the way to where you can see Panama. It is a trip designed for people that are looking for a bit of an adventure and are interested in the "other side" of Costa Rica and its alternative lifestyle "off the grid". Beaches, jungle, wildlife, some of the best seafood and most delicious organic meals in the country await you. Costa Rica is a country of exotic adventure, where the focus is not the luxuries of city life, but the natural beauty and simple lifestyle of the rural communities and wilderness. Horseback ride with us through the lush jungles and along the beautiful and wide beaches of Costa Rica's spicier Caribe coast. From the lovely Playa Negra sands of little Cahuita, we will ride out to the white stretches of beach at Cocles and then navigate thick jungle terrain until we reach the border region with Panama. Overnights vary from quaint beach bungalows at Playa Negra, to a jungle lodge nearby Cocles and then finally the rustic eco-community cabins of Punta Mona. When Christopher Columbus came to rest eyes on the impressive Costa Rican coastline from his Spanish galleon, he claimed what he saw was "The Rich Coast" and although we know he had hopes of finding fortune, the real wealth he discovered was in the fantastic beauty which beckoned to him from sea. Progressive Ride (no camping) Meeting: Cahuita Airport: San Jose Transfer: Caribbean Coast - Cahuita Riders: Min 2 riders Max 6 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Options:

Shuttle transfers are available from San Jose by semi private van with pick up from hotel or public bus service from bus terminal.

Itinerary:

Note: You will need to arrive to Cahuita for the beginning of the trail. Cahuita is about 3.5 hours from San Jose.

Day 1: Arrival in Cahuita and check into the beach bungalows at Perla Negra Beach. Depending on the temperatures we start our ride around 2pm. First we ride over the very scenic Playa Negra (Black Beach) then partway over the village road, towards Playa Grande (Long Beach). This is a really wild, quiet and deserted Caribbean beach, excellent for horseback riding and a nice brisk canter. We then enter into a beautiful tropical forest, where you can see the magnificent toucans and other colorful birds, sloth, howler monkeys and more. Your guide is very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, so you can learn a lot during the ride. After 1.5 hours of riding we stop for a break. While the horses rest a while in the shade of a tree, Raúl may chop open some coconuts with his impressing machete and everyone gets one with delicious, refreshing coconut water inside to drink. On the way back there are again several nice opportunities for stretched out canters. After about 3 hours you arrive back at the riding center where you can refresh with a cold drink. On the way back to the lodge you may stop to see some nice boutiques and souvenirs shops. Dinner is on your own today. Local restaurants are within a 15 minute walk. Meals are inexpensive from $8 to $15. The zesty cuisine found in Cahuita is renowned as some of the best in the country. One thing is for certain: food here is different from the traditional gallo pinto and other inland cuisines that dominate mestizo culture. In comparison, Afro-Caribbean food is a fusion of different European cuisine and is characterized by dishes such as jerk—seasoned meats—and curried goat or chicken. Seafood dishes and spice are also customary.

Day 2: We pick you up at the lodge and a 2 minute transfer takes us to the riding stables, where we enjoy a nice breakfast. From here we start our 6-hour ride at 9 am or earlier (depending time of year). First we head to the beach and then up the mountain and straight up to the beautiful farm of Don Paco with his large herds of different animals. We leave our horses here and hike for about 45 minutes on jungle trails to an enchanting and pristine waterfall. Here we enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch and a refreshing swim. In the afternoon we return via a different trail to the riding center. The ride ends around 4 pm and a short transfer to Cocles will take you to a Jungle Lodge near Cocles Beach. Check into one of the jungle cabins in the woods. Each one has private bathroom facilities. For dinner we get together with your host (born in Argentina) and enjoy a great “Argentinean Asado” barbecue with salads and red wine or sangria.

Day 3: The ride begins from the lodge, where we select new horses and match them to the riders ability. After everybody is sufficiently comfortable with their mount, we leave for the beach. We begin with a gentle walk along the white sands of Cocles Beach to the coral elevated Cocles Point where we ride over green grass through a beautiful coconut grove. There we see the beginning of endless and magnificent tide pools which lie along the turquoise sea shore. We pass by the petite and exclusive Playa Chiquita beaches and observe the wonders of inter tide zone’s bird life to our left and the edge of a blooming jungle to our right. We ride over driftwood logs and cross creeks and rivers to reach Punta Uva. Rated as one of the top 5 beaches in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine). Punta Uva’s first point extends out 300 meters out to sea, its coral; elevation is about 20 meters high and covered with old growth almendro trees and at times full of howler monkeys. It’s tip has a tunnel going from one side to the other. Itś a perfect spot to have a drink and relax. We continue beyond second point Punta Uva and into Manzanillo Beach, or Playa Grande as some people call it. From that point we gallop through a mile long coconut grove until we get to a river where we rest and cool off in its fresh waters as they meet the sea. From there we continue to the small fishing village of Manzanillo along a magical white sand beach. Once in town we eat lunch at Maxi’s restaurant, the towns land mark. There we enjoy the famous sea food grill, Parrillada de mariscos, beers or soft drinks and we relax in its local fishing village afro-Caribbean environment.

After lunch we relax for a bit in this typical Caribbean environment and then continue beyond the mirador at the beginnings of Punta Mona and through the jungle in the refuge with some stops at the most charming beaches yet. These beaches looks like Balenese beaches due to the coral lifted cliffs which are covered by wild vegetation. The horsetrail is difficult due to the soft mud. In this trail you will see plenty of howler monkeys and exotic birds until we reach Steven´s organic farm. There we will set up a camp, eat vegetarian food and at some time during the trip you will get a tour of the farm. In the evening if in turtle season we can hire a guide and check out the turtles nesting with our flashlights and protect them from poachers.

Day 4: Today we will ride through the jungle trail from Punta Mona to Manzanillo. From there the views north are magical and impressive; you can see all of the beaches and mountains all the way to Puerto Vargas to the north and to the south east. We will stop for refreshments at the Ranchito de Punta Uva. Then we ride towards Cocles into the sunset.  Long canters and gallops can be expected as long as the sand conditions are favorable. Overnight will be back at the jungle Lodge near Cocles.

Day 5: Breakfast at the lodge and we start our return trip. Lunch stop is in Punta Uva. Arriving back at the stables you can relax in a hammock at your bungalow or spend the rest of the day at the beach or shopping in town. In the evening we have another Argentine asado and celebrate the adventure. You get to see it all and ride it all. Definitely a life time experience.

Day 6: Departure from Cocles.
We can arrange a transfer for you to San Jose, Arenal or even to Panama - just let us know in advance.
Cocles is 4 hours from San Jose. Set shuttle departure times from Cocles to San Jose are 6.30 am and 2 pm only.
Private transfers can be organized at extra cost. 

If you prefer we can add an optional 2 ½ hr Shopping & Beach ride ($75 extra) before taking the 2 pm shuttle back. You will ride along the beach and a beautiful trail to the village of Puerto Viejo, where you can do a little shopping for souvenirs, handcrafts and hammocks, that you will take back in your saddlebags, before catching your transfer back to San Jose. 

What to expect with Costa Rica weather

Costa Rica is a tropical country situated  8 - 11 degrees above the equator. It has only two seasons: dry and green! The dry season on the Pacific side starts late December, has very little rain, and ends late April, sometimes into May. Costa Rica's "green or wet season" is the remainder of the year. Almost every day starts off nice and sunny, with showers in the afternoon.

Costa Rica's Caribbean coast doesn't have this extended dry weather and stays humid and green all year round. September is they're driest month.

Temperatures vary little between seasons. The main influence on Costa Rica temperature is the altitude. Costa Rica's capital San Jose stands at 1150m (3772ft), and has delightful weather all year round. San Jose temperature ranges from 14 to 24 degrees Celsius (57 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) in December, to 17 to 27 degrees Celsius (63 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit) in May. National Geographic rates Costa Rica as having some of the best weather in the world!

Down on Costa Rica's coasts, you find much warmer, even hot weather. The Caribbean averages temperatures of 21°C (70°F) at night and over 30°C (86°F) during the day. Costa Rica's Pacific coast is a few degrees warmer still, but the humidity is generally less, so it tends to be more comfortable.

The Northern Pacific Region of Costa Rica is referred to as the "Gold Coast" and has an abundance of large hotels & resorts. The "Guanacaste Area" has a generally drier and sunnier climate, compared to other Costa Rica coasts.

Along the Central Pacific, the landscape is more vivid and lush due to more rainfall. South towards Dominical and Ojochal the rain is more intense as is the humidity. Costa Rica's best surfing beaches offer refreshment from the intense tropical sun. Being close to the equator, be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, as the rays are much stronger in Costa Rica.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots (short) + Minichaps

Riding helmet  (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films and batteries

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Average ratings from 2 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date ann lane 5/5/2013 roxanne ciccone 5/2/2013

Tack:		Costa Rican
Horses:		Criollos
Pace:		All pacces according to terrain. Slow through the jungle, but difficult trails and long canters on the beach | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Weight:		Max 200 lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 6 riders

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.