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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Costa Rica
Intro to Costa Rica
 ArenalCaribbean Coast Guanacaste Pacific Coast Pacific&Caribe
Belize
Mexico
Honduras
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Rustico del Caribe Ride
Caribbean Coast
Costa Rica
Costa Rica's Caribbean coast feels a world apart from the rest of the country...
Here the pace is slower, the food is spicier, the tropical heat more
palpable and then there's that rhythmic reggae music that fills the air!
So remote was the Caribbean coast from Costa Rica's population centers
in the Central Valley that it naturally developed a unique culture all
its own. The original inhabitants of the area included the people of the
Bribri, Cabécar, and Kékoldi tribes and these groups still maintain
their cultures on indigenous reserves in the Talamanca Mountains today. Here we offer a horseback vacation full
of vibrant culture, contrasting landscapes and a true appreciation for
the nature around us. Explore the area around the Cahuita National Park,
ride across the famous Caribbean beaches and venture inland through the jungle to the highlands. Enjoy lovely canters and ride on interesting jungle trails, where we see baby howler monkeys, sloths, jungle cats and get to know all
about the local fauna conservation by the renowned Spanish biologists.
This is a great budget-minded and backpacker style Caribbean getaway ride that can be customized for 4 to 6 nights. Accommodations are in very basic, but cute and clean cabins at the popular riding center, just 150 feet from the beach!
The town of Cahuita and your host Brigitte have a relaxed relationship with traveling folk discovering their beloved Caribbean coast, beaches and protected park land. Here you will find that most of the businesses are still owned by friendly locals and the vibe is very laid-back, keeping an authentic sleepy beach town feel while others grow busier each year with tourists. The black sand beach of Playa Negra is an unusual and ethereal presence and the waters are safe to swim and play in, offering horseback riders and beach bums a chance for some true R&R... Relaxation and Riding!
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Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Cahuita
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Airport:
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San Jose
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Transfer:
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San Jose by shuttle bus
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
6 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Rustic cabin accommodation with private bath nearby the beach, breakfast, 4 riding days - additional days/nights are available to add to package!
| A | 2013 | 6 day trip, 5 nights BB with 4 riding days | 6d / 5n | $750 |
| Additional nights with riding - per night | $100 |
| 5 nights 5 riding days pp (dbl) | $625 |
| 4 nights 4 riding days pp (dbl) | $525 |
| 4 nights 3 riding days pp (dbl) | $425 |
| Single rider supplement (5 nights) | $85 |
| Upgrade to Beach Hotel with meals pp (dbl) | $225 |
| Upgrade to Beach Hotel with meals - Single | $500 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from San Jose by shuttle bus each way pp
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$50
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2013
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Overnight riding trip to the mountains, per person
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$335
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2013
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Upgrade to beach hotel w/ pool and air conditioning, pp, per night
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$90
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Tour Dates for 2013
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| A |
2013
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01/01
- 12/31
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6d / 5n
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6 day trip, 5 nights BB with...
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1
/6
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Reserve
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Arrival can be any day of the week.
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Rates do not include:
Meals other than breakfast.
Day 1: Arrive to the Caribbean Coast. Check in and settle
into your private cabin just 150 ft from the beach. Enjoy the beach for a
relaxing afternoon - maybe try some surfing or snorkeling. Your cabin is
simple (ceiling fan - no AC) with private bathroom facilities. Wifi
service is available. Meals other than breakfast are on your own while
at the Caribbean - leaving enough flexibility to go and explore - bike
rentals are available. Local restaurants are nearby and 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 ....
During your stay there are a number of different rides to chose from - all depending on your length of stay.
Sample riding trips:
Riding on the
Caribbean Coast
At first, in order to get familiar with the new horses,
you will be taken on a brief horse's walk on the jungle’s trails. Then you will
have options for longer relaxing trails at a walk, trot or a breathtaking
canter. A stop for swimming and resting on the beach is usually included.
Duration: As long as you can handle it - usually 3 to 6 hrs! Alternatively we arrange a 3 hr Moonlight Riding
Tour for you. We start when the moon comes up and head for Playa Negra
where you can enjoy a romantic view under the moonlight. This tour is
only possible on certain days of the month and the sky must be free of
clouds.
Beach Ride
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 there, and have an excellent Caribbean lunch
in one of the local restaurants (not included). In the early afternoon (with a minimum of 2 participants) you have the option to leave the horses behind and take you on a great boat trip on the Estrella River. A guide will take you to different lagoons to see river wildlife, crocodiles, herons, pelicans and much more ... like monkeys and slots on the trees along the river banks - extra charge is $50 pp. !
Moonlight Tour
This tour is especially for romantic types. We start when the moon comes up and head for Playa Negra where you can enjoy a romantic view under the moonlight. This tour is only possible on certain days of the month and the sky must be free of clouds. (3 hours). If you want to go on this ride, make sure to check the moon phase calendar for the month you want to come, so you know when the moon will be full and at its brightest!
Mountain and Waterfall Ride
The 6-hour ride starts 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.
Carbon 2 Village Ride
Another exciting riding day. We start riding through the town of
Cahuita. Near the National Park we have to cross the highway in order to
get onto the mountain trails that take us to the Carbon 2 Village. Here
we have a completely landscape with beautiful mountains, virgin jungle,
rivers and waterfalls. The ride with stop for picnic will take most of
the day.
Along the way we can arrange a special guided hike into the Virgin Jungle (with a minimum of 2 participants) to see a wide variety of birds, such as Tucans, Parrots, different colored frogs and many others etc. - extra charge is $50 pp.
Overnight ride to the mountains
This ride will take you up to the mountains with a local guide through the lush jungle and you will overnight at a cabin. This is the real costa rican experience. No electricity, just the jungle, with it's colors, creatures and sounds, and you.
Last Day: Possible short beach ride before taking the shuttle transfer back to San Jose - drop
off in San Jose city... END of Tour.
Meeting:
Cahuita
Airport:
San Jose
Train station:
Cahuita bus station
Transfer:
San Jose by shuttle bus
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Tack:
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Costa Rican tack
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Horses:
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Criollos
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Pace:
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Moderate with trot and canters, some beach gallops
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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 Intermedaite
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
6 riders
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Other optional activity excursions:
Rain Forest Canopy Tour
Eight aerial platforms joined by 1200 meters of cable are nestled into
the jungle. Our professional guide will help you travel from one
platform to the other securely attached to the cable. He will teach you
the names of plants, animals, and how the local indigenous use some of
the herbs you will see. You will enjoy the jungle from up above.
Duration: 4 hours Departure time: 8:30 AM $ 55 per person (Minimum 2
people)
Surfing Lessons
You don't need to be a professional surfer to experience the thrill of
riding a wave. Our instructor is experienced and the Caribbean Sea is
gentle with first-time surfers. Don't miss the opportunity! We will
provide you with a surf board for the time of your life.
Duration of the lesson: 2 hours $ 60 per person
Sea and River Kayaking
At Punta Uva ‘s beach, with the help of a guide, you will kayak in the
ocean first and then slide towards the Punta Uva river that unwinds into
the jungle. After the kayaking, the options are: exploring the Punta
Uva’s promontory, snorkeling or sunbathing at the beach. Punta Uva
(Spanish for Grape Point) has been described by Outside magazines “one
of the best seven beaches of the world.”
Duration: 3 hours + beach time Departure time: 9:30 AM $ 80 per person
Biological Reserve Tour
The virgin rain forest harbors thousand of known life forms, many of
them yet to be described. Filled with birds’ songs and howler monkeys
calling at dawn, the rain forest is quiet in the heat of the day, its
stillness punctuated by the whistle of poison dart frogs, the rasping of
cicadas or the sound of wrens and ant-birds. The dark, cool interior of
the primary forest is surprisingly free of entangling vegetation. Only
where light manages to filter through the interlocking canopy can
vegetation proliferate. Walking into the rain forest is like taking a
step back in time.
Duration: 2 hours Departure: any time before 2:00 PM $ 10 per person
Cacao Trail Park Tour
Visit a corn plantation, a cacao plantation, a botanical garden, a
medicinal garden and an iguana farm, all part of the Cacao Trail Park.
The tour also includes exploring the Park’s canals in a canoe all the
way up to the adjacent Cahuita National Park. After walking through the
Cahuita National Park and visiting a turtle’s nesting beach, you will
enjoy a Caribbean style buffet lunch.
Duration: 6:30 hours Departure: 9:00 am $ 52 per person
Shaman's Tour
A 30-minute drive will take you to the heart of the Bribri Indigenous
Reserve in Suretka. After crossing the Sixaola river on a small boat, a
30 minutes ride will bring you to the area where two shamans of the
Bribri’s tribe live and practice their traditional medicine. You will be
able to ask questions and visit the “healing house,” a sacred space
where rituals and healing sessions take place.
Duration: 5 hours Departure time: 9 am $ 65 per person (2 person minimum)
It is suggested to bring your own helmet. The stable does not provide riding helmet nor is it mandatory for you to wear one.
all rates are subject to changes
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
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.
The tone here is casual wear - it is not necessary to dress up to go to dinner. Comfortable lightweight is best.
We recommend for women to ride in
leggings with a big shirt over them. The legging is not too hot, and
they dry out quickly if they get wet.
It is suggested to bring your own riding helmet. The stable does not provide riding helmets nor is it mandatory to wear one. Bicycle helmet can be borrowed.
SENSIBLE PRECAUTIONS....
Almost all encounters with noxious insects & plants can be avoided
by watching where you walk or 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.
We recommend you leave valuables at home.
Most important of all to bring to Costa Rica: "Sense of adventure, open mind and big smile"
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport and copy of passport kept in a separate location |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Comfortable light weight riding pants or jodhpurs |
| Short boots and half chaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat or visor |
| Rain coat/Wax jacket |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Sweater for higher elevations and chilly nights in San Jose |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Wind breaker or light jacket |
| Comfortable walking shoes like lightweight hiking boots with a good tread for hikes |
| River sandals or aqua socks |
| Swimsuit and beach towel |
| Bandana |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Day pack and fanny pack |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect repellent : at least 75% DEET |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for the emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Camera and enough extra films (it is expensive in Costa Rica) |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion with high sun protection factor, such as SPF 29-40 |
| Binoculars |
| Flashlight |
| Water bottle |
| Battery alarm clock |
| Plastic bags - for keeping books, binoculars and other items dry, and for wet clothing |
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 will be at the rustic, clean and spacious cabins at the riding stable. They nicely decorated and spacious. They have ceiling fans, bedroom, seating area, terrace, bathroom and WIFI access. Laundry service is available. An upgrade to a local beach hotel with pool is possible on request.
Only Breakfast is included. There are several good local restaurants in the area for dinner. Lunch or picnic lunches will be taken along the longer rides. You can rent a bike at the stables for a few dollars.
Breakfast can include the following:
PINTO WITH EGG, CHEESE AND AVOCADO
PINTO WITH EGG, TORTILLA OR TOAST
2 FRIED EGGS OR SCRAMBLED OR OMELET
Ingredients: cheese (onion, tomato, sweet pepper)
Supplements: avocado / cheese / cream cheese / order of patacones or fried plantine / white bread toast / brown bread toast
ORDER OF TOASTED BREAD WITH BUTTER AND JAM
ORDER OF SPECIAL BROWN BREAD WITH B & J
CORNFLAKES WITH MILK
FRUIT SALAD WITH YOGURT
FRUIT SALAD WITH YOGURT AND CEREAL
FRUIT PLATE
BIG FRUIT PLATE
DRINKS:
COFFEE / TEA
CHOCOLATE
JUICES:
FRESH FRUIT JUICE
FRESH FRUIT JUICE WITH MILK
FRESH FRUIT JUICE MIX, PURE FRUITS
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Tack:
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Costa Rican tack
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Horses:
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Criollos
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Pace:
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Moderate with trot and canters, some beach gallops
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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 Intermedaite
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
6 riders
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Other optional activity excursions:
Rain Forest Canopy Tour
Eight aerial platforms joined by 1200 meters of cable are nestled into
the jungle. Our professional guide will help you travel from one
platform to the other securely attached to the cable. He will teach you
the names of plants, animals, and how the local indigenous use some of
the herbs you will see. You will enjoy the jungle from up above.
Duration: 4 hours Departure time: 8:30 AM $ 55 per person (Minimum 2
people)
Surfing Lessons
You don't need to be a professional surfer to experience the thrill of
riding a wave. Our instructor is experienced and the Caribbean Sea is
gentle with first-time surfers. Don't miss the opportunity! We will
provide you with a surf board for the time of your life.
Duration of the lesson: 2 hours $ 60 per person
Sea and River Kayaking
At Punta Uva ‘s beach, with the help of a guide, you will kayak in the
ocean first and then slide towards the Punta Uva river that unwinds into
the jungle. After the kayaking, the options are: exploring the Punta
Uva’s promontory, snorkeling or sunbathing at the beach. Punta Uva
(Spanish for Grape Point) has been described by Outside magazines “one
of the best seven beaches of the world.”
Duration: 3 hours + beach time Departure time: 9:30 AM $ 80 per person
Biological Reserve Tour
The virgin rain forest harbors thousand of known life forms, many of
them yet to be described. Filled with birds’ songs and howler monkeys
calling at dawn, the rain forest is quiet in the heat of the day, its
stillness punctuated by the whistle of poison dart frogs, the rasping of
cicadas or the sound of wrens and ant-birds. The dark, cool interior of
the primary forest is surprisingly free of entangling vegetation. Only
where light manages to filter through the interlocking canopy can
vegetation proliferate. Walking into the rain forest is like taking a
step back in time.
Duration: 2 hours Departure: any time before 2:00 PM $ 10 per person
Cacao Trail Park Tour
Visit a corn plantation, a cacao plantation, a botanical garden, a
medicinal garden and an iguana farm, all part of the Cacao Trail Park.
The tour also includes exploring the Park’s canals in a canoe all the
way up to the adjacent Cahuita National Park. After walking through the
Cahuita National Park and visiting a turtle’s nesting beach, you will
enjoy a Caribbean style buffet lunch.
Duration: 6:30 hours Departure: 9:00 am $ 52 per person
Shaman's Tour
A 30-minute drive will take you to the heart of the Bribri Indigenous
Reserve in Suretka. After crossing the Sixaola river on a small boat, a
30 minutes ride will bring you to the area where two shamans of the
Bribri’s tribe live and practice their traditional medicine. You will be
able to ask questions and visit the “healing house,” a sacred space
where rituals and healing sessions take place.
Duration: 5 hours Departure time: 9 am $ 65 per person (2 person minimum)
It is suggested to bring your own helmet. The stable does not provide riding helmet nor is it mandatory for you to wear one.
all rates are subject to changes
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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Rustico del Caribe Ride
Tour Code:
IT-CRSR06
6 days /
5 nights
~$750.00
Dates :
Available all Year
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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