Transfer and Other Options:

Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands. On the Caribbean coast, however, December is by far the wettest month.

Costa Rica is located on the Central American Isthmus, surrounding the point 10° north of the Equator and 84° west of the Prime Meridian. It borders both the Caribbean Sea (to the east) and the Pacific Ocean (to the west), with a total of 1,290 km of coastline (212 km on the Caribbean coast and 1,016 km on the Pacific)

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.

The rainy season runs from the beginning of May through the middle of November.  Please keep in mind that even when it rains, it is sunny in the mornings until around mid afternoon. None of the rides are over difficult terrain so it does not matter if the trails are wet.  Remember this is the tropics so it is never really cold.  

We provide rubber boots (we ask for shoe sizes and height and weight of each rider) and good strong rain ponchos and saddle bags with water and snacks.   Pack lightly!!

Please note that we provide rubber boots, but if you prefer to bring riding boots be sure to have them waterproofed.  Also note that riding in heavy jeans is very hot so it is recommended you bring riding pants or lightweight pants to ride in.  We also provides rain ponchos, however if you have your own rain gear, bring it along.

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. Dress in layers. 

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"

Accommodations in hotels and back-country lodges. All hotels have restaurants (or close by) for dining when meals not included.
Please note on some trips hotel booked may change depending upon availability.  We make every effort to confirm which hotels are booked for you well in advance.

South Beach Hotel:

South Beach Hotel is located in Jacó Beach on Costa Rica's West Coast (Pacific Ocean), a ninety-minute drive from San Jose. The hotel is right in front of the beach, located about a two-minute drive from downtown Jaco. The hotel is a short 10-minute walk along the beach or on the road, from the bars, restaurants and shops; yet, the hotel has a very peaceful atmosphere since it is a reasonable distance from the center of town. The swimming pool is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, it has a kids pool, a restaurant and bar. Rooms have Air Conditioning, Cable T.V, Hot water, Safety Box - room upgrades are available to Superior rooms. The rooms include Continental Breakfast. Bikes are available for rent, Surf Lessons are available

Hotel Villas Lirio:

Villas Lirio is situated along the Central Pacific Coast, between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. In the town of Quepos visitors will find a selection of restaurants, shops, banks, supermarkets, and bars hosting local bands and musicians. There are glorious white sand beaches and jungle hiking trails ideal for spotting monkeys, sloth, colorful birds, and much more.
Rooms sit in a jungle of dense vegetation. The lush gardening lines each of the hotel's inner walkways and the sunny pool area. It lends and enchanting tropical privacy to its accommodations. Homely rooms are decorated with a collection of art, paintings, furniture, and dark wood beams. Next to the pool, a large lounge area provides entertainment tables and space to read or even prepare meals in shared kitchen space. Complimentary breakfast with fruit, waffles, eggs, hash browns and other menu items is served each morning in the on-site restaurant.
Facilities:  Swimming pool, computer center with free Internet access, laundry service, common kitchen and lounge area with table tennis
All rooms have A/C, ceiling fans, cable TV, a security box, and coffee maker

Tack:		Central American (Western Style)
Horses:		Criollos, Pasos
Pace:		Moderate with trots, canters, and some gallops. 4-6 hours per day. | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 out of 5)     Intermediate
Age:		Min 10	Max 70
Weight:		Max 210
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 10 riders

Criollo Horses:
The Criollo horse is the direct descendant of the horses brought to the Americas by the Spanish.
The Criollo is a medium sized horse (1.40m - 1.50m). 
This riding tour can be customized for any riding level from Good Novice to Strong Intermediate. 

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.