Transfer Option:

Day 1:  Arrive at Liberia or Tamarindo Airport, transport to the finca, located just minutes from the beautiful Pacific beaches of Guanacaste. Accommodations in Casita Mandarina suite, light lunch included. Late afternoon, you will have a Ranch Orientation and a Criollo Horse Demonstration, then meet your horse for your first ride, taking the old Spanish oxcart trails, passing through beautiful wooded countryside, ranches and small typical villages. Along the way you may see Howler Monkeys, colorful tropical birds or other wildlife, while getting a glimpse of the traditional sabanero, cowboy culture, of the Guanacaste people. When we reach the town of Portegolpe, we will tie up our horses and stop for dinner at the Paso de la Mica, a nice typical restaurant in the small town of Portegolpe, later, ride back to the ranch under the stars. (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2:  After breakfast, you will have an introductory lesson riding the beautiful Spanish Criollo horses of Costa Rica known for their noble temperament and comfortable ride. Later in the morning you will leave for the small cattle town of Tempate and travel the Old Spanish Trail through large haciendas and small villages. Lunch in Tempate at a typical restaurant, and then continue your ride back to the ranch. In the afternoon, you will take the short drive to Monkey Park and Rescue Center to see some of the interesting wildlife found in the region. In the evening you will have the option to go to one of the colorful local fiestas to see the famous bull riding and cowboys showing off their lasso skills on quick criollo horses. For dinner sample the local fare at the fiesta or dinner by arrangement. at the ranch. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: or Sundays: during the Fiesta Season: After Brunch, we will leave to spend the day at one of the local weekend fiestas. You will have a chance to be part of the traditional horse culture of Guanacaste. Ride with us in a Tope, the traditional Sunday Horse Parades, at the registration party before, you will have the opportunity to watch some of the beautiful high stepping Costa Rican horses and their colorful riders, ride in the parade, and enjoy a party just for the caballistas (horsemen and women) with typical food, drinks, music and prizes after. Later, back at the ranch enjoy bocas (tapas) and drinks while you relax around the splash pool. ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner/ Bocas)

Day 4: After breakfast you will have the option of taking a lesson in Natural Horsemanship, training with one of our young horses, or take a ride through the back country trails to the town of Cartagena known for its characteristic rural homes and oxcarts. Transportation back to the ranch for lunch or lunch in Cartagena. Afternoon free: You have the option of being taken to Tamarindo Beach or Flamingo beaches with an option for shopping, swimming, surfing or take the popular Sailing-Snorkeling ½ day Tours on the Blue Dolphin Catamaran or River Tour to PaloVerde National Park. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

Day 5: After an early breakfast, we will leave for Langosta/Avellanas beaches along the 4500 acre Hacienda Pinilla and pick up our horses for a two and a half hour morning ride through a working hacienda, dry forest ecosystems, and along pristine white sand Pacific beaches. Lunch at the Ranch, then afternoon free to just relax or take one of the many optional tours in the area. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 6: After an early breakfast you will leave for Rincón de la Vieja National Park and Volcano – take a hike on the volcano to see the mud pots and other volcanic wonders, and in the afternoon you will have an option to take one of the popular canopy tours, or choose from a full day of activities at the Hacienda Guacheplin mountain lodges, including zip lines, mud baths, riding tours, tubing and rock climbing. Dinner enroute to the ranch in a typical restaurant known for its Guanacaste fare. ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: After breakfast, we will leave for the more remote beaches near Playa Junquial and Playa Negra.  You will ride through estuaries, rivers, mountain trails and remote tropical beaches, with time to take that exciting canter along some of the areas most beautiful beaches. We will stop at our favorite local lunch spot – Lolas on Playa Avellanas, then, when you return to the ranch, take a swim or just relax with a cold drink before your sunset dinner at Potrero Beach. (Breakfast, Dinner) Times based on Tides.

Day 8: After breakfast, if time permits ride in the ring or take your last photos and say goodbye before you transfer to Liberia or Tamarindo Airport with an optional stop at a gift shop or market–by arrangement depending on return flights. (Breakfast, Snacks for the Plane).

Order of the days and activities may change to take advantage of fiestas and seasons. 

Beach Extension:
Spend a few extra days at the beach with water sport activities etc.
We can make arrangements for you at a beach hotel or resort in Tamarindo Bay

Guanacaste climate is tropical with temperatures of between 70-95 F. all year, cooler in the mountains.  December to April is the dry season with little or no rain for over 4 months, and lots of sunshine;  May to August is the green season with occasional hard rains in the afternoon;  September to mid November is the rainy season, with rains almost every day.  

Long pants, closed shoes or boots for riding, hat, sunglasses, sun screen, insect repellent, bathing suit, and sandals.  For mountain extensions, rain jacket and sweater.  Please bring a copy of your passport and other identification.  We have certified riding helmets if you don’t want to carry yours on the plane.

 

Spacious private casitas with queen beds, air, frig, microwave, coffee maker, DVD and open sky shower in private bath. High speed internet and WIFI available

All accommodations have access to splash pool, bar, maid service. Cool off in the splash pool after your ride or sip a cold drink while you watch the horses from the porch rockers. 

At the finca:
Casita Mandarina – a comfortable, spacious, casita with queen bed and queen fouton, kitchenette, outdoor star shower, airconditing, cable TV with DVDs, high speed internet.

Casa Roble – a new 1 bedroom furnished house with queen bed and LR queen fouton, dining area, full kitchen bar, fans and  air conditioning in the bedroom. Extra single bed available.

Meals:  Ranch breakfast, lunch and most dinners provided on the garden porch or poolside.  Vegetarian meals are available, with a variety of menu options.

Selection from a Breakfast menu daily, including fresh fruit, cereal, eggs, meats,pancakes, fresh baked breads. Most lunches at typical restaurants on the rides. Dinners at the ranch and at local restaurants.

Wine, beer and liquor are extra. Refrigerators are stocked with drinks. We will also take clients to a local supermarket to shop.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

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.