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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Costa Rica
Intro to Costa Rica
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Ranches, Volcanoes & Beaches in Guanacaste
Guanacaste
Costa Rica
"Come to ride, relax and experience our very special corner of Paradise. We are not just a 'nose to tail' ride, but a ranch that caters to real riders who care about the quality, care and treatment of horses. Our goal is to provide an unforgettable cultural and equestrian experience to our clients and friends." - Kay and Esteban, owners
Join us for an exceptional riding getaway at a intimate horse ranch located minutes from the famous white sand beaches of Guanacaste. Known for their beautiful, well cared for and expertly trained Criollo horses, Kay and Esteban will personally treat you to a sincere home -style hospitality and excellent riding. They have developed their home into one of the finest horse ranches in the area, breeding and training their own special stock - including a vivid line of painted Pasos and Criollos! Located in an oasis of large Guanacaste trees and surrounded by green pastures, you will be just minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. The ranch is also centrally located to take advantage of Guanacaste’s famous tourists attractions and is a haven for wildlife, especially howler monkeys and tropical birds. After your daily riding ventures, take a refreshing dip in the casita -side splash pool, lounge in a restful hammock in the shade with a good book, or take a bird walk on the surrounding trails. Kay will take you to visit and play in the local seasonal fiestas and truly involve you in a taste the authentic culture with her friends and the locals. Visit the nearby national park and its resident volcano, ride along the pretty beaches and experience the traditional sabanero cowboy culture of Guanacaste! This trip can be designed to please both avid riders and their non rider friends... Kay and Esteban are more than happy to try and work with your vision of the perfect horseback vacation and deliver it in a big way!
It is possible to arrange an extra 3-day extension trip to the Volcano of Arenal - spending 2 nights visiting and exploring the popular magnificent volcano destination including sightseeing, horseback explorations and thermal spa relaxation. Also, additional beach extensions can be added on if you wish to partake in local water sports for a few days!
**Note: For client trip reports for this trip - see Old Spanish Trail's (Same ride, just longer duration).
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Family Vacation
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Ranch
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Airport:
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Liberia Airport / Tamarindo
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Transfer:
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Tamarindo or Liberia Airport
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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:
Accommodations, meals as indicated on itinerary, daily guided riding, airport transfers from Liberia or Tamarindo
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip, AP | 8d / 7n | $1995 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from Liberia or Tamarindo airport included
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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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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, AP
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1
/6
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Reserve
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Your arrival and departure can be any day of the week!
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Rates do not include:
2 dinners, gratuities, alcoholic beveragesa and soft drinks
Itinerary:
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 with 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. (Lite 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 over the coastal mountains to the sea passing through Potrero to Flamingo Bay for a canter on the beach, photos and cold drinks at Las Brisas. 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 with a group from the ranch, 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 take a ride through the beautiful back country trails to the town of Cartagena known for its characteristic rural homes and oxcarts. Stop for a cold drink, then return along tree lined country roads with a chance to see local birds, howler monkeys and dry tropical forest vegetation as you ride back to the ranch. Lunch en route at one of our most popular cantina stops, Chilito’s, in the small town of El Llano, a real taste of Guanacaste culture. Dinner on the garden porch at the ranch. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Day 5: Early morning, pick up your horse and ride to breakfast, then have the rest of the day free to relax or take optional tours. You have the option of being taken to Tamarindo Beach or Flamingo beaches with shopping, swimming, surfing or take the popular Sailing-Snorkeling ½ day Tours on the Blue Dolphin Catamaran, or River Tour to Palo Verde National Park (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, after a picnic lunch at the National Park, you will have an option to take one of the popular canopy tours, or choose a private ride through the rivers and forests of the beautiful hacienda. 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 Junquillal and Playa Negra. Pick up the beach horses to ride through estuaries, rivers, mountain trails and remote tropical beaches, with time to take exciting canters along some of the most beautiful stretches of Pacific beaches. We will stop at – Lolas on Playa Avellanas recognized as one of best beach restaurants in the world, then, when you return to the ranch, take a swim or just relax with a cold drink before your sunset dinner at the 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).
Note: Order of the days and activities may change to take advantage of fiestas, tides and seasonal trails.
Beach Extensions:
Spend a few extra days at the beach with water sport activities etc...
We can make arrangements for you at the beach - La Posada Resort or Hotel Capitano Suizo.
Arenal Volcano Extensions:
Three day extension trip to the Volcano of
Arenal...
Two nights visiting and exploring the volcano
complete with sightseeing, horseback riding and thermal spa relaxation time.
Meeting:
Ranch
Airport:
Liberia Airport / Tamarindo
Transfer:
Tamarindo or Liberia Airport
Distance:
45 mi / 10
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Tack:
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Western, English, McClellan
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Horses:
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Spanish Criollos, Paso and Quarter mix
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Pace:
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All paces according to riding level, 3-5 hrs per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Low intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
10
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Weight:
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Max
215 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
6 riders
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"We invite you to join us at Finca Casagua,
our beautiful, fifty acre, family-owned horse ranch, just minutes from
Costa Rica's famous Pacific Gold Coast beaches. Whether you stay at the
ranch or the beach, you will experience a taste of Guanacaste's
traditional horse culture, learn about Natural Horsemanship, and enjoy
riding our comfortable Spanish criollo horses. After you ride, relax in
a hammock, take a dip in the splash pool, or take advantage of the many
adventure activities offered in the area. In addition to your custom
riding package, enjoy an unforgettable Costa Rican vacation."
“Our horses are special; they are why we are here.” Chosen for their noble temperament and comfortable gate, the Spanish criollo horses of Guanacaste are used for cattle ranching, rodeo, pleasure riding, fiestas and even lower level dressage. A combination of blood lines from the Andalusian, Barb, Jennet and later the Peruvian Paso, the criollo horses are also the foundation for the Paso Costarricense. Casagua staff will match rider to horse to give the best riding experience available in the area. Most of our horses were born on the ranch and trained with Natural Horsemanship, Imprinting and other non-violent methods. Casagua Horses now has a “Paint and Paso” breeding program with a goal of breeding criollo horses with “color and comfort” using their handsome paint stallion and criollo mares.
-Kay & Esteban Peraza
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
Guanacaste's climate is tropical, with temperatures of between 70-95 F. all year, although 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 afternoons; 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.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| 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 |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Swimsuit |
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| 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 |
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
Accommodation: 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 the splash pool, bar and 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.
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.
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Tack:
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Western, English, McClellan
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Horses:
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Spanish Criollos, Paso and Quarter mix
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Pace:
|
|
All paces according to riding level, 3-5 hrs per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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|
Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Low intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
10
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Weight:
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Max
215 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
6 riders
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"We invite you to join us at Finca Casagua,
our beautiful, fifty acre, family-owned horse ranch, just minutes from
Costa Rica's famous Pacific Gold Coast beaches. Whether you stay at the
ranch or the beach, you will experience a taste of Guanacaste's
traditional horse culture, learn about Natural Horsemanship, and enjoy
riding our comfortable Spanish criollo horses. After you ride, relax in
a hammock, take a dip in the splash pool, or take advantage of the many
adventure activities offered in the area. In addition to your custom
riding package, enjoy an unforgettable Costa Rican vacation."
“Our horses are special; they are why we are here.” Chosen for their noble temperament and comfortable gate, the Spanish criollo horses of Guanacaste are used for cattle ranching, rodeo, pleasure riding, fiestas and even lower level dressage. A combination of blood lines from the Andalusian, Barb, Jennet and later the Peruvian Paso, the criollo horses are also the foundation for the Paso Costarricense. Casagua staff will match rider to horse to give the best riding experience available in the area. Most of our horses were born on the ranch and trained with Natural Horsemanship, Imprinting and other non-violent methods. Casagua Horses now has a “Paint and Paso” breeding program with a goal of breeding criollo horses with “color and comfort” using their handsome paint stallion and criollo mares.
-Kay & Esteban Peraza
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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Ranches, Volcanoes & Beaches in Guanacaste
Tour Code:
IT-CRIT15
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,995.00
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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