Horseback riding in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

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- Old Spanish Trail of Guanacaste
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Old Spanish Trail of Guanacaste


Itinerary for Old Spanish Trail of Guanacaste




Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

This program can be adapted to less experienced and advanced riders.

Please note that itineraries may change due to tides, weather, local fiestas, or request by clients. 


Day 1: Arrival
Arrive to Liberia Airport (LIR) or Tamarindo Regional Airport (TNO). We will provide private transport to the finca, located just minutes from the beautiful Pacific beaches of Guanacaste. Accommodations in comfortable air conditioned casa or casita. Late afternoon, you will have a ranch orientation. Dinner at the ranch or local restaurant.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch


Day 2: Old Spanish Trail
After a full ranch breakfast, you will have a short introduction to riding the beautiful Spanish Criollo horses of Costa Rica known for their noble temperament and comfortable ride. You will then have a chance to try out your horses in the ring or take a refresher lesson.
After lunch mount your horse and ride through oxcart trails and large working cattle ranches on the Old Spanish Trail. Follow the trails of the conquistadors to the colorful town of Cartagena where we will meet you at a typical cowboy outdoor cantina for dinner. 
Riding approx. 3-4 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch


Day 3: Ride to Tempate
This morning, you will ride along an old Spanish trail which traverses through large haciendas and backcountry trails. Along the way, you can look for monkeys, tropical birds and dry tropical vegetation. Stop in the cattle town of Tempate for a picnic lunch and cold drinks then ride the Old Spanish Trail back to the ranch. 
Take a dip in the pool and relax before dinner at the ranch.
Afternoon option: you can watch the head trainer work with young horses using Natural Horsemanship Technique or take a lesson. 
Riding approx. 3-4 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch


Day 4: Ride to Lorena
Start the day with a visit to Monkey Park and Rescue Center to see the native wildlife and birds found in Guanacaste or a Natural Horsemanship or Centered Riding lesson with our trainer. 
After lunch, you will ride your horse through the beautiful ranch country and over the coastal hills to the small village of Lorena for a stop at one of the most popular cantina stops, Chilito’s – La Cima to sample their famous fried chicken and chips – a real “Taste of Guanacaste”. You will then ride back to the ranch at sunset.
Riding approx. 2-3 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch


Day 5: Tico Trail Ride
After a delicious cup of Costa Rican coffee, you will take an early morning Tico Trails tour, passing along rivers, through impressive wooded countryside, ranches and picturesque villages. Along the way, you may see Howler monkeys, and colorful tropical birds as well as getting a glimpse of the traditional Sabanero cowboy culture. When you arrive back at the ranch, a traditional Tico meal cooked over firewood will be served. A special afternoon to be arranged or visit to a local fiesta when available.
Riding approx. 2 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch


Day 6: Cowboy Ride
After breakfast, you will be taken to a working cattle ranch for a half day Cowboy Ride. Your afternoon is free to go to one of the beautiful Pacific beaches to relax, swim or shop. Or opt for one of the many day tours. We will arrange the day with you.
Riding approx. 3 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch


Day 7: Beach Ride
When you reach the beach, saddle your horses starting in Puerto Viejo then travel along the pristine white Pacific beach of Puerto Viejo: Conchal and Brasilito. Here you will take time to play in the water and take photos. You can then either swim or walk on the beach before lunch or dinner at the beach.  (times depend on the low tide)
Riding approx. 2-3 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch


Day 8: Departure
You will be transferred back to the airport. Horse-riding activity depending on transfer times.
Meals included: Breakfast




Beach Riding Extension


Day 9: Guanacaste Village Ride
Today, take an early morning breakfast ride along 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 you arrive at the village of Portegolpe, tie up your horse for a typical breakfast cooked over lena (firewood) at the home of a local family. After, ride around town to see life in a small Guanacaste village. Free afternoon at the ranch and sunset dinner on the beach.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at the Ranch


Day 10: Sightseeing (no riding)
After breakfast enjoy a free day. You have the option of being taken to Tamarindo Beach and go shopping, swimming, or surfing. Later on, enjoy a sunset and a dinner on your own in Tamarindo. We will pick you up by arrangement. If you would like, you can opt for one of the many other tours offered in the area including Canopy/Zip line, Monkey Park, Coco Beach, or all day tours to Arenal Volcano or Granada Nicaragua.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the Ranch


Day 11: Ride to la Garita
After breakfast, meet your horses in the small village of La Garita and ride on secluded back country roads through dry tropical forest to the beach. Stop at Puerto Viejo for a cold drink, then ride along the beautiful Pacific beaches of Pt. Viejo, Conchal, and Brasilito. Tie up your horses for a lunch at the beach, at Don Brasilitos, with an option to swim before you are taken back to the ranch. In the afternoon, you can choose between two options: take a private lesson or work with your own horse using Natural Horsemanship Training in the ring. A sunset ride or dinner rides arranged depending on the tides.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch


Day 12: Departure
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 . Optional stop at a gift shop or market is available depending on return flight times.
Meals included: Breakfast



Monteverde Extension

Day 9: Transfer to Montverde
After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel in Monteverde (to be determined). Stop for lunch on route or add white water rafting with lunch.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Montverde


Day 10: Cowboy Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy riding the all day Cowboy tour (6 hours in the saddle - If you wish we can arrange a shorter ride)! The rest of the day is free for optional tours or visit the Quaker Community or Santa Elana.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch with Cowboy Tour
Overnight at Hotel in Montverde


Day 11: Guided hike in the Monteverde Clouded Forest Preserve
Breakfast at the hotel. Look for resplendent quetzal, other tropical birds, and unique flora and fauna while walking a variety of trails. A wildlife guide and transportation is included. Visit to the hummingbird area at the visitors center. Afternoon free for riding or natural history tours. Option for a Night Rainforest Walk.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Hotel in Montverde

Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, private transfer to Liberia or San Jose for your flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast

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Non-Riding Activities
Located minutes away from the most popular Pacific Beaches, there is ample time to take advantage of beach activities, canopy tours, fishing, river floats, and more.  On the ranch, watch the Howler Monkeys feeding in the trees, and colorful tropical birds and flowers in our gardens while you enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee.

We can book the following activities for you at an extra cost (inquire for rates):
Canopy/Zip line tours – A variety of choices from $60 with transportation. Add horseback riding or ATV for a real adventure.
Private Natural Horsemanship or Centered Riding Lessons- $50 hour.
Palo Verde National Park river tour – See a variety of monkeys, tropical birds, crocks, and other wildlife from a covered motorized launch.  From $-90 with guide, transportation and lunch included.  
Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling and Kayaking – From $85 with transportation and lunch  
Surfing Lessons and Board Rental Tamarindo – From $35
Sport Fishing – on and off shore, half or full day – book ahead – Starting at $400 - $1500
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving –  Choose from a variety of tours and times, transportation arranged – card needed for Scuba, refresher course available.
Buena Vista Combo Tour – Full Day tour to hot springs,  horseback riding, zip line, sauna, water slide $185 with transportation
Arena l Volcano all day tour –  Hot springs,  national park tour, other options with lunch – From $180
White Water Rafting –  Class 2 & 3, or 3 & 4 – check for prices, seasonal
Lunch and Shopping Day in Tamarindo or Liberia – by arrangement   
Private Driver to take you on an all day adventure to your choice of beaches, natural areas and national parks.   We’ll design a day for you.  Spend an evening at a local fiesta to watch bull riding and a taste of Guanacaste Culture. Overnight Tours available.
Canopy/Zip line tours – Add horseback riding or ATV for a real adventure.
Private Natural Horsemanship or Centered Riding Lessons
Palo Verde National Park river tour – See a variety of monkeys, tropical birds, crocks, and other wildlife from a covered motorized launch. 
Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling and Kayaking
Surfing Lessons and Board Rental Tamarindo
Sport Fishing – on and off shore, half or full day
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving –  Choose from a variety of tours and times, transportation arranged – card needed for Scuba, refresher course available.
Buena Vista Combo Tour – Full Day tour to hot springs with horseback riding, zip line, sauna and water slide
Arena l Volcano all day tour –  Hot springs, national park tour and other options 
White Water Rafting –  Class 2 & 3, or 3 & 4 – seasonal
Lunch and Shopping Day in Tamarindo or Liberia – by arrangement  
Private Driver to take you on an all day adventure to your choice of beaches, natural areas and national parks. We’ll design a day for you. Spend an evening at a local fiesta to watch bull riding and a taste of Guanacaste Culture.
Overnight Tours available.

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Old Spanish Trail of Guanacaste
Tour Code: IT-CRIT14
8 days / 7 nights
Dates : All year except October

Trip Rating :
Difficulty : Riding Level
Riding Level Explained
ABeginner
Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
BNovice
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.
CIntermediate
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.
EAdvanced
All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country.
Lodging: Standard
Lodging Level Explained
   
= Facilities in lodges, estancias, haciendas, resorts, etc.
   
Basic lodging - some with shared bathroom facilities, usually no AC or room service.
Regular standard room - usually with private bath.
 Accommodations with superior comforts.
   
 = Trips with nights in tent camps. Sometimes the first and last night are in hotels.
   
Basic tent camping - everyone helps out with camp chores.
Regular standard with some camp amenities and camp cook.
Camping facilities with superior comforts like camp shower, bathroom facility..
   
 = Trips that combine nights in hotels and camping.
   
Basic accommodation and basic camping facilities can be expected.
Regular standard with some nicer amenities.
Only assigned to hotel and camping facilities with superior comforts.

Online Reservation

Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Fiestas and Topes
Tack: Western, English, McClellan
Horses: Spanish Criollos, Paso and Quarter mix
Pace: All paces according to riding level, 3...

Airport: Tamarindo Airport (TNO)
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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