Transfer Option:

KEYS: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (TG) Transfer Guide,  (EG) Equestrian Guide, (LG) Local Horse Master/Guide.

Itinerary
Day 1: You will be met upon arrival at the San Jose International airport. Overnight at a San Jose hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 2: Presentation & Build-up ride
Morning transfer to Cien Fuegos Eco-Ranch & Stables, located along the Trinidad river in the Dry Central Pacific Region, the starting point of your riding adventure. After horse assignment and our presentation, you will head towards Hacienda La Maravilla. The ride will take you along rolling hills and meadows into the Gallery Forest alongside the Cuarros river – an excellent place for spotting wildlife! We meander across the river following a country lane passing en route, farmland, rural homes, and finally arriving at the hacienda grounds. This afternoon, there will be an exploratory ride following the private trails. The next three nights will be at Maravilla House lodge (shared bathrooms).  The remote location and attractive scenery will no doubt give you a feel of typical Costa Rican life.  
Meals Included: B, L & D (EG & LG)  Approx. 3 hours in the saddle.

Day 3: Coastal Ride
Today’s ride will take you to the Pacific coast following country lanes and an old ranch trail which lead to Tivives Crag. The Spaniards first started their conquest of the Central Pacific around 1561 right from this very spot! Ride across the Cascajalillo Mangrove Swamps and along the coast. Depending on tide times, lunch will be served at a local café, or as a picnic on the beach, or back at Maravilla. Again depending on the tide, you climb on horseback towards Cuevas Crag, enjoying unique views of the Pacific Ocean or alternatively, ride along the shoreline towards Guacalillo beach. Follow a country lane back to hacienda Maravilla.
Meals included: B, L & D. (BG) (LG)  Approx. 5-6 hours in the saddle.

Day 4:   La Mariana Estate & Countryside
This morning you have an exploratory ride of the hacienda’s 1000 acres and its private reserve, riding through rolling hills and savannah’s towards the Transitional-Dry Forest and the lush Gallery Forest. Here, the terrain is picturesque, predominantly flat with gentle slopes and forested valleys. As you ride over the higher areas you will gain excellent views of the Pacific Ocean and perhaps spot some of the local area’s wildlife too. Back at the hacienda in time for lunch and relaxation. This afternoon there will be an optional ride in the Southern part of La Maravilla Hacienda. After a few gentle hill climbs you experience an ocean view sunset – the Pacific coast has the reputation for being amongst the world’s top best places to experience this beautiful event.
Meals: B, L, D. (BG) (LG)   Approx. 3-6 hours in the saddle.

Day 5: Machuca River Canyon Ride
Your final ride in the Central Pacific will take you to the Machuca River basin, passing Cascajal village, you will ride into the area where this river canyon broadens onto the plains. We head towards the Jesús María River basin, allowing exploration of the plains and forested valleys along the Machuca River Canyon, where the fertile land is commonly used to cultivate melons. In the afternoon you will take a 3 1/2-hour transfer from the Northern Region to Arenal Volcano which last erupted in 1968 and remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Overnight in Arenal.
Meals Included: B, PL, D. (BG)   Approx. 4-5 hours in the saddle.

Day 6:  Thermo-mineral Hot-water springs & Transfer to Monteverde across Arenal Lake
Today is a relaxing day to explore Arenal. Enjoy free time at the beautiful Arenal hot water springs and gardens - an excellent addition to your riding adventure! These thermo-mineral waters, which some people claim to have healing powers, will help you to leave feeling relaxed! In the afternoon take a boat ride across Arenal lake and transfer by vehicle to Monteverde, enjoying a scenic drive up on the Tilaran Mountain Range following an old road originally used by farmers and passing the Continental Division line - a location where the arid Pacific area greets the humid Cloud Forests. The Monteverde area encompasses six differing ecological zones and is situated where moist air blown in from the warm Pacific coast precipitates as a perpetual mist. These vastly contrasting locations are easily observed through the differing types of vegetation that will be visible as you start ascending.
Meals Included: B, L & D. (EG & LG)

Day 7:  Cloud Forest, Hanging Bridges & Exploratory Ride at Ensenada
Although Monteverde can be tricky to ride in because the terrain can be steep and muddy and the weather unpredictable, the area is worth exploring to see one of the most amazing forests. This morning you will visit the hanging bridges at Selvatura Park which are amazing structures that will take you to new heights following 3 kilometers of trail crossing the cloud forest. There are 8 different bridges from 50 to 170 meters long, and between 12 and 60 meters high. Every bridge is 1.5 meter wide, which makes them the widest hanging bridges in Costa Rica! In the afternoon we will transfer to Abangaritos. We stay the next two nights at La Ensenada Lodge, a family run lodge located on a 1000-acre hacienda that offers guests the opportunity to participate in the typical farm activities such as cattle and horse raising, and the production of salt and fruit. 
After lunch and a rest, we will take an exploratory ride of La Ensenada which will teach us more about our horses and the terrain we will be encountering over the next few days. During today’s horseback adventure you will explore the inner grounds at Hacienda Ensenada which is mainly used for grazing beef and dairy cattle, but it also includes a protected wetland area which has been declared a "national refuge for fauna" including mangrove swamps and wetlands at the Abangares river delta.  La Ensenda Wildlife refuge protects much of the remaining primary and secondary forests of the northern Puntarenas province - all this makes this place an ideal location for horse explorations and bird-watching! Overnight at La Ensenada Lodge.
Meals Included: B, L & D. (EG & LG)   Approx. 3 hours in the saddle.

Day 8:  Ensenada Lodge (Salinas & Miradores Rides)
This morning we will head to towards the Eastern side of Ensenada where the Salinas and various lagoons are located including Laguna Augusta and Laguna Jacana.  During high tide and with some luck, this could be a fantastic ride to do some bird-watch on horseback as these wetlands and lagoons are frequented by water birds. The ride takes us to an area neighbouring the Tropical Mangrove Swamps - The gulf of Nicoya. The mangroves and the Salinas (Salt Lagoons) offer bird lovers and photography enthusiasts the opportunity to see many different species of birds such as pelicans, herons, parrots, Montezuma oropendula, bellbird, white iris and great egret among others. Later this afternoon, you will  follow "La Pizota" trail which develops over varied terrain including plains, grassland, slopes and  rolling hills.  Ride up the hills for the opportunity to enjoy a stunning Ocean view and panoramic view of the Gulf of Nicoya. Depending on the time we leave it could be a great Sunset ride to watch the sun disappear into the Pacific Ocean! Overnight at La Ensenada Lodge. 
Meals Included: B, L & D. (EG & LG) Approx. 5 hours in the saddle.

Day 9:  Ensenada Lodge (Farms and Rural land trail)
This morning you take a further exploration of the area,  following a completely different route covering a wide range of terrain and countryside scenes. It starts by following a trail bordered by the ocean on one side, and mountain slopes on the other. Then continue on a rural road visiting the community of Manzanillo where life is rustic and simple and will allow you to glimpse into real rural Costa Rica. Then we enter a sister property of Ensenada crossing the Cañamazo river and continuing on farm trails through reforestation plantations of Teakwood and Melina trees. Later on, you will cross the Congo River and head back to the lodge crossing Abangares river and stopping at a local town for a drink. The ride back to Ensenda will provide a great opportunity to do some cantering! You will get back in time for lunch. Afternoon transfer to your San Jose Hotel (2 1/2 hours) for your last night stay in Costa Rica.  Depending on the time you leave for San Jose, your guide could arrange a visit to the Artisan's Town of Sarchi which is en route. This picturesque village is considered the cradle of wood crafting and decorating in Costa Rica, particularly known for its production of colorful ox-carts. The custom of painting decorations on the carts was begun in Sarchí around the turn of the century. 
Meals Included: B & L. (EG & LG)   Approx. 4-5 hours in the saddle.

Day 10:  Departure / Flight Home
Morning at your leisure and then transferred into the Airport in time for your flight and we say our farewells. Meals included:  B (TG)

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a sample ride dossier, planned several months in advance. The ride can be operated in different order other than as described above. Arrangements (routes or facilities) are subject to variation by the outfitter depending on local conditions. All riding times contained in our itineraries are based upon riding at a slow/moderate pace throughout.

Costa Rica clothing and dressing-wise is quite casual, with this in mind, we recommend you to bring:

A) Riding gloves
B) For your safety we strongly recommend you to bring a riding helmet with a shade-rim to give you extra protection by blocking the sun from your face and neck.
C) Riding boots or hard-soled shoes and boots
D) Rain gear (e.g. raincoat or a poncho)
E) Long riding trousers or jeans
F) Chaps
G) Comfortable clothes of a light material, preferably cotton. T-shirts and shorts are acceptable in San José (during the day, if planning to go out in the evening trousers are highly recommended as some restaurants will not admit you in shorts or sandals).
H) Loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts and trousers are recommended during forest explorations or if you take any day trips out to smaller towns, where immodest attire is frowned upon. (Jeans tend to be more uncomfortable during long walk although better for horse riding)
I) Pack a light sweater or jacket for San José's cool nights and early mornings and for trips up volcanoes, Monteverde, etc
J) Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are essential if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing and hiking.
K) Waterproof hiking sandals or other footwear that lets your feet breathe are good for strolling about town, and also for beach walking, fording streams, and navigating the myriad mud holes you'll find on rain forest and cloud forest trails. We also advice you to bring:
L) Insect Repellent
M) Sun screen lotion (spf-15 or higher)
N) A small notebook and pen
O) Binocular & camera
P) Any medication you may require, please consult with your G.P. for health advise.
Q) And but overall a great adventurous spirit! IMPORTANT: *** Please double-check the expiry date of your passport. ***

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

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.

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.

2 nights at San Jose Hotel (Day1 and Day 9)

3 nights at Maravilla Hacienda
The lodge is part of an estate that encompasses over 1500 acres (a working cattle and plantation Hacienda) which includes its own protected zone (Cuarros) with Premontane and Transitional Forests amongst many other unique features, making this one of our top horse riding locations.

Accomodation, is in a typically large family owned hacienda house with traditional wood finishing touches. It has four spacious bedrooms located at the corners of the Hacienda house with a hallway in between. Each rooms is wall-to-wall tiled, with twin single beds, ceiling fan, fitted closet, wooden ceilings, painted with murals upon its walls and has country decorations including two wooden tables, local crafts and lamps. There is one spacious tiled hot-water shower and bathroom for every two rooms.

Facilities include: A large central hall, fully fitted kitchen, large twelve seater 'ranch table' dining room... outside there is a BBQ and a dip swimming pool. There are Hammocks along the outsides of the ranch house and mountain trails to explore on foot, as well as miles upon miles of mango plantations.

Life at Maravilla Hacienda is friendly, relaxed and informal, get up at dawn and coffee and other drinks will be available to quietly welcome in the day. Even join the sabaneros (cowboys) in the morning milking if you have the mind to. 

Arenal   
1 night at Arenal:  ARENAL SPRINGS or similar
Located at only 2 and-a-half hours from San José, the Arenal Springs Hotel offers the perfect combination between relaxation, comfort, and exuberant tropical scenery, as well as the best view of the Arenal Volcano from any vantage point in the premises.

Junior Suite Rooms:  The Arenal Springs Hotel features colonial style rooms, with all the amenities that one can expect from 46 room mountain retreat, (6 rooms are specially designed for the handicapped). Each room can accommodate up to five people, and they feature their own terrace, king or queen size beds, air conditioning, cable TV, ceiling fan, refrigerator, telephone, security box, private bathroom, hair dryer, and lush tropical gardens.

Arenal Springs also features swimming pool, tour desk, and restaurant

Monteverde  
1 night at POCO A POCO HOTEL or similar
The hotel is conveniently located just 10 minutes from one of the most famous cloud forests of the world; The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. From our hotel you are able to walk to most of the attractions in Monteverde. The hotel started with just 5 rooms, then "Little by Little" as the name of the hotel stands for, we began with an ambitious plan to expand our facilities without loosing our vision of a Cozy Style and quality service. Nowadays we have a total of 29 deluxe fully equipped rooms - they all have a good sized private bath with hot water shower and hair dryer. Rooms are equipped with phone which is available for international calls, cable TV, DVD, safe deposit box and very comfortable orthopedic beds. Additionally the hotel offers a  swimming pool with hot water and Jacuzzi, a restaurant with a fusion of native and foreign cuisine and the true local hospitality. All of this, in the heart of the Monteverde Cloud Forest where you will have the chance to get a real taste of Costa Rica's Wild Life and appreciate its flora and fauna, you may see lots of mammals, birds like the Quetzal, exotic insects species, and thousands of species of plants. Monteverde is known as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the world.

Abangares  
2 nights at La Ensenada Lodge: LA ENSENADA LODGE
La Ensenada National Wildlife Refuge, with 1000 acres, is located on the pacific coast in the province of Puntarenas, on the gulf of Nicoya, only 2:30 hours from San José, and 1:25 hours from Liberia.

It is an ideal place for horseback riding; for naturalists, for bird watchers and nature lovers. The most important activities of this ranch are cattle and horses, the production of salt and fruit. It is also a paradise where you will find the perfect point of balance between place, excitement and adventure.

The place offers accommodations on comfortable Villas facing The Nicoya gulf with two beds, bathroom, closet and spacious terrace, from which you enjoy and unforgettable sunset relaxing in a hammock.

The hotel also offers:  tour desk, swimming pool, and trails.

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.