Costa Rica Escape

Introduction
Pacific Coast Costa Rica

A wonderful horseback riding get-away on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. We explore and stop at waterfalls, natural spring fed pools, canter on the beaches and venture off into the hills and canyons with tropical vegetation - a ride you will not soon forget. After we stop and ride with a Paso breeder, we continue onto the beaches of Jaco on the Pacific Ocean. Here we explore the forests tracks and local small villages including a stop at the butterfly garden. The next day we ride through the stunning pristine primary and secondary rain forest with incredible vistas, here is the real Costa Rica.

But of course nothing compares to riding a horse along the deserted tropical pacific coast. Drift along side the lapping water and enjoy the sea breezes. Ride early in the morning and spot the flocks of scarlet macaws that make their home in the surrounding almond trees. Then it is time to move up to the Quepos area and Manuel Antonio Park. From here we enjoy a wonderful ride through the jungle to the breathtaking Valmy waterfall - sit and rest while listening to the relaxing sounds of the waterfall as it cascades into the small lagoon below. Our last ride will be in the area of El Rodeo, where we ride through incredible forest next to the University of Peace to Piedras Negras. The horses love the cool river where they can splash around and rest. Troupes of monkeys often pass through these beautiful trails. 

This is a great short riding getaway that can easily be combined with other rides or activities while in Costa Rica.

Accomodation

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

Riding

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. 

Itinerary

Rates and Dates for Costa Rica Escape

Dates Note:
Available any time throughout the year with a minimum of 2 riders.

Other Info
Meeting: San Jose
Airport: San Jose
Transfer: San Jose hotel in the morning of Day 1

Climate:

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"