Three Ticos Trails

Introduction
Guanacaste Costa Rica

This little country stands out in Latin America as a haven of political stability, freedom and ecological responsibility. It is blessed with a tremendous variety of ecosystems and an unprecedented amount of it is given over to national parks.

The riding is a mixture of "riding with the cowboys" and "relaxation at the resort". You will be exploring the Rincon de la Vieja Park and then the beaches of the Guanacaste coast.

We start our adventure at the working cattle ranch and resort of  Hacienda Guachipilin. Your first ride takes you through woods and plains to a beautiful river canyon. Bring a bathing suit and enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water at the base of the waterfalls. The we vernture into Rincon de la Vieja National Park to explore the warm sulfur springs and get a chance to bathe in the natural hot water pools. There are many opportunities for long canters on the open plains. There is also the option to try out some river tubing and rafting (small one person rafts).  Then we transfer you to the Tamarindo beach - to the estate of Hacienda Pinilla and check into the La Pousada. Live your dream of riding on exquisite tropical beaches; here the horses can canter on deserted beaches within the hacienda’s own property. There will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the pool or perhaps play a round of golf. One of Costa Rica’s finest golf courses is right here at Hacienda Pinilla.  The next day we ride through ranches and old trails to small towns catching a glimpse of small town life, stopping at a local cantina or restaurant for cold drinks and bocas. We put some time aside for a Canopy Zipp Line tour if you like and to take you out riding for a Tmarindo beach ride as the glorious sun sets over the water.

Accomodation
Accommodations in *** ranch resort and **** beach resort
Please note on some trips hotel booked may change depending upon availability.  We make every attempt to confirm which hotels are booked for you well in advance.

Riding

Horses:

You will ride beautiful Criollo Horses, using modified McClellan Tack.

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). 

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica!
You will be met upon arrival at the Liberia International Airport in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and transferred to Rincon de la Vieja and the Hacienda Guachipilin. Hacienda Guachipelin is famous for its horseback riding adventures... Here you’ll enjoy three consecutive days of horseback riding, visiting different places of the hacienda. During the welcome dinner you will get to know your fellow riders while your equestrian guide briefs everyone about the rides and terrain you will be riding over during the week. Overnight Hacienda Guachipilin  or similar. (D)

Day 2: Los Chorreas - the Canyon
Your first ride takes you through woods and plains to a beautiful river canyon. Bring a bathing suit and enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water at the base of the waterfalls. The return ride to the lodge leads through more forest and across several rivers. Marvel the many plants, birds and animals of the thick Costa Rican vegetation. Overnight again at Hacienda Guachipelin or similar.  (BLD)

Day 3: We ride from Hacienda Guachipelin’ s main gate to Santa Maria, here we can a great variety tropical birds and mammals such as Toucans and monkeys. The ride takes you to the sulphur springs surrounded by a lush forest. At Santa Maria we visit the big house which is now a museum. While riding, we stop to see archaeological sites . Time to relax at the hot springs These springs are pure, natural and crystalline. As a part of the trip we cross out into the farm where we ride with the livestock and head back toward the Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin. This horse back riding day is usually not taken by riding novices. Takes almost 9 hours and a packed lunch is included.  Overnight Hacienda Guachipelin or similar. (BLD)

Day 4: Rio Negro horse Trekking and Tubing Adventure…
Horseback ride through the dry forest, to a special area where there are changing rooms where you can get ready to go tubing. After a short walk, we reach the base of La Victoria Waterfall, to receive a short safety briefing by the guides. Each person gets his own personal round raft, and you will feel your adrenalin pumping as you rides the white water rapids in the Rio Negro, for an hour and a half. After the Tubing adventure, change back to riding clothes for the ride back to stables.  Lunch will be waiting upon arrival. After lunch, we will be transferring to the Tamarindo Beach area and go to Hacienda Pinilla’s own hotel, La Posada.  The pure luxury of this location and the hotel will make you wish that you had time to stay another week in Costa Rica. (Ask about extended stays). Overnight La Posada. (BL)

Day 5:  Beaches   
Live your dream of riding on exquisite tropical beaches here the horses can canter on deserted beaches within the hacienda’s own property. There will be plenty of time today to come back to the hotel to relax and enjoy the pool or perhaps play a round of golf. One of Costa Rica’s finest golf courses is right here at Hacienda Pinilla.  Lunch and dinner are on your own.  Overnight La Posada. (B)    

Day 6: Painted Pony Ranch Cantina Tour 
Ride through ranches and old trails to small towns catching a glimpse of local village life, stopping at a nearby cantina or restaurant for cold drinks and bocas (snacks).  You will get a real taste of Guanacaste culture. Overnight  La Posada.  (B)

Please Note: If rider prefers another day of beach riding, it can be substituted for the Cantina Ride.

Day 7: Sunset Ride
Free day to just hang out at the beach and pool or to perhaps do an optional Canopy Tour (ZIPLINE), and enjoy one of Tamarindo’s famous sunsets. We’ll be riding along the beach as the glorious sun sets over the water. Lunch and dinner on own. You might like to have a driver take you into Tamarindo to try out one of the many good restaurants. Overnight La Posada.  (B)

Day 8: Depart Costa Rica
After breakfast transfer to the Liberia International Airport, International Airport for your departure from Costa Rica.   (B)
subject to change

B=Breakfast  L=Lunch  D=Dinner

THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.

Rates and Dates for Three Ticos Trails

Dates Note: Additional dates are possible on request for groups of 2+

Other Info
Meeting: Liberia airport
Airport: Liberia
Transfer: Liberia airport in Guanacaste

Climate: Guanacaste climate is tropical with temperatures of between 70-95 F all year, but 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.  

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."