Caribbean Delight Caribbean Coast Costa Rica Welcome to Paradise... Columbus called Costa Rica the "Rich Coast," when he discovered it in 1502. Located between Nicaragua and Panama, with coastal beaches on both the Caribbean and the North Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica is widely acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful countries in Central America. The South Caribbean area, with its wild rainforests and lush landscapes, is a beach and nature’s lover dream. Distanced from the rest of the country, this region of Costa Rica is home to some of the most gorgeous coconut-tree-lined beaches in the world. It is a region filled with untouched nature and it includes several of the country’s most notable national parks - Braulio Carrillo, Cahuita, Chirripó, Tortuguero, La Amistad. Home to more than 500 birds species, this particular area is comprised of virgin natural habitat, guaranteeing a healthy bird population. Abundant wildlife and countless species of butterflies can be seen in the primary and secondary rain forest. This is a coast where the evergreen mountains of the Alta Talamanca- populated by indigenous people- line the long stretches of quiet, pristine sandy beaches. Tucuxi dolphins swim along these shores, and four species of sea turtles are nesting between the months of March and July on the beaches of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and of Tortugero National Park. It is an ideal for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, surfing, bird watching, and hiking, and of course horseback riding. This new "delightful" riding getaway is the perfect escape for those looking for a cool alternative from your typical beach holiday - a unique escape with delicious vegetarian meals, a holistic approach to life, yoga classes and deep relaxation techniques. The week includes a daily transfer to the beach, 4 fascinating horseback riding excursions into the rainforest and along endless beaches (note: stables are a ~30 minute drive away), meals, and overnights at the Eco Lodge in one of the lodge rooms or one of the private bungalows surrounded by wild nature and tranquility. The resort offers an experience that is tropical in nature. Situated in the center of a pristine rain forest, the lodge is a sustainably-operated and ecologically-sound oasis that offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to absorb the healing and rejuvenating power of mother nature. On most mornings guests awake to the guttural cries of howler monkeys in the not-so-far distance. The secluded retreat perches atop a verdant jungle plateau with a clear view  of the Caribbean Sea past the edge of the jungle. One way you can choose to start the day is with "dynamic meditation" -- an ultra-physical and cathartic exercise to get rid of the "baggage" that may be weighing you down from you ordinary day to day life. Enjoy a long morning horseback ride and then try a yoga class late in the day. The lodge boasts a staff that is well-versed in holistic health. If relaxation exercises aren't your style, for the more active among us, the lodge has self-guided trails  to conquer lined with wild red and yellow hibiscus, heliconia, orchids and banana trees. Family Vacation Trip with multi activities Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Meeting: Puerto Viejo Airport: San Jose Transfer: San Jose by reg public bus or private Riders: Min 2 riders Max 6 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 50 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: 13 %    

Transfer and Other Charges:

Interbus: Shuttle to/from San Jose hotel. $70 per person, one-way. Pick-up on Day 1 between 7:00-8:00am from any hotel in San Jose or at 7:20am or 2:15pm at Denny's near the airport. Drop-off on Day 7, leaving Samasati Base Camp for 6:35am to arrive in San Jose for 11:30am. Private transfers at $240 per car, one-way Domestic flight form SJO to Limon airport and shuttle to resort for $170 pp, one-way Plane

Well-trained horses and an expert guide will accompany you on our adventurous excursions either into the rain forest, to waterfalls or onto the wild beaches of Cahuita National Park. The riding stables is only a 20-minute drive from the resort.

At first, in order to get familiar with the horse, you will be taken on a brief horse's walk on the jungle’s trails. Then you will have opportunities for longer relaxing trails at a walk, trot or a breathtaking canter. A stop for swimming and resting on the beach is usually included. Duration: As long as you can take it (usually 3 to 6 hrs). Even an evening ride along the shore and a romantic dinner by the ocean can be arranged (dinner extra).

Sample Rides

Short Beach-Jungle tour - 1.5 hour on the beach  
A short but intense experience. Start your morning off with an hour long ride along the beautiful Punta Cocles and Playa Chiquita, or unwind at the end of the day while watching the sunset. 

Beach-Jungle tour - 2.5 hours
Our most popular tour! This tour combines both beach and jungle for a complete experience. This is definitely the best way to explore the most important beauty of the Caribbean! We ride along the beach, where you will get to see breathtaking scenery of white sand beaches. Then, we head into the jungle, where you explore the rich wildlife of the tropical rainforest. Your guide will help you spot animals such as howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, parrots and more on this amazing tour. This tour is a great opportunity to learn about this unique ecosystem. Available in the morning or the afternoon.

Half day Tour - 3.5 hours horseback riding
Our Half Day Tour is a more extensive version of the Beach & Jungle Tour, covering more of the Caribbean region. You will start off exploring one of the beaches in the area, Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita, and Punta Uva, named one of the best beaches by Travel and Leisure Magazine. After some time along the beautiful beaches we will head into the jungle, where you will have the chance to encounter wildlife, from monkeys to parrots, sloths to iguanas. Your guide will educate you on the many different plants and animals that live in the lush jungle. This tour covers a great distance and gives you the opportunity to explore much of the Caribbean Coast. 

Full day tour
Our Full Day Tour is a complete experience, taking you all over the southern Caribbean. Beginning in the morning at the ranch, we first head to the beach and follow the coast south to the little coves of Punta Cocles and Playa Chiquita, followed by the white sand beach of Punta Uva where we will stop for lunch. After the lunch, we continue discover our beautiful jungle and the amazing Punta Uva Arrecife!! The Full Day Tour combines many excellent experiences into one unforgettable package you don’t want to miss! The tour included lunch and all inclusive soft drink and beer.                                                                                                                                                      

Other optional activity excursions available upon request (extra cost, paid locally, subject to changes)
- Yoga
- Spa
- Forest bathing
- Birding
- Swimming
- Hikes
- Beach visit (surf and snorkel)
- Cacao Ceremony
- Zipline
- Indigenous Reserve of Talamanca

Cahuita area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	84	84	85	86	87	87	85	86	87	87	85	84
Average Low Temperature (°F)	69	69	70	72	73	73	73	73	73	72	72	70
Average High Temperature (°C)	29	29	30	30	30	30	30	30	31	31	30	29
Average Low Temperature (°C)	21	21	21	22	23	23	23	23	23	22	22	21
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	17	15	16	16	17	17	20	17	13	14	17	19

Source: NOAA
 

Seasons
The local temperature is remains stable year around. The climate has often been called a "micro-climate", implying that the variable factors affecting this region are independent from the rest of the neighboring areas. This region shares very little in common with the rest of the country's weather cycles and prognostication, as the rainy season is often blessed with several weeks of dry, hot and sunny days, while weeks of unstoppable tropical rains can be experienced during the summer season.

The best, driest and most stable months of the year are September/October and February through April.

 

 

 

 

 

- Horseback riding attire: you are welcome to ride in jeans, but jodphurs may be better.  
- Half chaps over ankle high riding boots or "paddock" boots
- Helmet (some available to borrow)
- Binoculars for sighting wildlife
- Rain Gear
- Cool clothing that wicks moisture away from your skin and dries quickly
- Sturdy tennis or hiking shoes for rainforest adventures
- Sturdy sandals, long pants for jungle walking.
- Digital Camera for capturing magical moments.
- Small Backpack
- Sun Screen
- Natural filtration water bottle
- Sun Hat
- Beach Towel
- Sunglasses
- Warmer clothing for the evenings.
- Casual and light clothing for the day
- Swimsuit 
- Insect repellent (if you are sensitive to bugs)

Make sure you have some US$ cash with you in small bills (not 100s or 50s). It will be useful on your way in and on your way out to pay taxis and buses.
There is no need to exchange currency at the airport, you can easily exchange dollars or Travelers Checks at the nearby village of Puerto Viejo, 4 miles from the lodge.

Average ratings from 5 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date frieda cross 9/18/2017 frieda cross 8/29/2017 donna moran 7/22/2011 donna armstrong 4/19/2011 kathy fredericks 4/10/2011

 
Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent in the same location. 

Description
Our Eco Lodge is its own serene sanctuary- nestled into the rainforest of Costa Rica. Our tranquil environment is perfect for reflection, relaxation and rejuvenation for a naturally supported return to wellness. All accommodations have fans and screened ventilation allowing for fresh air and Caribbean breezes. Also there are no TVs in the rooms so the sounds, sights, and magic of the Rainforest immersion is pure. WIFI is available in the restaurant and lounge. Laundry service at additional cost.

You move at your own pace, exploring and delighting in our abundant surroundings with guided nature treks, waterfall hikes, dips in a natural pool, bird watching and daily yoga classes. Feel free to master the art of doing nothing but relaxing in your hammock, taking a long, leisurely soak in the Jacuzzi, or visiting our spa and getting a treatment.
 

Rooms at the Guest House- Sleeps one or two people
The Guest House is situated a short walk from the restaurant and reception area. It consists of 5 adjoining private rooms with two shared bathrooms, one for men and another for women. Choose from rooms with either two single beds or one double bed. This Guest House is a great option for solo travelers or groups of friends looking for cozy and inexpensive accommodations.


Features
- Private Room with two single beds or a double bed
- Shared bathrooms (one for men and one for women)
- Rainforest views, a terrace and lounge area with hammocks


Casitas- Sleeps two to four people
Ten wooden cottages built with wood reclaimed from the area within walking distance from the main reception and restaurant area. All have spacious verandas overlooking the rainforest or the Caribbean Sea. Some have an additional bedroom in a lofted area above the main floor. The Casitas can accommodate two to four people. Beds are either king size, double or single.


Classic Casitas
These Casitas are each in their own secluded area in the forest and have an additional lofted sleeping area. There are two Single beds on the main level and a Double bed in the loft, a private bathroom and a terrace with a hammock and is set in a little tropical garden planted with local flora.


Preferred Casita
These Casitas have windows that open to prime views of the Rainforest or the Caribbean Sea. Each of them is in it’s own secluded area in the forest and has a King bed, a private bathroom, a quiet terrace with a hammock and is set in a little tropical garden with local flora. These Casitas are ideal for couples.

Features
- Views of Caribbean Sea and Rainforest
- Enclosed in its own secluded area within the resort
- Private Bathroom
- Attached Terrace with Hammocks (additional hammocks available upon request)

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is waived if you are willing to share.



Meals
Breakfast and dinner are included in the trip. Lunches are extra. Sitting in the mountain overlooking the Rainforest and Caribbean Sea below, our open-air restaurant provides a dramatic and unique dining experience. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served with selections ranging from Caribbean fusion, to Mediterranean to Asian to Central American. Most of our cuisine is vegetarian and chicken and fish delicacies are available whenever you choose. Seafood is drawn daily from sea, fruit is purchased from local farmers or picked on site. Organic products are the first choice ingredients. Our restaurant includes a specialty bar which serves unique coffee, tea, wine, beer and fresh cold-pressed juices (alcoholic drinks are not included in our pakcage). The breads are baked daily, chocolate comes from nearby organic cacao plantations. Don’t forget to leave a little room because every evening ends with an indulgent dessert.

There’s a fun vibe in the kitchen where music, banter and laughter are part of the cooking process. You can taste the love in the food. Our staff create extraordinary culinary experiences for guests where in-season, local ingredients make every meal feel like a private tasting event.

Dietary Restrictions
The staff will happily accommodate requests made in advance for raw, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, or soy-free dishes.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Central American (Western style)
Horses:		Costa Rican and Quarter Horses
Pace:		Moderate with trots, canters, and some gallops. 3-4 riding hours per day. | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(2.5 to 5 out of 5)    Low Intermediate+
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 290lbs
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 6 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 50

Riding Experience
Our voice trained horses are able to take any rider from beginner to advanced for an amazing time along the most breathtaking pristine beaches of Costa Rica.

Pace
4 riding days (3 - 4 hrs each day) in varied landscapes from rainforest to beaches.

Horses
We have 8 horses. Some of them were rescued and finally are offered to live a better life. Most of the horses are between 4 and 10 years old, young and fit. Our horses are Costa Rican and Quarter Horse breed, they are quite short and rustic. They are all very nice, sweet horses suitable for beginners and kids as well as experienced. We keep our horses in semi liberty, which means they are grazing freely anytime they aren’t on a tour or giving a lesson. Because we care about horses well being, we have to set up the weight limit that is different for every horse.

Tack
What make the ride a better experience besides a good horse is a good equipment. All our saddles and material are imported from Europe. They are lighter and more gentle for the horses as well as more comfortable for the riders.

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.