Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. Upon arrival you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel near the airport. Overnight in San Jose.

Day 2: Presentation & Build-up ride (Approx. 3 hours in the saddle)
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, riding along rolling hills and meadows into the Gallery Forest alongside the Cuarros river – an excellent spot for wildlife encounters! 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) which remote location and attractive scenery will no doubt gives a better feel of typical Costa Rican life and living than anywhere else on the locations you will be visiting. Meals Included: B, L, D (EG & LG)

Day 3: Coastal Ride (Approx. 5-6 hours in the saddle)
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)

Day 4: La Mariana Estate & Countryside (Approx. 3-6 hours in the saddle)
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 be able to 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 relax. This afternoon there will be an optional ride in the Southern part of La Maravilla Hacienda. After a few gentle hill climbs you may 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)

Day 5: Machuca River Canyon Ride (Approx. 4-5 hours in the saddle)
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. Heading towards the Jesús María River basin, allowing exploration of the plains and forested valleys along the Machuca River Canyon, where the land is very fertile and most commonly used to cultivate melons. Afternoon you will take a 3 1/2-hour transfer by vehicle to the Northern Region home 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, S, D. (BG)

Day 6: Arenal Volcano Ride & Thermo-mineral Hot Springs (Approx. 2-3 hours in the saddle)
This morning we will do the Don Tobias horse ride, a 3-hour horseback adventure through the Arenal countryside. The tour ascends a mountain as it traverses both rainforest and cattle fields. On your way  up, you’ll stop at a beautiful lagoon where the horses will refresh themselves and you’ll be given time to stretch and look around. Continuing on, you’ll come to a lookout with marvelous views of the Arenal Volcano. This trail mainly covers private property, and was initially used by Don Tobias, a well-known horse breeder in the Arenal area.  Afternoon guided visit to Arenal volcano and enjoy free time at the beautiful Arenal hot water springs and gardens - an excellent complementation to your riding adventure! These thermo-mineral waters, which some people claim to have healing powers,  will help you to leave feeling relaxed!
*Please note your guide may continue with the riders going towards the Pacific and you will have another guide in Cahuita*!
Overnight in Arenal. Overnight in Arenal. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Shuttle transfer to the Caribbean Coast & Coastal Exploration (3-4 hours in the Saddle)
Early morning pick-up around 6:00 a.m. for a 5 hour regular shuttle transfer (shared basis) to the Caribbean Coast. After checking in your room and some free time to unwind, this afternoon there will be a briefing about our new set of horses and after horses are allocated, we will do an exploratory ride of on the Caribbean Coast – In order to get acquainted with your new horse you will take a brief walk following a jungle trail and then do some coastal riding, with 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. Overnight in Cahuita. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Caribbean Beach Ride (4-5 hours in the Saddle)
This morning you will take as short walk to the horse stables and ride over the scenic Playa Negra (Black Beach) then partway over the village road, towards Playa Grande (Long Beach) – a secluded, quiet and deserted Caribbean beach which is ideal for horseback riding and a nice brisk canters. You will then enter into a beautiful tropical forest, where you may be able to spot howler monkeys. Sloths and a variety of exotic birds such as Toucans. Your knowledgeable guide will introduce you to the local flora and fauna. During one of the rest stops while the horses rest in the shade of a tree, your guide may display his coconut pealing technics using machete! On the way back there are again several nice opportunities for stretched out canters. On the way back to the lodge you may stop to see some nice local artisans and souvenir shops, and have an excellent Caribbean lunch at one of the local restaurants. Afternoon at leisure to take any local excursions or rent a bike or surfboard (at an extra cost).  Overnight in Cahuita. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Mountain and Waterfall Ride & Shuttle transfer back to San Jose (3-4 hours in the Saddle)
This morning, after enjoying breakfast, take as short walk to the horse stables, you will do a mountain trail ride, first riding along the beach and then following a mountain trail through a local farm reaching the trail head where we get off our horses and do a 50 minute hike following a forest trail to the secluded and enchanting waterfall where we will swim and enjoy a picnic-style lunch before we hike back and ride back.  You will be back to the lodge in time for a refreshing shower and to take your regular shuttle (shared basis) transfer back to San Jose (3 1/2 hours) for your last night stay in Costa Rica.  Meals Included: B, L. (EG & LG)

Day 10: Departure / Flight Home.
Morning at your leisure and transferred to the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in time for your flight back home and we say our farewells. Meals included:  B

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

** 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.