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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Costa Rica
Intro to Costa Rica
 ArenalCaribbean Coast Guanacaste Pacific Coast Pacific&Caribe
Extensions:
Hotel Capitan Suizo
Belize
Mexico
Honduras
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Coast to Coast in Costa Rica
Pacific&Caribe
Costa Rica
Travel from the Pacific to the Caribbean – on horseback in Costa Rica!
This two week trip begins in the beach town of Quepos on the Pacific Coast and takes you on a trek through all types of Costa Rican topography, introducing the riders to the many beaches, waterfalls, mountains, flora and fauna, culture and, of course, the Criollo and Paso horses of Costa Rica. Your final destination is the Caribbean coast, a laid-back eco-resort with lots of good riding and time to relax on the beach or add some Yoga classes and/or sightseeing trips.
Experience all that the country of the ‘rich coast’ has to offer! Experience the Pacific's white sand beaches, waterfalls, lush vegetation, lagoons and diverse wildlife including birds, animals, butterflies and fish. Enjoy the crystal clear waters fringed by tropical vegetation, mountains and jungle reserves of Costa Rica’s undeveloped Caribbean coast line. Discover preserved nature reserves including Punta Mala National Reserve, the Sarapiqui region, Monteverde, Lake Arenal and Cahuita National Park. Along the way, you may encounter crocodiles, pacas, West Indian manatees, caimans, tapirs, tarpons, dolphins, green sea turtles, leatherback sea turtles, frigate birds, woodpeckers, parakeets, eagles, pelicans, toucans and motmots. Arrival at the Caribbean Sea introduces a coral reef which is home to marine life including the blue parrot fish, angel fish, sea anemones, urchins, Venus sea fans, shrimps, oysters, sea cucumbers, lobsters and sponges.
Enjoy the unique Afro-Carib culture of Costa Rica’s undiscovered Caribbean Coast: visit a traditional BriBri village, small settlements and beaches (homes to marine turtles, whose tradition of laying and hatching eggs is an unforgettable experience on its own), animal rescue centers, nature reserves teeming with wild and plant life and the unrivaled peace of isolated Caribbean beaches.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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San Jose hotel
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Airport:
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San Jose
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Transfer:
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San Jose hotel on Day 1
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
14 nights lodging, meals as indicated, services of professional equestrian naturalist guides - and local guide on the Caribbean side, 12 riding days
| A | 2012 | 15 day trip, AP | 15d / 14n | $3150 |
| Single supplement | $775 |
| Aiport transfer and extra San Jose overnight pp (dbl) | $95 |
| Aiport transfer and extra San Jose overnight - Single | $185 |
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer included from San Jose hotel on Day 1
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$0
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2012
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Aiport transfer and San Jose overnight pp (dbl)
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$95
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Tour Dates for 2012
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2012
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03/17
- 03/31
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15d / 14n
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15 day trip, AP
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2
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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04/14
- 04/28
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15d / 14n
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15 day trip, AP
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2
/10
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Expired
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| A |
2012
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06/30
- 07/14
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15d / 14n
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15 day trip, AP
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2012
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11/24
- 12/08
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15d / 14n
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15 day trip, AP
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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01/12
- 01/26
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15d / 14n
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15 day trip, AP
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2
/10
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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02/19
- 03/05
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15d / 14n
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15 day trip, AP
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2
/10
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Reserve
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Dates are flexible and available any time with a minimum of 2+ riders.
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Rates do not include:
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary. Beverages. Gratuities, Costa Rica departure tax. All items of a personal nature
Day 0: Arrival in San Jose, transfer from airport to a hotel and overnight (not included, but can be arranged - extra).
Day 1: Piedras Negros Ride
Pick up at San Jose Hotel in the morning and transfer via the very
scenic route of Puriscal to the area of El Rodeo here we ride through
incredible forest , next to the University of Peace to Piedras Negro.
The horses love the cool river where they can splash around and rest.
Troupes of monkeys often pass through these beautiful trails. Lunch at
the ranch and then transfer to Manuel Antonio - overnight Hotel Mimos or similar. Riding time 4 hours.
Day 2: Finca Valmey
Finca Valmey Waterfall ..... Short transfer to the stables where we are
matched up with the perfect horse, we enter into the forest, riding to
the river. At one point we leave the horses and hike a short distance
to get to the waterfalls,which is located on part of the Valmy
property. One can bathe in the lagoon and waterfall, or simply sit and
rest while listening to the relaxing sounds of the waterfall as it
cascades into the small lagoon below. On the return trip, the horses
take you around the river through lush vegetation. Lunch is served back
at the ranch. Transfer to Jaco Beach. Overnight South Beach Hotel at
Jaco Beach...Riding time 3+ hours (BL)
Day 3: Mountain Ride Adventure
Our tour will take you through the stunning pristine primary rain forest
and incredible vistas. Surrounded by amazing flora and fauna, you will
arrive at a beautiful waterfall in the heart of the jungle. . A perfect
combination of riding, nature exploration, relaxation and fun.
Overnight South Beach Hotel at Jaco Beach.. Riding Time 2.5 - 3 hours
Day 4: Beach Ride
Nothing compares to riding a horse along the deserted tropical pacific
coast . This is a once in a life time experience. Ride through the tiny
coastal hamlet of Esterillos to one of the longest beaches in Costa
Rica. Riding along the beach, you will experience the adrenaline rush of
galloping the horses along the sands at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
... Feel the freedom of galloping your horse along the waters edge, with
the tropic breeze in your face. Stopping for a wonderful lunch.
Overnight South Beach Hotel at Jaco Beach..Riding Time 3 hours.
Day 5: Hacienda Don Tito
After breakfast drive the short
distance to Hacienda Don Tito. Here they breed the famous Costa Rican
Paso Horses, that are so loved by the Tico riders. Your guide will
show you how they dance and give you the opportunity to ride one of
these magnificent horses. After the ride through the hacienda lunch
will be served. Transfer to Monteverde. Overnight Cloud Forest Lodge
or similar. (BL) Riding time 3 + hours
Day 6: Monteverde Cloud Forest Region
While it is not permitted to ride in the Reserves themselves, we are
pleased to offer the chance to ride on a private family farm of more
then 300 acres. Here we’ll have an opportunity to enjoy exclusive quiet
trails, bird watching, sugar cane and coffee plantations, secondary and
primary forest, open fields (great for cantering with the horses), and
amazing views of mountains, canyons and the Gulf of Nicoya.. Overnight
Cloud Forest Lodge or similar. Riding time 4 hours (B)
Day 7: Monteverde to Arenal
Enjoy the incredible vistas during today's ride as you descend from the
cool cloud forest area of San Gerado to Lake Arenal, where on clear days
you can see Arenal Volcano and Lake as you wind slowly down the
mountain passes crossing rivers until reaching Rio Chiquita. Transfer to
Fortuna, the little town at the foothills of Arenal Volcano. (Today's
ride is approximately 4 plus hours Breakfast, lunch included this day.
Riding time is 4 hours...Overnight Hotel Arenal Paraiso with its own
hot springs on site. (BL)
Day 8: Fortuna Waterfalls
This is a combination of horseback riding and hiking. The horses take
you all the way up to the waterfall trough green areas of pastures,
forest and high hills. The views of San Carlos valleys and the Tropical
Forest that surround the waterfall are spectacular. At the end of the
road the horses wait while we walk down the trail to the base of a
waterfall which is 65 mts high. . There is time to swim in the natural
pools before starting back. On the way back we ride through a privet
farm of 400 hectares, where there is plenty of good areas where the
horses love to canter. Breakfast included (B) Riding time 3 plus hours
Overnight Hotel Arenal Paraiso.. (BL)
Day 9: Arenal Volcano
Explore the surrounding trails of Arenal Volcano which are only passable
by horseback or on foot. The views from this area are magnificent. Not
only can you see the cone shape of the volcano but also the old lava
flow trails and the green fertile hills near the volcano. riding time 3
plus hours...overnight Arenal Paraiso (B)
Day 10: Pick up at 6 am and 4 to 5 hr transfer to the Caribbean Coast, check in at the beach hotel bungalows. Enjoy the afternoon at the beach or chose an extra activity option"
Rain
Forest Canopy Tour
Eight aerial platforms joined by 1200 meters of cable
are nestled into the jungle. Our professional guide will help you travel from
one platform to the other securely attached to the cable. He will teach you the
names of plants, animals, and how the local indigenous use some of the herbs you
will see. You will enjoy the jungle from up above. Duration: 4 hours Departure
time: 8:30 AM $ 55 per person (Minimum 2 people)
Surf Lessons
You don't need to be a professional surfer to experience the thrill of riding a
wave. Our instructor is experienced and the Caribbean Sea is gentle with
first-time surfers. Don't miss the opportunity! We will provide you with a surf
board for the time of your life.
Duration of the lesson: 2 hours $ 60 per
person
Sea and River Kayaking
At Punta Uva ‘s beach, with the help
of a guide, you will kayak in the ocean first and then slide towards the Punta
Uva river that unwinds into the jungle. After the kayaking, the options are:
exploring the Punta Uva’s promontory, snorkeling or sunbathing at the beach.
Punta Uva (Spanish for Grape Point) has been described by Outside magazines “one
of the best seven beaches of the world.”
Duration: 3 hours + beach time
Departure time: 9:30 AM $ 80 per person
Meals Included: B, D
Day 11: Riding on the Caribbean Coast -- At first, in order to get familiar with the new horses, 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.
Meals Included: B, L, D
Day 12: Beach Ride
Pick up at 9 AM. First we ride over the very scenic Playa Negra (Black Beach) then partway over the village road, towards Playa Grande (Long Beach). This is a really wild, quiet and deserted Caribbean beach, excellent for horseback riding and a nice brisk canter. We then enter into a beautiful tropical forest, where you can see the magnificent toucans and other colorful birds, sloth, howler monkeys and more. Your guide is very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, so you can learn a lot during the ride. After 1.5 hours of riding we stop for a break. While the horses rest a while in the shade of a tree, Raúl may chop open some coconuts with his impressing machete and everyone gets one with delicious, refreshing coconut water inside to drink. On the way back there are again several nice opportunities for stretched out canters. After about 3 hours you arrive back at the riding center where you can refresh with a cold drink. On the way back to the lodge you may stop to see some nice boutiques and souvenirs shops there, and have an excellent Caribbean lunch in one of the local restaurants (not included). In the early afternoon you leave the horses behind and we take you on a great guided boat
trip on the Estrella River. A guide will take you to different lagoons
to see river wildlife, crocodiles, herons, pelicans and much more ...
like monkeys and slots on the trees along the river banks.
Meals Included: B, L, D
Day 13: Mountain and Waterfall Ride
The 6-hour ride starts at 9 AM or earlier (depending time of year). First we head to the beach and then up the mountain and straight up to the beautiful farm of Don Paco with his large herds of different animals. We leave our horses here and hike for about 45 minutes on jungle trails to an enchanting and pristine waterfall. Here we enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch and a refreshing swim. In the afternoon we return via a different trail to the riding center.
Meals Included: B, L, D
Day 14:
Carbon 2 Village Ride
Another exciting riding day. We start riding through the town of
Cahuita. Near the National Park we have to cross the highway in order to
get onto the mountain trails that take us to the Carbon 2 Village. Here
we have a completely landscape with beautiful mountains, virgin jungle,
rivers and waterfalls. The ride with stop for picnic will take most of
the day.
Along the way we will take part in a special guided hike into the Virgin Jungle to see a wide variety of birds, such as Tucans, Parrots, different colored frogs and many others etc.
Meals Included: B, L, D
Day 15: Early breakfast and semi private shuttle transfer back to San Jose - drop off in San Jose city ... END of Tour.
Meals Included: B
Subject to changes
Meeting:
San Jose hotel
Airport:
San Jose
Transfer:
San Jose hotel on Day 1
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Tack:
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Central American (Western style)
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Horses:
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Criollos, Pasos
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Pace:
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Moderate with trots, canters, and some gallops. 4-5 riding hours per day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Please note there are are many road transfers in between the different riding areas - anywhere from 1 to 5 hrs.
This package has 13 or 14 riding days, guiding service of a bilingual equestrian naturalist leader with 4+ riders.
If 2 to 3 riders - only local riding guides will be provided and then semi private transfer services will be used in order to avoid a small group supplement.
Level: Intermediate level upwards
Tack: Costa Rican saddles (adapted McClellan)
Pace: Slow/Moderate with nice canters and beach gallops.
Horses: Costa Rican Criollo and Paso and mixed breeds (Spanish, Andalusian & American Quarter), they range from 14 to 16 hands.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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 S. more
Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands.
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… this list is only a guideline for you |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
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Flight tickets |
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Passport |
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Visa (check with your consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
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Riding boots (short) + Minichaps |
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
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Riding gloves |
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
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Lightweight Rain coat |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
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Jeans |
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Shorts |
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Underwear and socks |
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Pyjama |
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Bag for dirty clothes |
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Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
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Swimsuit |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
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Personal Toiletries |
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Insect protection |
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Personal medications |
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Sore cream (for the emergency) |
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Sewing kit |
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Handkerchiefs |
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Adapter for electric appliances |
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Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
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Belt pack |
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
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Sun glasses with strap |
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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 or 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 and by always following tour guide's instructions to the
letter, and finally, leave valuables at home and avoid using perfumes, after-shave, or other scents that will attract insects.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Overnights will be in hotels and back-country inns. Meals are provided as indicated in itinerary. Each location will have options available for your private dinner arrangements.
Calculate approx. $8 for lunch and $15 for evening dinners when not provided.
Day 1: Manuel Antonio - overnight Hotel Mimos or similar.
Meals Included: L
Day 2: Jaco - overnight South Beach Hotel at Jaco Beach or similar...
Meals Included: B, L
Day 3: Overnight South Beach Hotel at Jaco Beach.
Meals Included: B
Day 4: Overnight South Beach Hotel at Jaco Beach.
Meals Included: B
Day 5: Monteverde. Overnight Cloud Forest Lodge or similar.
Meals Included: B, L
Day 6: Overnight Cloud Forest Lodge or similar.
Meals Included: B
Day 7: Arenal - overnight Hotel Arenal Paraiso with its own hot springs on site or similar.
Meals Included: B, L
Day 8: Overnight Hotel Arenal Paraiso
Meals Included: B
Day 9: Overnight Hotel Arenal Paraiso
Meals Included: B
Day 10: Caribbean - overnight Malu Bungalows Playa Negra Beach
Meals Included: D
Day 11 - 14: overnight Malu Bungalows Playa Negra Beach
Meals Included: B,L, D
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Central American (Western style)
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Horses:
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Criollos, Pasos
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Pace:
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Moderate with trots, canters, and some gallops. 4-5 riding hours per day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Please note there are are many road transfers in between the different riding areas - anywhere from 1 to 5 hrs.
This package has 13 or 14 riding days, guiding service of a bilingual equestrian naturalist leader with 4+ riders.
If 2 to 3 riders - only local riding guides will be provided and then semi private transfer services will be used in order to avoid a small group supplement.
Level: Intermediate level upwards
Tack: Costa Rican saddles (adapted McClellan)
Pace: Slow/Moderate with nice canters and beach gallops.
Horses: Costa Rican Criollo and Paso and mixed breeds (Spanish, Andalusian & American Quarter), they range from 14 to 16 hands.
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.
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Coast to Coast in Costa Rica
Tour Code:
IT-CRIT06CC
15 days /
14 nights
~$3,150.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Central American (Western style)
Horses:
Criollos, Pasos
Pace:
Moderate with trots, canters, and some...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Gallop,
Airport:
San Jose
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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