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Horseback riding tours
Rides in Costa Rica
Intro to Costa Rica
Caribbean Coast Guanacaste Pacific Coast
Extensions:
Hotel Capitan Suizo
La Posada Resort
Belize
Mexico
Honduras
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Costa Rica Escape
Pacific Coast
Costa Rica
A wonderful horseback riding get-away on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. We explore Playa Hermosa, stop at waterfalls, natural spring fed pools and then venture off into the hills and canyons with tropical vegetation along the Route of the Conquistadores - a ride you will not soon forget. We then work our way from Biajuel over the mountain range to Playa Hermosa, where the next day brings a long day in the saddle, but the scenery with the ocean views will keep you enthralled. On the final day we will explore Hacienda Agujas. Another great ride through pastures and hills down to another beach area for the last fix of beach riding. A wonderful riding trip comes to an end.
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Meeting:
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Airport, San Jose
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Airport:
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San Jose
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Transfer:
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San Jose Airport or hotel in the early afternoon
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates include:
Airport Transfers, all transportation within Costa Rica, 7 nights lodging, meals as indicated, all equipment needed for horse trekking, services of professional equestrian naturalist guides with 4 or more riders - local guides with 2-3 riders
| A | 2010 | 8 day trip | 8d / 7n | $1575 |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer is included from San Jose Airport
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- other dates are possible with a minimum of 2 riders.
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Rates do not include:
Meals on Day 1, lunch on Day 2, dinners, alcoholic beverages. Gratuities.
Day 1: Meet & Greet at the San Jose International Airport.
Your driver will pick you up at the airport in the early afternoon and then
starts out for Playa Hermosa. Overnight Hotel Tortuga del Mar
Day 2: Playa Hermosa…Waterfall and Spa Ride
Ride with through acres of breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Meander through
shaded Virgin Forest trails and into the canopy, spot the families of monkeys,
coati, and other animals that live in this natural lost valley. Gallop across
open farm land surrounded by towering rainforest trees. Arrive at our secret
waterfall and recharge your batteries; sit and relax in our natural spring fed
pools, whilst experiencing the rejuvenating properties of the natural spa mud
that is found in abundance around the spring. Riding back to playa Hermosa as
the sun goes down…overnight Hotel Tortuga del Mar…Riding time 4-5 hours with
lunch and snacks included (L)
Day 3: Mountain Ride
The mountain ride passes through hand cut Virgin Forest trails, twist and turn
around ancient Guancaste trees that take you to the beautiful Quebrada Blanca.
Cascades fall through the stunning forest, cool your feet in the crystal clear
water whilst enjoying a refreshing fruit drink. We start here our ascent to the
top of the mountains that surround the lost valley of La Quina. Past through the
habitats of small wild cats, and deer and live peacefully in the hills. The view
from the top is truly magnificent, feel the wind in your hair and gaze out over
the ocean and forest below. The horses are very fit, sure footed and they love
their job. Riding time 4 plus hours with lunch included.. Overnight .Hotel
Tortuga del Mar (L)
Day 4: Fast Pace Beach Riding
The beach at Palo Seco for one of Costa Rica's most exciting beach rides! This
is a long stretch of beach where you can gallop with your horse in the surf.
Lunch at La Isla then return to Playa Hermosa. .There is time this afternoon to
do an optional Canopy (ZipLine Tour) or perhaps you might like to take an
optional surf lesson. or perhaps do some shopping in the nearby town of Jaco
Beach.
Overnight Tortuga del Mar.. (L) 3 plus hours riding.
Day 5: Hamlet Ride
Step off the tourist trail and enjoy a visit to the real Costa Rica. Ride
from La Quina along the old San Jose road to the villages of Montalimar, visit
the Garden of Haliconias and Orchids. Stop for a traditional lunch in the
village before descending into the river area of Mata de Platano. Follow the
river Tulin back to the lost valley of La Quina. A wonderful day out with a real
chance to interact with the locals. Riding time 5 hours includes lunch overnight
...Tortuga del Mar. (L)..
Day 6: Playa Bejuca Beach Ride
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 south
along the beach, you will experience the adrenaline rush of galloping the horses
along the sands at the edge of the pacific ocean. Arriving at Playa Bejuco, we
strip off the saddles, jump on board and take the horses for a swim in the
ocean. After a beach picnic, relax in the hammock and recharge your batteries,
whilst the horses nap under the palm trees beside you. Riding time 4-5
hours...Overnight Tortuga del Mar (L) ......
Day 7:: Piedras Negros Ride
After breakfast transfer via the very scenic route of Puriscal to the area of El
Rodeo here we ride through incredible forest and river 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. Overnight Country Inn and
Suites. (L) Riding time 4 hours.
Day 8: Depart Costa Rica
Transfer out to the San Jose International Airport... depart. Breakfast included
this day. (B)
Meeting:
Airport, San Jose
Airport:
San Jose
Transfer:
San Jose Airport or hotel in the early afternoon
Distance:
115 - 20 minutes
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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. 4-6 hours per day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
10
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Max
70
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Weight:
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Max
210
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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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.
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. 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"
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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 and copy of passport kept in a separate location
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Comfortable light weight riding pants or jodhpurs
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Short boots and half chaps
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)
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Riding gloves
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Hat or visor
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Rain coat/Wax jacket
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Sweater for higher elevations and chilly nights in San Jose
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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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Wind breaker or light jacket
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Comfortable walking shoes like lightweight hiking boots with a good tread for hikes
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River sandals or aqua socks
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Swimsuit and beach towel
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Bandana
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Day pack and fanny pack
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect repellent at least 75% DEET
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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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Camera and enough extra films (it is expensive in Costa Rica)
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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 with high sun protection factor, such as SPF 29-40
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Binoculars
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Flashlight
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Water bottle
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Battery alarm clock
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Plastic bags - for keeping books, binoculars and other items dry, and for wet clothing
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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.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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sharon grefrath
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8/11/2008
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elizabeth hastings
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8/10/2008
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emily desa
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8/4/2008
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hilary thompson
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5/19/2007
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nancy frank
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5/15/2007
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kimmer jepson
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5/15/2007
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marilyn and doug anions
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6/1/2005
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patricia cross
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3/6/2005
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margaret hui
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2/2/2005
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wendy wen
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12/13/2004
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diane daspit
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1/31/2004
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jennifer madden
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5/20/2002
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martha walters
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1/4/2002
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martha masiello
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5/16/2001
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations in hotels and back-country lodges, all breakfasts, land transportation.
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.
Sueno Azul www.suenoazulresort.com
Arenal Pacificoww.arenalpacifico.com
Villa Tournon www.costarica-hotelvillatournon.com
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.
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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. 4-6 hours per day.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
10
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Max
70
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Weight:
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Max
210
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
10 riders
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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.
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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Costa Rica Escape
Tour Code:
IT-CRIT03
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,575.00
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,
Airport:
San Jose
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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