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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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Old Spanish Trail of Guanacaste
Guanacaste
Costa Rica
"Come
to ride, relax and experience our very special corner of Paradise. We
are not just a 'nose to tail' ride, but a ranch that caters to real
riders who care about the quality, care and treatment of horses. Our
goal is to provide an unforgettable cultural and equestrian experience
to our clients and friends."
- Kay and Esteban, owners
Join
us for an exceptional riding getaway at a intimate horse ranch located
minutes from the famous white sand beaches of Guanacaste. Known for
their beautiful, well cared for and expertly trained Criollo horses, Kay
and Esteban will personally treat you to a sincere home -style
hospitality and excellent riding. They have developed their home into
one of the finest horse ranches in the area, breeding and training their
own special stock - including a vivid line of painted Pasos and
Criollos! Located in an oasis of large Guanacaste trees and surrounded
by green pastures, you will be just minutes from some of the most
beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. The ranch is also centrally located to
take advantage of Guanacaste’s famous tourists attractions and is a
haven for wildlife, especially howler monkeys and tropical birds. After
your daily riding ventures, take a refreshing dip in the casita -side
splash pool, lounge in a restful hammock in the shade with a good book,
or take a bird walk on the surrounding trails. Kay will take you to
visit and play in the local seasonal fiestas and truly involve you in a
taste the authentic culture with her friends and the locals. Visit the
nearby national park and its resident volcano, ride along the pretty
beaches and experience the traditional sabanero cowboy culture of
Guanacaste! This trip can be designed to please both avid riders and
their non rider friends... Kay and Esteban are more than happy to try
and work with your vision of the perfect horseback vacation and deliver
it in a big way!
4 different itinerary options...
Option A Spanish Trail with Beach Rides Extension - 8 days
Option B Spanish Trail with Hacienda Rides Extension - 8 days
Option C Spanish Trail Only - 5 days
Option D Hacienda Rides Only - 4 days
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Family Vacation
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Ranch
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Airport:
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Liberia Airport / Tamarindo
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Transfer:
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Tamarindo or Liberia Airport
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
6 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2012
Rates include:
Accommodations, meals as indicated on itinerary, 6.5 riding days (on full 8 day option), Liberia or Tamarindo airport transfers
| A | 2012 | 8 day trip, Spanish Trail with Beach Extension | 8d / 7n | $1995 |
| B | 2012 | 8 day trip, Spanish Trail with Hacienda Extension | 8d / 7n | $2095 |
| Single supplement | $295 |
| Group discount (4+) pp | ($50) |
| Small Group supplement (1 rider only) - + Single room supplement | $210 |
| C | 2012 | 5 day trip, AP Spanish Trail Only | 5d / 4n | $1495 |
| Single supplement | $200 |
| Non Rider Discount | ($200) |
| D | 2012 | 4 day trip, AP Hacienda Only | 4d / 3n | $645 |
| Single supplement | $110 |
| Triple Discount pp | ($50) |
| Group discount (4+) pp | ($50) |
| Small Group supplement (1 rider only) - incl. Single room | $210 |
| Children with 2 adults sharing (12 and under) 50% off | $0 |
| Teenager with 2 adults sharing (13-15) 25% off | $0 |
Groups of 3-4: 30% OFF for Group Leader -- Groups of5-6: 50% OFF for Group Leader (not for Hacienda extension)
Transfer Option:
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2012
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Transfer from Liberia or Tamarindo airport included
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Tour Dates for 2012
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| A |
2012
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01/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, Spanish Trail wi...
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| B |
2012
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01/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip, Spanish Trail wi...
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| C |
2012
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01/01
- 12/31
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5d / 4n
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5 day trip, AP Spanish Trail...
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| D |
2012
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01/01
- 12/31
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4d / 3n
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4 day trip, AP Hacienda Only
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2
/6
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Reserve
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Available any time of the year - a minimum of 2 riders applies for the Hacienda Only Option (D) and Spanish Trail with Hacienda Extension Option (B) or opt to pay a group supplement.
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Rates do not include:
1 lunch, gratuities, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
There are 4 different itinerary options so as to best customize to your preferences and needs!
Option A
Spanish Trail with Beach Rides extension - 8 days
Option B
Spanish Trail with Hacienda Rides extension - 8 days
Option C
Spanish Trail Only - 5 days only
Option D
Hacienda Rides Only - 4 days only
Start with the Spanish Trail (first 5 days of the 8 day itineraries) ...
Day 1: Arrive at Liberia or Tamarindo Airport, transport to the ranch, located just minutes from the beautiful Pacific beaches of Guanacaste. Check into your accommodations in one of our spacious Casitas and then enjoy a light lunch. Late afternoon you will have a ranch orientation and a Criollo horse demonstration, then meet your horse for your first ride, taking the old Spanish oxcart trails, passing through beautiful wooded countryside, ranches and small traditional villages. Along the way you may see Howler Monkeys, colorful tropical birds or other wildlife, while getting a glimpse of the traditional sabanero, cowboy culture, of the Guanacaste people. When we reach the town of Portegolpe, we will tie up our horses and stop for dinner at the Paso de la Mica, a nice restaurant in the small village. Later, ride back to the ranch under the stars. (Light lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: After a full ranch breakfast on the garden porch, you will have an opportunity to try out several of the beautiful Spanish Criollo horses of Costa Rica - known for their noble temperament and comfortable ride. Later in the morning you will leave for the small cattle town of Tempate and travel the Old Spanish Trail through large haciendas and small villages. Lunch in Tempate at a local restaurant, and then continue your ride over the coastal mountains to Potrero Beach for a canter on the beach and photos and cold drinks on beautiful Flamingo Bay at Las Brisas. In the evening you have the option to go to one of the colorful local fiestas to see the famous bull riding and cowboys showing off their lasso skills on quick criollo horses.. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: (or Sundays during the Fiesta Season): After brunch we will leave to spend the day at one of the local weekend fiestas. You will have a chance to be part of the traditional horse culture of Guanacaste. Ride with us in a Tope, the traditional Sunday Horse Parades. At the registration party , you will have the opportunity to watch some of the beautiful high stepping Costa Rican horses and their colorful riders, ride with them in the parade, and enjoy a party just for the caballistas (horsemen and women) with traditional food, drinks, music and prizes after. Later, back at the ranch enjoy bocas (tapas) and drinks while you relax around the splash pool. ( B, L, D, Bocas)
Alternative Day 3 (depending on add on package): After breakfast, you will be picked up to go on the popular Palo Verde Safari Boat tour. You will see monkeys, birds and crocodiles close up as you motor along the Rio Tempisque and a complex ecosystem of mangroves. After the tour, join the group for a family style lunch at an open air restaurant. Late afternoon, we will saddle up and ride the back roads to the small town of Lorena to Chilito’s salon, full of local color, for cold drinks and some of the best fried chicken in Guanacaste. Ride back to the ranch under the moon and stars. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: After breakfast, we will go the remote Pacific Beach of Junquillal, riding coastal back country trails down to remote beaches. Enjoy riding the surefooted horses along scenic Pacific Coast ridges with panoramic views, through estuaries, rivers, and white sand tropical beaches, and experience exciting stretches cantering along the Pacific surf. Watch for monkeys, butterflies, and sea birds on this beautiful stretch of Guanacaste beaches. For lunch, we will go to beautiful Avellanas Beach, take a dip in the surf and enjoy lunch at Lolas famous for its great food and tropical ambiance. Lolas was just recognized as one of the world best beach restaurant. In the evening, join the group for your farewell dinner at one of the popular beach restaurants. (Breakfast, Dinner) Times vary with tides
NEXT Your Choice of...
Option C - Spanish Trail Only (short 5 day itinerary)
Day 5: Departure after breakfast to the Liberia or Tamarindo Airport with an optional stop at a gift shop or market depending on return flights, or opt for one of the extensions below. (Breakfast, Snacks for the plane or road).
Option A - Spanish Trail with Beach Riding Extension (creating an 8 day itinerary)
Day 5: Today, we will take an early morning ride then tie up the horses for breakfast. You will be able to choose from two different routes and two of our favorite breakfast restaurants, El Coyote, a rancho restaurant at Monkey Park and Rescue Center where you can also take a walk around and see many of the unique animals of the dry tropical forest in natural settings, or ride to the small town of El Llano and stop at Dona Eldas. We will help you choose. In the afternoon, choose from a variety of tours, or spend the afternoon at one of the popular beaches like Tamarindo or Flamingo Beaches for shopping, surfing or swimming, transportation provided. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 6: After breakfast, you will be picked up to go on the popular Palo Verde Safari Boat tour. You will see monkeys, birds and crocodiles close up as you motor along the Rio Tempisque and a complex ecosystem of mangroves. After the tour, join the group for a family style lunch at an open air restaurant. Late afternoon, we will saddle up and ride the back roads to the small town of Lorena to Chilito’s saloon, full of local color, cold drinks and some of the best fried chicken in Guanacaste. Ride back to the ranch under the moon and stars. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: After breakfast, you will ride north along the Pacific beaches and bluffs to Playa Negra, stop for a cold drink then enjoy cantering flat stretches of ocean surf back to Junquillal. For lunch, we will go to beautiful Avellanas Beach, take a dip in the surf and enjoy lunch at Lolas famous for its great food and tropical ambiance. Lolas was just recognized as one of the world's best beach restaurants. Farewell dinner in the Rancho; we will fire up the traditional wood burning fogon and clay oven and have a taste of Guanacaste traditional food and you can even make you own pizza. (Breakfast, Dinner) Riding times vary with the tides.
Day 8: After breakfast, if time permits ride in the ring or take your last photos and say goodbye before you transfer to Liberia or Tamarindo Airport . Optional stop at a gift shop or market is available depending on return flight times. (Breakfast, Snacks for the Plane).
Option B - Old Spanish Trail with Haciendas Ride Extension (creating an 8 day itinerary) OR
Option D - Haciendas Rides Only (short 4 day itinerary)
Day 5: After a short morning ride and then we transfer you to Hacienda Guachipillin - arriving just in time for lunch. Your afternoon ride (with a new private guide) 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 at Hacienda Guachipelin. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Our private group rides from Hacienda Guachipelin’s main gate to Santa Maria. Here we encounter a great variety of 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. Along our ride we stop to see archaeological sites and have time to relax at the hot springs These springs are pure, natural and crystalline. As a part of the trip we enter into a local farm, where we ride with the livestock and head back toward the hotel. This riding day is usually reserved for the more experiences riders with close to 9 riding hours- for novices we opt for a shorter riding day. Overnight is back at the Hacienda Guachipelin . (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: After breakfast, 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. Afternoon optional tours to be
arranged. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: After breakfast we say good-bye and transfer out to the Liberia Airport. (Breakfast).
Please not that the exact sequence of days and activities may vary - subject to change!
Meeting:
Ranch
Airport:
Liberia Airport / Tamarindo
Transfer:
Tamarindo or Liberia Airport
Distance:
45 minutes from Liberia / 20 min from Tamarindo
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Tack:
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Western, English, McClellan
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Horses:
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Spanish Criollos, Paso and Quarter mix
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Pace:
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All paces according to riding level, 3-5 hrs per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Low intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
10
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Weight:
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Max
215 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
6 riders
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Pace: The pace is adjusted to rider level and experience. Walk/trot on most of the trails, with cantering in safe and open areas, beaches and country roads. Walk, trot and cantering in the arena.
Helmets: Are available, mandatory for riders under 16.
Equine Education: Learn to ride or just sharpen your riding skills. Private lessons are offered by internationally recognized instructors. Learn ground work to dressage on well trained horses. Traditional, high stepping Spanish style instruction is also available on the famed Costa Rican Pasos. We offer a variety of clinics featuring experts in horse training, health and natural horsemanship (not included).
Horses: Chosen for their noble temperament and comfortable gate, the Spanish Criollo horses of Guanacaste are used for cattle ranching, rodeo, pleasure riding, fiestas and even lower level dressage. A combination of blood lines from the Andalusian, Barb, Jennet and later the Peruvian Paso, the Criollo horses are also the foundation for the Paso Costarricence. We will match rider to horse to give the best riding experience available in the area. Most of the horses were born on the ranch and trained with Natural Horsemanship, Imprinting and other non-violent methods. Most recently the finca began a “Paint and Paso” breeding program with a goal of breeding Criollo horses with “color and comfort” using their handsome paint stallion and Criollo mares.
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
This particular area of Costa Rica has three distinct seasons: December to April is the dry season; May to September the green season with occasional rains; and September to mid November the rainy season.
Long pants, closed shoes or boots for riding, hat, sunglasses, sun screen, insect repellent, bathing suit, and sandals. For mountain extensions, rain jacket and sweater. Please bring a copy of your passport and other identification. We have certified riding helmets if you don’t want to carry yours on the plane.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots (short) + Minichaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Swimsuit |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra films and batteries |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
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
Spacious private casitas with queen beds, air, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, DVD and open sky shower in private bathroom. High speed internet and WIFI available.
All accommodations have access to splash pool, bar and maid service. Cool off in the splash pool after your ride or sip a cold drink while you watch the horses from the porch rockers.
Casita Mandarina – a comfortable, spacious, casita with queen bed and queen fouton, kitchenette, outdoor star shower, air-conditioning, cable TV with DVDs, high speed internet.
Casa Roble – a new 1 bedroom furnished house with queen bed and LR queen fouton, dining area, full kitchen bar, fans and air conditioning in the bedroom. Extra single bed available.
Meals
Ranch breakfast, lunch and most dinners provided on the garden porch or poolside. Selection from a breakfast menu daily, including fresh fruit, cereal, eggs, meats, pancakes, fresh baked breads.
Most lunches at typical restaurants on the rides.
Dinners at the ranch and at local restaurants.
Wine, beer and liquor are extra. Refrigerators are stocked with drinks. We will also take clients to a local supermarket to shop.
Vegetarian meals are available, with a variety of menu options.
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Western, English, McClellan
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Horses:
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Spanish Criollos, Paso and Quarter mix
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|
Pace:
|
|
All paces according to riding level, 3-5 hrs per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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|
Level:
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(2.5
to
3.5
out of 5) Low intermediate+
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Age:
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Min
10
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Weight:
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Max
215 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
6 riders
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Pace: The pace is adjusted to rider level and experience. Walk/trot on most of the trails, with cantering in safe and open areas, beaches and country roads. Walk, trot and cantering in the arena.
Helmets: Are available, mandatory for riders under 16.
Equine Education: Learn to ride or just sharpen your riding skills. Private lessons are offered by internationally recognized instructors. Learn ground work to dressage on well trained horses. Traditional, high stepping Spanish style instruction is also available on the famed Costa Rican Pasos. We offer a variety of clinics featuring experts in horse training, health and natural horsemanship (not included).
Horses: Chosen for their noble temperament and comfortable gate, the Spanish Criollo horses of Guanacaste are used for cattle ranching, rodeo, pleasure riding, fiestas and even lower level dressage. A combination of blood lines from the Andalusian, Barb, Jennet and later the Peruvian Paso, the Criollo horses are also the foundation for the Paso Costarricence. We will match rider to horse to give the best riding experience available in the area. Most of the horses were born on the ranch and trained with Natural Horsemanship, Imprinting and other non-violent methods. Most recently the finca began a “Paint and Paso” breeding program with a goal of breeding Criollo horses with “color and comfort” using their handsome paint stallion and Criollo mares.
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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Old Spanish Trail of Guanacaste
Tour Code:
IT-CRIT14
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,995.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Your Hosts
Fiestas and Topes
Tack:
Western, English, McClellan
Horses:
Spanish Criollos, Paso and Quarter mix
Pace:
All paces according to riding level, 3...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Liberia Airport / Tamarindo
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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