Day 1: Arrival in Costa Rica
Arrive in Costa Rica's capital city of San Jose. After a greeting at the airport by a specialized equestrian natural history guide, transfer to the accommodations for the first night and the start of your riding adventure. A briefing gives riders a chance to get acquainted with their guide and fellow travelers. Overnight Hotel Villa Tournon or similar. No meals included this day.

Day 2: Turrialba Volcano/ Old Lava Flow Trails
This morning our support van will transfer everyone  to Casa Blanca in the Turrialba Volcano area. At Casa Blanca, the horses will be saddled and waiting for you. From here we’ll be riding to Volcan Turrialba Lodge, which lies in the valley between Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes. The lodge itself is in the foothills of Turrialba, only 5 kilometers from the crater of this dormant giant. The whole area is one of great natural beauty and is virtually unexplored. Ranging from 4,500 to 10,000 feet above sea level, it encompasses several ecological zones including tropical rainforest, cloud forest and the paramo. Hot Lunch will be waiting at the lodge. After Lunch, we jump back in the saddle. This time we head to the old lava flow trails.  On the way, we’ll be able to see Turrialba Volcano’s western part, were the recent volcanic activity has taken place. After, we descend down into the deep forest, observing the many species of flora and fauna typical of the cloud forest.  There are outstanding views of Braulio Carrillo National Park, the Northern Plains of Sarapiqui and Guapiles on our ride.  Making  a perfect loop we return to the lodge. Dinner and overnight Volcan Turrialba Lodge (BLD)  Total riding time 5 plus hours.

Day 3: Summit of Turrialba Volcano
After a hearty breakfast, the horses will be saddled and ready to start the journey up to the summit of Turrialba Volcano. We take the only trail to the top of the 3,300 meter giant to take in the spectacular view from the top of the Volcano. On a clear day,  you can see the Caribbean Cost line, Guarco Valley, and Central Valley, and even as far the Gulf of Nicoya and the Pacific Coast Line. Turrialba Volcano, is one of the few places in the country were such vistas can be observed all at once! Return back to the lodge for a nice hot lunch and relax the rest of the day, perhaps go for a swim in the indoor heated pool. You might want to check out the dairy and sheep farm, and other agriculture attractions of the lodge.  Overnight Volcan Turrialba Lodge (BLD)   Total riding time 4-5 hours.

Day 4: Santa Cruz / Copey de Dota
After a full Costa Rican mountain style breakfast, the horses will be ready to go again. Today we’ll be working our way out from the mountains, taking the single-track trail knowing as El Tapajo.  As we head towards Santa Cruz on the east side of Turrialba Volcano, we pass dairy farms, unexplored trails, as well as primary forest.  Once in Santa Cruz, well known for being the home of the famous “Queso Turrialba”, we stop and taste this wonderful, fresh farmer’s cheese, with a homemade tortilla and a nice mug of hot coffee at one of the little restaurants in town. We say good-bye to the horses and hop in the support van to be transfered to the Valley of Copey de Dota. The Valley of Copey de Dota is within the Los Santos Forest Reserve at the foothills of Las Voltas Biological Reserve.  After lunch there will be time to relax. Later in the afternoon, we’ll take a short drive down the valley into coffee country to a real coffee mill processing the world famous Tarrazu coffee. You get the chance to visit the  co-op "CoopeTarrazu" which has been gathering and processing this special coffee for export since 1960. Overnight at El Toucanet Lodge.  (BLD)  Total riding time 4 plus hours.

Day 5: Paramo Las Vueltas
Another amazing ride to the Paramo Las Vueltas which rises to over 10,000 feet. Here the vegetation is defined by the climate. Mist, fog, gusty winds, and sudden temperature changes,  promote the growth of the unique flora as well as create a mystical atmosphere. Along the trail you’ll sight shrub like plants, dwarfed and twisted trees, and abundant grass species, all characteristic of the paramo. When the sky is clear, the brilliant mix of colorful flowers on the paramo shine brightly against a green backdrop.  Overnight El Toucanet Lodge (BLD)  Total riding time 6 hours.

Day 6:  Highland Coffee Farms to the Coast
Today descend from the highland region of Terrazzo, through beautiful forests, and down to the warmer region of the coastal area. This ride is truly a spectacular trek starting at coffee farms, with panoramic mountain views along a colonial trail all the way to the Quepos Area. Enjoy this full day ride with lunch en route. Reach Paquita River and meet the support van that will transfer everyone to the beach area of Dominical. Overnight at Villa Rio Mar.  Breakfast and lunch included this day. (BL)  Total riding time 5-6 hours.

Day 7: Cataratas Nauyaca
The majestic waterfalls we are visiting today are in a lush tropical rainforest;  one of the southern regions main attractions.  This is ecotourism at its best.  Here you meet the family of Don Lulo, have breakfast at their home and ride to the incredible waterfalls that can only be accessed through their property.  Nowhere else in Costa Rica will you find waterfalls of this magnitude.  You will also cherish the hospitality of the family that runs this operation.  Overnight  Villas Rio Mar, breakfast and lunch included  (BL)  Total riding time 4 hours.

Day 8:  Southern beach ride to Matapalo
This morning we meet up with the horses at the entrance to Hacienda Baru. From here we'll be riding along the beach and in and out of jungle trails. This is rough terrain but equally amazing.  We’re sure to see wildlife along the way. Once reaching Matapola, we can relax, swim in the ocean, and take a lunch break. There will be areas were the pace is fast. This is a long stretch of beach where you can run with your horse in the surf. We will continue on to the drop off place, where we leave our horses. A support van will be waiting to transfer us to the Timirai Bamboo Beach Resort in the Jaco Beach area.  Overnight Timirai Bamboo Beach Resort. (BL)   Total riding time 5 plus hours.

Day 9. Mountain Vistas Overlooking the Pacific Ocean
From the stables, amble through the picturesque mountains surrounding Hermosa, amazing views are reveled to you around every corner, this is true Costa Rica back country. Descend to the famous surfing town of Jaco beach via the old Hermosa Mountain road. The views and flora and fauna are breathtaking. There will be more beach riding included with a lunch break then ride back along different route to the stables. Transfer to Timirai Bamboo Beach Resort for the overnight  (BL)   Total riding time 5 plus hours.

Day 10: Back to the Real World
Sadly we say good-bye to Costa Rica. 
Transfer to the International Airport. Depart Costa Rica.  (B)
subject to change

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

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.

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.  

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.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

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.