Transfer Option:

Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica!
You will be met upon arrival at the Liberia International Airport in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and transferred to Rincon de la Vieja and the Hacienda Guachipilin. Hacienda Guachipelin is famous for its horseback riding adventures... Here you’ll enjoy three consecutive days of horseback riding, visiting different places of the hacienda. During the welcome dinner you will get to know your fellow riders while your equestrian guide briefs everyone about the rides and terrain you will be riding over during the week. Overnight Hacienda Guachipilin. (D)
Day 2: Los Chorreas - the Canyon
Your first ride 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 again at Hacienda Guachipelin.  (BLD)
Day 3: Santa Maria Ride
We ride from Hacienda Guachipelin’ s main gate to Santa Maria, here we can a great variety 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. While riding, we stop to see archaeological sites . Time to relax at the hot springs These springs are pure, natural and crystalline. As a part of the trip we cross out into the farm where we ride with the livestock and head back toward the Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin. This horse back riding day is not suitable novice riders, since it takes almost 9 hours with picnic lunch. Overnight is back at the Hacienda Guachipelin . (BLD)
Day 4: Rio Negro horse Trekking and Tubing Adventure…
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. After lunch, we will be transferring to the Tamarindo Beach area and go to Hacienda Pinilla’s own hotel, La Posada.  The pure luxury of this location and the hotel will make you wish that you had time to stay another week in Costa Rica. (Ask about extended stays). Overnight La Posada. (BL)
Day 5:  Beaches   
Live your dream of riding on exquisite tropical beaches here the horses can canter on deserted beaches within the hacienda’s own property. There will be plenty of time today to come back to the hotel to relax and enjoy the pool or perhaps play a round of golf. One of Costa Rica’s finest golf courses is right here at Hacienda Pinilla.  Lunch and dinner are on your own. Overnight La Posada. (B)    
Day 6: Painted Pony Ranch Cantina Tour 
Ride through ranches and old trails to small towns catching a glimpse of local village life, stopping at a nearby cantina or restaurant for cold drinks and bocas (snacks).  You will get a real taste of Guanacaste culture. Overnight  La Posada.  (B)
If the riders prefer another day of beach riding, it can be substituted for the Cantina Ride.
Day 7: Sunset Ride
Free day to just hang out at the beach and pool or to perhaps do an optional Canopy Tour (ZIPLINE), and enjoy one of Tamarindo’s famous sunsets. We’ll be riding along the beach as the glorious sun sets over the water. Lunch and dinner on own. You might like to have a driver take you into Tamarindo to try out one of the many good restaurants. Overnight La Posada.  (B)
Day 8: Depart Costa Rica
After breakfast transfer to the Liberia International Airport, International Airport for your departure from Costa Rica.   (B)

   Subject to changes

B=Breakfast  L=Lunch  D=Dinner

This tour is accompanied by a professional naturalist equestrian guide with a minimum of 4 riders.  With fewer riders, the tour operates with the local equestrian guides only.

THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES.

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."
 

Tack:		Central American (Western Style)
Horses:		Criollos, Pasos
Pace:		Moderate with canters and some gallops, 3 to 5 hrs per day | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 10	Max 70
Weight:		Max 210
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 10 riders

You will ride lovely, local Criollo horses, using modified Costa Rican McClellan Tack.

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).

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.