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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Costa Rica
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Great Haciendas of Guanacaste - Three Ticos
Guanacaste
Costa Rica
A combination of Adventure and Luxury in Guanacaste
This little country stands out in Latin America as a haven of political stability, freedom and ecological responsibility. It is blessed with a tremendous variety of ecosystems and an unprecedented amount of it is given over to national parks.
The riding is a mixture of "riding with the cowboys" and "relaxation at the resort". You will be exploring the Rincon de la Vieja Park and then the beaches of the Guanacaste coast.
Hacienda Guachipilin
We start our adventure at the working cattle ranch and resort of Hacienda Guachipilin featuring Rincon de la Vieja National Park with waterfalls and canyons. 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 we venture into Rincon de la Vieja National Park to explore the warm sulfur springs and get a chance to bathe in the natural hot water pools. There are many opportunities for long canters on the open plains. There is also the option to try out some river tubing and rafting (small one person rafts).
Hacienda Pinilla
Then we transfer you to the Tamarindo beach - to the estate of Hacienda Pinilla and check into La Posada. Live your dream of riding on exquisite tropical beaches; here the horses can canter on deserted beaches within the hacienda’s own property - six separate and beautiful Guanacaste beaches to relish and explore. There will be plenty of time 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. The next day we ride through ranches and old trails to small towns catching a glimpse of small town life, stopping at a local cantina or restaurant for cold drinks and bocas. We put some time aside for a Canopy Zip Line tour if you like and to take you out riding for a Tamarindo beach ride as the glorious sun sets over the water.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
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Meeting:
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Liberia airport
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Airport:
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Liberia
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Transfer:
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Liberia airport in Guanacaste
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Breakfast, 3 lunches, and 3 dinner, interior transfers, 6 riding days, naturalist equestrian for the first 3 days, then local guide at the resort.
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip | 8d / 7n | $2340 |
| Single supplement | $630 |
| Triple room during tour - Discount pp | ($340) |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from the Liberia airport is included during early afternoon
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There are international flights direct into Liberia airport, but you can also fly into San Jose and catch a connectING flight to Liberia.
Tour Dates for 2013
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| A |
2013
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01/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip
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1
/10
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Reserve
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Additional dates are possible any time for groups of 2+
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Rates do not include:
Some lunches and dinners, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, airport departure tax.
Itinerary:
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.
Meeting:
Liberia airport
Airport:
Liberia
Transfer:
Liberia airport in Guanacaste
Distance:
115 - 20 minutes
There are international flights direct into Liberia airport, but you can also fly into San Jose and catch a connectING flight to Liberia.
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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 canters and some gallops, 3 to 5 hrs per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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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
1 riders
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Max
10 riders
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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).
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
Guanacaste climate is tropical with temperatures of between 70-95 F all year, but cooler in the mountains. December to April is the dry season with little or no rain for over 4 months, and lots of sunshine; May to August is the green season with occasional hard rains in the afternoon; September to mid November is the rainy season, with rains almost every day.
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."
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport and copy of passport kept in a separate location |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Comfortable jeans or jodhpurs |
| Short boots and half chaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat or visor |
| Rain coat/Wax jacket |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Sweater for higher elevations and chilly nights in San Jose |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Pyjama |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Wind breaker or light jacket |
| Comfortable walking shoes like lightweight hiking boots with a good tread for hikes |
| River sandals or aqua socks |
| Swimsuit and beach towel |
| Bandana |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Day pack and fanny pack |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect repellent – at least 75% DEET |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Camera and extra batteries/film (it is expensive in Costa Rica) |
| Belt pack |
| Address book and pen (for postcards!) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion with high sun protection factor, such as SPF 29-40 |
| Binoculars |
| Flashlight |
| Water bottle |
| Battery alarm clock |
| Plastic bags - for keeping books, binoculars and other items dry, and for wet clothing |
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
Accommodations in *** ranch resort and **** beach resort
Please note on some trips hotel booked may change depending upon availability. We make every attempt to confirm which hotels are booked for you well in advance.
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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 canters and some gallops, 3 to 5 hrs per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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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
1 riders
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Max
10 riders
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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.
| 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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Great Haciendas of Guanacaste - Three Ticos
Tour Code:
IT-CRIT09
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,340.00
Dates :
Available all Year from any Saturday
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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