|
Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Costa Rica
Intro to Costa Rica
Caribbean Coast Guanacaste Pacific Coast
Belize
Mexico
Honduras
|
|
|
|
|
Jungle & Beach Adventure Ride - Mountains to Coast
Pacific Coast
Costa Rica
Enjoy horseback riding through the beautiful mountains of Costa Rica on our healthy, happy, Parelli style trained horses.
Hidden Trails welcomes riders to try their hand (and seat) at the most adventurous Costa Rican horseback experience yet, taking you onto some of the most rugged mountain trails available in the region, deep in the wilderness and far from civilization. Along the way you will delve into the culture and natural beauty of the country, each allowed to be left uninterrupted by tourism due to the remote locations of each of the villages we visit and the riding trails we explore. Be inundated by the flora and fauna of beautiful Costa Rica, from the brilliant Scarlet Macaws, to the plethora of butterflies, and the colourful array of exotic tropical flowers.
Enjoy canters on the secluded stretches of sandy coast, playing on the beach and in the surf with your horses. Treat yourself to some exciting adventure activities (extra cost – pay locally), like zip lining, crocodile tours, surfing and ATVs or relax and unwind with some yoga, the natural springs or a good book in your hammock.
Camping Ride with vehicle support Progressive Ride (no camping) Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Ride with Western Tack
|
Meeting:
|
San Jose / Puriscal
|
Airport:
|
San Jose
|
Transfer:
|
San Jose
|
Riders:
|
Min
4 riders
Max
6 riders
|
|
Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
|
|
|
|
Rates and Dates for 2021
Rates include*:
Jungle River Trek: Airport pick-up, Accommodations, Most Meals & 4 riding days
Rainforest Trek: Airport pick-up, Accommodations, Most Meals & 5 riding days
Saddle bags are provided. Helmets can be borrowed locally
A | 2021 | 8 day trip - Rainforest Trek | 8d / 7n | $2750 |
B | 2021 | 8 day trip - Jungle River Trek | 6d / 5n | $2250 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
2021
|
Transfer from San Jose airport included
|
2021
|
Taxi to the airport on the last day not included
|
Pick-up for this trip is included from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or hotel in San Jose.
Drop-off transfers can be arranged by taxi for an extra cost.
Tour Dates for 2021
|
B |
2021
|
01/01
- 04/30
|
6d / 5n
|
8 day trip - Jungle River Tr...
|
4
/6
|
Sold Out
|
A |
2021
|
01/01
- 04/30
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day trip - Rainforest Trek
|
4
/6
|
Sold Out
|
B |
2021
|
05/01
- 05/31
|
6d / 5n
|
8 day trip - Jungle River Tr...
|
4
/6
|
Sold Out
|
|
|
Rates do not include:
2 dinners. Gratuities, Insurance & Return transfer to San Jose
You can choose between the 2 programs below.
Jungle River Trek
Progressive Trek to the beach
• Ride through jungle wilderness touring the Scarlet Macaw Corridor and Rio Tulin
• Ride on the beach and play with your horses in the ocean
See itinerary details below
Rainforest Trek
Progressive Trek to the beach
• Tour La Cangreja Rainforest National Park
• Tour an authentic Chocolate Farm
• Canopy Zipline at Sky Mountain
• Ride on the beach and play with your horses in the ocean
See itinerary details below
Sample Itinerary: 6-day Jungle River Trek - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
We will meet you at SJO airport and drive for 1.5 hours to the town of Salitrales where we will spend the night in a rural farm-house that overlooks the Scarlet Macaw Corridor. Here we will meet the horses, adjust tack, pack your saddle bags and answer any questions you may have about the journey.
Overnight at Farmhouse near Salitrales
Day 2: Ride to Verde Energia
Today you will be energized by the awesome beauty of the Costa Rica’s wilderness. We will travel down through the Scarlet Macaw Corridor. But first a special treat, a peak into the past with a visit to an oxen run “trapiche”. Locals still process sugar cane the way their ancestors did, with the use of oxen.
Traveling though private farms, tropical forests and along the headwaters of the Rio Tulin we will be far from civilization. The trails are steep and rugged but the horses are well accustomed to the terrain. There will be steep switch backs as you descend down to the Rio Tulin, as well as rocky river crossings and steep bankings to climb. You and your horse will be partnering together as we ride these technical trails.
After lunch and a cool off in a waterfall, we continue on to Verde Energia: “An intentional community dedicated to sustainability that has thrived against all odds.” We will give you a tour of the farm and members of the community will cook us a delicious meal made from food grown on the farm. There is a swimming pool, an art center with a great dance floor, and you can often get a professional massage here.
Overnight at Verde Energia
Day 3: Verde Energia to Dairy Farm
In the morning we ride along the Rio Tulin again. We will spend the night at a dairy farm. The farm makes several varieties of delicious cheese which is sold in the towns and proud to offer at the delicious meals we will serve you at this place.
Overnight at Dairy Farm
Day 4: Ride to the Beach
Today we will ride once again along the Rio Tulin. It is much larger now that it has gathered all its tributaries. We will ride all the way to the beach along the river. On this day we will cross this river dozens of times before arriving at the sea and the beach front hotel where we will spend the next two nights in well deserved luxury. Your luggage will be awaiting you at the hotel.
Overnight at Seaside Hotel
Day 5: Beach Ride
We will ride on a nearly deserted beach to our favorite lunch spot on the beach under the coconut palms where a charming old local will cook us fresh fish for lunch. Here is where we will swim with the horses in the ocean and enjoy ourselves playing in the surf. Tonight we sleep at the beach front hotel.
Overnight at Seaside Hotel
Day 6: Departure
Today is your travel day back to the airport which is about 2-3 hours away. The staff at the hotel will help you arrange your transportation back to the airport. Taxi’s are available and can hold up to 8 passengers (not included in the tour package, to be paid locally). It is best to book your return flight for later in the afternoon to allow for travel time back to the airport.
Sample Itinerary: 8-day Rainforest Trek - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
We will meet you at SJO airport and drive for 1 hour to our farm, nestled in the mountains above the bustling central valley of San José. If you arrive earlier in the day you can relax on the veranda or take some time to meet your horse.
Overnight at Guesthouse
Day 2: Ride to Polka
This is the first day of the trek. Leaving the farm in the morning we travel through farmland with beautiful views of the lush green valleys and mountains to the village of Polka, where we will spend the night with a rural farming family. You will have the opportunity to experience true Costa Rican hospitality. Our bilingual guides will be present to facilitate a rich cultural exchange.
Overnight in Local Family's House in Polka
Day 3: Polka to Villas Mastatal
In the morning we start out early heading towards the rain forest of Mastatal. The terrain is rugged, ascending and descending through the steep mountains, crossing rivers and passing cascades and small waterfalls along the way. We will have the opportunity to stop and swim in the clear fresh waters of the larger rivers. We have lunch with Doña Teresa and Doña Ana, Huetar indigenous women who live at the top of the mountain. They will invite you into their humble home and treat you to a simple lunch cooked on their wood stove.
After a long day of riding, we arrive at the Ecologically Sustainable farm of Villas Mastatal. We will be lodged in the rustic setting of the bunk house overlooking the pasture where the horses will be spending the next two nights.
Overnight at Villas Mastatal
Day 4: Rest Day
A day of rest for the horses and a day of fun for us. Here in the last virgin of Puriscal County we can discover the beauty of the La Cangreja National Park. Take a guided hike through 500 acres of unspoiled jungle, along the well-groomed trails, past towering trees, lush jungle and rushing rivers. Swim under a lovely waterfall deep in the rainforest. After lunch we will visit Iguana Chocolate, a family run chocolate farm. Take part in the making of chocolate from harvesting the cocoa pods to making your own truffle. Don’t forget to take some samples along to nibble on during the ride!
Overnight at Villas Mastatal
Day 5: Ride to Cabinas Maldonado
Enjoy a morning of riding through rolling hills, along trails, and through private farms. We arrive at Cabinas Maldonado (which is also a working cattle ranch) just in time for lunch. After lunch you can visit the exciting Sky Mountain, one of the most thrilling Canopy Tours in Costa Rica. Experience the pure adrenaline of their zip lines. (optional, $75 per person, transportation and park entrance fee not included in the tour package)
Overnight at Cabinas Maldonado
Day 6: Cabinas Maldonado to Playa Bandera
Today we will arrive at the beach. But first we must travel through the coastal plain on trails through private farms and under the shade of palm tree and banana plantations. We will be spending the night at Pozza del Pacifico at Playa Bandera. Relax in the plantation style guest home with the biggest swimming pool and water slide in the region.
Overnight at Pozza del Pacifico at Playa Bandera
Day 7: Beach Ride
The beach we will ride on is virtually untouched. It has maintained it’s natural environment and we often see flocks of scarlet macaws in the trees that line the shore and formations of pelicans flying over head. Riding at low tide the beach is wide and long with lots of room to move if you want to trot and canter.
For lunch we stop at an oceanfront home for a fresh fish lunch. This is a great spot to swim with your horse in the warm waters of the Costa Rican Pacific Ocean. Our horses love the water and will often roll and play in the surf like children.
After lunch you can relax and enjoy some well deserved luxury at the ocean front hotel. This is also when we will say good by to the horses, they will go home from here.
Overnight at Pozza del Pacifico at Playa Bandera
Day 8: Departure
Today is your travel day back to the airport which is about 2-3 hours away. The staff at the hotel will help you arrange your transportation back to the airport. Taxi’s are available and can hold up to 8 passengers (not included in the tour package, to be paid locally). It is best to book your return flight for later in the afternoon to allow for travel time back to the airport.
Meeting:
San Jose / Puriscal
Airport:
San Jose
Transfer:
San Jose
Pick-up for this trip is included from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or hotel in San Jose.
Drop-off transfers can be arranged by taxi for an extra cost.
Tack:
|
|
McClellan with saddle bags / some English saddles might be available
|
Horses:
|
|
Ibero Americanos, Criollo y Costaricense de Paso & Andalusian cross
|
Pace:
|
|
About 4-5 hours in the saddle per riding day
Slow trough the mountains & nice canters on the beach. Difficult riding terrain. Lead your horse on some steep slopes
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
6 riders
|
|
Horses
We love each and every one of our horses for their unique spirit and character. We make sure that they are happy and well cared for. We use the gentle techniques of Parelli Natural Horsemanship using love, language and leadership that fosters a relationship of trust and respect. We pay particular attention to the Parelli “Horsenalities” which helps us to understand our horses particular character traits so that we can be the best human we can be for our horses. You will love playing with and riding any of our fifteen beautiful Costa Rican horses. Ibero Americanos, Criollo y Costaricense de Paso of all horsenalities and various levels of Parelli training.
Tack
The saddles we use are styled after the McClellan saddle. They are the standard working saddle used here in Costa Rica. They are a little different than the originals in that they have more padding and better fenders. Some have horns and some have an arched pommel.
If you require an English or Western saddle we can provide you with one.
If you are used to using a saddle pad or if you are worried about riding in a saddle that is new for you go ahead and bring your pad. We will make the necessary adaptations to get it to fit our saddles.
Your Host
Elizabeth Hawkins first came to Central America in the late 80’s when she worked for human rights organizations as a health worker and a nurse in refugee camps and orphanages. Returning repeatedly over the past 20 years she has lived in Guatemala, El Salvador and Panama and has traveled in Mexico and Nicaragua. She has been living in Costa Rica for the past 8 years creating the Horse Farm with her husband Steven and their two children. The farm has dairy goats that provide milk, cheese and yogurt, chickens, ducks and geese for eggs; organic vegetable gardens and fruit trees and of course, horses. For the past 5 years she has been training her horses using the Parelli Natural Horsemanship techniques. She speaks fluent Spanish and has a deep understanding and love for Central American culture. She is fun loving and adventurous and takes great pleasure in riding the rugged mountain trails of Costa Rica.
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
Santiago de Puriscal area
Month
|
Jan
|
Feb
|
Mar
|
Apr
|
May
|
Jun
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
Average High Temperature (°F)
|
81
|
81
|
84
|
84
|
82
|
81
|
81
|
81
|
80
|
79
|
80
|
80
|
Average Low Temperature (°F)
|
62
|
62
|
63
|
64
|
64
|
63
|
64
|
63
|
62
|
62
|
62
|
62
|
Average High Temperature (°C)
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
29
|
28
|
27
|
27
|
27
|
27
|
26
|
26
|
27
|
Average Low Temperature (°C)
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
18
|
18
|
17
|
18
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
17
|
Average Precipitation (days of rain)
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
5
|
16
|
19
|
14
|
17
|
21
|
22
|
11
|
3
|
Source: NOAA
Seasons
The dry season runs from December to April and the rainy season starts in May and ends in November. In both seasons, it’s normal for early morning temperatures to be in the 70’s (F), climb into the mid 80’s during mid day, and back into the high 70’s for late afternoon and evening, and into the low 70’s and occasionally 60’s overnight.
Dry Season (December to April)
At this time of year, it tends to be clear and sunny most days, but the occasional rainstorms that come can be hard rains. Humidity ranges from around 60 – 70%.
Rainy Season (May to November)
During this time, it is often clear and sunny in the morning with an afternoon hard rain shower, and then clears up for the night. The afternoon rain is often a welcome cooling of the midday heat. However, sometimes there are overnight rain storms, or all day, or even multi-day rain storms. Humidity ranges from around 70 – 90%.
… this list is only a guideline for you
|
Travel documents and Voucher
|
Flight tickets
|
Passport
|
Visa (check with your consulate)
|
|
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
|
Lightweight Rain coat
|
|
PERSONAL CLOTHING
|
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
|
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
|
Jeans
|
Shorts
|
Underwear and socks
|
Pyjama
|
Bag for dirty clothes
|
Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes
|
Swimsuit
|
|
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
|
Personal Toiletries
|
Insect protection
|
Personal medications
|
Sore cream (for the emergency)
|
Sewing kit
|
Handkerchiefs
|
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
|
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
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.
We suggest to bring large ziplock baggies to pack your things in the saddle bags.
The back-up vehicle carries your luggage from accommodation to accommodation.
SENSIBLE PRECAUTIONS.... Almost all encounters with noxious insects & plants can be avoided by watching where you walk or 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 and by always following tour guide's instructions to the letter, and finally, leave valuables at home and avoid using perfumes, after-shave, or other scents that will attract insects.
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
These are progressive rides, so nights will be spent in different locations.
Description
The accommodations used are mostly rustic but comfortable.
We cannot guarantee a private bath every night since some of the nights we will be staying with families in their homes.
Accommodation Itinerary for Jungle River Trek - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Farm near Salitrales
Night 2: Verde Energia
Night 3: Dairy Farm
Night 4 & 5: Hotel in Playa Bejuco
Verde Energia
This community is surrounded by the Cost Rican jungle and regroups an ecovillage as well as a farm. Guests are accommodated in private bedrooms with shared bathrooms. Internet access is not reliable at this facility.
Hotel in Playa Bejuco
This recently renovated Hotel offers 18 charming bedrooms. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, private facilities, internet access and a beautiful ocean view. There is also a nice outdoor pool where guests can relax.
Accommodation Itinerary for Rainforest Trek - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Guesthouse
Night 2: Local Family House in Polka
Night 3 & 4: Villas Mastatal
Night 5: Cabinas Maldonado
Night 6 & 7: Hotel in Playa Bandera
Guesthouse
The guesthouse is located very close to the ranch and offers various comfortable accommodation options (most with private bathroom). Guests are welcome to cool off in the outdoor pool.
Villas Mastatal
This Ecolodge was built among 50 hectares of primary forest. It offers small cabins built with local wood and shared facilities. There is Wi-Fi access in common areas.
Cabinas Maldonado
This accommodation is surrounded by nature, which makes it ideal to observe local wildlife. You will be accommodated in one of the cosy chalets. After a long day in the saddle, you can go for a swim in the outdoor pool.
Meals
For the Jungle River Trek, all meals are included except for the last 2 dinners.
For the Rainforest Trek, all meals are included except for the last 2 dinners.
Meals are traditional Costa Rica cuisine - not fancy but very tasty.
Tack:
|
|
McClellan with saddle bags / some English saddles might be available
|
Horses:
|
|
Ibero Americanos, Criollo y Costaricense de Paso & Andalusian cross
|
Pace:
|
|
About 4-5 hours in the saddle per riding day
Slow trough the mountains & nice canters on the beach. Difficult riding terrain. Lead your horse on some steep slopes
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
3
out of 5) Intermediate
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
4 riders
|
Max
6 riders
|
|
Horses
We love each and every one of our horses for their unique spirit and character. We make sure that they are happy and well cared for. We use the gentle techniques of Parelli Natural Horsemanship using love, language and leadership that fosters a relationship of trust and respect. We pay particular attention to the Parelli “Horsenalities” which helps us to understand our horses particular character traits so that we can be the best human we can be for our horses. You will love playing with and riding any of our fifteen beautiful Costa Rican horses. Ibero Americanos, Criollo y Costaricense de Paso of all horsenalities and various levels of Parelli training.
Tack
The saddles we use are styled after the McClellan saddle. They are the standard working saddle used here in Costa Rica. They are a little different than the originals in that they have more padding and better fenders. Some have horns and some have an arched pommel.
If you require an English or Western saddle we can provide you with one.
If you are used to using a saddle pad or if you are worried about riding in a saddle that is new for you go ahead and bring your pad. We will make the necessary adaptations to get it to fit our saddles.
Your Host
Elizabeth Hawkins first came to Central America in the late 80’s when she worked for human rights organizations as a health worker and a nurse in refugee camps and orphanages. Returning repeatedly over the past 20 years she has lived in Guatemala, El Salvador and Panama and has traveled in Mexico and Nicaragua. She has been living in Costa Rica for the past 8 years creating the Horse Farm with her husband Steven and their two children. The farm has dairy goats that provide milk, cheese and yogurt, chickens, ducks and geese for eggs; organic vegetable gardens and fruit trees and of course, horses. For the past 5 years she has been training her horses using the Parelli Natural Horsemanship techniques. She speaks fluent Spanish and has a deep understanding and love for Central American culture. She is fun loving and adventurous and takes great pleasure in riding the rugged mountain trails of Costa Rica.
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.
|
|
|
|
Jungle & Beach Adventure Ride - Mountains to Coast
Tour Code:
IT-CRRT12
8 days /
7 nights
~$2,750.00
Dates :
Dec to May
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. |
|