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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Dominican Republic
Intro to Dominican Republic
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Full Moon, Beach, and Mountain Riding Adventure
Puerto Plata
Dominican Republic
In this exciting tropical beach and mountain ride we'll stay in a charming mountain Eco-lodge situated 1000ft above sea level set in a lush tropical garden with spectacular mountain and ocean views. The lodge has free WIFI, relaxing Jacuzzi, and cozy bungalows made by local artisans with thatched roofs and balconies.
Every day we'll do 5 to 6 hour rides along mountain trails overlooking the Puerto Hills to altitudes of 2400ft and beach rides along the Atlantic Ocean -- you get to swim with or without your horse in the ocean, too! We'll also have a chance to go to crystal-clear hidden waterfalls and rivers where we can also swim and indulge.
For the romantic type, we've added bareback night ride under the stars and the full moon along a beautiful stretch of white sand on a hidden beach. We will dine by candle light and feast on baby lobster tails (or other options) and roast marsh mellows in the campfire during our tropical evening on a deserted beach.
If you've never had the pleasure to meet the elegant and beautiful Paso Fino horses, you will in this trip because we'll visit a Ranch where many of the prize winners in the National Paso Fino competitions have been bred.
When not horseback riding you can snorkel in the famous Sosua bay and shop for larimar and amber or primitive paintings; or, have a relaxing massage, yoga class or Tai Chi. Our farewell dinner will be at Cabarete Beach popular with surfers and lined with fashionable restaurants and bars.
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Family Vacation
Suitable for riders over 210 lbs
Center-based ride
Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Puerto Plata
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Airport:
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Puerto Plata - Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)
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Transfer:
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Puerto Plata - Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
Max
10 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2023
Rates include*:
Accommodation in palapas (possible upgrade to casitas), All meals with drinks (soft drinks, water, wine, or beer) & 4 riding days
| A | 2023 | 6 day trip | 6d / 5n | $2500 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Rates Note:
* possible with 2 - 4 pax with small group supplement
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2023
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Transfer from/to Puerto Plata Int'l Airport, each way, pp
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$50
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2023
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Single supplement
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$200
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2023
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Small group supplement (2 pax only), pp
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$500
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2023
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Small group supplement (3 pax only), pp
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$400
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2023
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Small group supplement (4 pax only), pp
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$300
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Transfers are available from Puerto Plata Airport anytime on Day 1. Drop-offs are possible before 12:00 noon on your last day.
Tour Dates for 2023
Dates flexible to requests.
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Rates do not include:
Gratuities, Drinks outside of meals, Insurance & Airport Transfers
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Pick up from Puerto Plata airport and transfer to the Ecolodge up in the Puerto Plata Hills. Time to rest, unpack, have a relaxing moment, or a stroll through the lush tropical gardens and in the late afternoon join us for a welcome drink followed by dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at the Ecolodge
Day 2: Introduction Ride
After a delicious breakfast with tropical fruit, our day starts with a riding adventure in the mountains, but first a short drive to our ranch where you will meet the horses and get them ready for the day. Up and up we go to an altitude of 2400 ft to El Cupey -- a village situated high above Puerto Plata with breath taking views over the city and the ocean. After a typical Dominican lunch, we continue for a refreshing swim in the river Camu.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ecolodge
Day 3: Waterfall Ride
Our day starts again with the short drive to the ranch. We will prepare the horses and jump in the saddle for an exciting ride to a hidden waterfall tucked away in the mountains. After a refreshing swim in the crystal clear water and lunch, we continue on quiet trails through small villages. We will visit a Dominican colmado where you will see all kinds of typical Dominican food stuff and can meet the kind and always smiling beautiful people of the Dominican Republic.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ecolodge
Day 4: Beach Ride
Today is dedicated to the beach. In the morning we are going to take a break at the famous bay of Sosua where you can snorkel, sunbathe, or shop for the popular Dominican jewelry made with larimar or amber, or maybe you can't resist a Dominican primitive painting. After lunch we head for a deserted beach hidden by sugar cane fields and we will spend the afternoon galloping along a beautiful white sand stretch of beach. See the wind chase the clouds, feel the wind in your hair, and be in harmony with nature and the gentle horse that carries you. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing swim with your horse in the ocean, which is a truly special experience. At sunset we prepare a delicious barbecued meal on the beach with roasted chicken and fish and you can sit and sing cowboy-style around the campfire. When we the time is right we will take you for a magical moonlight ride, bareback if you wish, under the tropical sky brimming with bright stars for a truly Caribbean experience.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ecolodge
Day 5: Ride to Los Ciruelos village
Our day is dedicated to both mountain and beach, starting out riding through a very rural area called Los Ciruelos. Picture small wooden houses and tropical flowers along the trails. Cocoa, coffee, and fruit plantations dot an area where there is not yet electricity, but people live in a quiet and harmonious way with nature, still farming their crops the old-school way. Tonight prepare for a farewell dinner on Cabarete Beach popular with surfers and lined with fashionable restaurants and bars.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ecolodge
Day 6: Departure
All too soon the time has come to say goodbye to your horse, to the lovely people of the Dominican and the lush tropical island. We hope you come back soon!
Meals included: Breakfast
Meeting:
Puerto Plata
Airport:
Puerto Plata - Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)
Transfer:
Puerto Plata - Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)
Distance:
18.5 km / 11.5 miles
Transfers are available from Puerto Plata Airport anytime on Day 1. Drop-offs are possible before 12:00 noon on your last day.
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Tack:
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Western and English
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Horses:
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Quarter
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Pace:
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5 - 6 hours in the saddle - rides and mountain rides, rides on uneven terrains and stony river beds, mountain ascent and descent
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
70
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Weight:
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Max
250 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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Riders are welcome to participate in our care program which involves feeding, combing, and bathing our horses.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for twice as long as intended stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above. VisasNot required by all nationals referred to in the chart for touristic purposes except:(a. more
Puerto Plata area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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82
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82
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83
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84
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86
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89
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89
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89
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89
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88
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85
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83
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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66
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66
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67
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69
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71
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72
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73
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73
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73
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72
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69
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67
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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28
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28
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28
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29
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30
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32
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32
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32
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32
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31
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30
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28
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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19
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19
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19
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20
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22
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22
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23
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23
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23
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22
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21
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20
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Unlike most of the world, the Dominican Republic really only has two main seasons - tropical and tropical-cool. Temperatures in the Caribbean are fairly constant year round with average daytime temperatures reaching 29°C (84°F) before falling to a comfortable 21°C (70°F) in the evening.
The primary difference between the seasons is precipitation and humidity. The "tropical season" runs roughly from May through October and is characterized by high humidity and precipitation. Both humidity and precipitation fall off in November and remain low through April. This "tropical-cool season" is characterized by pleasantly warm days and beautifully mild evenings.
| 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 (mandatory) |
| 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 |
| Pajamas |
| Bag for dirty clothes |
| Swimsuit |
| Sandals |
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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.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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f allen
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3/2/2022
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elaine simmons
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2/28/2022
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lyubov rodina
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12/8/2017
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent at the same location.
Description
Our base tour package includes accommodations in palapas at a mountain ecolodge. Palapas are private, independent structures with a queen bed on one level and two singles on the other. Large curtained windows provide amazing views. (max 4 persons per palapa). Hot shower in shared bathrooms.
Upgrade to accommodations with private bathrooms in the Casita is available with additional cost. Casitas are fully independent structures with private facilities and private balcony. The feature a Queen-sized bed and loft with two single futons. Each casita has its own unique design and is 400 square feet. (max 4 persons per Casita).
WIFI is available in public areas and is free of charge. Laundry is available for additional cost.
Room Occupancy
Single supplement is mandatory if we are unable to find another rider to share.
Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day. The Ecolodge is known for excellent home-cooked meals. The table is normally loaded with several dishes and people can help themselves and choose from several dishes including vegetables, meat or fish with rice etc. The owner is a member of the slow food movement. All meals included with drinks (soft drinks, water, wine or beer) - drinks outside of meals not included.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions if given prior notice.
This trip
includes some wine with dinner
and
can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Western and English
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Horses:
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Quarter
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Pace:
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5 - 6 hours in the saddle - rides and mountain rides, rides on uneven terrains and stony river beds, mountain ascent and descent
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
12
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Max
70
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Weight:
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Max
250 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
10 riders
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Riders are welcome to participate in our care program which involves feeding, combing, and bathing our horses.
Passports
Passport valid for twice as long as intended stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart for touristic purposes except:
(a) 1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Malta and Romania.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
2. Nationals referred to in the chart above (except nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Malta and Romania who do require a tourist visa) will need to apply for a tourist card to enter the Dominican Republic. Tourist cards are valid for up to 30 days from date of entry; applications cost £10 and take up to two weeks to process.
3. All nationals referred to in the chart above will require a visa for business purposes; passport must be valid for four months from the date of application.
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist (single-entry): £70. Business (single-entry): £170; (multiple-entry) £215.
Validity
Tourist visas and single-entry business visas are valid for 60 days. Multiple-entry business visas are valid for up to one year.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses. Multiple-entry visas can only be applied for once in the Dominican Republic.
Working Days Required Two weeks.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
2/3 |
| Australian |
2/3 |
| Canadian |
2/3 |
| USA |
2/3 |
| Other EU |
1/2/3 |
| 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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Full Moon, Beach, and Mountain Riding Adventure
Tour Code:
IT-DRSR02
6 days /
5 nights
~$2,500.00
Dates :
Available all Year
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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