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. Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Puerto Plata Airport: Puerto Plata - Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) Transfer: Puerto Plata - Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) Riders: Min 5 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

* possible with 2 - 4 pax with small group supplement

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers are available from Puerto Plata Airport anytime on Day 1. Drop-offs are possible before 12:00 noon on your last day.

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

                                            Puerto Plata area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	82	82	83	84	86	89	89	89	89	88	85	83
Average Low Temperature (°F)	66	66	67	69	71	72	73	73	73	72	69	67
Average High Temperature (°C)	28	28	28	29	30	32	32	32	32	31	30	28
Average Low Temperature (°C)	19	19	19	20	22	22	23	23	23	22	21	20

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

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 (mandatory)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pajamas

Bag for dirty clothes

Swimsuit

Sandals

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

 

Average ratings from 3 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date f allen 3/2/2022 elaine simmons 2/28/2022 lyubov rodina 12/8/2017

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.

Tack:		Western and English
Horses:		Quarter
Pace:		5 - 6 hours in the saddle - rides and mountain rides, rides on uneven terrains and stony river beds, mountain ascent and descent | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 12	Max 70
Weight:		Max 250 lbs
Riders:		Min 5 riders	Max 10 riders

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.