Old Spanish Trail

Introduction
Guanacaste Costa Rica
"Come to ride, relax and experience our very special corner of Paradise.  We are not just a 'nose to tail' ride, but a ranch that caters to real riders who care about the quality, care and treatment of horses. Our goal is to provide an unforgettable cultural and equestrian experience to our clients and friends."

Join us for an exceptional riding getaway at a intimate horse ranch located minutes from the famous white sand beaches of Guanacaste. Known for their beautiful, well cared for and expertly trained Criollo horses, your hosts will personally treat you to a sincere home-style hospitality and excellent  riding.  They have developed their home into one of the finest horse ranches in the area, breeding and training their own special stock -  including a vivid line of painted Pasos and Criollos!

Located in an oasis of large Guanacaste trees and surrounded by green pastures, you will be just minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.  The ranch is also centrally located to take advantage of Guanacaste’s famous tourists attractions and is a haven for wildlife, especially howler monkeys and tropical birds.  After your daily riding ventures, take a refreshing dip in the casita -side splash pool, lounge in a restful hammock in the shade with a good book, or take a bird walk on the surrounding trails.  Your host will take you to visit and play in the local seasonal fiestas and truly involve you in a taste the authentic culture with her friends and the locals.  Visit the nearby national park and its resident volcano, ride along the pretty beaches and experience the traditional sabanero cowboy culture of Guanacaste! This trip can be designed to please both avid riders and their non-rider friends. Your hosts are more than happy to try and work with your vision of the perfect horseback vacation and deliver it in a big way!

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent in the same location.

Description
We have 2 spacious private casitas with that can sleep up to 4 people each. All casitas have air conditioning, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, DVD, High speed internet, WIFI, and open sky shower in private bathroom. All accommodations have access to splash pool, bar, and maid service. Cool off in the swimming pool after your ride or sip a cold drink while you watch the horses from the porch rockers. There is a safe in the main ranch house. Laundry is available for an additional fee.

Casita Mandrina
A comfortable casita with a queen and double bed, kitchenette, indoor star shower, cable TV with DVDs.

Casa Roble
A new 1-bedroom furnished house with a queen bed, single bed, and LR single bed, dining area, and full kitchen bar. 

Room Occupancy
There is no single supplement fee in 2021.
Staring from 2022, a single supplement fee will be charged.



Meals
All meals are included in the base package from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
If adding on the Beach Extension dinner is not included on Day 7, lunch and dinner not included on day 8.
For the 4 night Monteverde Extension lunch not included on day 7 and dinner not included on day 8 and 9.

Selection from a breakfast menu daily, including fresh fruit, fresh juices, cereal, eggs, meats, pancakes, fresh baked breads. Breakfast is provided on the garden porch or poolside.
Most lunches are at typical restaurants on the rides.
Dinners at the ranch and at local restaurants.

Wine, beer and liquor are extra. Guests are free to bring their own.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions if given prior notice.
 

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Pace
The pace is adjusted to rider level and experience. Walk/trot on most of the trails, with cantering in safe and open areas, beaches, and country roads. Walk, trot and cantering in the arena. 4.5 riding days with 3-5 hours in the saddle per day.

Lessons
Learn to ride or just sharpen your riding skills. Private lessons are offered (at an extra cost) by internationally recognized instructors. Learn groundwork to dressage on well trained horses. Traditional, high stepping Spanish style instruction is also available on the famed Costa Rican Pasos.

Horses
We are proud of our horses, trained with natural horsemanship and known for their comfortable ride and noble character. You will love riding our well-trained horses, a mix of the noble Spanish horses, known for their easy ride and great temperament.  Many of our horses were born and trained on the ranch using Natural Horsemanship techniques, Imprinting and other non-violent methods. 
Most recently the finca began a “Paint and Paso” breeding program with a goal of breeding Criollo horses with “color and comfort” using their handsome paint stallion and Criollo mares.
We will match rider to horse to give the best riding experience available in the area. 

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

This program can be adapted to less experienced and advanced riders.

Please note that itineraries may change due to tides, weather, local fiestas, or request by clients. 


Day 1: Arrival
Arrive to Liberia Airport (LIR) or Tamarindo Regional Airport (TNO). We will provide private transport to the finca, located just minutes from the beautiful Pacific beaches of Guanacaste. Accommodations in comfortable air conditioned casa or casita. Late afternoon, you will have a ranch orientation. Dinner at the ranch or local restaurant.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 2: Old Spanish Trail
After a full ranch breakfast, you will have a short introduction to riding the beautiful Spanish Criollo horses of Costa Rica known for their noble temperament and comfortable ride. You will then have a chance to try out your horses in the ring or take a refresher lesson.
After lunch mount your horse and ride through oxcart trails and large working cattle ranches on the Old Spanish Trail. Follow the trails of the conquistadors to the colorful town of Cartagena where we will meet you at a typical cowboy outdoor cantina for dinner. 
Riding approx. 3-4 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 3: Ride to Tempate
This morning, you will ride along an old Spanish trail which traverses through large haciendas and backcountry trails. Along the way, you can look for monkeys, tropical birds and dry tropical vegetation. Stop in the cattle town of Tempate for a picnic lunch and cold drinks then ride the Old Spanish Trail back to the ranch. 
Take a dip in the pool and relax before dinner at the ranch.
Afternoon option: you can watch the head trainer work with young horses using Natural Horsemanship Technique or take a lesson. 
Riding approx. 3-4 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 4: Ride to Lorena
Start the day with a visit to Monkey Park and Rescue Center to see the native wildlife and birds found in Guanacaste or a Natural Horsemanship or Centered Riding lesson with our trainer. 
After lunch, you will ride your horse through the beautiful ranch country and over the coastal hills to the small village of Lorena for a stop at one of the most popular cantina stops, Chilito’s – La Cima to sample their famous fried chicken and chips – a real “Taste of Guanacaste”. You will then ride back to the ranch at sunset.
Riding approx. 2-3 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 5: Tico Trail Ride
After a delicious cup of Costa Rican coffee, you will take an early morning Tico Trails tour, passing along rivers, through impressive wooded countryside, ranches and picturesque villages. Along the way, you may see Howler monkeys, and colorful tropical birds as well as getting a glimpse of the traditional Sabanero cowboy culture. When you arrive back at the ranch, a traditional Tico meal cooked over firewood will be served. A special afternoon to be arranged or visit to a local fiesta when available.
Riding approx. 2 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 6: Cowboy Ride
After breakfast, you will be taken to a working cattle ranch for a half day Cowboy Ride. Your afternoon is free to go to one of the beautiful Pacific beaches to relax, swim or shop. Or opt for one of the many day tours. We will arrange the day with you.
Riding approx. 3 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 7: Beach Ride
When you reach the beach, saddle your horses starting in Puerto Viejo then travel along the pristine white Pacific beach of Puerto Viejo: Conchal and Brasilito. Here you will take time to play in the water and take photos. You can then either swim or walk on the beach before lunch or dinner at the beach.  (times depend on the low tide)
Riding approx. 2-3 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 8: Departure
You will be transferred back to the airport. Horse-riding activity depending on transfer times.
Meals included: Breakfast




Beach Riding Extension

Day 9: Guanacaste Village Ride
Today, take an early morning breakfast ride along the old Spanish oxcart trails, passing through beautiful wooded countryside, ranches and small typical villages. Along the way you may see Howler Monkeys, colorful tropical birds, or other wildlife, while getting a glimpse of the traditional sabanero (cowboy culture) of the Guanacaste people. When you arrive at the village of Portegolpe, tie up your horse for a typical breakfast cooked over lena (firewood) at the home of a local family. After, ride around town to see life in a small Guanacaste village. Free afternoon at the ranch and sunset dinner on the beach.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 10: Sightseeing (no riding)
After breakfast enjoy a free day. You have the option of being taken to Tamarindo Beach and go shopping, swimming, or surfing. Later on, enjoy a sunset and a dinner on your own in Tamarindo. We will pick you up by arrangement. If you would like, you can opt for one of the many other tours offered in the area including Canopy/Zip line, Monkey Park, Coco Beach, or all day tours to Arenal Volcano or Granada Nicaragua.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 11: Ride to la Garita
After breakfast, meet your horses in the small village of La Garita and ride on secluded back country roads through dry tropical forest to the beach. Stop at Puerto Viejo for a cold drink, then ride along the beautiful Pacific beaches of Pt. Viejo, Conchal, and Brasilito. Tie up your horses for a lunch at the beach, at Don Brasilitos, with an option to swim before you are taken back to the ranch. In the afternoon, you can choose between two options: take a private lesson or work with your own horse using Natural Horsemanship Training in the ring. A sunset ride or dinner rides arranged depending on the tides.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, if time permits ride in the ring or take your last photos and say goodbye before you transfer to Liberia or Tamarindo Airport . Optional stop at a gift shop or market is available depending on return flight times.
Meals included: Breakfast



Monteverde Extension

Day 9: Transfer to Montverde
After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel in Monteverde (to be determined). Stop for lunch on route or add white water rafting with lunch.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Montverde

Day 10: Cowboy Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy riding the all day Cowboy tour (6 hours in the saddle - If you wish we can arrange a shorter ride)! The rest of the day is free for optional tours or visit the Quaker Community or Santa Elana.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch with Cowboy Tour
Overnight at Hotel in Montverde

Day 11: Guided hike in the Monteverde Clouded Forest Preserve
Breakfast at the hotel. Look for resplendent quetzal, other tropical birds, and unique flora and fauna while walking a variety of trails. A wildlife guide and transportation is included. Visit to the hummingbird area at the visitors center. Afternoon free for riding or natural history tours. Option for a Night Rainforest Walk.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Hotel in Montverde

Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, private transfer to Liberia or San Jose for your flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast

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Non-Riding Activities
Located minutes away from the most popular Pacific Beaches, there is ample time to take advantage of beach activities, canopy tours, fishing, river floats, and more.  On the ranch, watch the Howler Monkeys feeding in the trees, and colorful tropical birds and flowers in our gardens while you enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee.

We can book the following activities for you at an extra cost (inquire for rates):

Rates and Dates for Old Spanish Trail

Dates Note: Your arrival and departure can be any day of the week!
Shorter stays also available (min 4 nights stay)

Other Info
Meeting: Ranch
Airport: Tamarindo Airport (TNO)
Transfer: Tamarindo airport, Liberia airport, or hotels

Climate:
                                                Cartagena area