Full Moon, Beach, & Mountain Ride

Introduction
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.

Accomodation


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.

Riding


Riders are welcome to participate in our care program which involves feeding, combing, and bathing our horses.

Itinerary


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

Rates and Dates for Full Moon, Beach, & Mountain Ride

Dates Note: Dates flexible to requests.

Other Info
Meeting: Puerto Plata
Airport: Puerto Plata - Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)
Transfer: Puerto Plata - Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)

Climate:
                                            Puerto Plata area