This program offers a lot of freedom: you explore the rainforest, the coast and the rural hinterland on four riding days. You will experience the local culture, the way of life and get to know many indigenous animal and plant species - on horseback and during a range of other activities such as canopying, kayaking or a boat safari to the crocodiles. The program is also ideal for families. Children under the age of 11 are looked after while their parents to ride receive their first riding lessons.
Starting from one of the rainforest lodges, you undertake several half-day rides with lunch at Lodge or day rides with picnics en route. In the northern part of Hacienda , the landscape is picturesque, slightly hilly with wooded valleys. In the south to ride you ride through savannahs, extensive mango plantations and secondary forest. Through the mangrove forests you reach the Pacific Ocean, ride along the coast and enjoy magnificent views.
During your stay, you will be accompanied by a professional guide who will help you to identify the monkeys you see or hear or to discover the many tropical birds and other animals.
Here you are in the middle of rural life. If you get up early, you will see people going to work and going about their daily chores. You will also meet the people of the area while out riding. It really is an idyllic place to get to know Costa Rica.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José and transfer to the hotel in San José for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Transfer to the starting point of your riding adventure in the morning. The Ranch is located in La Trinidad de Orotina and is surrounded by secluded and idyllic riding terrain. On arrival, you will get to know your horse, the Ranch and guides and have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the saddlery and riding style. Then you are heading towards Hacienda La Maravilla, across hill, pastures and through the forest along the Cuarros River, where you are sure to come across some wild animals. You will reach Hacienda via farmland and past individual farms. 

Day 3: Today's ride takes you to the Machuca river basin, past the village Cascajal. You ride into the area where the river extends into the plain. You explore the plain and the wooded valleys in the direction of the Jesus Maria river basin. The countryside is mainly used for growing melons. You end your ride on a local Hacienda and are taken back to your accommodation.

Day 4: Today you have a day off riding and go on a crocodile boat tour down the Tarcoles River. You will also visit the rainforest and take the aerial streetcar and zipline canopy tour.

Day 5: Today you will visit the rural villages and get to know the people who have helped us to accommodate you during your stay. Continue to Santa Rita, along the old railroad tracks, until you finally reach La Ceiba town. Here you take a short break and enjoy a drink.

Day 6: Today's ride is a varied excursion of approx. 5 hours. You follow a route that was first used by the Spanish when they explored the Pacific coast of Costa Rica 500 years ago and settled here. You cross rivers, rainforest and finally reach Tivives Crag. From here you have a magnificent view of the Pacific. After this extensive ride, there will certainly be plenty to talk about during dinner and beyond.

Day 7: Today is not a riding day. You will experience a kayak and sea adventure on the coast and then be taken back to your hotel.

Day 8: Farewell and transfer to the airport.

Sample tour itinerary: The order of the program points varies.

Accomodation
First and last night in the hotel in San José and 5 nights in one of the rainforest lodges.

Los Domos Lodge: If you want to be closer to the horses and don't mind sharing the bathroom, you can stay at Los Domos Lodge . There are three bungalows for guests. No WLAN, but with swimming pool.

Cerro Lodge (extra charge!): This Lodge is an eco-friendly project in Tarcoles, just 10 minutes from Carara National Park. This small Lodge offers 8 bungalows, each with its own bathroom and has a beautiful garden, swimming pool and restaurant.
The Lodge is surrounded by large trees, palm trees, gardens and magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, mangrove forests and Carara National Park. This is your base for 6 days of activities. The stables in Maravilla are 15-20 minutes away. Daily transfers are included.

Saddle & Tack: McLellan and Western

Experience: Between 3 and 5 hours of riding a day, depending on the daily program. Moderate riding pace. You should have at least good basic riding skills and be comfortable in all gaits.

Horses: Criollos