This unique combination takes you from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica to the area around the Arenal volcano and the Caribbean coast. A journey on which you will get to know the whole countryside with all its facets: white sandy beaches, dense tropical forests, mountains, fabulous waterfalls and lagoons, a unique animal- and plant world and the warm hospitality of the Ticos.
On your route, you will cross various nature reserves such as the Punta Mala NR, the Sarapiqui region and the Cahuita NP.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. Short transfer to the hotel in San José (meals not included). 

Day 2: Exploratory ride
In the morning you will be taken to Ranch , which is located next to the Trinidad river (approx. 2 hours' drive). Your riding adventure starts from here. After the horses have been allocated and you have met your guides, you are ready to set off. You to ride through gently rolling hill with forest and meadows along the Cuarros River, a wonderful place to admire the diverse flora and fauna! The route continues through farmsteads until you reach a Hacienda where the horses stay. You will spend the next three nights either at Hacienda (shared bathroom) or in one of the beautifully situated Cerro Lodges (at an extra charge). Riding time approx. 3 hours. 

Day 3: Pacific coastal ride
From the Hacienda to ride you follow historic ranch trails to Tivives Rock. The Spanish started their conquest from this location in 1561. The ride continues through the Cascajalillo Mangrove Moor and along the coast. Depending on the tide, picnic on the beach or lunch at Hacienda or in a café on the beach. Your next activity again depends on the tide. You can either climb Cuevas Rock on the back horses, where you can enjoy a unique view of the Pacific Ocean, or alternatively to ride walk along the coast to Guacalillo Beach. The way back to Hacienda takes you along dirt tracks through the cattle pastures. Riding time approx. 5-6 hours. 

Day 4: La Mariana
This morning you will go on an exploratory ride on the 1000 hectare property of Hacienda. You to ride through gently rolling hill and savannahs to a lush forest and through a picturesque landscape of mostly gentle slopes and wooded hills. When you reach the higher areas, you can enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean and, if you're lucky, spot plenty of wildlife. Back at Hacienda , you have the rest of the afternoon to relax and enjoy yourself after your lunch break. In the afternoon, you can take part in another optional ride. After a few climbs, you will be rewarded with a unique view of a sunset over the sea . Riding time approx. 3-6 hours. 

Day 5: Machuca River & Canyon Ride
Your last ride along the Pacific coast takes you to the Machuca River. Past the village Cascajal you ride through the area where the mountain river widens in the plain. You to ride towards the Jesús María river basin, explore the plains and the wooded hill along the Machuca River Canyon, where the countryside is very fertile and is mainly used to grow melons. 
In the afternoon, you travel by car to the northern region to the Arenal volcano (approx. 3.5 hours' drive), one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. Overnight stay in Arenal. Riding time approx. 4-5 hours. 

Day 6: Arenal ride & thermal springs
In the morning you ride through the area around the Arenal volcano. You ride through mountainous terrain as well as through rainforest and past pastures where cattle graze. On the way, you will take a break at a small lagoon. There are also great views of the Arenal along the way. The riding area is mainly on the private property of a well-known horse breeder from Arenal. You will spend the afternoon in the hot Arenal thermal springs. Time to relax and unwind! Riding time approx. 3 hours. 

Day 7: Transfer to the Caribbean coast
Early in the morning (approx. 6:00 am) shuttle transfer to the Caribbean coast (approx. 5 hours). After you have moved into your accommodation, you have some time to explore the area. After a short briefing with your new guide, you set off on your first ride. You to ride through the jungle and along the beach with relaxed walking sections and a few nice gallops. There is often time for a short swimming break. Riding time approx. 3-4 hours. 

Day 8: Caribbean coastal ride
You start to ride at Playa Negra and then take the village road to Playa Grande, a secluded and quiet Caribbean beach - perfect for a few nice gallops! The route then leads into the tropical rainforest, where you can observe colorful birds and parrots, sloths and monkeys. Your guide is very familiar with the animal- and plant world and can tell you a lot about it. On the way, you will take a short break during which the guide will show you how to open a coconut with a machete. While the horses rest, you can enjoy one of the freshly opened coconuts. Afterwards, there are a few more beautiful gallops as well as the opportunity to admire local handicrafts and buy souvenirs. Traditional lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon there is time for optional activities or excursions such as cycling or surfing. Riding time approx. 4-5 hours. 

Day 9: mountain- and waterfall ride
This ride begins on the beach, from where you will head slow to higher ground, up to the Ranch of Don Paco in the mountains. There you leave the horses behind for an approx. 45-minute walk through the jungle to a waterfall, where you can have a picnic and swim in the water . In the afternoon, you return to the riding stables via a different route. Transfer back to San José. Dinner not included. Riding time approx. 3-4 hours. 

Day 10: Transfer to the airport and departure.

The tour itinerary is subject to change! This is an exemplary tour itinerary, which may vary depending on the date or local circumstances. The daily sequence can take place in a different order. 
Please note that this program includes some car transfers between the different riding areas (between 1-5 hours) and also the guides/horses change in between.

Accomodation
The overnight stays on this tour take place in the following accommodations: Hotels, farm lodges, eco lodges and rustic cabanas. Depending on availability, the accommodation for your tour will be individually ed from a variety of quality accommodations. Every day you have access to a pool or even an entire ocean to refresh yourself after the rides. In some of the accommodation you will find WLAN and private bathrooms, but there are also shared bathrooms.

Saddle & Tack: Costa Rican (similar to western)

Experience: riders with trail experience and confident in all gaits. Less experienced riders rider can join upon request in a separate group to ride. The riding times are moderate (3-6 hours a day).

Horses: Mainly Criollos and Pasos.