Horseback Riding in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Odyssey

Overview

During this adventure you will be riding on rural roads through the countryside and farmland, down a dramatic river canyon, towards the arid Pacific Coast with its volcanic sand beaches, then transfer to the Caribbean side where you will experience not only a different coastline with exuberant lushness but a completely contrasting rich cultural experience.

As you ride, you will be in close contact with one of nature’s finest panoramic displays, visit quaint and rural communities and get involved in the Costa Rican way of life. In between, detour and drive a few hours north for some relaxation time enjoying the hot-spring waters of Arenal Volcano.

It is organized for energetic people and offers a maximum view of this many faceted country. The riding is center based out of two different locations and you are transferred by vehicle to the three different areas you’ll be exploring on this ride.

There is a wonderful variety of accommodations and meals on this ride, several nights are spent in different locations. Each lodging has a different character and view. Three nights are spent at a farm lodge, two nights at an Eco-lodge at Arenal, two nights at cabins on the coast and two nights at a San Jose hotel. All are clean, offer hot showers and comfortable beds. Most include private baths.

The food on the ride is varied and delicious. There is an excellent selection of fresh vegetables, beef, chicken, salads, soups, rice and beans. Lunches will be in a café, a picnic with sandwiches or maybe a barbecue. Breakfasts often consist of fresh fruits and juices, bread or muffins, along with eggs and cereal and the famous Costa Rican coffee. Gallo pinto is a traditional breakfast dish that must be sampled. It is made with black beans and rice, seasoned with onions, sweet peppers and fresh coriander and is typically accompanied by scrambled eggs, cheese, sour cream and hot tortillas.

  • Overview:
    The horses used for the tour are primarily Costa Rican Criollo, a breed that is exceptionally rugged, well-mannered and responsive. The horses are well suited to the trails of their area. The Criollo horses often have a smooth trot that is traditionally ridden sitting rather than posting. The saddles used are Modified McClellan and Western. Both open and covered stirrups are used. The majority of the horses are ridden in a “Jaquima with a bozal” – a type of bit-less bridle made or rope or leather. The horses are trained to neck rein.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Criollo, criollo crosses
  • Trip Pace:
    moderate
  • Tack:
    modified McClellan
  • Weight limit:
    210 Ibs

San Jose

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

You will be met upon arrival at the San Jose International airport. Overnight at a San Jose hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 2

Cien Fuegos Eco-ranch and stables. (Approx. 3 hours in the saddle)
Morning transfer at 8.30 to Cien Fuegos which is located along the Trinidad River in the Dry Central Pacific region, the starting point of your riding adventure (please be ready in your riding gear). After horse assignment and a short presentation, you will head towards Hacienda La Maravilla, riding along rolling hills and meadows into the gallery forest along the Cuarros River – an excellent spot for wildlife encounters. Meander across the river following a country lane passing farmland, rural homes and finally arriving at the hacienda grounds. For the next three nights you will stay at Cerro Lodge which is located just 10 minutes from Carara National Park, an important refuge for Scarlet Macaw’s.

Day 3

Coastal Ride (Approx. 5-6 hours in the saddle)
Today’s ride will take you to the Pacific coast following country roads to Guacalillo beach and then ride along the shoreline towards finally visiting Tivives Crag – the very spot where the Spaniards first started their conquest of the Central Pacific around 1561. Depending on tide times, lunch will be served at a local café or as a picnic on the beach, or back at Maravilla. Depending on the tide you climb on horseback towards Cuevas Crag, enjoying unique views of the Pacific ocean or alternatively, ride along the shoreline towards Guacalillo beach. Follow a country lane back to Hacienda Maravilla.

Day 4

Hacienda ride and optional countryside Ride (Approx. 3-6 hours in the saddle)
Enjoy an exploratory ride of the hacienda’s 1000 acres and its private reserve, riding through rolling hills and savannahs towards the transitional-dry forest and the lush gallery forest. Here, the terrain is picturesque, predominantly flat with gentle slopes and forested valleys. As you ride over the higher areas you will have excellent views of the Pacific Ocean and perhaps spot some of the local area’s wildlife too. Return to the hacienda in time for lunch and a siesta. This afternoon there is an optional ride in the southern part of La Maravilla Hacienda. After a few gentle hill climbs you may experience an ocean view sunset – the Pacific coast is reputed to be among the world’s best places to experience this event.

Day 5

Machuca River Canyon Ride (Approx. 4-5 hours in the saddle)
Your final ride will take you to the Machuca River basin, passing Cascajal village as you ride into the area where this river canyon broadens onto the plains. Heading towards the Jesús María River basin, allowing exploration of the plains and forested valleys along the Machuca River Canyon, where the land is very fertile and most commonly used to cultivate melons. Return to Cascajal and then ride back to Eco-ranch or a point enroute where the transfer vehicle is waiting to take you on a 3-hour transfer to the northern region, home to Arenal Volcano, which last erupted in 1968 and remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Overnight in Arenal.

Day 6

Arenal Volcano ride and Thermo-mineral Hot Springs

This morning participate in the Don Tobias ride, a 3 hour horseback adventure through the Arenal countryside. The trail ascends a mountain as it traverses both rainforest and cattle fields. On your way up stop by a beautiful lagoon where the horses will refresh themselves and you’ll have a chance to stretch your legs and look around. Continuing on you’ll come to a lookout with marvelous views of the Arenal area. Afternoon guided visit to Arenal volcano and enjoy free time at the Arenal hot water springs and gardens. These thermo-mineral waters which some people claim to have healing benefits, will help you feeling relaxed. Overnight at Arenal.

Day 7

Transfer to Caribbean Coast and Coastal Exploration (About 3 hours riding time)

Early morning pickup around 6 AM for the 5 hour shuttle transfer to the Caribbean Coast. After checking into your room and free time to unwind, a short briefing about the new set of horses and horse allocation, followed by an exploratory ride along the coast, with walking along a jungle trail until you reach the coast line where you would have opportunities for trots and canters. A stop for swimming and resting on the beach is usually included. Overnight in Cahuita.

Or, if you are booked on the shorter 8 day tour, return to San Jose by private transfer from Arenal. Overnight in San Jose.

Day 8

Caribbean Beach ride (Approx. 4-5 hours in the saddle)

This morning take a short walk to where the horses are stabled before riding over to the scenic Playa Negra (Black Beach) then partway over the village road towards Playa Grande (Long Beach), a secluded and quiet beach which is ideal for riding and brisk canters. Afterwards enter into a beautiful tropical forest where you may be able to spot howler monkeys, sloths and a variety of exotic birds such as Toucans. On the way back to the lodge you may stop to see some local artisans and souvenir shops and have lunch at one of the local restaurants. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Cahuita.

Day 9

Mountain and Waterfall Ride and shuttle transfer back to San Jose

After a leisurely breakfast enjoy a mountain trail ride, first riding along the beach and then following a trail through a local farm,  reaching the trail head where you leave the horses and hike about 50 minutes to a secluded waterfall where you can swim and rejuvinate. Enjoy a picnic style lunch before hiking and riding back. Take a quick shower at the lodge before taking the shuttle back to San Jose (3 1/2 hours) for your last night in Costa Rica.

Day 10

Breakfast, followed by a transfer to the San Jose airport for departure.

Itinerary Addendum

This itinerary is flexible and may be modified at the guide's discretion based on weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

7 night trips are also available on the same departure dates; ask for more information!

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Jan 16, 2024
Jan 25, 2024
Jan 23, 2024
Feb 1, 2024
Jan 30, 2024
Feb 8, 2024
Feb 6, 2024
Feb 15, 2024
Feb 20, 2024
Feb 29, 2024
Mar 12, 2024
Mar 21, 2024
Mar 19, 2024
Mar 28, 2024
Apr 16, 2024
Apr 25, 2024
Jun 18, 2024
Jun 27, 2024
Jul 23, 2024
Aug 1, 2024
Sep 3, 2024
Sep 12, 2024
Oct 8, 2024
Oct 17, 2024
Nov 5, 2024
Nov 14, 2024
Nov 12, 2024
Nov 21, 2024
Nov 19, 2024
Nov 28, 2024
Dec 17, 2024
Dec 26, 2024

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $2,750
  • Single Supplement
  • $620
  • Transportation
  • Transfers from and to San Jose airport are included

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Jan 14, 2025
Jan 23, 2025
Jan 21, 2025
Jan 30, 2025
Jan 28, 2025
Feb 6, 2025
Feb 18, 2025
Feb 27, 2025
Mar 11, 2025
Mar 20, 2025
Apr 8, 2025
Apr 17, 2025

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $2,750
  • Single Supplement
  • $620
  • Transportation
  • Transfers from and to San Jose airport are included
Additional Pricing Information:
Dinner on the first and last night not included. Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid.    


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Contact Biggi Hayes

The leader was a jewel. He made us feel like a part of his extended family. He was capable and always ensured that we were happy and our trip was very enjoyable. He seemed to have a great rapport not only with us but with all the individuals he dealt with. Everyone loved our horse master at Maravilla. He played a big part in making that part of the trip a great experience. He was wonderful with the horses and with the guests. All the staff we dealt with was efficient. But more importantly they made us feel special. Everywhere we went, all the Costa Rican people were friendly and seemed happy to see us. I had a wonderful time and would highly recommend it to all my friends!

Marian Pohley