Costa Rica Odyssey

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

Shuttle transfer to Eco-Safari Ranch, Horse Presentation & introductory ride (Approx. 3 hours in the saddle)

This morning at 8:30 a.m. your guide will meet you at the lobby. You may choose to wear your riding clothes on or have them at hand in a separate bag to change clothes upon arrival at the ranch. Transfer to Eco-Safari Ranch & Stables, located along the Trinidad river in the Dry Central Pacific Region and the starting point of your riding adventure. In case you may need to purchase any supplies such as insect repellent, sunscreen or to get local cash, an optional stop can be made in the town of Orotina. After horse assignment and presentation, you will head towards the Cuarros river lowlands, riding along rolling hills and meadows into the Gallery Forest alongside the Cuarros river – an excellent spot for wildlife encounters! Meander across the river following a country lane passing en-route farmland, rural homes and finally arriving back at the ranch. If you staying at Cerro Lodge, transfer the 20-25 min to the lodge and dinner and overnight there or at Los Domos where the horses stay.

Coastal Ride (Approx. 5-6 hours in the saddle)
Today’s ride will take you to the Pacific coast following country lanes and an old ranch trail which lead to Tivives Crag. The Spaniards first started their conquest of the Central Pacific around 1561 right from this very spot! Ride across the Cascajalillo Mangrove Swamps and along the coast. Depending on tide times, lunch will be served at a local café or as a picnic on the beach. Afterwards, 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 and Los Domos.

La Mariana Estate and countryside (Approx. 3-5 hours in the saddle)
This morning you have an exploratory ride of the hacienda’s 1000 acres and its private reserve, riding through rolling hills and savannah’s 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 be able to gain excellent views of the Pacific Ocean and perhaps spot some of the local area’s wildlife too. Back at the hacienda in time for lunch and a relax. This afternoon there will be an optional ride in the Southern part of the Hacienda. After a few gentle hills climbs you may experience an ocean view sunset (the sun sets around 6PM) – the Pacific coast has the reputation for being amongst the world’s top best places to experience this beautiful event.

Machuca River Canyon Ride (Approx. 3-4 hours in the saddle) and shuttle transfer to Arenal.
Your final ride in the Central Pacific will take you to the Machuca River basin, passing Cascajal village, you will 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. In the afternoon you will take a 3 1/2-hour shuttle 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.

Rural Arenal & Waterfall Ride  and Thermo-mineral Hot Springs (Approx. 3-4 hours in the saddle)
Today´s equestrian adventure begins at 8:30 a.m. in the rural community of Monterrey located on the mountain slopes near Arenal Volcano. Your horse master will begin introducing you to the unexplainable bond between human and horse helping you understand how to connect with your horse while you learn about natural horsemanship. After you have been matched with the most suitable horse for you, based on your riding experience, you will head down a country road to a private farm and ride for about an hour following a trail which leads to a secluded waterfall in the tropical forest with the possibility to see a variety of animals including tropical birds, monkeys, poison dart frogs, and even the elusive sloths.  A traditional Costa Rican lunch will be served or alternatively, depending on logistics and the number of ride participants, you may take a side ride to a local family farm for lunch before your ride back to the stables. Around 4 p.m. you will take a transfer back to La Fortuna and enjoy free time at the beautiful Arenal hot water springs and gardens – an excellent complementation to your riding adventure! These thermo-mineral waters, which some people claim to have healing powers, will help you to leave feeling relaxed! Dinner will be taken at the hotsprings. Overnight in Arenal.

Shuttle transfer to the Caribbean Coast & Coastal Exploration (2-3 hours in the Saddle)
Early morning pick-up around 6:45 a.m. for a 5-hour transfer to the Caribbean Coast. Lunch will be taken en-route. Afterwards check into your room and enjoy some free time to unwind. At 2:30 p.m. meet your local horse guide at a local horse ranch by the beach in Cahuita. Your local horse guide will provide a briefing about your new set of horses and after horses are allocated, take an exploratory ride and in order to get acquainted with your new horse you will take a brief walk following a jungle trail and then do some coastal riding, with opportunities for longer relaxing trails at a walk, trot or a breathtaking canter. A stop for swimming and resting on the beach is usually included. Given the geography, terrain and national park restrictions in Cahuita, the riding trails are limited but still provide the charm and unique experience of riding on a Caribbean beach – a true rider’s dream come true! Dinner and overnight in Cahuita.

Free day and optional visit to Cahuita National Park.
Today is a free day for you to enjoy on your own you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful and emblematic beaches of the Costa Rican Caribbean coastline! Amongst the optional activities which you may choose to enjoy today (at an extra cost) are surfing lessons, kayaking, visit the indigenous community of Kekoldi or when weather allow, you may choose to sign up for snorkeling and a hike at Cahuita National Park. Or if you prefer to have a more leisurely time exploring the beautiful horse-shoe-shaped Punta Cahuita in the National Park, take a swim and sunbathing. After enjoying some time on the beach, walk back to the town of for lunch and you may stop to see some nice local artisans and souvenir shops before the transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Cahuita.

Caribbean Beach Ride (2-3 hours in the saddle) and shuttle transfer back to San Jose
This morning, after enjoying breakfast, take as short walk to the horse stables and at 8:00 a.m. ride over the scenic Playa Negra (Black Beach) then partway over the village road, towards Playa Grande (Long Beach) – a secluded, quiet and deserted Caribbean beach which is ideal for horseback riding and nice brisk canters. 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. Your knowledgeable local horse guide will introduce you to the local flora and fauna. On the way back there are several nice opportunities for stretched out canters and during one of the stops while your horses rest in the tree shades, your guide may display his coconut pealing technics using a machete. You will be back at your lodge in time for a refreshing shower, check-out and to take your regular transfer back to San Jose (3 1/2 hours) for your last night overnight and overnight in Costa Rica, dinner at the hotel restaurant is an out of pocket expense.

Morning at your leisure and shuttle transfer to the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in time for your flight back home.