Horseback Riding in Costa Rica

Rainforest Adventure

Overview

This stationary itinerary lets you enjoy miles of riding on nature, rural and coastal trails. Learn about the local fauna and flora with your knowledgeable equestrian guide but also enjoy the non-riding activities built into this itinerary to show you some of the variety Costa Rica has to offer; ocean kayaking, snorkeling, a canopy tour, nature hikes, visits to local communities and a crocodile boat safari. The Rainforest Adventure has something to offer for everyone and is a great choice for a family getaway.

Accommodations are at Cerro Lodge which is an environmentally friendly project located on a farm in Tarcoles 10 minutes from Carara National Park and about a 30 minute drive from Finca Los Domos where the horses are staying. This small lodge offers six bungalows with large private bathrooms and its own indoor garden, swimming pool and dining area surrounded by trees and palms and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, mangrove forests and Carara National Park – one of the most important refuges for the Scarlet Macaw.

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:
    Slow to moderate, to suit riders
  • Tack:
    Modified McClellan, some Western
  • Weight limit:
    210 lbs

Ocean Kayaking and Snorkeling:
Enjoy the short drive to Playa Agujas near Jaco Beach for a brief introduction and demonstration. Paddle to Playa Limoncito, a nearby beach where excellent snorkeling is available. A picnic lunch is served on the beach. The sheltered cove and nearby coral
reef let you view a variety of marine life. Continue exploring by kayak or relax on the beach before going back to Playa Agujas. The schedule depends on sea tides.

Crocodile Boat Safari:
This two-hour boat ride explores the Tarcoles River, home of one of the largest colonies of crocodiles in Costa Rica. The area where the river merges with Guacalillo estuary is one of the best locations to see endangered birds such as the Mangrove Cuckoo, Mangrove Hummingbird, Mangrove Vireo and the Panama Flycatcher among others. Also commonly encountered are water birds such as Pelicans, Boat-billed Herons, Spoon-billed Egrets and Cattle Egrets. This activity will be scheduled depending on sea tides as a high tide is required.

Aerial Tram Tour:
This is one of the most unique Costa Rica excursions featuring 18 gondolas each including one bilingual naturalist guide for a tour to the canopy and the rich ecosystem of the rain forest. A visit to the Heliconias Gallery, Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Garden and Snake Exhibition is also included.

Canopy Tour:
Glide over treetops for a compelling and exciting way to have a clearer view of Costa Rica Pacific Rainforest with our Tranopy Zip Line Tour. This adventure includes 15 platforms and 10 cables – five of them over 200 meters long (656ft.) and covering a total distance of 1503 meters. The innovative Tranopy Tour combines the up-close views of an aerial tram with the excitement of a canopy zip-line tour. A professional naturalist guide will accompany you and pointing out some of the secrets of the rainforest that surrounds you.

San Jose

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival San José
You will be met at the San José International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 2

This morning at 8:30 a.m. your local guide will meet you at the Lobby and accompany you today and during each riding day. After a brief meeting and introduction, you will be transferred to Eco-Safari Ranch & Stables, located along the Trinidad river in the Dry Central Pacific Region, the starting point of your riding adventure. On arrival you will be introduced to your riding horse, the ranch and its facilities, guides and an opportunity for you to fully acquaint yourself with the Costa Rican riding style and tack. After the horse assignment, ride 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 at the Finca Los Domos. If you are staying at Cerro Lodge, you will be transferred to your hotel. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 3

Today’s ride will take you to the Machuca River basin, passing Cascajal village. Ride into the area where the river canyon broadens onto the plains. Heading towards the Jesus Maria River, explore the plains and the forested valleys along the Machuca River Canyon where the land is very fertile and most commonly used to cultivate melons. After a picnic/BBQ lunch by the river, ride back to Finca Los Domos where the horses stay and transfer back to Cerro Lodge for dinner and overnight. 

Day 4

Non-riding day
Today take a break from riding and experience some of Costa Rica’s best Tropical Adventures including a visit to the Rainforest where you will do the Aerial Tram and and the Zipline Canopy Tour. And after lunch, take a sightseeing Crocodile Boat Safari tour down the Tarcoles River which will also be a very good opportunity to encounter many of the local bird species. – See detail descriptions below. Overnight at your countryside lodge.  B,L&D.

Day 5

Rural communities
Today takes you into the center of rural communities and meet with the people who have hosted your stay during the week. On your way pass through Santa Rita village, then travel along old railroad tracks, now overgrown and arrive at La Ceiba town where you will stop for a short break and refreshments. Return for lunch at Los Domos, dinner at your accommodations.

Day 6

Pacific Coast
Today’s final ride takes you on a splendid journey, following a route which was first used by the Spaniards as they began exploring and settling along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica nearly 500 years ago. Ride through river valleys, jungle and gallery forest before following the rural road to Tivives Crag which before a land slide into the sea was known as Port of Landecho. From here you have unforgettable views of the Pacific. Indeed, from this historic site the Spaniards first started. Riding time about 5 hours. Dinner and overnight at your accommodations.

Day 7

Playa Agujas – non-riding
Today is a non-riding day. Enjoy the warm waters of the Central Pacific with ocean kayaking and snorkeling at Playa Agujas. Afterwards enjoy lunch at a local restaurant at Playa Agujas Beach before transferring back to San Jose for the final overnight, dinner at the hotel restaurant is an out of pocket expense.

Day 8

After breakfast transfer to the San Jose International airport for your departure.

Itinerary Addendum

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

Tour Map

Tour Dates & Pricing

Dates will be scheduled upon request with 2 or more riders.

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $1,9955 nights Cerro Lodge
  • Non-rider Rate
  • $1,480

  • Pricing Variation
  • $1,785

    5 nights Los Domos

  • Single Supplement
  • $495 - Cerro Lodge$425 Los Domos
  • Transportation
  • Transportation is included on Day 1 (arrival day) and Day 8 (departure day) from and to the San Jose airport (SJO).

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $1,9955 nights Cerro Lodge
  • Pricing Variation
  • $1,785

    5 nights Los Domos

  • Single Supplement
  • $495 - Cerro Lodge$425 Los Domos
  • Transportation
  • Transportation is included on Day 1 (arrival day) and Day 8 (departure day) from and to the San Jose airport (SJO).
Additional Pricing Information:
Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid.  


Request Booking

Tell us more about your riding experience and trip preferences below so we may find the perfect options to meet your needs. We will research availability and get back to you with a booking confirmation detailing suggested departure, cost and extended ride itinerary.

Tell us more about yourself

* required field

Email Phone

Yes No
Yes No

Preferred Departure

Group Information

Riding Level

Please answer the equation: 6 + 3 =
Processing your request...

Do you have questions about this tour itinerary? Do you want to make sure that this it is the right tour for you? Or are you ready to book? Please call or email our experienced and friendly ride consultants for more detailed information. With first-hand knowledge of the exciting tours we offer, the tour consultants at Equitours look forward to answering any questions you might have

Call us

Speak with our reservation team directly.

1.800.545.0019

Customize this tour

Our reservation team would be happy to customize this tour to meet your groups needs. Customize your tour.

Email this tour consultant

Contact Biggi Hayes

I cannot say enough good things about the Rainforest Adventure. The hosts were both wonderful - knowledgeable, friendly, fun and competent. They were always alert to riders and horses and the horses were amazing - well trained, responsive and fun! We loved every minute of it - from waking in the morning to setting down at night under the mosquito nets, it was the perfect balance of fun and relaxation. I would highly recommend this ride!

Maggie Driano, 2010

Share your favorite tours