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.

Cien Fuegos Eco-ranch and stables. (Approx. 3 hours in the saddle)
Morning transfer to Cien Fuegos which is located along the Trinidad River in the Dry Central Pacific region, the starting point of your riding adventure. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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