Rainforest Adventure

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 Maravilla 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.

San Jose