9.9355475997597, -84.11334505
This 8-day itinerary is a shorter version of our Coast to CoastRide, which has been specially designed for the U.S. and Canadian Markets, as well as any other international traveler seeking a week-long riding vacation. This ride features 4-days of intensive riding and discovery in one of Costa Rica’s most renowned riding destinations and scenic regions, including hugely contrasting landscapes, rural communities and awesome habitats with abundant wildlife. During this adventure you will be riding down dramatic river canyons, towards the arid Pacific Coast with its volcanic sand beaches, then on toward the Template Mountain slopes, passing through forested Valleys and ending with two days of relaxation at one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations Arenal Volcano where you will enjoy the volcanic hot-water springs. As you ride, you will be in close contact with one of nature’s finest panoramic displays, visit some quaint rural communities and get involved in the Costa Rican way of life. A truly awesome and unforgettable experience.
INDICATIVE ITINERARY*
Keys: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (TG) Transfer Guide, (EG) Equestrian Guide, (LG) Local Horse Master/Guide.
Day 1 (Thursday): Arrival
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José (SJO). Upon arrival you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel near the airport. Dinner on your own. First group meeting will be in the morning before the transfer to the first ranch.
Meals included: none
Overnight at Hotel in San Jose.
Day 2 (Friday): Presentation & Build-up ride
Morning transfer to Cien Fuegos Eco-Ranch & Stables, located along the Trinidad river in the Dry Central Pacific Region, the starting point of your riding adventure. After horse assignment and our presentation, you will ride along rolling hills and meadows into the Gallery Forest alongside the Cuarros river – an excellent spot for wildlife encounters! We meander across the river following a country lane passing en route farmland, rural homes and finally arriving at the hacienda grounds. This afternoon, there will be an exploratory ride following the private trails.
Riding: ~3 hours in the saddle
Meals Included: B, L & D (EG & LG)
Overnight at Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade)
Day 3 (Saturday): Coastal Ride
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. Again, 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 the hacienda.
Riding: ~5-6 hours in the saddle
Meals included: B, L & D (BG) (LG)
Overnight at Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade)
Day 4 (Sunday): Estate & Countryside
This morning, you have an exploratory ride of the hacienda’s 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 relaxing.
This afternoon, there will be an optional ride in the Southern part of the Hacienda's estate. After a few gentle hill climbs, you may experience an Ocean view sunset – the Pacific coast has the reputation for being amongst the world’s top best places to experience this beautiful event.
Riding: ~3-6 hours in the saddle
Meals: B, L, D (BG) (LG)
Overnight at Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade)
Day 5 (Monday): Machuca River Canyon Ride
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. You will head 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 3.5 hour transfer by vehicle to the Northern Region home to Arenal Volcano which last erupted in 1968 and remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Riding: ~4-5 hours in the saddle
Meals Included: B, PL, D (BG)
Overnight at Ecolodge in La Fortuna
Day 6 (Tuesday): Arenal Volcano & Visit to thermo-mineral Hot-water springs
This morning we will do the Don Tobias horse ride, a 3-hour horseback adventure through the Arenal countryside. The tour ascends a mountain as it traverses both rainforest and cattle fields. On your way up, you’ll stop at a beautiful lagoon where the horses will refresh themselves and you’ll be given time to stretch and look around. Continuing on, you’ll come to a lookout with marvelous views of the Arenal Volcano. This trail mainly covers private property, and was initially used by Don Tobias, a well-known horse breeder in the Arenal area. Afternoon guided visit to Arenal volcano 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!
Riding: ~ 2-3 hours
Meals Included: B, L, D
Overnight at Ecolodge in La Fortuna
Day 7 (Wednesday): Free day in Arenal & transfer to San Jose
This morning will be at leisure for you to relax, enjoy the swimming pool or take any of the optional adventure. Arenal area is a true adventure lovers heaven and offers great opportunities for exciting adventures that will perfectly complement your riding vacation! From canopy zipline tours, Tram rides, waterfall rappelling & Canyoning; Canoeing; Mountain Biking; Kayaking on Lake Arenal, you will be certain to find a suitable addition to complement your equestrian adventure! All these adventures are available at an extra cost and can be booked in advance to guarantee your space. This afternoon at around 1 p.m. you will take a door-to-door shuttle transfer (regular pooled service) back to your San Jose hotel.
Meals included: B
Overnight at Hotel in San Jose.
Day 8 (Thursday): Flight Home
Morning at your leisure and transferred to the Juan Santamaría International Airport in time for your flight back home and we say our farewells.
Meals included: B
* This is a sample ride dossier, planned several months in advance. The ride can be operated in different order other than as described above. Arrangements (routes or facilities) are subject to variation by the outfitter depending on local conditions. All riding times contained in our itineraries are based upon riding at a slow/moderate pace throughout.
MEETING:
Day 1 at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) at the time of your choice. free transfer to your hotel in San José. Free dinner (not included).
DEPARTURE:
Day 8 in the morning, free transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
FLIGHTS:
Flights to Costa Rica are not included in our prices, because it is generally more interesting to book your flights yourself, an inclusive flight package is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best rates or to offer you a transport trip included on request: free service.
RIDING LEVEL: 
To participate and enjoy this ride, you must be comfortable with the three paces (walk, trot, canter)..
GUIDE:
English speaking local guide.
GROUPS:
2 to 6 riders + the guide.
MINIMUM AGE / MAXIMUM WEIGHT:
12 years old, accompanied by parents. Maximum 240 lbs, 100 kg.
HORSES:
Costa Rican Criollo, Paso, and mixed breeds (Spanish, Andalusian & American Quarter). They range from 14 to 16 hands.
TACK:
Modified McClellan, some Western.
HEBERGEMENT: 
Le séjour comprend 2 nuits dans un hôtel à San José, 3 nuits dans un hébergement à la ferme (« farm lodge ») et 2 nuits dans un écolodge. Compte tenu de la nature du circuit, les options d'hébergement peuvent se limiter à des maisons d'hôtes locales ; des salles de bain privatives ne sont pas toujours disponibles, ou ne le sont qu'en nombre limité.
Vous aurez accès à une piscine sur chaque site pour vous rafraîchir après une belle journée à cheval.
Il n'est pas possible de faire de lessive durant ce séjour.
Hébergements – sous réserve de modifications selon les disponibilités
Nuits 1 et 7 : Hôtel (Country Inn & Suites ou équivalent) à San José
Nuits 2, 3 et 4 : Finca Los Domos (catégorie standard) ou Cerro Lodge (catégorie supérieure) près d'Orotina
Nuits 5 et 6 : Écolodge (Arenal Montechiari, Arenal Country Inn ou Villas Vista Arenal) à La Fortuna
Country Inn & Suites à San Jose
This hotel offers comfortable bedrooms equipped with a TV, small fridge, ensuite bathroom and free Wi-Wi access. There is also an outdoor pool where guests can relax.
Finca Los Domos:
You are accommodated in one of the 3 private bungalows. Each bungalow is equipped with AC, a double bed (no twin beds available) and private bathroom.
There is also an outdoor pool where guests can cool off in the evening. There is no Wi-Fi available at this property.
Cerro Lodge à Orotina (hébergement supérieur):
This lodge is an environmentally friendly project located on a farm in Tarcoles (central pacific) just 10 minutes from Carara National Park. This small lodge offers 8 bungalows with private bathroom and its own indoor garden, and a dining area. All this is surrounded by trees, palms, gardens, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, mangrove forests, and Carara National Park - one of the most important refuges for the Scarlet Macaw; we often see these spectacular red, blue, and yellow parrots as they fly through the valley at Cerro Lodge. We provide daily transfers between the lodge and the horse stables at Maravilla (15 to 20 minutes away). One of the principle goals of Cerro Lodge, is to operate as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible. Always looking for ways to reduce impact, they re-use water for irrigation, compost organic garbage, and they have worms that make organic fertilizer from cow manure. They are also hoping to put together a bio-digestor and would like to produce their own electricity in the near future.
La Fortuna hotel
We choose from a selection of 3 different hotels in Arenal depending on availability. The photo above is an example of the type of accommodation and may be changed. All rooms contain one double or two twin beds with private bathroom.
MEALS:
Most meals are included in this trip from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 6, as well as breakfast on Day 7 and 8. Meals on the first day, dinner on Day 6, and lunch and dinner on Day 7 are not included.
Due to its geographical location and climate, Costa Rica has a wide variety of fruits and vegetables; which when combined with the interplay of native and European ingredients translate into a unique Costa Rican flavour. The basics of the Costa Rican diet are: rice, beans, and tortillas, which consist primarily of corn.
The ingredients used by Costa Rican cooks include simple native foods, such as "chayote" (squash), avocados, and the ever present corn. Costa Rican cuisine is also characterized by its' mildness and comes as a surprise to many visitors who might have travelled through Mexico and expect to find the same love spicy chillies in Costa Rican foods. Chillies are used to some degree, however, they are most commonly used in hot sauces with accompany broiled meats and poultry. Tubers, such as sweet potatoes and cassava, commonly known as "yucca" frequently accompany lunch and dinner meals.
In many dishes yucca is often substituted for potato, perhaps boiled and mashed, fried to exquisite crispness to accompany meat and sandwiches instead of fries, or simply boiled and served with butter and garlic. Plantains, a type of banana, are another Costa Rican favourite, and are most often boiled, mashed, stuffed with cheese, or fried to accompany meats or bean dishes. Unlike bananas, plantains are much larger and need to be cooked to be eaten. Costa Rican diet also includes plenty of meats including: Poultry, fish, beef and pork.. do not expect to find any Ecuadorian or Peruvian delicacy!!
Breakfast
A traditional Costa Rican breakfast consists of "gallo pinto" (Pinto Rooster), eggs, tortillas and sour cream, with coffee and fresh fruit juice. Most restaurants will offer some international options.
Lunch
Typically known as "casado" (Married), includes: rice and beans, one choice of meat (beef, chicken, pork, or fish), salad, fried plantain (a type of banana, very sweet and very tasty).
Dinner
Pretty much whatever you like, and fish and seafood here is excellent, well priced, and fresh, as are the fruits and vegetables. Of course Costa Rica produces some of the finest coffee in the world and it's not uncommon to see bumper stickers around proclaiming that "Juan Valdez drinks Costa Rican coffee"
2027 PRICE / PER PERSON :
In 2 person standard bedrooms: 1650 €
Single bedroom supplement: 450 €
In 2 person upgrade bedrooms: 2100 €
Single bedroom supplement: On request
Booking fees: 15 €
* The supplement for single bedrooms is charged if you are alone and want to share, and there is no other rider to share with you.
The price is calculated on the basis of the $, so it may vary up or down at the time of your reservation.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Horse and tack rental, guide, accommodation, meals (from breakfast on day 2 to lunch on day 9 + breakfast on day 10), 8 days riding, entrance fees, 1 liter of water per day, free transfers from / to San José airport.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, meals on day 1 and dinner on day 8, alcoholic beverages, optional day 6 activities, tips, gratuities, departure tax (about 30$), personal expenses, drinks, flights,... and in general, anything that is not indicated in "the price includes".
INSURANCE:
A civil liability and travel insurance (assistance/repatriation) is compulsory. A cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
A payment by credit card can make you benefit from its possible insurance (check your contract).
We offer to Europe Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway residents: the Chapka insurances.
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices - See information
FLIGHTS :
Flights are not included because it is more interesting to book directly your ticket: a transport package included is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best prices.
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WEATHER:
Almost ideal year-round for visitors, the climate is moderate up in the highlands, whilst at the lowlands and coastal areas can range from the low 70's to the high 90's degrees Fahrenheit.
There are 2 main seasons:
- Summer, which is usually dry and lasts from December to May
- Winter, also known as the rainy season and usually running from the end of May to November
The heaviest rainfalls usually occur in September and October.
Average temperatures: