Ride in the footsteps of the Conquistadores

Costa Rica - Pacific Explorer Ride
This equestrian adventure weaves an awesome journey throughout Costa Rica’s Central Pacific slope. From the Forest drenched Canyon trails and  along the Central Mountain Range plateau to the Plains, Mangroves of the lowlands and finally to an incredible Pacific coastal trail. Costa Rica it is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world - a treasure house of flora and fauna unequaled in so small an area. Casual tourist and dedicated nature traveler alike come under the spell of a nature wonderland studded with tropical forest, rushing rivers, exotic animals, un-crowded beaches, high mountains, and awesome volcanoes.

Ride in the footsteps of the Conquistadores! ... Imagine yourself on your own holiday horse exploring the true backcountry of Costa Rica, following routes that were once the Spanish “Conquistadors” trails into the inner part of a then unknown land and at the same time the door to freedom for the former indigenous people. Today, this now peaceful area is predominantly countryside with extensive open fields, haciendas, savannahs and forested valleys, which sits between the Central mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. This ride weaves an awesome journey throughout Costa Rica’s Central Pacific slope with explorations of Forest drenched Canyon trails, riding along the Central Mountain Range plateau to the Plains, pass Mangroves of the lowlands and finally on an incredible Pacific coastal trail.

IT-CRIT06 
Rates: All inclusive from San Jose, accommodations in hotels and remote haciendas, most meals as per itinerary, land transportation, 6  riding days, guiding service of a bilingual equestrian tour leader and a local guide throughout
8 days/ 7 nights $ 1,450   Single: +$ 165
2007:   01/20-01/27    03/10-03/17
            04/14-04/21    08/18-08/25
... other dates are available for groups of 4+

Meeting Point: San Jose
Trip Length: 8 days - 7 nights  6 riding days
Riding Per Day: 4 - 6 hours
Pace:  Slow/Moderate with nice canters
Level: B+ to C
Tack: Costa Rican saddles (adapted McClellan)
Horses: Criollos and Spanish mix
Min/Max Riders:  2-8
Note: A true "Costa Rica-Experience", some days with basic accommodations.
NOT INCLUDED:
International Airfare, all items of a personal nature, meals on day one, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, Costa Rica departure tax

  Costa Rican saddles
 Criollos

Itinerary
KEYS: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (TF) Transfer, (EG) Equestrian Guide, (LG) Local Horse Master/Guide.

Day 1 (Sat): Arrival Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, where you will be met by one of our representatives. Overnight at a San Jose Hotel. (TF)
Day 2 (Sun): Presentation & Build-up ride (Approx. 3 hours in the saddle) 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 head towards Hacienda La Maravilla, riding 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, you may choose to join the daily afternoon cattle drive in which the herd is brought up near the Corral for the next day’s milking. The next three nights will be at Maravilla House lodge (shared bathrooms) which remote location and attractive scenery will no doubt gives a better feel of typical Costa Rican life and living than anywhere else on the locations you will be visiting. Meals Included: B, L & D (EG & LG)
Day 3 (Mon): Coastal Ride (Approx. 5-6 hours in the saddle) Today’s ride will take you towards the Pacific coast following country lanes and an old ranch trail which lead to Tivives Crag, which before a land slip into the sea was formerly known as the Port of Landecho. The Spaniards first started their conquest of the Central Pacific around 1561 right from this very spot! We will be riding across the Cascajalillo Mangrove Swamps; along the coast, ideal for a great gallop! Lunch will be served at a local café or as a picnic on the beach. Depending on tide times, you will climb on horseback towards Cuevas Crag, enjoying unique views of the Pacific Ocean or alternatively, ride along the shoreline towards Guacalillo beach. Ultimately we will follow a country lane to hacienda Maravilla. Overnight at Maravilla Hacienda Lodge. Meals Included: B, L & D. (EG & LG)
Day 4 (Tue): La Mariana Ranch & Hacienda Maravilla Ride (Approx. 5-6 hours in the saddle) This morning’s ride takes you on an exciting 3-hour ride in the Southern region of the privately owned La Mariana Ranch, riding across savannahs, large mango plantations and exploring some of the secondary Dry Forests. As you ride over the higher areas you will be able to gain excellent views of the Pacific Ocean and with the help of the sharp eyes of your guides spot much of the local area’s wildlife, which with some good fortune may include Parrots, Parakeets, Trogons, Anteaters, Raccoons, Coatimundis, Sloths and Howler monkeys. Later this afternoon there is an optional ride in the Southern part of La Maravilla Hacienda, and after a few gentle hill climbs, you could experience an Ocean view sunset - the pacific coast has the reputation of being amongst one of the world’s top sites of this beautiful event. Meals: B, L, D. (BG) (LG)
Day 5 (Wed): La Maravilla – La Ceiba – San Mateo Ride (Approx. 4-5 hours in the saddle) This morning, you and your horse start a journey from the plains in Lagunillas lowlands up towards San Mateo town which nestles at the base of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range; the ride follows a rural road and continues alongside the old railway track, which once linked San José with the port of Puntarenas. You will be passing a few hamlets on your way, including Santa Rita, Pozón and La Ceiba. The next two nights will be at Hotel Oropendola. Meals Included: B, L & D. (EG) ( LG)
Day 6 (Thu): Dulce Nombre Mountain Trail & San Mateo – Cascajal Ride (Approx. 6-7 hours in the saddle) This morning you will continue on the old settler’s trail climbing to Dulce Nombre Mountain plateau. As you ascend, you will be able to gain an overview of a greater part of the areas which you have ridden so far and the last point where our trail will take us tomorrow - providing the weather is clear, most of Puntarenas and the Nicoya Gulf would be visible. After lunch you set off on the first part of the “freedom trail”, following a country road and riding pass several rural communities you will descend from San Mateo town to Cascajal/KM81 Village where your horses will stay for overnight. You are then taken on a short drive to San Mateo for your last night at Hotel Oropendola. Meals Included: B, L & D. (EG) ( LG)
Day 7 (Fri): Cascajal/KM81 – Mata de Limon – The Eagle’s Nest Trail (Approx. 4 hours in the saddle) A short drive will take you to Km81 where you will meet the horses and continue on the last part of the “freedom trail”. A farmland trail will take you the mouth of Machuca River Canyon, as you start descending you will be able to have a distant view of the Ocean and the Canyon. You then continue riding on the plains and valley of the Jesús María River basin, through the rural villages of Cambalache and Salinas, passing the sleepy coastal village of Mata de Limon. Finally you will ride along the shoreline towards La Roca then ascend to the ‘Eagle’s Nest’ A major Pre-Columbian look-out point, where you will have astonishing views of the pirate’s bay and the Pacific Ocean - once cruised by both Spaniards and pirates whilst they were closely studied by the local indigenous peoples, themselves safe on higher ground. You will be picked up and taken to your hotel where you will change collect your luggage and driven to the Central Valley. Overnight at San Jose Hotel. Meals Included: B, L & D. (EG) (LG)
Day 8 (Sat): Departure / Flight Home. Morning at your leisure and then transferred into the Airport in time for your flight and we say our farewells. Meals included: B (TF)

IMPORTANT NOTE: 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.