Old Spanish Trail of Guanacaste Guanacaste Costa Rica "Come to ride, relax and experience our very special corner of Paradise.  We are not just a 'nose to tail' ride, but a ranch that caters to real riders who care about the quality, care and treatment of horses. Our goal is to provide an unforgettable cultural and equestrian experience to our clients and friends." Join us for an exceptional riding getaway at a intimate horse ranch located minutes from the famous white sand beaches of Guanacaste. Known for their beautiful, well cared for and expertly trained Criollo horses, your hosts will personally treat you to a sincere home-style hospitality and excellent  riding.  They have developed their home into one of the finest horse ranches in the area, breeding and training their own special stock -  including a vivid line of painted Pasos and Criollos! Located in an oasis of large Guanacaste trees and surrounded by green pastures, you will be just minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.  The ranch is also centrally located to take advantage of Guanacaste’s famous tourists attractions and is a haven for wildlife, especially howler monkeys and tropical birds.  After your daily riding ventures, take a refreshing dip in the casita -side splash pool, lounge in a restful hammock in the shade with a good book, or take a bird walk on the surrounding trails.  Your host will take you to visit and play in the local seasonal fiestas and truly involve you in a taste the authentic culture with her friends and the locals.  Visit the nearby national park and its resident volcano, ride along the pretty beaches and experience the traditional sabanero cowboy culture of Guanacaste! This trip can be designed to please both avid riders and their non-rider friends. Your hosts are more than happy to try and work with your vision of the perfect horseback vacation and deliver it in a big way! Short Getaway Family Vacation Riding with fishing options Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Ranch Airport:   Tamarindo Airport (TNO) Transfer: Tamarindo airport, Liberia airport, or hotels Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Your arrival and departure can be any day of the week!
Shorter stays also available (min 4 nights stay)
Closed between December 18th to January 4th

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

This program can be adapted to less experienced and advanced riders.

Please note that itineraries may change due to tides, weather, local fiestas, or request by clients. 


Day 1: Arrival
Arrive to Liberia Airport (LIR) or Tamarindo Regional Airport (TNO). We will provide private transport to the finca, located just minutes from the beautiful Pacific beaches of Guanacaste. Accommodations in comfortable air conditioned casa or casita. Late afternoon, you will have a ranch orientation. Dinner at the ranch or local restaurant.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 2: Old Spanish Trail
After a full ranch breakfast, you will have a short introduction to riding the beautiful Spanish Criollo horses of Costa Rica known for their noble temperament and comfortable ride. You will then have a chance to try out your horses in the ring or take a refresher lesson.
After lunch mount your horse and ride through oxcart trails and large working cattle ranches on the Old Spanish Trail. Follow the trails of the conquistadors to the colorful town of Cartagena where we will meet you at a typical cowboy outdoor cantina for dinner. 
Riding approx. 3-4 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 3: Ride to Tempate
This morning, you will ride along an old Spanish trail which traverses through large haciendas and backcountry trails. Along the way, you can look for monkeys, tropical birds and dry tropical vegetation. Stop in the cattle town of Tempate for a picnic lunch and cold drinks then ride the Old Spanish Trail back to the ranch. 
Take a dip in the pool and relax before dinner at the ranch.
Afternoon option: you can watch the head trainer work with young horses using Natural Horsemanship Technique or take a lesson. 
Riding approx. 3-4 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 4: Ride to Lorena
Start the day with a visit to Monkey Park and Rescue Center to see the native wildlife and birds found in Guanacaste or a Natural Horsemanship or Centered Riding lesson with our trainer. 
After lunch, you will ride your horse through the beautiful ranch country and over the coastal hills to the small village of Lorena for a stop at one of the most popular cantina stops, Chilito’s – La Cima to sample their famous fried chicken and chips – a real “Taste of Guanacaste”. You will then ride back to the ranch at sunset.
Riding approx. 2-3 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 5: Tico Trail Ride
After a delicious cup of Costa Rican coffee, you will take an early morning Tico Trails tour, passing along rivers, through impressive wooded countryside, ranches and picturesque villages. Along the way, you may see Howler monkeys, and colorful tropical birds as well as getting a glimpse of the traditional Sabanero cowboy culture. When you arrive back at the ranch, a traditional Tico meal cooked over firewood will be served. A special afternoon to be arranged or visit to a local fiesta when available.
Riding approx. 2 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 6: Cowboy Ride
After breakfast, you will be taken to a working cattle ranch for a half day Cowboy Ride. Your afternoon is free to go to one of the beautiful Pacific beaches to relax, swim or shop. Or opt for one of the many day tours. We will arrange the day with you.
Riding approx. 3 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 7: Beach Ride
When you reach the beach, saddle your horses starting in Puerto Viejo then travel along the pristine white Pacific beach of Puerto Viejo: Conchal and Brasilito. Here you will take time to play in the water and take photos. You can then either swim or walk on the beach before lunch or dinner at the beach.  (times depend on the low tide)
Riding approx. 2-3 hours 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 8: Departure
You will be transferred back to the airport. Horse-riding activity depending on transfer times.
Meals included: Breakfast




Beach Riding Extension

Day 9: Guanacaste Village Ride
Today, take an early morning breakfast ride along the old Spanish oxcart trails, passing through beautiful wooded countryside, ranches and small typical villages. Along the way you may see Howler Monkeys, colorful tropical birds, or other wildlife, while getting a glimpse of the traditional sabanero (cowboy culture) of the Guanacaste people. When you arrive at the village of Portegolpe, tie up your horse for a typical breakfast cooked over lena (firewood) at the home of a local family. After, ride around town to see life in a small Guanacaste village. Free afternoon at the ranch and sunset dinner on the beach.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 10: Sightseeing (no riding)
After breakfast enjoy a free day. You have the option of being taken to Tamarindo Beach and go shopping, swimming, or surfing. Later on, enjoy a sunset and a dinner on your own in Tamarindo. We will pick you up by arrangement. If you would like, you can opt for one of the many other tours offered in the area including Canopy/Zip line, Monkey Park, Coco Beach, or all day tours to Arenal Volcano or Granada Nicaragua.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 11: Ride to la Garita
After breakfast, meet your horses in the small village of La Garita and ride on secluded back country roads through dry tropical forest to the beach. Stop at Puerto Viejo for a cold drink, then ride along the beautiful Pacific beaches of Pt. Viejo, Conchal, and Brasilito. Tie up your horses for a lunch at the beach, at Don Brasilitos, with an option to swim before you are taken back to the ranch. In the afternoon, you can choose between two options: take a private lesson or work with your own horse using Natural Horsemanship Training in the ring. A sunset ride or dinner rides arranged depending on the tides.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, if time permits ride in the ring or take your last photos and say goodbye before you transfer to Liberia or Tamarindo Airport . Optional stop at a gift shop or market is available depending on return flight times.
Meals included: Breakfast



Monteverde Extension

Day 9: Transfer to Montverde
After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel in Monteverde (to be determined). Stop for lunch on route or add white water rafting with lunch.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Montverde

Day 10: Cowboy Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy riding the all day Cowboy tour (6 hours in the saddle - If you wish we can arrange a shorter ride)! The rest of the day is free for optional tours or visit the Quaker Community or Santa Elana.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch with Cowboy Tour
Overnight at Hotel in Montverde

Day 11: Guided hike in the Monteverde Clouded Forest Preserve
Breakfast at the hotel. Look for resplendent quetzal, other tropical birds, and unique flora and fauna while walking a variety of trails. A wildlife guide and transportation is included. Visit to the hummingbird area at the visitors center. Afternoon free for riding or natural history tours. Option for a Night Rainforest Walk.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Hotel in Montverde

Day 12: Departure
After breakfast, private transfer to Liberia or San Jose for your flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast

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Non-Riding Activities
Located minutes away from the most popular Pacific Beaches, there is ample time to take advantage of beach activities, canopy tours, fishing, river floats, and more.  On the ranch, watch the Howler Monkeys feeding in the trees, and colorful tropical birds and flowers in our gardens while you enjoy a cup of Costa Rican coffee.

We can book the following activities for you at an extra cost (inquire for rates):

                                                Cartagena area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	92	93	95	96	93	90	90	90	88	88	89	90
Average Low Temperature (°F)	72	73	75	76	76	75	74	74	73	73	72	71
Average High Temperature (°C)	33	34	35	36	34	32	32	32	31	31	32	32
Average Low Temperature (°C)	22	23	24	24	24	24	24	23	23	23	22	22
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	0	0	0	1	12	15	12	14	17	17	8	1

Source: NOAA


Seasons
In some ways, Costa Rica is unlike almost all other countries in the world. The country is made up of many different climate zones, which also creates a lot of microclimates within the country. There is not a true winter season, and it is classified as a tropical country because of how close it is to the equator. It is more or less divided into two seasons, a dry season, often referred to as high season, and a rainy season, often referred to as green season. There is consistently about twelve hours of sunlight per day for the entire year.

During the months of February to April, you will find the highest temperatures. Similarly, months like September through November are generally the coldest months that the country sees.

The amount of rainfall in Costa Rica does fluctuate fairly drastically. From May to November, the rainfall is quite heavy, with the most rain coming in September and October. Opposite of that, December through April has very little rainfall, if any. Nationwide, the country averages around 100 inches per year, with some specific areas receiving up to 25 feet of rainfall per calendar year in mountainous areas.

This particular area of Costa Rica known as Guanacaste has 3 distinct seasons: 
-          Dry season (December to April)
-          Green season (May to September) with occasional rains;
-          Rainy season (September to mid November)

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots (short) + Minichaps

Riding helmet (recommended) - available to borrow

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pajamas

Bag for dirty clothes

Swimsuit

Sandals

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films and batteries

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

 

Average ratings from 7 tour feedbacks (see details below) (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: Name Date felix chu 2/5/2016 julie tallman 8/18/2010 mitzi lannom 2/9/2010 ellen goldberg 12/24/2009 christina orr-cahall 6/2/2008 robin morrow 4/28/2008 susan paddock 1/18/2008

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent in the same location.

Description
We have 2 spacious private casitas with that can sleep up to 4 people each. All casitas have air conditioning, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, DVD, High speed internet, WIFI, and open sky shower in private bathroom. All accommodations have access to splash pool, bar, and maid service. Cool off in the swimming pool after your ride or sip a cold drink while you watch the horses from the porch rockers. There is a safe in the main ranch house. Laundry is available for an additional fee.

Casita Mandrina
A comfortable casita with a queen and double bed, kitchenette, indoor star shower, cable TV with DVDs.

Casa Roble
A new 1-bedroom furnished house with a queen bed, single bed, and LR single bed, dining area, and full kitchen bar. 

Room Occupancy
There is no single supplement fee in 2021.
Staring from 2022, a single supplement fee will be charged.



Meals
All meals are included in the base package from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
If adding on the Beach Extension dinner is not included on Day 7, lunch and dinner not included on day 8.
For the 4 night Monteverde Extension lunch not included on day 7 and dinner not included on day 8 and 9.

Selection from a breakfast menu daily, including fresh fruit, fresh juices, cereal, eggs, meats, pancakes, fresh baked breads. Breakfast is provided on the garden porch or poolside.
Most lunches are at typical restaurants on the rides.
Dinners at the ranch and at local restaurants.

Wine, beer and liquor are extra. Guests are free to bring their own.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions if given prior notice.
 

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western, English, McClellan
Horses:		Spanish Criollos, Paso and Quarter mix
Pace:		All paces according to riding level, 3 hrs per day
Level:		(2.5 to 3.5 out of 5)    Low intermediate+
Age:		Min 10
Weight:		Max 210 lbs
Riders:		Min 1	Max 6

Pace
The pace is adjusted to rider level and experience. Walk/trot on most of the trails, with cantering in safe and open areas, beaches, and country roads. Walk, trot and cantering in the arena. 4.5 riding days with 3-5 hours in the saddle per day.

Lessons
Learn to ride or just sharpen your riding skills. Private lessons are offered (at an extra cost) by internationally recognized instructors. Learn groundwork to dressage on well trained horses. Traditional, high stepping Spanish style instruction is also available on the famed Costa Rican Pasos.

Horses
We are proud of our horses, trained with natural horsemanship and known for their comfortable ride and noble character. You will love riding our well-trained horses, a mix of the noble Spanish horses, known for their easy ride and great temperament.  Many of our horses were born and trained on the ranch using Natural Horsemanship techniques, Imprinting and other non-violent methods. 
Most recently the finca began a “Paint and Paso” breeding program with a goal of breeding Criollo horses with “color and comfort” using their handsome paint stallion and Criollo mares.
We will match rider to horse to give the best riding experience available in the area. 

Passports

Passport valid for at least 30 days after arrival or for the length of stay, whichever is greater.

Passport Note

(a) Nationals listed above must obtain an exit visa from the Immigration Department in San José at least three weeks before leaving Costa Rica. Those who stay for less than 30 days are exempt if in possession of a disembarkation card.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:

(a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA for stays over 90 days;

(b) 2. nationals of Australia, Bulgaria and Ireland for stays over 30 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

The immigration authorities are strict about detaining foreigners who are undocumented or tourists who have overstayed.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No/1
Australian	No/2
Canadian	No/1
USA	No/1
Other EU	No/1/2
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	Yes