Costa Rica Escape

Introduction
Pacific Coast Costa Rica

A wonderful horseback riding get-away on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. We explore Playa Hermosa, stop at waterfalls, natural spring fed pools and then venture off into the hills and canyons with tropical vegetation along the Route of the Conquistadores - a ride you will not soon forget. We then work our way from Biajuel over the mountain range to Playa Hermosa, where the next day brings a long day in the saddle, but the scenery with the ocean views will keep you enthralled. On the final day we will explore Hacienda Agujas. Another great ride through pastures and hills down to another beach area for the last fix of beach riding. A wonderful riding trip comes to an end.

Accomodation

Accommodations in hotels and back-country lodges, all breakfasts, land transportation.
All hotels have restaurants (or close by) for dining when meals not included.
Please note on some trips hotel booked may change depending upon availability. 
We make every effort to confirm which hotels are booked for you well in advance.

Sueno Azul      www.suenoazulresort.com
Arenal Pacificoww.arenalpacifico.com
Villa Tournon   www.costarica-hotelvillatournon.com

Riding

Criollo Horses:
The Criollo horse is the direct descendant of the horses brought to the Americas by the Spanish.
The Criollo is a medium sized horse (1.40m - 1.50m). 
This riding tour can be customized for any riding level from Good Novice to Strong Intermediate. 

Itinerary

2009 Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Costa Rica transfer to Hacienda Pozo Azul.. Overnight Hacienda Pozo Azul
Day2: This day’s ride starts from the hacienda at 930 am. The ride will be around 5 hours through the farm in the area that is dedicated to the production of pineapples then continue on to the rainforest. We’ll ride the horses to a small restaurant were we stop for a delicious lunch After lunch continue on to La Finca Lodge. This lodge is a wildlife refuge where they are breeding endangered species such as the Red and Green Lapas, Loras Zainos and Tapirs to be released within the hacienda where they are protected. Here one can also see a pair of jaguars that were rescued and live protected in this special project. The owner of this project is a well known horse trainer who also trains water buffalos. Everyone will have a try at riding the water buffalos. The riding time today is around 5 hours. Overnight La Finca Lodge. (BLD)
Day 3: Breakfast is served at 700 am then start the second ride aroused 800 am. To the del Congo extinct volcano which is south of the lodge. After 3 hours of riding, we reach a beautiful lagoon within the jungle area. Refresh in the cool water.Relax . After this refreshing break, continue riding up to a small restaurant with incredible views of the lagoon. Here we have lunch and then continue riding to the small village of Cariblanco. Here we leave our horses and ride back to Hacienda Pozo Azul for dinner and overnight. Riding time today is 5 hours. (BLD)
Day 4: Today we start with an early breakfast at 630am then transfer to our starting point for our third ride going high up the mountain range, crossing the Rio Sarapiqui Cannon. Then continuing north to a hydroelectric project which is very important for the country. The views of the valleys of Sarapiqui will create memories for life. Continue riding all the way to San Ramon where we stop for lunch then back to Hacienda Pozo Azul. Dinner and overnight Hacienda Pozo Azul. Riding time 6 hours. (BLD)
Day 5: Leaving the hacienda at 830, we ride on trails that take us through cattle area and then to ornamental plant farms Continue riding for another 2 hours until reaching crystal clear water where the horses can take a refreshing drink and cool off. The ride goes on to a private natural conservation are and a butterfly farm. Here we have a typical lunch with produce from the farm. After lunch we continue riding to the cloud forest area of Braulio Carrillo National Park and to Magsasay Jungle Lodge where we have dinner and overnight. Riding time 6 hours. (BLD).
Day 6: After a very restful night breakfast will be served at 730 am. Then start our ride towards the 600 hectares of the hacienda. Today we visit the area of Cebu cattle production and then ride to the reforestation area and further to the limit of the National Park at the Pozo Rio Peje. There is time for a refreshing swim before returning back to Hacienda Pozo Azul for lunch. The total riding time is 4 hours. Overnight Hacienda Pozo Azul. (BL)
 Day 7: Select included activity White Water Rafting or Canopy (ZIPLINE) or Waterfall Repelling Late afternoon transfer back to San Jose. Overnight Hotel Villa Tournon
 (BL)
Day 8: Transfer out to the San Jose International Airport. (B)

2010 Itinerary

Day 1: Meet & Greet at the San Jose International Airport.
Your driver will pick you up at the airport in the early afternoon and then starts out for Playa Hermosa. Overnight Hotel Tortuga del Mar
Day 2: Playa Hermosa…Waterfall and Spa Ride
Ride with through acres of breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Meander through shaded Virgin Forest trails and into the canopy, spot the families of monkeys, coati, and other animals that live in this natural lost valley. Gallop across open farm land surrounded by towering rainforest trees. Arrive at our secret waterfall and recharge your batteries; sit and relax in our natural spring fed pools, whilst experiencing the rejuvenating properties of the natural spa mud that is found in abundance around the spring. Riding back to playa Hermosa as the sun goes down…overnight Hotel Tortuga del Mar…Riding time 4-5 hours with lunch and snacks included (L)
Day 3: Mountain Ride
The mountain ride passes through hand cut Virgin Forest trails, twist and turn around ancient Guancaste trees that take you to the beautiful Quebrada Blanca. Cascades fall through the stunning forest, cool your feet in the crystal clear water whilst enjoying a refreshing fruit drink. We start here our ascent to the top of the mountains that surround the lost valley of La Quina. Past through the habitats of small wild cats, and deer and live peacefully in the hills. The view from the top is truly magnificent, feel the wind in your hair and gaze out over the ocean and forest below. The horses are very fit, sure footed and they love their job. Riding time 4 plus hours with lunch included.. Overnight .Hotel Tortuga del Mar (L)
Day 4: Fast Pace Beach Riding
The beach at Palo Seco for one of Costa Rica's most exciting beach rides! This is a long stretch of beach where you can gallop with your horse in the surf. Lunch at La Isla then return to Playa Hermosa. .There is time this afternoon to do an optional Canopy (ZipLine Tour) or perhaps you might like to take an optional surf lesson. or perhaps do some shopping in the nearby town of Jaco Beach.
Overnight Tortuga del Mar.. (L) 3 plus hours riding.
Day 5: Hamlet Ride
Step off the tourist trail and enjoy a visit to the real Costa Rica. Ride from La Quina along the old San Jose road to the villages of Montalimar, visit the Garden of Haliconias and Orchids. Stop for a traditional lunch in the village before descending into the river area of Mata de Platano. Follow the river Tulin back to the lost valley of La Quina. A wonderful day out with a real chance to interact with the locals. Riding time 5 hours includes lunch overnight ...Tortuga del Mar. (L)..
Day 6: Playa Bejuca Beach Ride
This is a once in a life time experience. Ride through the tiny coastal hamlet of Esterillos to one of the longest beaches in Costa Rica. Riding south along the beach, you will experience the adrenaline rush of galloping the horses along the sands at the edge of the pacific ocean. Arriving at Playa Bejuco, we strip off the saddles, jump on board and take the horses for a swim in the ocean. After a beach picnic, relax in the hammock and recharge your batteries, whilst the horses nap under the palm trees beside you. Riding time 4-5 hours...Overnight Tortuga del Mar (L) ......
Day 7:: Piedras Negros Ride
After breakfast transfer via the very scenic route of Puriscal to the area of El Rodeo here we ride through incredible forest and river to Piedras Negro. The horses love the cool river where they can splash around and rest. Troupes of monkeys often pass through these beautiful trails. Overnight Country Inn and Suites . (L) Riding time 4 hours.
Day 8: Depart Costa Rica
Transfer out to the San Jose International Airport... depart. Breakfast included this day. (B)

Rates and Dates for Costa Rica Escape

Dates Note: - other dates are possible with a minimum of 2 riders.

Other Info
Meeting: Airport, San Jose
Airport: San Jose
Transfer: San Jose Airport or hotel in the early afternoon

Climate:

Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands. On the Caribbean coast, however, December is by far the wettest month.

Costa Rica is located on the Central American Isthmus, surrounding the point 10° north of the Equator and 84° west of the Prime Meridian. It borders both the Caribbean Sea (to the east) and the Pacific Ocean (to the west), with a total of 1,290 km of coastline (212 km on the Caribbean coast and 1,016 km on the Pacific)

The tone here is casual wear - it is not necessary to dress up to go to dinner. Comfortable lightweight is best. In the higher elevations, San Jose, the volcanoes, or Monteverde, temperatures are cool and sweaters or light jackets are suggested.

The rainy season runs from the beginning of May through the middle of November.  Please keep in mind that even when it rains, it is sunny in the mornings until around mid afternoon. None of the rides are over difficult terrain so it does not matter if the trails are wet.  Remember this is the tropics so it is never really cold.  

We provide rubber boots (we ask for shoe sizes and height and weight of each rider) and good strong rain ponchos and saddle bags with water and snacks.   Pack lightly!!

Please note that we provide rubber boots, but if you prefer to bring riding boots be sure to have them waterproofed.  Also note that riding in heavy jeans is very hot so it is recommended you bring riding pants or lightweight pants to ride in.  We also provides rain ponchos, however if you have your own rain gear, bring it along.

We recommend for women to ride in leggings with a big shirt over them.  The legging is not too hot, and they dry out quickly if they get wet. Dress in layers. 

SENSIBLE PRECAUTIONS.... Almost all encounters with noxious insects & plants can be avoided by watching where you walk and sit, by not touching non-recognizable insects, plants, etc; by tucking pants in your socks, by using an insect repellent, by spraying shoes and ankles to avoid bites, by always following tour guide's instructions to the letter, and finally, avoid using perfumes, after-shave, or other scents that will attract insects.  Please leave your valuables at home.

Most  important of all to bring to Costa Rica: "Sense of adventure, open mind and  big smile"