Old Spanish Trail

Introduction
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!

Accomodation


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 fees.


Meals
All meals are included in the base package from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day. 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.

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.

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

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


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. 

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.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary- subject to changes

Day 1
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 and a Criollo Horse Demonstration, then meet your horse for your first short ride. When we reach the town of Portegolpe, we will tie up our horses and stop for a cold drink at a local Cantina in the village. At sunset we ride back to the ranch.  Dinner at the ranch or local restaurant. (L, D)

Day 2
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. Later in the morning, you will leave for the small cattle town of Tempate and ride the Old Spanish Trail, traveled by the early Spanish Conquistadors. Along the way, look for monkeys, tropical birds, and dry tropical vegetation. We stop for lunch and cold drinks in Cartagena at a typical restaurant and then return in the truck for a dip in the pool and relax before dinner at the ranch. Afternoon option: watch our trainer work with young horses using Natural Horsemanship Techniques or opt for a longer ride. (B, L, D)

Day 3
After breakfast, you will have the option of visiting Monkey Park and Rescue Center to see some of the wildlife and birds found in Guanacaste, or take a tour or a riding lesson.  Lunch at the ranch. Later in the afternoon, mount your horses for a ride through beautiful ranch country and the small village of Lorena to one of our most popular cantina stops at Chilito’s - La Cima. Sample their famous fried chicken and chips, a real taste of Guanacaste. Ride back to the ranch at sunset.  (B, L, D)

Day 4
After breakfast, get on your horse and ride through oxcart trails ands large working cattle ranches. Follow the trails of the conquistadors to Cartagena where we will have lunch at a typical cowboy cantina.  Spend the late afternoon at one of the pristine beaches for sunset, or at the ranch working with the horses. (B, L, D) 

Day 5
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. (B, L, D)

Day 6
This a non-riding day to enjoy the Tamarindo Beach with shopping, swimming, surfing or you can opt for a river tour of the Palo Verde National Park, Flamingo Beach, deep sea sport fishing or all day tours to Arenal Volcano or Granada Nicaragua. Alternatively, you can opt for a Morning Natural Horsemanship or Centered Riding instruction or lessons by arrangement.

Day 7
After breakfast, you will meet your horses in the small village of La Garita & ride along hidden back roads canopied by giant tropical forest trees. Overhead, you may hear the conversations of Howler monkeys. When you reach the beach, your ride will stop in Puerto Viejo for a cold drink and then you will ride along the pristine white Pacific beach of Puerto Viejo, Conchal and Brasilito. Here you will take time to play in the water and photos. You can then either swim or walk on the beach before lunch or dinner at a beach front restaurant.  (times depend on the low tide) (B, L, D)

Day 8
You will be transferred back to the airport. Horse-riding activity depending on transfer times. (B) 

NEXT Your Choice of...

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Beach Riding Extension (creating a 12 day itinerary)

Day 9
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. (B, L)

Day 10
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. (B, other meals by arrangement)

Day 11
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. (B, L, D)

Day 12
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. (B or snack bag for the plane).

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Monteverde Extension (creating a 12 day itinerary)

Day 9
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. (B, D)

Day 10
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. (B, (L with cowboy tour))

Day 11
Breakfast at the hotel. Guided hike in the Monteverde Clouded Forest Preserve. 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. (B)

Day 12
After breakfast, private transfer to Liberia or San Jose for your flight home. (B)

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

Rates and Dates for Old Spanish Trail

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Ranch
Airport: Tamarindo Airport (TNO)
Transfer: Tamarindo airport, Liberia airport, or hotels

Climate:
                                                Cartagena area