Tropical Riding Adventure

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, our guides 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.  Kay 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. The 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 progressive ride, so nights are spent at 4 different location.

Description
The first 5 overnights are spent in hotels and lodges while the last 4 overnights are spent at the ranch.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes
Night 1: El Sitio Hotel in Liberia
Night 2 & 3: Trapp Family Lodge in Monteverde
Nigh 4 & 5: Hotel Mountain Paradise in Arenal
Night 6 to 9: Ranch

El Sitio Hotel in Liberia
This Best Western Hotel offers comfortable and modern accommodation. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi access and ensuite bathroom.
there is also a small garden with swimming pool, where guests can relax after their flight.

Trapp Family Lodge in Monteverde
This beautiful lodge is surrounded by nature. Each of the 26 guestrooms are spacious and feature private facilities and internet access. There is a lovely garden where guest can cool off in the evening.

Hotel Mountain Paradise in Arenal
This charming property offers great views of the Arenal volcano. All rooms come equipped with a TV, air conditioning, a safe, coffee maker and a private bathroom. There is also a lovely garden with an outdoor pool.

Ranch
There are 2 spacious private casitas 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.

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



Meals
Most meals are included in the package except for lunch on Day 2, 3, 4 and 5 as well as dinner on Day 3, 5 and 8.
If adding on the Beach Extension dinner is not included on Day 11 & lunch and dinner are not included on day 12.

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.

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 2-5 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

This program is great for intermediate to advanced riders wishing to spend a long time in the saddle.

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive to Liberia Airport and transfer to your Liberia Hotel. Overnight at El Sitio Hotel or similar. Dinner at the hotel.  
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at El Sitio Hotel or similar

Day 2: Monteverde Cloud Forest
After breakfast, you will be picked up at 7:15am  for your transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest (option for a Safari River Float or White Water Rafting with lunch).
In the afternoon (around 5:30 pm) pick up for Night tour in the Wildlife Refuge if you do not do the river float or rafting. Dinner at the hotel.  
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Trapp Family Lodge or similar

Day 3: Monteverde Hike & Ride
Breakfast at the hotel and early morning pick up for a guided hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve (wildlife guide and transportation provided). Explore the biodiversity of the cloud forest with your guide. After your hike you will visit the hummingbird area at the visitors center. In the afternoon, you will be picked up for a 2- 2 1/2 horseback ride around Monteverde  
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Trapp Family Lodge or similar

Day 4: Arenal Lake
This morning, avoid hours of driving by taking the Lake Trail (Monteverde to Arenal) by horseback or Jeep to Lake Arenal. Boat ride across the scenic lake, then transfer by bus to your Hotel Mountain Paradise (your luggage will be delivered). 
Evening at the historic Tabacon hotsprings and spa with dinner included. Explore various hot pools and waterfalls in a lush garden setting. 
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Mountain Paradise

Day 5: Arenal Volcano
After breakfast, you will go on a 2 hour private tour of the base of the volcano. In the afternoon choose one of the many optional Arenal tours – including the Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, Volcano  Hike, Lake tour,...
You can also just relax by the pool, explore the gardens or choose another optional tour.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight at Hotel Mountain Paradise

Day 6: Portegolpe Ride
After breakfast, you will have a private transfer to the Guest Ranch. In the afternoon, you will have a Spanish Horse Demonstration, then an option for a short ride on our beautiful Spanish Criollo horses. Ride to Portegolpe to a family cantina and enjoy a cold drink before returning at sunset for dinner at the ranch.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 7: Old Spanish Trail
After a full ranch breakfast, you will leave for the small cattle town of Tempate and ride the Old Spanish Trail through large haciendas and backcountry trails. Look for monkeys, tropical birds and dry tropical vegetation. Stop for cold drinks in  the colorful cattle town of Tempate then ride on to the town of Cartagena for lunch at a typical cantina. Later return to the ranch by truck. Sunset dinner at Flamingo on Potrero Bay.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Overnight at the Ranch

Day 8: Tico Trail

Beach Riding Extension

Rates and Dates for Tropical Riding Adventure

Dates Note: Available any time of the year - a minimum of 2 riders

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

Climate:
                                                Cartagena area