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Horseback riding vacations in
Costa Rica
 Discover the beauty and mystique of Costa Rica on a Hidden Trails horse riding vacation. Hidden Trails is delighted to introduce several horse riding tours and other adventure trips in Costa Rica. Every adventure tourist must experience the wonders of this beautiful country and enjoy meeting the friendly Ticos, (Costa Ricans) who welcome visitors with open arms and friendly smiles. Costa Rica is a land gifted with beauty at every turn – from the cloud forests to the jungle; the golden beaches to volcanoes and waterfalls. A horse riding holiday in Costa Rica is as rewarding as it is exotic.
Horse Riding in Costa Rica
 Hidden Trails offer a range of horse riding holidays in Costa Rica.
On the more remote Caribbean Coast we offer a wonderful ride that include beach and jungle riding. The Rustico del Caribe is an inexpensive riding option that can be customized for you.
On the Pacific Coast we have a few options to choose from. The longer Conquistadores Odyssey Ride explores the beaches of the Pacific, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Lake, and Volcano Arenal and finally the Fortuna Waterfalls. the Wilderness Eco-Safari is a nice alternative for those who want to focus on the local fauna and flora.
Finally, but not least, we have several exciting offers in the northern part of Costa Rica - Guanacaste. The Old Spanish Trail offers some of the finest Criollo horses in Costa Rica. Explore the mountains, the beach and relax at the finca for a few days or extend your trip with an excursion to Arenal.
The magic and beauty of Costa Rica has so much to offer to the 700,000 visitors who come each year. Nature's Parade includes 11 volcanoes, hot springs to bath in, 13,000 species of plants, more than 2000 species of butterflies, 220 species of reptiles, 1600 species of fish in both fresh water and ocean and 850 species of birds.
Giant leather-back turtles and green sea turtles are just 2 of the species of turtles that come back year after year to lay their eggs. Monkeys, exotic birds, strange mammals and incredible flora are found all throughout the country. From the highland misty cloud forest to the dry forest of the Guanacaste region to the jungles of the Tortugero area, Costa Rica will thrill those who visit this unique country.
The combination of climate, gorgeous beaches and incredible nature, makes this tiny country in Central America an ecological wonderland. Ride from the mountains through the jungle and on the beach all in one day.
Costa Rica Weather and 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.
Explore more Central America Horse Riding Vacations
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Holidays on horseback in Costa Rica
See Mini Country Guide
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Below is a list of our trips in this area with video clips.
 Click on the 'watch video' icon
to view a video clip,
Costa Rica
Travel restrictions
As of August 1st 2020, international passenger flights are authorized to arrive at Costa Rica’s three international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport; Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport; and Tobías Bolaños Airport.
As of November 1st 2020, Costa Rica re-enables its air border to all countries in the world as long as they meet the visa requirements when required, as well as the requirements established in the framework of the pandemic.
Starting April 1st 2022, the temporary immigration measures for entering Costa Rica – put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic – are repealed. This eliminates the requirement to complete the epidemiological form known as the Health Pass, provide proof of vaccination status, and the requirement of medical insurance for unvaccinated foreigners.
Tourists wishing to enter Costa Rica are not required to present the results of a negative PCR test for COVID-19.
As of January 13th 2023, there are no special requirements in relation to Covid-19 except for visitors from China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan or those who have been in those territories in the last 14 days.
These visitors must present a PCR-RT test or antigen with a negative result not detected by Covid-19 carried out by a laboratory and with a maximum of 72 hours before entering Costa Rica.
In addition, people over 12 years of age from the aforementioned destinations of origin must have a document that allows verifying that they have the vaccination scheme against Covid-19
Tourists testing positive for COVID-19 while in Costa Rica will be issued a sanitary quarantine order. The length of sanitary quarantine orders will depend on the severity of the infection. They are typically issued for 7 – 14 days. Tourists who are issued a sanitary order must secure lodging for the duration of the quarantine. Tourists complying with a valid sanitary order will not be penalized for overstaying their visa.
Measures taken by the government
As of August 10th 2022, Costa Rica ended its COVID-19 state of emergency.
Facial coverings are no longer mandatory. However, private entities may require them.
Essential services are open. Public transportation is operating at normal capacity though the number of standing passengers allowed on buses has been limited to 20.
All commercial establishments, activities, and events can operate at 100% capacity.
Testing
Results for COVID 19 tests conducted in San Jose and the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) are generally available within 24-48 hours. Tests conducted outside of the GAM, including in remote and coastal locations, may take longer to process. It is important to ask the testing facility for the expected date of results when scheduling an appointment.
Testing is available at medical facilities across Costa Rica. Follow this link for a complete list of locations: https://www.ict.go.cr/es/documentos-institucionales/material-de-apoyo-coronavirus/pruebas-covid-para-usa/1898-laboratories-authorized-in-costa-rica-for-test-sars-cov-2/file.html
Hospital Metropolitano, Clinica Biblica, Laboratorio Echandi and a growing number of private laboratories on the list of government approved labs are now offering Covid-19 antigen tests for travelers. Proof of international travel is required.
Test results are generally delivered via email.
Testing is paid for by the individual.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
Information not available.
Source:
US Embassy in Costa Rica https://cr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Published on November 30th 2022 (checked on April 5th 2023)
Costa Rica Tourism Board: Statement on COVID-19 https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/statement-costa-rica-tourism-board-covid-19
Checked on April 5th 2023
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx
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Costa Rica
At A glance
Capital City: San Jose
Land size: 51,060 sq km
Population: 5,204,411 (2022 est.)
Official language: Spanish
Currency: Costa Rican colón (¢ / CRC)
UNESCO properties and sites:
- Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres of the Diquís
- Area de Conservación Guanacaste
- Cocos Island National Park
- Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/costa-rica/
Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and relaxed pace of Costa Rica. Encounter incredible wildlife, from playful monkeys swinging through the trees to colorful toucans soaring overhead. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, savoring traditional Costa Rican cuisine and connecting with the warm-hearted people. Costa Rica's dedication to eco-tourism and conservation makes it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Costa Rica offers a myriad of thrilling equestrian experiences that will allow you to explore its natural wonders. Ride through lush rainforests, where the sound of your horse's hooves blends harmoniously with the melodies of exotic birds and cascading waterfalls. Traverse the rugged terrains of volcanic landscapes, catching breathtaking vistas along the way. Explore pristine beaches on horseback, feeling the warm sand beneath your horse's hooves and the refreshing ocean breeze on your face.
Whether you're an experienced rider craving an adrenaline-fueled adventure or a beginner looking to connect with these majestic animals in a tropical paradise, a riding holiday will allow you to discover the best of Costa Rica's natural beauty.
Brief History
Although explored by the Spanish early in the 16th century, initial attempts at colonizing Costa Rica proved unsuccessful due to a combination of factors, including disease from mosquito-infested swamps, brutal heat, resistance by indigenous populations, and pirate raids. It was not until 1563 that a permanent settlement of Cartago was established in the cooler, fertile central highlands. The area remained a colony for some two and a half centuries.
In 1821, Costa Rica became one of several Central American provinces that jointly declared their independence from Spain. Two years later, it joined the United Provinces of Central America, but this federation disintegrated in 1838, at which time Costa Rica proclaimed its sovereignty and independence.
Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred the country's democratic development. On 1 December 1948, Costa Rica dissolved its armed forces.
Costa Ricans are proud to have more than a century of democratic tradition and more than 68 years without a military force. With the money saved, the country is better able to focus on improving the quality of life of its citizens.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/costa-rica/
https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/general-information
Cultural Insights
Costa Ricans consider themselves "cultured" and polite. Children, parents, and age-mates are often addressed in the formal second-person. Men greet each other with a handshake, while women greet female and male friends and relatives with a kiss.
Source: https://www.everyculture.com/Bo-Co/Costa-Rica.html
Transportation
By Air
Costa Rica’s two main international airports receive hundreds of flights per month from major cities. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is the country's main airport, located in Alajuela.
The Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia (LIR) mainly receives specific flights for tourists visiting Guanacaste, Monteverde and La Fortuna.
Costa Rica also has several local airports with two airlines that fly domestically: Aerobell Airlines and Sansa Airlines.
Source: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/airlines
Money
You can exchange US dollars fairly easily.
US$ dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Exchange money only at banks and approved change offices.
Bank transactions require a valid passport (not a copy nor a picture).
ATMs are located throughout the country. Some of them remain closed from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Source: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/costa-rica
https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/tips
Health
Medical care in Costa Rica is of a generally high standard, but services can be limited in areas outside of San Jose. In remote areas, basic medical equipment may not be available.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Ambulance services in remote areas may vary.
Only initial emergency medical treatment is available without charge for visitors. Subsequent treatment will be charged. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available. Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
Medical staff may speak little or no English.
Most prescription and over-the-counter medications are available. Bring a supply of your medications and carry prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/CostaRica.html
Electricity
Costa Rica operates on a 120V supply voltage and uses type A & B plugs.
The Type A electrical plug (or flat blade attachment plug) is an ungrounded plug with two flat parallel pins. Although the American and Japanese plugs appear identical, the neutral pin on the American plug is wider than the live pin, whereas on the Japanese plug both pins are the same size. As a result, Japanese plugs can be used in the US but often not the other way around.
The Type B electrical plug has two flat parallel pins and a round grounding (or earth) pin. The earth pin is longer than the other two so that the device is grounded before the power is connected. As with the type A plugs, the American and Japanese versions vary slightly.
The pins on Type A and Type B plugs have a hole near the tip that fits into ‘bumps’ found on the contact wipers of some sockets, so that the pins are gripped more tightly allowing for better contact and also to prevent the plug from slipping out of the socket. Some sockets have spring-action blades that grip the sides of the pins, making the holes obsolete.
Source: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs
Communication
Time zone in Costa Rica: Central Standard Time (GMT-6)
International country code – 506
The country’s fiber network expanded by 56% in 2020.
The rollout of 5G network infrastructure in Costa Rica is unlikely to occur to any scale before 2023. (2021)
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/costa-rica/
Phrasebook
| English |
Spanish |
| Hello! |
Hola |
| Goodbye |
Adiós |
| Good morning |
Buenos días |
| Good evening |
Buenos tardes |
| Good night |
Buenas noches |
| Please |
Por favor |
| Thank you |
Gracias |
| Yes |
Sí |
| No |
No |
Source: https://www.linguahouse.com/phrasebook/english-spanish/basic-words-and-phrases/basic-words-and-phrases
Entry Requirements
Depending on your country of origin, you may enter Costa Rica without a visa. USA, Canada and most European countries enjoy this privilege.
You can download all the official visa information in English at the following link: https://migracion.go.cr/Documentos%20compartidos/
Visas/Visa%20Requirements.zip
Source: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements
Embassies and Consulates
U.S. Embassy in San Jose
Calle 98 Vía 104, Pavas
San José, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2519-2000
Embassy of Canada in San Jose
La Sabana Executive Business Centre, Building No. 5, 3rd Floor (behind the Contraloría General de la República)
San José, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2242-4400
Source: for USA https://www.usembassy.gov/
For Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates
UNESCO Sites
Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres of the Diquís
The property includes four archaeological sites located in the Diquís Delta in southern Costa Rica, which are considered unique examples of the complex social, economic and political systems of the period AD 500–1500. They contain artificial mounds, paved areas, burial sites and, most significantly, a collection of stone spheres, between 0.7 m and 2.57 m in diameter, whose meaning, use and production remain largely a mystery. The spheres are distinctive for their perfection, number, size and density, and placement in original locations. Their preservation from the looting that befell the vast majority of archaeological sites in Costa Rica has been attributed to the thick layers of sediment that kept them buried for centuries.
Area de Conservación Guanacaste
The Area de Conservación Guanacaste (inscribed in 1999), was extended with the addition of a 15,000 ha private property, St Elena. It contains important natural habitats for the conservation of biological diversity, including the best dry forest habitats from Central America to northern Mexico and key habitats for endangered or rare plant and animal species. The site demonstrates significant ecological processes in both its terrestrial and marine-coastal environments.
Cocos Island National Park
Cocos Island National Park, located 550 km off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is the only island in the tropical eastern Pacific with a tropical rainforest. Its position as the first point of contact with the northern equatorial counter-current, and the myriad interactions between the island and the surrounding marine ecosystem, make the area an ideal laboratory for the study of biological processes. The underwater world of the national park has become famous due to the attraction it holds for divers, who rate it as one of the best places in the world to view large pelagic species such as sharks, rays, tuna and dolphins.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
The location of this unique site in Central America, where Quaternary glaciers have left their mark, has allowed the fauna and flora of North and South America to interbreed. Tropical rainforests cover most of the area. Four different Indian tribes inhabit this property, which benefits from close co-operation between Costa Rica and Panama.
Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/cr/
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