Caribe Ride Caribbean Coast Costa Rica Costa Rica's Caribbean coast feels a world apart from the rest of the country. Here the pace is slower, the food is spicier, the tropical heat more palpable and then there's that rhythmic reggae music that fills the air! So remote was the Caribbean coast from Costa Rica's population centers in the Central Valley that it naturally developed a unique culture all its own. The original inhabitants of the area included the people of the Bribri, Cabécar, and Kékoldi tribes and these groups still maintain their cultures on indigenous reserves in the Talamanca Mountains today. Here we offer a horseback vacation full of vibrant culture, contrasting landscapes and a true appreciation for the nature around us. Explore the area around the Cahuita National Park, ride across the famous Caribbean beaches and venture inland through the jungle to the highlands. Enjoy lovely canters and ride on interesting jungle trails, where we see baby howler monkeys, sloths, jungle cats and get to know all about the local fauna conservation by the renowned Spanish biologists. The town of Cahuita and your host Brigitte have a relaxed relationship with traveling folk discovering their beloved Caribbean coast, beaches and protected park land. Here you will find that most of the businesses are still owned by friendly locals and the vibe is very laid-back, keeping an authentic sleepy beach town feel while others grow busier each year with tourists. The black sand beach of Playa Negra is an unusual and ethereal presence and the waters are safe to swim and play in, offering horseback riders and beach bums a chance for some true R&R... Relaxation and Riding! Short Getaway Trip with multi activities Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Meeting: Cahuita Airport: San Jose Transfer: San Jose by shuttle bus Riders: Min 1 riders Max 6 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

Additional days possible -- please inquire

Transfer and Other Charges:

From San Jose via shuttle bus, public bus, or taxi for an extra fee.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Note: Be sure to bring some cash (US$ or Costa Rican Colon) for some of these extra activities which are paid locally. Our partner would be more than happy to help you schedule your activities -- please coordinate ahead of time to confirm what you would like to do.

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive to the Caribbean Coast. Check in and settle into your private cabin just 150 ft from the beach. Enjoy the beach for a relaxing afternoon - maybe try some surfing or snorkeling.

Day 2-3: Riding
During your stay there are a number of different rides and activities to chose from - all depending on your length of stay:

Beach & Jungle Ride
First we ride over the very scenic Playa Negra (Black Beach) then partway over the village road, towards Playa Grande (Long Beach). This is a really wild, quiet and deserted Caribbean beach, excellent for horseback riding and a nice brisk canter. We then enter into a beautiful tropical forest, where you can see the magnificent toucans and other colorful birds, sloth, howler monkeys and more. Your guide is very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, so you can learn a lot during the ride. After 1.5 hours of riding we stop for a break. While the horses rest a while in the shade of a tree, Raúl may chop open some coconuts with his impressing machete and everyone gets one with delicious, refreshing coconut water inside to drink. On the way back there are again several nice opportunities for stretched out canters. Then, it is time to go back to the riding center, where you can refresh with a cold drink. On the way back to the lodge you may stop to see some nice boutiques and souvenirs shops there, and have an excellent Caribbean lunch in one of the local restaurants (not included).
Duration: approximately 2-3 hours

Mountain & Indian Village Ride
On this tour you will enjoy a diversity of landscapes. You will ride up in the mountains to discover a hidden Indian village into beautiful nature. On the way, we will have a little break by a river where a guide is waiting for you to take you for a little hike. The view over the Caribbean sea and the rainforest will make you forget about the workout you had to climb this hill. Then, you will enjoy a nice meal before we head back home.
Duration: approximately 4-5 hours

Day 4: Departure
Possible short beach ride before taking the shuttle transfer back to San Jose - drop off in San Jose city.



Non-Riding activities in the area - extra cost (paid locally)
Snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, rafting, etc. are all possible for an additional fee. There is also a beach near the cabins with nice white sand by the national park nearby and is very nice to spend time on.
Other activities could be visit to lagoons and river tours to see crocodiles, zip lining, hiking to waterfalls and chocolate tours.
Scuba diving and a lot of other nice beaches are only about a short 30 minutes bus trip to Puerto Viejo.

Surfing Lessons - $60US per person
You don't need to be a professional surfer to experience the thrill of riding a wave. Our instructor is experienced and the Caribbean Sea is gentle with first-time surfers. Don't miss the opportunity! We will provide you with a surf board for the time of your life.
Duration: 1-2 hours  

River Kayaking on Tuba Creek - $70US per person
After a 10 minute drive, you will reach the outlet at Tuba Creek. You start your guided kayaking adventure through the lagoons and forest. You will get the opportunity to spot some wildlife on this tour, including birds, iguanas, lizards and many more.
Duration: 2-3 hours 

Snorkeling & Hiking in Cahuita National Park - $60US per person
After a 5 minute boat ride from Cahuita into the National Park, you will jump into the crystal clear water of the reef. The guide will be nearby to show you the diversity of the corals and find the colorful fishes.
After snorkeling, you will enjoy a little break with some drinks and fruits on the white sandy beach. Before going back to town, you can choose between a guided or unguided hike back to Cahuita throw the park or take the boat.
Duration: about 3 - 4 hours

Night Jungle Tour - $45US per person
This tour is always a surprise. We cannot be sure of what we will meet and see in the dark, however, we can promise that you will see many interesting things. The rest is a surprise!
Duration: approximately 2 hours (starting around 6pm)

Chocolate Tour - $40US per person
The Chocolate tour take place at Finca Indio Desnudo. To start the tour, we enjoy a walk trough the medicinal garden. There, you can learn a lot about different plants that are in the jungle and about the cacao tree. Then we are going to make our own chocolate. Everybody needs to help, you’ll be able to taste the fruit during the whole process, starting from fresh cacao and at the end the hot chocolate.
Duration: approximately 1.5 hours

                                                    Cahuita area 

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	84	84	85	86	87	87	85	86	87	87	85	84
Average Low Temperature (°F)	69	69	70	72	73	73	73	73	73	72	72	70
Average High Temperature (°C)	29	29	30	30	30	30	30	30	31	31	30	29
Average Low Temperature (°C)	21	21	21	22	23	23	23	23	23	22	22	21
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	17	15	16	16	17	17	20	17	13	14	17	19

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The driest and most stable months of the year are September/October and February through April/May. During those months, the sea is often as smooth as a lake, while there are usually a lot of waves during the rest of the year.
It should be noted that humidity is very high year-round.

Sea temperature is around 28-30 degrees Celsius (82-86 Fahrenheit), year round.
Average air temperature is usually around 26-32 degrees Celsius (82-89 Fahrenheit) during the day and at night it drops to 22-26 degrees Celsius (71-78 Fahrenheit).

The local temperature remains stable year around. The climate has often been called a "micro-climate", implying that the variable factors affecting this region are independent from the rest of the neighboring areas. This region shares very little in common with the rest of the country's weather cycles and prognostication, as the rainy season is often blessed with several weeks of dry, hot and sunny days, while weeks of unstoppable tropical rains can be experienced during the summer season.

The tone here is casual wear - it is not necessary to dress up to go to dinner. Comfortable lightweight is best.

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.

It is suggested to bring your own riding helmet. The stable does not provide riding helmets nor is it mandatory to wear one. Bicycle helmet can be borrowed.

SENSIBLE PRECAUTIONS.... Almost all encounters with noxious insects & plants can be avoided by watching where you walk or 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. We recommend you leave valuables at home.

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

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport and copy of passport kept in a separate location

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Comfortable light weight riding pants or jodhpurs

Short boots and half chaps

Riding helmet  (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat or visor

Rain coat/Wax jacket

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Sweater for higher elevations and chilly nights in San Jose

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Wind breaker or light jacket

Comfortable walking shoes like lightweight hiking boots with a good tread for hikes

River sandals or aqua socks

Swimsuit and beach towel

Bandana

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Day pack and fanny pack

Personal Toiletries

Insect repellent : at least 75% DEET

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Camera and enough extra films (it is expensive in Costa Rica)

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion with high sun protection factor, such as SPF 29-40

Binoculars

Flashlight

Water bottle

Battery alarm clock

Plastic bags - for keeping books, binoculars and other items dry, and for wet clothing

 

 

Average ratings from 15 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date michelle seminoff 3/22/2019 judith mazur 3/15/2019 gloria bentley-reaney 9/15/2018 cindy barger 3/26/2017 elaine simmons 1/20/2017 vera huebner 6/19/2016 mary phillips 10/20/2015 candice dunnigan 4/21/2015 rajen desai 4/10/2015 mary stewart 2/23/2015 mitzi bernard 4/15/2013 loic cheynet 11/28/2012 nicole tellier 4/17/2012 william bilbrough 4/8/2012 christina vollmer 3/18/2012

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

Description

You will stay in a clean and spacious cabin right by the beach. There are cabins for single, double/twin, or triple occupancy. The cabins are all equipped with a private bathroom, kitchen, ceiling fans, a seating area, a terrace, and WIFI access.
Laundry service is available for an additional fee.

An upgrade to a local beach hotel with pool is possible on request (extra fees apply).



Meals
All breakfast and lunches are included in the package. Dinners are not included so that you can experience the various offer of local restaurants (we can make some recommendations for you).

The zesty cuisine found in Cahuita is renowned as some of the best in the country. You will get to indulge in homemade Caribbean cuisine, such as Rondon, banana pancakes, el tico caribeno, el surtido, and more! One thing is for certain: food here is different from the traditional gallo pinto and other inland cuisines that dominate mestizo culture. In comparison, Afro-Caribbean food is a fusion of different European cuisine and is characterized by dishes such as jerk—seasoned meats—and curried goat or chicken. Seafood dishes and spice are also customary.

Breakfast is served at the ranch from 7am to 11am.
Lunch is eaten either on tour or at the ranch.
Dinner is always eaten at a restaurant nearby (various options).

Drinks such as coffee, tea, and fresh fruit juices are all available. Alcohol is not included in the trip, however you are free to bring your own.

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

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Costa Rican tack
Horses:		Criollos
Pace:		Moderate with trot and canters, some beach gallops - 3 hours each riding day | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(2.5 to 3 out of 5)    Low Intermedaite
Weight:		Max 220 lbs
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 6 riders

Riding
Each riding day includes 3 hours (half day) of riding, usually from 9am or 2pm.

Horses
The horses do not live on the ranch. Instead, they all live on a large meadow with an open stable. They are brought to the ranch every day at 7AM and remain there, depending on the tours, until the afternoon. After that, they get brought back to the meadow.

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

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.