Conquistadores Odyssey Explorer Pacific Coast Costa Rica This 8-day itinerary is a shorter version of our Coast to Coast Kaleidoscope Ride, which has been specially designed for the U.S. and Canadian Markets, as well as any other international traveler seeking a week-long riding vacation. This ride features 4-days of intensive riding and discovery in one of Costa Rica’s most renowned riding destinations and scenic regions, including hugely contrasting landscapes, rural communities and awesome habitats with abundant wildlife. During this adventure you will be riding down dramatic river canyons, towards the arid Pacific Coast with its volcanic sand beaches, then on toward the Template Mountain slopes, passing through forested Valleys and ending with two days of relaxation at one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations Arenal Volcano where you will enjoy the volcanic hot-water springs. As you ride, you will be in close contact with one of nature’s finest panoramic displays, visit some quaint rural communities and get involved in the Costa Rican way of life. A truly awesome and unforgettable experience. Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Trip with multi activities Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Ride with Western Tack Meeting: San Jose Airport: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) Transfer: San Jose International Airport or hotel Riders: Min 2 riders Max 8 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or hotels in San Jose. Transfer times are available anytime.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Important Note: This is a sample ride dossier, planned several months in advance. The ride can be operated in different order other than as described above. Arrangements (routes or facilities) are subject to variation by the outfitter depending on local conditions. All riding times contained in our itineraries are based upon riding at a slow/moderate pace throughout.

Keys: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (TG) Transfer Guide,  (EG) Equestrian Guide, (LG) Local Horse Master/Guide.

Day 1 (Thursday): Arrival
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José (SJO). Upon arrival you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel near the airport. Dinner on your own. First group meeting will be in the morning before the transfer to the first ranch.
Meals included: none
Overnight at Hotel in San Jose.

Day 2 (Friday): Presentation & Build-up ride
Morning transfer to Cien Fuegos Eco-Ranch & Stables, located along the Trinidad river in the Dry Central Pacific Region, the starting point of your riding adventure. After horse assignment and our presentation, you will ride along rolling hills and meadows into the Gallery Forest alongside the Cuarros river – an excellent spot for wildlife encounters! We meander across the river following a country lane passing en route farmland, rural homes and finally arriving at the hacienda grounds. This afternoon, there will be an exploratory ride following the private trails.
Riding: ~3 hours in the saddle
Meals Included: B, L & D (EG & LG)
Overnight at Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade)

Day 3 (Saturday): Coastal Ride
Today’s ride will take you to the Pacific coast, following country lanes and an old ranch trail which lead to Tivives Crag. The Spaniards first started their conquest of the Central Pacific around 1561 right from this very spot! Ride across the Cascajalillo Mangrove Swamps and along the coast. Depending on tide times, lunch will be served at a local café or as a picnic on the beach. Again, depending on the tide you climb on horseback towards Cuevas Crag, enjoying unique views of the Pacific Ocean or alternatively, ride along the shoreline towards Guacalillo beach. Follow a country lane back to the hacienda.
Riding: ~5-6 hours in the saddle
Meals included: B, L & D (BG) (LG)
Overnight at Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade)

Day 4 (Sunday): Estate & Countryside
This morning, you have an exploratory ride of the hacienda’s private reserve, riding through rolling hills and savannah’s towards the Transitional-Dry Forest and the lush Gallery Forest. Here, the terrain is picturesque, predominantly flat with gentle slopes and forested valleys. As you ride over the higher areas, you will be able to gain excellent views of the Pacific Ocean and perhaps spot some of the local area’s wildlife too. Back at the hacienda in time for lunch and relaxing.
This afternoon, there will be an optional ride in the Southern part of the Hacienda's estate. After a few gentle hill climbs, you may experience an Ocean view sunset – the Pacific coast has the reputation for being amongst the world’s top best places to experience this beautiful event.
Riding: ~3-6 hours in the saddle
Meals: B, L, D (BG) (LG)
Overnight at Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade)

Day 5 (Monday): Machuca River Canyon Ride
Your final ride in the Central Pacific will take you to the Machuca River basin, passing Cascajal village. You will ride into the area where this river canyon broadens onto the plains. You will head towards the Jesús María River basin, allowing exploration of the plains and forested valleys along the Machuca River Canyon, where the land is very fertile and most commonly used to cultivate melons. In the afternoon, you will take a 3.5 hour transfer by vehicle to the Northern Region home to Arenal Volcano which last erupted in 1968 and remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Riding: ~4-5 hours in the saddle
Meals Included: B, PL, D (BG)
Overnight at Ecolodge in La Fortuna

Day 6 (Tuesday): Arenal Volcano & Visit to thermo-mineral Hot-water springs
Today´s equestrian adventure begins at 8:30 a.m. in the rural community of Monterrey located on the mountain slopes near Arenal Volcano. Your horse master will begin introducing you to the unexplainable bond between human and horse helping you understand how to connect with your horse while you learn about natural horsemanship. After you have been matched with the most suitable horse for you based on your riding experience, you will head down a country road to a private farm and ride for about an hour following a trail which leads to a secluded waterfall in the tropical forest with the possibility to see a variety of animals including tropical birds, monkeys, poison dart frogs, and even the elusive sloths.  Once at the pool by the base of the waterfall, we will unsaddle the horses and start swimming with horses which is a fantasy for so many horse enthusiasts! A traditional Costa Rican lunch will be served or alternatively, depending on logistics and the number of ride participants, you may take a side ride to a local family farm for lunch before your ride back to the stables. Around 4 p.m. you will take a transfer back to La Fortuna and enjoy free time at the beautiful Arenal hot water springs and gardens - an excellent complementation to your riding adventure! These thermo-mineral waters, which some people claim to have healing powers, will help you to leave feeling relaxed!
Meals Included: B & L
Overnight at Ecolodge in La Fortuna

Day 7 (Wednesday): Free day in Arenal & transfer to San Jose
This morning will be at leisure for you to relax, enjoy the swimming pool or take any of the optional adventure. Arenal area is a true adventure lovers heaven and offers great opportunities for exciting adventures that will perfectly complement your riding vacation! From canopy zipline tours, Tram rides, waterfall rappelling & Canyoning; Canoeing; Mountain Biking; Kayaking on Lake Arenal, you will be certain to find a suitable addition to complement your equestrian adventure! All these adventures are available at an extra cost and can be booked in advance to guarantee your space. This afternoon at around 1 p.m. you will take a door-to-door shuttle transfer (regular pooled service) back to your San Jose hotel.
Meals included: B
Overnight at Hotel in San Jose.

Day 8 (Thursday): Flight Home
Morning at your leisure and transferred to the Juan Santamaría International Airport in time for your flight back home and we say our farewells.
Meals included: B
 

Non-Riders
If you are a non-rider that want to discover Costa Rica whilst travelling with your riding companion, we can organize many activities for you including: White Water Rafting, Zip-Lining, Hiking Trails, Crocodile Boat Safari, Kayaking, Snorkeling,…

                                                    Alajuela area 

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	82	83	85	85	83	82	82	82	81	80	81	81
Average Low Temperature (°F)	63	63	64	65	65	64	64	64	63	63	63	63
Average High Temperature (°C)	28	28	29	30	28	28	28	28	27	27	27	27
Average Low Temperature (°C)	17	17	18	18	18	18	18	18	17	17	17	17
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	0	0	1	5	16	19	14	17	21	22	11	3

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Almost ideal year-round for visitors, the climate is moderate up in the highlands, whilst at the lowlands and coastal areas can range from the low 70's to the high 90's degrees Fahrenheit.

There are 2 main seasons:
- Summer, which is usually dry and lasts from December to May
- Winter, also known as the rainy season and usually running from the end of May to November

The heaviest rainfalls usually occur in September and October.

Recommended List
- Riding gloves
- For your safety we strongly recommend you to bring a riding helmet with a shade-rim to give you extra protection by blocking the sun from your face and neck
- Riding boots or hard-soled shoes and boots
- Rain gear (e.g. raincoat or a poncho)
- Long riding trousers or jeans
- Chaps
- Comfortable clothes of a light material, preferably cotton. T-shirts and shorts are acceptable in San José (during the day, if planning to go out in the evening trousers are highly recommended as some restaurants will not admit you in shorts or sandals).
- Loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts and trousers are recommended during forest explorations or if you take any day trips out to smaller towns, where immodest attire is frowned upon. (Jeans tend to be more uncomfortable during long walk although better for horse riding)
- Pack a light sweater or jacket for San José's cool nights and early mornings and for trips up volcanoes, Monteverde, etc
- Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are essential if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing and hiking.
- Waterproof hiking sandals or other footwear that lets your feet breathe are good for strolling about town, and also for beach walking, fording streams, and navigating the myriad mud holes you'll find on rain forest and cloud forest trails.
- Insect Repellent
- Sun screen lotion (spf-15 or higher)
- A small notebook and pen
- Binoculars & camera
- Any medication you may require, please consult with your G.P. for health advise.
- And but overall a great adventurous spirit! IMPORTANT: *** Please double-check the expiry date of your passport. ***

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.

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

Sensible precaution
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.

Average ratings from 7 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 nicole freialdenhoven 3/18/2017 jim hagedorn 5/6/2016 lucie geoffrion 3/17/2012 tony crosina 3/16/2012 lauren berry 12/3/2011 isabelle lenglois 3/19/2008 james m oates 12/27/2007

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
A total of 2 nights will be spent at a hotel in San Jose, 3 nights at a farm lodge, and 2 nights at an ecolodge. Given the nature of the ride, accommodation may be limited to local guest houses and private en-suite bathrooms may not always be available or only on a limited amount.
You'll have access to a pool at all locations to cool off after a good ride. 
Laundry is not available for this trip.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 7: Hotel (Country Inn & Suite or similar) in San Jose
Night 2, 3 & 4: Finca Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade) near Orotina
Night 5 & 6: Ecolodge (Arenal Montechiari, Arenal Country Inn, Villas Vista Arenal) in La Fortuna

Country Inn & Suite in San Jose
This hotel offers comfortable bedrooms equipped with a TV, small fridge, ensuite bathroom and free Wi-Wi access. There is also an outdoor pool where guests can relax.


Finca Los Domos near Orotina
You are accommodated in one of the 3 private bungalows.  Each bungalow is equipped with AC, a double bed (no twin beds available) and private bathroom.
There is also an outdoor pool where guests can cool off in the evening. There is no Wi-Fi available at this property.



Cerro Lodge near Orotina
This lodge is an environmentally friendly project located on a farm in Tarcoles (central pacific) just 10 minutes from Carara National Park. This small lodge offers 8 bungalows with private bathroom and its own indoor garden, and a dining area. All this is surrounded by trees, palms, gardens, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, mangrove forests, and Carara National Park - one of the most important refuges for the Scarlet Macaw; we often see these spectacular red, blue, and yellow parrots as they fly through the valley at Cerro Lodge. We provide daily transfers between the lodge and the horse stables at Maravilla (15 to 20 minutes away). One of the principle goals of Cerro Lodge, is to operate as environmentally friendly and sustainable as possible. Always looking for ways to reduce impact, they re-use water for irrigation, compost organic garbage, and they have worms that make organic fertilizer from cow manure. They are also hoping to put together a bio-digestor and would like to produce their own electricity in the near future.


Hotel in La Fortuna
We choose from a selection of 3 different hotels in Arenal depending on availability. The photo above is an example of the type of accommodation and may be changed. All rooms contain one double or two twin beds with private bathroom.

Room Occupancy
The single supplement fee applies if we are unable to find another rider to share.
Triple occupancy is available at all locations.



Meals
Most meals are included in this trip from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 6, as well as breakfast on Day 7 and 8. Meals on the first day, dinner on Day 6, and lunch and dinner on Day 7 are not included.

Due to its geographical location and climate, Costa Rica has a wide variety of fruits and vegetables; which when combined with the interplay of native and European ingredients translate into a unique Costa Rican flavour. The basics of the Costa Rican diet are: rice, beans, and tortillas, which consist primarily of corn. 
 
The ingredients used by Costa Rican cooks include simple native foods, such as "chayote" (squash), avocados, and the ever present corn. Costa Rican cuisine is also characterized by its' mildness and comes as a surprise to many visitors who might have travelled through Mexico and expect to find the same love spicy chillies in Costa Rican foods. Chillies are used to some degree, however, they are most commonly used in hot sauces with accompany broiled meats and poultry. Tubers, such as sweet potatoes and cassava, commonly known as "yucca" frequently accompany lunch and dinner meals.

In many dishes yucca is often substituted for potato, perhaps boiled and mashed, fried to exquisite crispness to accompany meat and sandwiches instead of fries, or simply boiled and served with butter and garlic. Plantains, a type of banana, are another Costa Rican favourite, and are most often boiled, mashed, stuffed with cheese, or fried to accompany meats or bean dishes. Unlike bananas, plantains are much larger and need to be cooked to be eaten. Costa Rican diet also includes plenty of meats including: Poultry, fish, beef and pork.. do not expect to find any Ecuadorian or Peruvian delicacy!!

Breakfast
A traditional Costa Rican breakfast consists of "gallo pinto" (Pinto Rooster), eggs, tortillas and sour cream, with coffee and fresh fruit juice. Most restaurants will offer some international options.
 
Lunch
Typically known as "casado" (Married), includes: rice and beans, one choice of meat (beef, chicken, pork, or fish), salad, fried plantain (a type of banana, very sweet and very tasty).
 
Dinner
Pretty much whatever you like, and fish and seafood here is excellent, well priced, and fresh, as are the fruits and vegetables. Of course Costa Rica produces some of the finest coffee in the world and it's not uncommon to see bumper stickers around proclaiming that "Juan Valdez drinks Costa Rican coffee"

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

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Modified McClellan, some Western
Horses:		Costa Rican Criollo, Paso, and mixed breeds (Spanish, Andalusian & American Quarter).
Pace:		Moderate with trots, canters, and some gallops. 4 riding days with 4 to 6 hours per day | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 240 lbs / 110 kg
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 8 riders

Riding Experience
This ride is designed for serious riders who want to discover the most complete possible grounds and scenery. This is achieved by using vehicle transportation (anywhere from 1-5 hours) only when strictly necessary due to the long distances involved between the riding bases. Riders are required to have an intermediate level of riding experience to attend this ride.

Horses
Costa Rican Criollo, Paso, and mixed breeds (Spanish, Andalusian & American Quarter). They range from 14 to 16 hands.

Children
The minimum age to join this ride is 12. Children are expected to have a the appropriate riding experience in order to join this ride. When booking a private ride, it might be possible to have children 11 or younger join us (subject to conditions).

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.