Rainforest Multisport Adventure in Costa Rica Pacific Coast Costa Rica   If you are an advanced rider looking for a more varied riding holiday or a novice rider who wants to join your first horse vacation to gain more experience in the saddle -  this is a flexible itinerary that can accommodate everyone! This Rainforest Multisport Ride provides more freedom than you will find with the average equestrian holiday. You will have the opportunity to enjoy miles of riding trails in the forested interior and along on the coast: to the North, the terrain is picturesque, predominantly flat with gentle slopes and forested valleys, while to the South there are savannahs, large mango plantations and the Dry Forests, mangrove swamps and estuaries leading out to the Pacific Ocean--spectacular views! Experience the local culture, the "Tico way of life," while staying at one of two comfortable jungle lodges with their warm hospitality and tasty local food, while learning how to identifying the local wildlife and flora. Each day enjoy a range of different half day rides or all day rides, combined with time salted for great alternative sport activities like Canopy and Zipline tours, the Hanging Bridges, kayaking on the ocean or taking a crocodile boat safari! Throughout your stay you are accompanied by a professional guide who will be sure to point out the monkeys you see and hear, or the spectacular tropical birds such as the Trogons, Parakeets, Scarlet Macaws and Toucans or creatures like the coatimundis, iguanas, anteaters or crocodiles. The perfect retreat for a week in Costa Rica, sampling the various adventure tours that attracts tourists from around the world to their country! This ride is equally ideal for young adults, romantic couples, families with children (for kids under 11 we provide a bilingual nanny while the parents ride and they can be taught basic riding lessons).   Family Vacation Trip with multi activities Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride 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 12 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

Meals Keys: (B) Breakfast,  (L) Lunch, (S) Snack/Picnic Lunch, (D) Dinner,
Guide Key: (TG) Transfer Guide,  (EG) Equestrian Guide, (LG) Local Cowboy Guide.

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, where you will be met by one of our representatives at the ramp, assisted and transferred to San Jose Hotel for an overnight stay. 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: Ride through Gallery Forest
Morning transfer to the ranch and stables, located along the Trinidad river in the Dry Central Pacific Region, the starting point of your riding adventure. On arrival, you will be introduced to your horse, the ranch and its facilities, and the guides. You will get the opportunity to fully acquaint yourself with tack and Costa Rican riding style. After horse assignment, we 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.
Meals included: B, L, D.
Guiding service included: (BG) (LG)
Overnight at Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade)

Day 3: Ride to Machuca River basin
Today’s ride 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. Heading towards the Jesús María River basin allows for 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. We finish the ride at a local hacienda and transfer you back to your accommodation.
Meals included: B, L, D.
Guiding service included: (BG) (LG)
Overnight at Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade)

Day 4: Crocodile Boat Safari Tour & Rainforest Visit (no riding)
Today, you will have a break from riding and enjoy some of Costa Rica's best tropical adventures including a sightseeing Crocodile Boat Safari tour down the Tarcoles River and a visit to the Rainforest where you will do the Aerial Tram and the Zipline Canopy Tour (see non-riding activities below).  
Meals included: B, L, D. (BG) (LG)
Guiding service included: (BG) (LG)
Overnight at Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade)

Day 5: Visit of Local Communities (no riding)
Today takes you into the center of rural communities, where you can visit and meet with the people of the communities that have helped hosting you during your week with us. Nothing is ‘staged’ about this event, what occurs is the natural exchange between people. On your way, you will pass through Santa Rita village, then travel along old railroad tracks, now overgrown and returning to nature, finally arriving at La Ceiba town – we will stop at a local venue for a short break and have a drink John Wayne’s style!!
Meals included: B, L, & D.
Guiding service included: (BG) (LG)
Overnight at Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade)

Day 6: Coastal Ride
Today’s rides take you on a splendid journey (approximately 5 hours riding), following a route which was first used by the Spaniards as they began exploring and settling along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica nearly 500 years ago. Sights to be experienced include rivers, jungles and Gallery Forests. Following a rural road, you will reach Tivives Crag, (which before a landslide into the sea was formerly known as the Port of Landecho). From here, you have unforgettable views of the Pacific. Indeed, from this historic site the Spaniards first started their conquest of the Central Pacific in the late 16th century. 
Meals included: B, S, D.
Guiding service included: (EG & LG) (BG) (LG)
Overnight at Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade)

Day 7: Kayak & ocean activities (no riding)
Today’s a non-riding day. You will enjoy an Ocean and Kayaking experience on the Central Pacific coast warm waters and will be transferred back to your hotel in San Jose.
Meals: B, L, D.
Guiding service included: (BG) (LG)
Overnight at Hotel in San Jose

Day 8: Departure
Morning at your leisure and transfer to the Airport in time for your flight and our farewells. ($29 dollar departure tax is payable at the airport)
Meals included: B

Important Note: This is a sample ride itinerary, 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.



Non-Riding Activities

Crocodile Boat Safari
This two-hour boat ride explores the Tarcoles river, home of one of largest colonies of crocodiles in Costa Rica, with specimens which length range between 10 to 23 feet.
The area where the river merges with Guacalillo estuary, and then both blend into the ocean is one of the best locations to see endangered birds such as the Mangrove Cuckoo, Mangrove Hummingbird, Mangrove Vireo and the Panama Flycatcher, etc. Also commonly encountered are water birds like Pelicans, Boat-billed Herons, Spoon-billed Egrets and Cattle Egrets. *Please note that this activity will be scheduled depending on sea tides (a high tide is required)*
 
Aerial Tram Tour
The Aerial Tram is one of the most unique Costa Rica excursions, featuring 18 gondolas with a capacity of 9 passengers each including one bilingual (English/Spanish) naturalist guide for a tour to the canopy and the rich ecosystem of Costa Rican rain forests. The transitional tropical rainforest is ideal for Costa Rica bird watching. It is home to more than 50 species of native birds which Rainforest Adventures has committed to help save. During this tour visitors are shown all the different layers of the rainforest, from the floor to the treetops. The Costa Rica canopy is home to an enormous amount of flora and fauna; eager to find light and space, many plants have colonized the treetops, turning them into small, independently functioning ecosystems. This tour also includes a visit to the Heliconias Gallery, Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Garden and Snake Exhibition in the middle of the forest.

Canopy Tour
Glide over treetops for a compelling and exciting way to have a clearer view of Costa Rica Pacific Rainforest with our Tranopy Zip Line Tour. This adventure includes 15 platforms and 10 cables – five of them over 200 meters long (656ft.) and covering a total distance of 1503 meters. Take pleasure in the comforting atmosphere of the Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica Pacific canopy zip line tour. Glide over treetops for a compelling and exciting way to have a clearer view of Costa Rica Nature and Adventure Together At Last! This new adventure allows you to experience the thrill of a zip-line canopy tour without missing out on the rainforest’s rich wildlife. The innovative Tranopy Tour combines the up-close views of an aerial tram with the excitement of a canopy zip-line tour. A professional naturalist guide will accompany you and pointing out some of the secrets of the rainforest that surrounds you.

Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling
This tour starts in Punta Agujas located in the Central Pacific area, only 20 minutes from Jaco Beach. After a brief introduction and demonstration, your ocean adventure will start. You will get to paddle and enjoy the sensation of moving on into the ocean under your own power. You will paddle on kayaks or Hawaiian style outrigger canoes past spectacular cliffs filled with frigate birds and pelicans, finally landing on a small barrier island in Playa Limoncito where you will have the opportunity to snorkel and when conditions permit view spectacular sea-life in the warm Pacific waters. The beach is in a sheltered cove and nearby is a coral reef where it is possible to view a wide variety of marine life. Continue exploring by kayak or relax on the beach where you will enjoy a delicious fresh fruit buffet before going back to Playa Agujas. Snorkeling is included (snorkel vests provided) - Please note the water conditions depends on current rainfall so this results in good and bad days when it comes to visibility. We go snorkeling from the beach so if you are new to the sport it is much easier to get comfortable with your feet on the ground rather than jumping out of a boat. Maybe you just want to be a beachcomber!

                                                    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 1 tour feedback (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 frances lowe 3/9/2022

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride. Your first and last nights are at a city hotel in San Jose. 

Description
Both lodges are in close proximity to each other. You'll have access to a pool at all locations to cool off after a good ride. 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.
Laundry is not available for this trip.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Country Inn & Suite Hotel in San Jose
Night 2-6: Finca Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade) near Orotina
Night 7: Country Inn & Suite Hotel in San Jose

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 
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.

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 7, as well as breakfast on Day 8. Meals on the first day 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. Average of 3 to 5 hours of riding over 4 days
Level:		(2 to 4 out of 5)    Good Novice+
Age:		Min 12
Weight:		Max 240 lbs / 110 kg
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 12 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.