Green Mountain Trails, Costa Rica
Horses
Type of horses:
Quarter horse, Paso Fino and Criollos. Some are cross breeds of Appaloosas, Arabs and Paso Finos.
Nature of horses:
Sure footed and mountain safe, each with their own distinctive personality and rhythm.
Height of horses:
14hh - 15.3hh The horses here are pretty small compared to many European standards, the largest available is 15.3hh (quite big for Costa Rica!). However, these are strong, stocky horses and suited for the job.
Weight limit:
90kg/200Ibs
Tack type:
Adapted Western saddles (lighter than normal)
Weather
Current Conditions:
Mostly Cloudy, 25 C
Forecast:
Fri - Scattered Thunderstorms. High: 31 Low: 23
Sat - Scattered Thunderstorms. High: 32 Low: 23
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
The cost of this trail is £1032 per person. For those who would prefer not to share a double room, there is a single supplement cost of £162.
This price includes 6 days riding, 7 nights accommodation, all breakfasts and all lunches (except arrival and departure days and Day 4), evening meals for the two nights at Villas Solania and Los Perdidos, The Springs Resort), all transport, luggage transfers, entrance to The Springs and transport, experienced guides and all tours in the itinerary (except optional activities).
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This beautiful destination is located in the community of Santa Elena in the cloud-forested area of Monteverde. Run by an English lady and her Costa Rican partner, both with lifelong experience of horses and a real passion for them, these trails are the ideal way to experience the real Costa Rica. The hosts have worked hard to raise the standards of quality and care of horses in the area and they can provide vet records for each and every one of their horses, as well as working them on a rotation schedule to ensure that they have plenty of time off.
The horses here are sturdy mountain horses, solidly built and perfect for the terrain. They are mostly of Quarter Horse, Paso Fino and Criollo descents, with some being mixed breeds of Appaloosas, Arabs and Paso Finos. They are all well fed and groomed and a pleasure to ride. There is a horse to match all levels of rider and each has his or her own distinctive personality. Their diets are supplemented with the delicious treats of bananas and extra vitamins and nutrients to ensure that they are healthy, happy and mountain fit.
With ten years experience of running riding tours in the area, the hosts here are knowledgeable about the region and each trail is accompanied by Marvin himself. They want their guests to get a real feel of their life in Costa Rica and to see why and how they live there. The bio-diversity of the country is enormous and visitors will love the delightful mammals and countless species of delicate birds and butterflies, the scores of orchids and other flora and simply taking in the views of the spectacular countryside. Riding through the cloud forests and viewing the live volcanoes are all part of this authentic Costa Rican experience.
This is not a luxury option with gourmet food stops and the weather can be unpredictable. However, this is the best way to see the country from the back of a steady horse, a horse which is well taken care of and well trained, whilst in the company of knowledgeable and friendly guides. Although it can be windy and rainy, it can also be exceptionally sunny and beautiful. Guests are invited to get involved in as much or as little horse care as they choose and will love to see how the hosts train and keep these amazing horses.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation varies according to the programme. Sometimes it is in hotels, other times in lovely villas on a working farm. Some are quite simple but others are more luxurious with pools and jacuzzis.
A variety of food is available throughout the trail from traditional Costa Rican food down to picnic stops with Janet's own sandwiches! As only a few dinners are included, you have more choice on the other nights.
Breakfasts usually consist of eggs, toast and fruit with coffee and tea also available. There is also a traditional Costa Rican breakfast also on offer which is called 'gallo pinto' and consists of rice and beans, eggs etc. When in Solania, Janet usually prepares the breakfasts (fruit, toast and cereal).
Activities
Other activities can be arranged at an extra cost such as guided hikes, canopy tours and zip-lining. Visits to some local attractions are included as detailed by the programme.
A 3 night beach extension to your holiday can be arranged at an extra cost.
Further Details
Languages: English and Spanish (Rides are led by Marvin who speaks some English and riders are always sent off for each ride by his English partner, Janet, who then greets them afterwards).
Health requirements: Fit & Healthy
Age limit: 12+
Tuition: No.
Included: Riding, accommodation, some meals as detailed by programme (most breakfast and lunches, some dinners), transfer from airport, luggage transport, entrance to the hot springs, experienced guides and tours as detailed in programme (NOT optional extras).
Not included: Flights to Costa Rica, hotels in San Jose if necessary, travel insurance, some evening meals and a few lunches, optional tours or transportation to them.
Travel Information
Fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José. You can either stay in a hotel in San José for the night to be collected in the morning or can just be collected at the airport by private transport.
Airport: Juan Santamaria International (San José)
Programme
Trail of the Campesinos
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An 8 day exploration through the stunning areas of Monteverde, Guanacaste and La Fortuna. During this ride you see lush cloud forests, waterfalls, nature reserves, local farms, wildlife, live volcanoes, hot springs and lakes. This is a trip into the real Costa Rica on well kept mountain horses. A dreamy beach extension is available at an extra cost. Day 1: You will be picked up at your hotel in San Jose by private transport. Enjoy the scenery as you make your ascent up to the beautiful cloud forests of Monteverde. Depending on the hour you arrive you are free to do any of the activities in the area of Monteverde (which your hosts can help you set up) or if you are arriving late you can just relax at your hotel which has a restaurant and bar. Hotel Miramontes is a 20 minutes outside the village of Santa Elena. You will spend four nights at this hotel, located in a quiet area surrounded by pine trees and in a garden full of flowers. There is full restaurant service from 1.00PM to 8.30PM with over 40 different specialties from Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France and Costa Rica. You can also enjoy their beautiful gardens with over 350 species. Day 2: 9.00am: Pick-up by taxi to take you on a short 10 minute journey to where the horses will be waiting for you. After an introduction to your horse your group will set off! Today will be a full day excursion and you'll be riding for about 5 hours or so. You will ride down the beautiful valley of San Luis until you reach the entrance of the stunning San Luis Waterfall, a short 30 minute walk takes the group to the view point and natural pool (which you are welcome to swim in but it is cold!!). After a short stay at the waterfall you will walk back to your horses and ride to the San Luis Eco Lodge where you will stop for lunch. San Luis Biological station is recognised as a model of sustainable tropical ecotourism. It is situated on a working tropical farm at the head of the valley, which borders the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve and the Children's International Rainforest, and shares with them a stunning diversity of wildlife. 1.00pm: After lunch (included in tour) you will wind your way up from the San Luis valley by a different route passing through rolling hills covered by lush coffee plantations. Here you will find spectacular views of the Pacific and the cloud forests. You will end up at the Hotel Miramontes. Day 3: 8.30am: Enjoy an all day excursion, well away from the tourist areas. The route will be on little used dirt roads and through some farms, crossing small streams and valleys. Picnic and swim by the river and see monkeys and tropical birds. The tour is at least 6 hours long. Beautiful views: riding in Costa Rica at its best! Day 4: AM: The morning is free for those who would just like to participate in the activities available in Monteverde or just catch up on sleep, internet or washing! In the afternoon there will be a sunset horseback ride. In the morning there are many options available such as guided hikes in the Monteverde Reserve and canopy tours (not included in the price of the package) Here are some examples: Optional One ($50pp): 7.00am Pick up from the hotel for a guided hike in the Monteverde Reserve for about three hours. The guide will explain all the there is to know about the fauna and flora of the area, as well as the history of the park and Monteverde. Price includes transport, guide and entrance fees. Option Two ($25, $45 or $65pp depending on which tours you choose): Selvatura Park for the Canopy Tour. Enjoy the thrills of zipping from tree to tree, using cables and harnesses high in the canopies of the cloud forest. For those who want a more gentle time you can opt to so the Hanging Bridges on the Walkways at Selavtura Park, which is a 1.5 - 2 hour hike at your own pace high in the canopies along suspended bridges. Or you can do a combo tour of the 2 activities. We need to know in advance which tour you would like. Option Three ($30pp including transport): Trapiche tour of general agriculture, sugar and coffee. PM: A three hour sunset horse ride around the local area. This afternoon you will mount up again and go to an area that has some of the best sunset views in the area (if the weather is co-operating!!). Day 5: Today is a long day riding, from Monteverde to Solania, passing though Campos de Oro (an area famous for its coffee plantations). The route is steep in places and you will rest the horses frequently, plenty of photo opportunities of the coffee plants! You can't fail to enjoy horse riding into the heart of the mountains and the countryside, passing other riders known as campesinos (local people of the rural communities) who often rely on horses for mobility. In Campos de Oro you will stop to have lunch in a typical Costa Rican family house, a real chance to taste home cooking. Here you will rest the horses before continuing down to Solania. The ride today will be 6+ hours in total. In Solania (real cowboy country!) you will spend two nights on a working farm in some lovely villas. They are located in beautiful gardens and have a pool and a jacuzzi. The large villas have kitchens, cable tv, a/c, sitting room and a veranda It is a good opportunity to experience staying on a working ranch and you are free to in inspect the cattle and other animals. Solania is much hotter than Monteverde being at a lower elevation but you'll have a chance to cool off in the swimming pool before taking a hike in the area, go bird watching or just relaxing on the veranda. Day 6: Today you can have a chance to sleep in and the group will set off about 10.00am for a day's ride around the cowboy country of Solania, visiting a local waterfall and local ranches. Lots of monkeys and other wildlife can be spotted on this day. Day 7: 7.30 am: Ride from Solania to El Dos (4-5 hours) where you sadly say good-bye to your horses. You will ride early in the morning through small villages until you reach the El Dos where you take a vehicle to your boat. This is waiting on the shores of the famous Arenal Lake at the foot of one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The 30 minute boat trip is lovely with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. At Arenal Dam a car will be waiting to take you to the very comfortable hotel called Arenal Volcano Inn. Besides all the creature comforts you would expect from an upmarket hotel the hotel has a good restaurant, small pool, jacuzzi and a great view of the volcano. Plus spa facilities for those of you who fancy a massage after your weeks' riding! At 4.30pm transport will pick you up and take you one of the world famous Arenal Hot Springs at the foot of Arenal Volcano. Arenal Volcano (1,633 meters) is a picture-perfect cone. It is one the world's most active volcanoes and a must-see on any tourist's itinerary. Its lava flows and eruptions have been continuous and on virtually any day (when it is not cloudy) one can see huge smoking boulders tumble down the steep slope. A perfect place to view the volcano is from the Hot Springs of 'The Springs Resort (los Perdidos). At the hot springs you can soak any aches away from the last few days of riding. This is a place where you can really relax and pamper yourself. The Springs has a series of 18 eighteen freeform, landscaped pools with temperatures ranging from 76F to 103F set amid glorious tropical gardens. It's a place where, on a clear night, you can sit in a warm pool, sipping the cocktail of your choice, while watching the fireworks as Arenal volcano erupts. Evening buffet meal is included. Tests of the hot mineral springs reveal an ideal natural combination of high bicarbonates and high chlorides with relatively low sulfur content to provide a safe and clean soaking experience. You might also decide to pamper your body by opting for one of the many body treatments that are available such as massage, reflexology, body polish, volcanic mud wraps and facials (this is optional and nor included in the price). Included in this tour is a buffet dinner. The transport back to the hotel will depart around 9.30pm. Day 8: This morning you will be free to do optional activities such as canyoneering, cycling, exploring the volcano or do a half-day white water rafting. At around 1.30pm you will end the tour with shuttle transport to San Jose or your hosts can arrange transport to some of the main beaches in Costa Rica. Please note that all trails are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances (such as weather) and any changes are made in your best interests. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate and above. Intermediate to experienced riders will be more at ease with the terrain and the long hours in the saddle but novices can possibly be accommodated, provided that it suits the riding party and that they are fit and confident. The trail may have to be adjusted for novice riders. This trail is slow and relaxed due to the terrain - there are one or two spots where a short canter is available sometimes. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 6 days riding, ranging from 3 - 6 or more hours per day. |
| Departure dates: | Trails start on 21 August, 13 Nov. These dates are flexible so please enquire if you're interested in another time. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |