Tropical Finca and Riders' Retreat, Costa Rica
Horses
Type of horses:
Criollo
Nature of horses:
Strong, sure footed and forward going, perfect for the tropical climate and the trails in this area.
Height of horses:
14.3 hh - 16 hh
Weight limit:
220 lbs (15.5 stone)/ 97 kgs
Tack type:
Western
Weather
Current Conditions:
Rain, 20 C
Forecast:
Thu - Scattered Thunderstorms. High: 31 Low: 23
Fri - Scattered Thunderstorms. High: 31 Low: 24
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Example Five Day Stay
The price is dependent upon your accommodation choice and the time of year. They are for TWO people, sharing a double room.
May - November (prices per person):
Tropical Garden Room: £881
Jungle View Room: £922
Superior Pacific Room: £933
December - April (prices per person):
Tropical Garden Room: £941
Jungle View Room: £1002
Superior Pacific Room: £1082
These prices include 5 nights accommodation in a double room, horse riding as arranged, breakfasts, 3 course dinners and a bottle of welcome cava.
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Costa Rica is a wonderful location for riding and at this destination you have opportunities to ride through the rolling hills, jungles and teak forests or local working cattle ranches. As you experience riding through a quiet nature reserve, you can observe the diversity of birds, animals and plant life on your way down to the ocean for a gallop on the long stretches of white, sandy beach. You can play with your horses in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean before heading back to the relaxing lodge, accompanied by a fabulous restaurant and spa.
This charming lodge and restaurant is totally inspired by the natural beauty of its surrounding area and offers wonderful horseback experiences. The intimate and tranquil lodge accommodation is situated on a hill, with views of the jungle and across the ocean. It is a peaceful place where guests can relax and revitalise themselves whilst enjoying the company of great people and some fabulous local horses. It is the perfect destination for horse riding, bird watching and for those adventure enthusiasts who love to explore.
The lodge is situated on the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula, in the Puntarenas Province in the western part of Costa Rica. This area is a real haven and often attracts eco-tourists to its beaches, waterfalls, rock formations and the nearby nature reserve. The town, Montezuma, was once a small fishing village and is now more popular due to its natural beauty, the range of activities available and the relaxing atmosphere. The lodge is situated between a five and ten minute drive outside of Montezuma itself (not really walking distance) and although this is most welcome to guests wanting the relaxing and quiet atmosphere (Montezuma can get quiet loud at night), those who want to get out and travel may wish to hire a car.
The horses here are typical local “Criollos” whose ancestors were brought into Costa Rica from Spain in the 16th century. They are strong, sure footed and forward going, perfect for the tropical climate and the trails in this area. These horses are maintained and loved as part of the family and as a result of this, they are some of the healthiest and best trained horses you will ever have met.
The riding here can be catered to suit your needs, experience and expectations. You can ride over easy or more challenging terrain, in the hills around the lodge, through the private nature reserve and on the beaches, a pleasure for beginners or the most expert riders. All the tours are well guided and the horses are equipped with comfortable and light western style saddles. We have a five day riding programme on offer below but should you prefer something different then don't hesitate to contact us so that we can arrange the perfect trip for you with your hosts. There is a range of choice in all aspects including the riding itself, the accommodation and whether you would like to combine your trip with other activities such as bird watching, fishing, trekking or snorkelling, all of which are readily available in the area.
As an additional treat there is a spa here offering many services and luxurious therapies. The cosmetician is European trained and certified with over 25 years of experience. Guests can enjoy massages, reiki, body scrubs, facials, tinting and waxing, as well as many other enjoyable treatments. This is a great addition to an already relaxing and peaceful riding destination, one which combines the restful elements of the perfect holiday with the thrill and enjoyment of some wonderful riding, the pleasures of delicious food and the chance to make new friends in a special part of the world.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
The quiet sounds of the jungle will surround you. Mornings bring sensational sunrises exerting brilliant colour over the ocean with night skies being filled with twinkling stars. The lodge offers only twelve rooms (three different standards) to focus on a personal service and privacy whilst naturally offering tranquility. The design of the lodge is inspired by the vibrant, natural setting of the immediate area. It is built using beautiful local woods, stone and terracotta for the floor. They use local artists and furniture makers to create a relaxed, romantic and elegant atmosphere.
They have created a lovely effect with their lush tropical surroundings and vibrant yet relaxed decor. All our rooms evoke a harmony of nature, design and a comforting ambience. Each room has a private bath, hot water, ceiling fans, safe and refrigerator. In addition, the superior rooms have a coffee maker and CD player. You will find wireless internet in the restaurant area.
Superior room: Indulge yourself in their most spacious and luxurious rooms. Designed using exotic woods and coral stone floors that are unique and locally, hand-crafted furniture. These rooms also offer large private decks which create a harmonious unity with its natural surroundings. Romantics will appreciate the view from the king size bed which overlooks the jungle which expands to the endless expanse of the ocean. Two of the superior rooms also feature a second open air shower.
The Jungle room: Here you will find exotic wood finishes, coral stone floors, unique grotto-style bathrooms, and locally hand crafted furnishings which enhance the ambience of these spacious rooms. The rooms open out on to a small private terrace complete with hammock for enjoying the enchanting sounds and sights of the tropical jungle. Jungle view rooms have either a queen sized bed or one queen size bed with one single bed for up to three persons.
Tropical Garden room: These are the standard rooms. Again, they are spacious, comfortable and can sleep up to four people in two double beds. Rooms are finished in exotic wood finishes, coral stone floors, and unique grotto-style bathrooms. The garden rooms offer a welcome haven after your days of adventure. Each room has a small terrace fronting a beautiful tropical garden.
There is a beautiful little swimming pool for you to enjoy.
Their relaxed and romantic patio restaurant serves delicious and creative tropical-Mediterranean cuisine. Their chef will spoil you with only fresh and local ingredients and the small and exquisite menu changes daily creating variety. The hearty tropical breakfast buffet features hot specials and home-made bread. A light and fresh lunch menu is offered during the day.
You can enjoy the cocktail of the day in their happy hour and look forward to a romantic dinner under the stars with exquisite food and wines. Dinner menus features seafood, meats, fresh local vegetables, pasta and risotto and severed with a variety of delicious sauces with mouth watering desserts to follow. Examples of a meal might be Mediterranean ceviche, red snapper with tuscany potatoes and banana flambé with Cafe Rica and ice cream (you do have a few choices for each course, this is just an example taken from their menu).
Activities
Costa Rica is very well known for its beautiful beaches, and each coastal area has its own great spots. You can take a trip to the beach in Montezuma where you can also enjoy a host of exciting activities. These include; surfing, canopy tours, scuba diving, cliff jumping and rope swinging, sea kayaking, kite surfing and a visit to the haunted beach.
Montezuma itself can be louder and livelier at night for those who enjoy the nightlife. However, it is a welcome retreat to return to the relaxing atmosphere of the lodge itself.
The nearby town of Cobano has a larger variety of fun activities than any other and you will never be short of something to do (unless you choose to relax and do nothing, of course). You can easily spend a month in the Montezuma area and do an amazing new activity every day. If your trip to Costa Rica is shorter than a couple weeks, we recommend you spend a good part of it here rather than driving all over the country on potholed roads and ending up spending most of your vacation in the car.
A major attraction of Cobano is the annual Fiestas Civicas held in February or March. They begin with the tope, a parade of horse riders from all the surrounding villages and far away ranches. From Cobano the parade proceeds to the Plaza de Rodeo where the fiesta runs for three days, with bull riding, a big fair with colorful booths and circus, food stalls and cumbia dancing at night.
Further Details
Languages: English, Spanish and German
Health requirements: None Specific
Age limit: None
Tuition: No
Included: Accommodation, riding, breakfasts, dinners and one bottle of welcome cava.
Not included: Flights, transfers, drinks and other activities
Travel Information
The lodge is located on the southern tip of the Nicoya peninsula 4 km south from Cobano on the way to Montezuma.
Driving:
If you drive your own car or wish to rent one, your hosts recommend a 4 wheel drive. Ask us for driving directions from San Jose or Liberia.
Flying:
International guests can fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport or Liberia before taking a domestic flight to Tambor (the closest airport to the lodge).
The airport in Tambor is only 20 min. from the Lodge.
To book flights these websites are useful:
- Nature Air www.natureair.com
- Sansa www.flysansa.com
Minibus transfer:
A comfortable and economic alternative. The bus brings you directly from your hotel to the lodge. Your hosts can book the transfer for you (if you let us know in advance).
We recommend car hire for this trip but if you'd prefer not to, taxis into town are available for around $5-$6 each way.
Airport: Juan Santa Maria SJO
Programmes
Example Five Day Stay
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This five day riding itinerary is simply an example of what can be arranged for you at this destination. You can choose to do this itinerary, to create your own or simply to plan your rides with your hosts when you reach the destination. Rides are based on your experience, ability and desires, as well as taking into account the weather and tide conditions (so some flexibility is required). Spa treatments are available at an extra cost and other activities can be arranged for you nearby. These activities include snorkelling at Tortuga Island (a day trip), canopy (zip lining), deep sea fishing and many others. You can purchase lunches in the restaurant or travel into town to eat. When you ride in the mornings, your hosts will provide sandwiches and fruit on your return. Day 1: Depending on your arrival time, you will enjoy a welcome cocktail before meeting the horses and heading out for a one hour ride through the beautiful countryside which surrounds the finca. After this you are free to enjoy the lush gardens and pool before your three course candlelit dinner under the stars in the restaurant. Day 2: After breakfast you will ride through ranches, woods and pasture before arriving at some stunning views of the coastline, from Nicholas Weisberg Reserve to Cabo Blanco. Early morning is the bird and monkey feed times so there is often much to see. The ride heads to an escarpment above Playa Grande Beach and the total duration of the ride is around 2.5 hours. After your ride you will be served sandwiches and fresh fruit before relaxing by the pool or exploring the local area. Day 3: Today you will ride out to the Panica Waterfalls on a cow trail. You will head into the valley, crossing beautiful open ranch land with views to the Nicoya Mountains. Entering a private cattle farm there are a series of water falls in a rock gorge with five pools, the top pool of which is great for a refreshing swim or to jump into from a rope swing. Ride duration is approximately 3.5 - 4 hours. Day 4: After breakfast you ride out to Delicias, a quiet and typical Pueblo by the cliffs with wonderful views of the coastline and the cemetery island of Cabuya. Ending up at Playa los Cedros, you return along the coast by Montezuma to the lodge. Riding time is approximately 4 hours. Day 5: Today you ride down to Montezuma and along the world class beaches of Playa Montezuma, Playa Grande and down to Playa Cocalito, a beautiful white sand beach about 5kms east of Montezuma. At the end of Playa Cocalito you can visit the famous "El Chorro" Waterfall. Here you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the surf. Depending on the tides, this ride may be in the morning or the afternoon and the total duration is around 4 - 5 hours. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 5 |
| Ability description: | Beginner - Experienced |
| Type of ride: | Based trail rides |
| Total riding time: | 2 - 5 hours per day |
| Departure dates: | All year round except the Christmas period (December 21st - January 10th) |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |