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Montes de Oro Hacienda

Overview

Be enchanted by the golden beaches and tropical rainforests of Costa Rica from this new hacienda in the Punta Arenas area of the country, just west of the capital, San Jose. The hacienda is located on Montes de Oro (Mountain of Gold), where gold was once found (and can still be found in very sma…

Highlights

  • Ride through mountains with spectacular views
  • Experience cloud forest with unique flora and fauna
  • Marvel at orchids growing alongside the trails
  • Visit a gold mine and try to find your fortune
  • Help the gauchos with separating or moving the cattle

Essential Facts

  • 2 itineraries available
  • Max 5 riders per group
  • Average of 3 - 6 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 85 kg / 187 lbs / 13 st 5 lbs

Description

Be enchanted by the golden beaches and tropical rainforests of Costa Rica from this new hacienda in the Punta Arenas area of the country, just west of the capital, San Jose.

The hacienda is located on Montes de Oro (Mountain of Gold), where gold was once found (and can still be found in very small quantities). Your hosts have combined two neighbouring fincas to form the hacienda as it is today, with about 100 breeding cattle, three breeding bulls and c. 90 calves born each year. From high in the hills there are views across to the Pacific ocean, whilst the hacienda itself is home to three waterfalls and its own water springs.

Trails head out into the rainforests where you can look out for spectacular wildlife and glorious flora, such as orchids. Or you may wish to try your hand at cattle work, helping your guides to separate cattle for vaccinating, branding or checking (depending on the season). The cattle live in herds on the hacienda so sometimes it is necessary to move them between different pastures, using the horses to gently drive them along lanes and roads.

Non-riders are welcomed alongside riders, and different packages can be created which include activities, or you can simply relax and take each day as it comes.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Western saddles. Bridles are either hackamore (bitless), snaffle or shanked western bridles.

Horses

Quarter Horse

Riding

There are 2 itineraries:

  • Golden Hill Tour is a based ride
  • Hacienda Package is a based ride

Ages

10 years or older for riding, but younger children can visit as non-riders.

Health

No specific requirements

Weight

85 kg / 187 lbs / 13 st 5 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

Breakfast and dinner is included but you buy your lunch locally, either at a conveniently located cafe whilst out riding, or there are some cafes close enough to the hacienda.

Breakfast is typically Costa Rican or continental.
Dinner might include meat with potatoes and vegetables, or rice with chicken in a Caribbean sauce, or breaded chicken with almonds and cauliflower.

Soft drinks, beer and wine are included.

Vegetarian diets can be accommodated, but they cannot cope with vegan or gluten free diets.

Accommodation

You stay at the hacienda which has a total of 3 bungalows of different sizes.
The Pool house has a King bed and one bathroom.
The Ocean View house has two rooms, one with a king bed and the other with two twin beds - they share one bathroom.
The Ranch house has two rooms, one with a Queen bed and the other with two twin beds - they share one bathroom.

There is also a pool to relax besides. Each room has a fridge and coffee machine.

Itineraries

Golden Hill Tour Standard accommodation.

Hacienda Package Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Non-riders are welcome and there are lots of other activities on offer in the area (most an additional charge).

Waterfall Zip Line courses and High Rope courses are popular with energetic non-riders!

Travel

The closest airport is the international airport of San Jose. Liberia airport is only about 15-20 mins further away.

Transfers are included for the week-long packages, but for tailor-made, shorter stays, transfers are at an additional cost.

Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

On arrival you will be collected from the airport and transferred to the hacienda. Depending on your arrival time you can relax beside the pool before enjoying a BBQ with your hosts in the evening.

Day 2

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

After an initial assessment ride in the paddock where you can get to know your horse, set out on a panoramic ride with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and mountains. The hacienda is located at c. 750m above sea level with the ocean in front and the cloud forest behind

Day 3

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

Full day ride to the waterfall on the ranch. Set off uphill passing the grazing herds of cattle until reaching the mountain river Zamora. Dismount and walk on foot for about 20mins to reach the waterfall and its pool - here you can swim and relax whilst enjoying a packed lunch. Return to the hacienda in the afternoon.

Day 4

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

An early start this morning at c. 5am to experience the sunrise from horseback. The landscape comes alive with the rising sun as the birds and wildlife awaken. Breakfast is carried along in saddle bags to enjoy in the silence of nature.

Day 5

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Follow the Path of Orchids into the cloud forest with its unique flora and fauna - with a bit of luck you may spot a Quetzel (God's bird). Enjoy some canters over lush meadows to reach the jungle. The different trees and plants may remind you of a fairytale forest. Coyotes, coatis, possum and deer also live here, and as they are not hunted, they are not very shy so you may spot them. Stop at a local restaurant, which has kept its original character far from the tourist trail and enjoy their hospitality. Remount and continue riding to reach your destination for the day at the Cloud Forest Cafe. Overnight in bungalows.

Day 6

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

After Gallo Pinto - the typical Costa Rican breakfast, your take another ride into the cloud forest, where pumas, jaguars and ocelots reside but are rarely seen. Orchids grow on the wayside like buttercups do in Europe! There are incredible views of the mountains and Pacific Ocean on your journey back to the ranch.

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

Today is a rest day. You can go for a walk or just relax by the pool. It may also be possible to head to the beach (transfers payable locally).

Day 8

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

Visit to a gold mine where you learn about how gold is processed. The mountains here are called Monte de Oro (Golden Hills) and you may meet old miners who will happily talk about their time in the mines. Gold digging is exhausting and if you are lucky you may find a small piece.

Day 9

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you return to the airport for your flight home.

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You should be a competent rider who is capable in all paces across varied terrain.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 5
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2022 - Dec. 31, 2022

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2023

Pricing

2022
Sharing double/twin room		 £1675 $2060 €1950
2022 itinerary is one day shorter and doesn't include the overnight in the Cloud Forest bungalows.
2023
Sharing double/twin room		 £2045 $2515 €2390
Included 8 nights accommodation in shared rooms, 6 days of riding as per itinerary, half board meals (breakfast and dinner) including beer and wine, airport transfers.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, additional drinks, lunches, other activities, tips and personal expenses

Extras

2022 - Private Transfer £98 $120 €114
Paid to Far and Ride
For transfers outside of set times or during shorter stays (less than 7 nights). Cost is per way.
2022 - Single Supplement £146 $180 €171
Paid to Far and Ride
2023 - Single Supplement £154 $190 €180
Paid to Far and Ride
2023 - Small Group Supplement £154 $190 €180
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable to confirm the route for just one or two riders.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

On arrival you will be collected from the airport and transferred to the hacienda. Depending on your arrival time you can relax beside the pool before enjoying a BBQ with your hosts in the evening.

Days 2 to 7

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

The itinerary is completely flexible. Trail rides on offer include the Cloud Forest ride and Waterfall ride as described in the Golden Hill package, but you can also try you hand at moving the cattle to other pastures, learn about the ranch process and get involved in whatever cattle work is needed at that time of year. 

This is also a great option for groups which include Non Riders, as you can choose shorter rides and spend more time with your friends/family.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you return to the airport for your flight home.

Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

Capable riders who can walk, trot and canter will get more out of the experience, but more novice riders can be accommodated.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 5
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2022 - Dec. 31, 2022  (Dates available to suit, with flexible arrival and departure days.)

Pricing

2022
Rider, sharing		 £1615 $1990 €1885
2022
Non-rider, sharing		 £1290 $1590 €1510
Included 7 nights accommodation in shared rooms, 6 days of riding as per itinerary, half board meals (breakfast and dinner), airport transfers.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, drinks, lunches, other activities, tips and personal expenses

Extras

2022 - Single Supplement £146 $180 €171
Paid to Far and Ride
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.