Montes de Oro Hacienda, Costa Rica
Overview
Horses
Type of horses:
Quarter Horse
Nature of horses:
Very friendly, easy going and people focused.
Height of horses:
14.2 - 15.2hh
Weight limit:
85 kg / 13 stone 4 lbs
Tack type:
Western saddles. Bridles are either hackamore (bitless), snaffle or shanked western bridles.
Travel Advice
Please ensure you read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice before you travel.
Ride 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.
See Programmes.
Food & 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.
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.
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!
Skydiving and white water rafting is also possible (off-site) as are visits to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Further Details
Languages: Spanish, English and German
Health requirements: No specific requirements
Age limit: 10 years or older for riding, but younger children can visit as non-riders.
Tuition: No
Included: Accommodation, riding as per itinerary, half board meals, airport transfers on week-long programmes
Not included: Flights, insurance, drinks, lunch
Travel Information
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 an additional USD 120 each way.
Airport: Juan Santamaria International (San José)
Alternative Airport: Liberia
Programmes
Golden Hill Tour
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Discover the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica on horseback, from exotic jungles to mountainous landscapes reminiscent of Switzerland! Venture out in different directions each day, returning to your comfortable hacienda every night. Day One: 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 Two: 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 Three: 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 Four: 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 Five: 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). Coyotes, coatis, possum and deer also live here, and as they are not hunted, they are not very shy so you may spot them. Day Six: 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! Ride to one of the most beautiful fincas in the area where cattle are bred in harmony with the cloud forest - your guides will explain how they do this. Some fabulous canters through lush meadows today to reach the forest. Day Seven: 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 Eight: After breakfast you return to the airport for your flight home. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 5 |
| Ability description: | You should be a competent rider who is capable in all paces across varied terrain. |
| Type of ride: | Centre based trails |
| Total riding time: | 8 days / 7 nights / 6 days riding (3-6 hours per day) |
| Departure dates: | Open all year. Arrive/depart any day. |
| Pricing: |
2019: £1587 per person sharing £139 single room supplement 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. |
Hacienda Package
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This stay on the hacienda is ideal for those who want a more relaxed stay. A horse is available every day for you to ride, but you can also opt to do other activities and ride less if you prefer. 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. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 5 |
| Ability description: | Capable riders who can walk, trot and canter will get more out of the experience, but more novice riders can be accommodated. |
| Type of ride: | Centre based |
| Total riding time: | 8 days / 7 nights / 6 riding days (3-6 hours per day) |
| Departure dates: | Open all year. Arrive/depart any day. |
| Pricing: |
2019: Riders: £1533 per person sharing Non-Riders: £1226 per person sharing Single room supplement: £139 50% discount for children aged 6-12 years 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. |