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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 mined (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

  • 4 itineraries available
  • Max 5 riders per group
  • Average of 3 - 5 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 mined (and can still be found in very small quantities). Your hosts have combined two neighbouring farms to form the hacienda as it is today. From high in the hills there are views across to the Pacific Ocean to the front of the property and the Cloud forest behind. The hacienda property has three waterfalls and its own water springs for guests to enjoy!

The trail rides will head out across the meadows and into the rainforests which surround the property, allowing guests to look out for spectacular wildlife such as howler monkeys and birds, as well as unique and glorious flora, including a host of beautiful orchids. You may wish to try your hand at cattle work, helping your guides to round up the 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.

The programmes can be tailored to include trips to the cloud forest, the Arenal Volcano national park or the Pacific Ocean for whale watching boat tours and turtle spotting too. Non-riders are welcome to join alongside riders, and different packages can be created which include non-riding activities for them too, or they 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 4 itineraries:

  • Golden Hill Tour is a based ride
  • Hacienda Package is a based ride
  • Whales, Cloud Forest and Riding Tour is a based ride
  • Volcano, Beach and Riding Tour 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.

Whales, Cloud Forest and Riding Tour Standard accommodation.

Volcano, Beach and Riding Tour 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. On hot days you can take the horses to the river to cool off after riding.

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: 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, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2023

Pricing

2023
Sharing double/twin room		 £1905 $2320 €2190
Included 7 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

2023 - Single Supplement £157 $191 €180
Paid to Far and Ride
2023 - Small Group Supplement £157 $191 €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.

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. On hot days you can take the horses to the river to cool off after riding.

Day 3

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

Todays ride takes you around the hacienda whilst your guides explain the processes involved in driving cattle. The cows and calves are checked for injuries and newborns are examined. Sometimes, in difficult situations, your guides may have to assist with birthing the calves (depending on season).

Day 4

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

Cattle work varies depending on the season as to what needs to be done. You may be rounding up the cattle to vaccinate the adults, or for pregnancy testing or branding. You may also be required to assist with separating the young cattle from their mothers for weaning (at around 8-10 months of age), or in moving cattle from one pasture to another. No two days are the same!

Day 5

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 6

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 7

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

Another day with the cattle, driving them from one pasture to another. The pace is slow and calm and disciplined as part of the route is along a public gravel road and you cannot risk the cattle picking up speed.

Day 8

Riding: 3 - 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. Ride onto one of the most beautiful fincas in the area where cattle are bred alongside protected cloud forest - they will show you how they manage this. After a few canters across open meadows you reach the jungle where the lush green trees are covered with epiphytes which mean even the dead trees still look alive. This is a fairytale forest - the cloud forest only occurs at high altitude in tropical or subtropical mountains.

Day 9

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

Ride out to a gold ore processing plant to learn about how gold is mined and processed. The mountains here are called Monte de Oro (Mountains of Gold) and there are still gold prospectors here. Prospecting is hard word with no guarantee of any profit, but the activity will be explained to you and, with a bit of luck, you may find a small nugget. Afterwards, head to the waterfall for a refreshing swim.

Day 10

Riding: No riding.

Depart after breakfast.

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, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2023  (Dates available to suit, with flexible arrival and departure days.)

Pricing

2023
Rider, sharing		 £2080 $2530 €2390
Included 9 nights accommodation in shared rooms, 7 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

2023 - Single Supplement £148 $180 €170
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.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be transferred from Juan Santa Maria airport to the hacienda - a journey of about 2 hours. Upon arrival, you'll be offered a small snack and a non-alcoholic welcome cocktail. Relax in the hacienda garden filled with butterflies, hummingbirds and the sounds of howler monkeys and enjoy the swimming pool.

Day 2

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

After a ride briefing and assessment, you'll be able to meet your horse. A short ride around the arena will allow you a moment to check you're happy together before you set off on your first ride to sample the panoramic views of the Pacific Coast and mountains. The hacienda is located at about 750m with the ocean in front and the cloud forest behind. When it's hot you can take the horses down to the river to cool off after riding.

Day 3

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Today you will ride to the hacienda's own waterfall. Pass through herds of grazing cattle to reach the mountain river Zamora. Follow the river for about 20 minutes to reach the waterfall with its own natural plunge pool. Here you can swim and enjoy a tasty packed lunch before returning in the afternoon.

Day 4

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast this morning, you will take a transfer to Manuel Antonio - one of the most famous national parks in Costa Rica. Here you have the chance to see sloths and howler monkeys as well as many unique Costa Rican birds and plants as well. Afterwards, you will continue your journey heading to one of the most beautiful beaches on the Pacific coast. Later in the afternoon, you'll reach your hotel in Uvita where you will spend the night.

Day 5

Riding: No riding.

Early breakfast will allow you to be ready in time to join a whale-watching tour which starts at 08:30 am today! Humpback whales migrate to Bahia de Ballena every year to give birth to their calves. With luck, you may even see some of them breach out of the water, look out for their characteristic jump backs and finned tails.

After your tour you will transfer back to the hacienda, stopping to watch the sunset with cocktails at the 5-star hotel Villa Caletas. (Total transfer time c. 3.5 hours).

Day 6

Riding: No riding.

Today will be a rest day at the hacienda. You can take a walk, enjoy the pool, ask for an additional horseback ride or even visit a beautiful waterfall in the village about 4km away (additional activities and required transfers are payable locally).

Day 7

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Today you have the option to experience a day of working with the cattle at the Hacienda. You can be as involved or not as you wish and the types of tasks you can do will depend on whatever needs to be done that day. Perhaps you might help to round up the cattle in the fields or help the team to collect the cows to be vaccinated or branded.

Day 8

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Today you will enjoy an adventurous ride into the cloud forest where you might have the chance to spot resident pumas, jaguars and ocelots. They live wild in these forests but are shy and reserved animals that are rarely seen - but keep a lookout for their tracks! You will ride to one of the most beautiful Finca (tourist farms) in the area, where the raising of cattle works alongside the protection of the cloud forest. You might enjoy a short canter over lush meadows, to reach the jungle. The epiphytes and orchids that hang from the trees will make it seem like a fairytale forest. Stop at a local restaurant, which is typical and very rustic, for lunch. Continue your ride to the Cloud Forest Cafe where you will spend the night in bungalows.

Day 9

Riding: 2 hours

After a typical Costa Rican breakfast of "Gallo Pinto" - a traditional dish consisting of rice and beans, often flavoured with garlic and spices. During the day you will ride back through the cloud forest to the hacienda. The afternoon is then yours at leisure!

Day 10

Riding: No riding.

Departure after breakfast.

Accommodation

7 nights at the hacienda, one night at a hotel in Manuel Antonio, one night in a bungalow in the cloud forest.
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, 2023 - March 31, 2023

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

Pricing

2023
Sharing		 £3470 $4225 €3990
Included 9 nights accommodation in double/twin rooms, half board meals (breakfast and dinner), beer and wine with dinners, riding and activities as described and airport transfers.
Not included Flights, insurance, personal travel insurance, optional additional activities, additional drinks, lunches, tips and other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Single Supplement £157 $191 €180
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.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be collected from Juan Santa Maria airport to the hacienda - a journey of about 2 hours. Upon arrival, you'll be offered a small snack and a non-alcoholic welcome cocktail. Relax in the hacienda garden filled with butterflies, hummingbirds and the sounds of howler monkeys and enjoy the swimming pool.

Day 2

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

After an initial assessment ride in the arena, where you can get to know your horse and make sure you are happy together, you will 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 out in front and the cloud forest sitting behind. On hot days you might like to take the horses down to the river to cool off after riding.

Day 3

Riding: 4 - 6 hours

Today you will enjoy a full-day ride to the waterfall on the hacienda. You will set off uphill, passing the grazing herds of cattle, until you reach the mountain river Zamora. Dismount and walk on foot for about 20mins to reach the waterfall and its natural plunge pool. Here you can swim and relax whilst enjoying a tasty packed lunch. Return to the hacienda in the afternoon.

Day 4

Riding: No riding.

A non-riding day as you head to the Arenal volcano national park. Arenal is one of five active volcanoes located in Costa Rica. On arrival, you can hike or bathe in the hot springs and roam through the rainforest. You will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in the national park and if you are lucky, you may see the light of the lava from deep within the volcano at night.

Day 5

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast today, you will head to a waterfall which cascades down from a height of about 40m. Continue around the reservoir of Arenal before heading to the Rio Celeste which is a sky-blue river in the middle of the rainforest. In the afternoon you will transfer back to the hacienda, a journey of c. 3.5 hours.

Day 6

Riding: No riding.

Today will be a rest day at the hacienda. You can take a walk or enjoy the swimming pool. It might also be possible to book an additional ride or take a transfer to a waterfall in a nearby village c. 4 km away (all payable locally).

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

Beach time! Today you will head to Playa Manta, one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Enjoy the Caribbean vibe and the "Pura Vida" - the pure life. At sunset, you stop at the 5-star hotel Villa Caletas to enjoy a cocktail and a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

Day 8

Riding: 3 - 6 hours

Today you will enjoy an adventurous ride into the cloud forest where you might have the chance to spot resident pumas, jaguars and ocelots. They live wild in these forests but are shy and reserved animals that are rarely seen - but keep a lookout for their tracks! You will ride to one of the most beautiful Finca (tourist farms) in the area, where the raising of cattle works alongside the protection of the cloud forest. You might enjoy a short canter over lush meadows, to reach the jungle. The epiphytes and orchids that hang from the trees will make it seem like a fairytale forest. Stop at a local restaurant, which is typical and very rustic, for lunch. Continue your ride to the Cloud Forest Cafe where you will spend the night in bungalows.

Day 9

Riding: 2 hours

After a typical Costa Rican breakfast of Gallo Pinto - a traditional dish consisting of rice and beans - you will ride back through the cloud forest to the hacienda. The afternoon will be at your leisure.

Day 10

Riding: No riding.

Departure after breakfast.

Accommodation

7 nights at the hacienda, one night in a hotel near Arenal and one night in a bungalow in the cloud forest.
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, 2023 - Dec. 31, 2023

Pricing

2023
Sharing		 £3470 $4225 €3990
Included 9 nights accommodation in twin/double rooms, half board meals (breakfast and dinner), beer and wine with dinners, 4 days riding, activities as described and airport transfers.
Not included Flights, personal travel insurance, additional drinks, lunches, additional activities, tips and other personal expenses.

Extras

2023 - Single Supplement £157 $191 €180
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.