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Overview

Costa Rica's diverse and contrasting landscapes are perfect for exploring from horseback - misty cloud forests, active rainforests, dry savannahs, tropical mangrove swamps and beautiful coastlines. Whilst riding you can also witness the exhilarating and diverse wildlife which includes iguanas, croc…

Highlights

  • The glorious flora and fauna of tropical Costa Rica
  • Discover authentic, rural communities and landscapes
  • Many of the horses are ridden in bitless bridles
  • Some itineraries include wonderful beach canters
  • One itinerary is suitable for all abilities & non-rider

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • £1315 $1785 €1560 - £1470 $1995 €1745 per person
  • Max 12 riders per group
  • Average of 4 - 5 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 80kg / 176 lbs / 12 st 8 lbs for Coast to Coast ride; 110 kg / 242 lbs / 17 stone 4 lbs for Rainforest Adventure and Wilderness Eco Safari, however riders over 95 kg should check before booking to ensure suitable horses are still available

Description

Costa Rica's diverse and contrasting landscapes are perfect for exploring from horseback - misty cloud forests, active rainforests, dry savannahs, tropical mangrove swamps and beautiful coastlines. Whilst riding you can also witness the exhilarating and diverse wildlife which includes iguanas, crocodiles, numerous butterflies, egrets, toucans, macaws, sloths, howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys.

Our partners have been running horse riding tours since 1996 when the cattle farming and dairy businesses started to struggle and they diversified into offering riding holidays which support local farms and businesses. They have a number of different itineraries to suit all budgets and riders - from luxury in the wilderness to roughing it with a pioneering and adventurous spirit.

Rides are usually of slow to moderate pace to take account of the terrain however there are good canters where appropriate. You usually ride early and late to avoid the heat around the middle of the day.

There are two well marked seasons : the dry season from Mid December through to April, and the green season when it rains more, which lasts from May through to November (although July and August has less rainfall in this area). You will normally experience sunny mornings following by some rain in the afternoons/evenings, although days without any rain are also possible. During the driest months (Feb-Apr) the landscape will be less lush, more open and easier for spotting wildlife and orchids. In the rainy season, temperatures are cooler, the landscape is greener and offers more of a jungle experience.

Horses & Riding

Tack

You ride in McLellan style stock saddles or modified Western saddles which are comfortable for long hours in the saddle. Both open and covered stirrups are used.

Most of the horses are ridden in Jaquima bridles, which have a 'bosal' - a type of bitless bridle made of leather and rope. All the horses are trained to this system and respond to neck-reining. One or two wear bits. You will be introduced to the style of riding on your first ride.

Horses

Costa Rican Criollo's or mixed breeds.

Costa Rica's Criollo's originate from small horses that were brought to Costa Rica by the Spanish explorers in the 16th century. These have been crossed with more imported breeds such as Andalusians, Peruvian Paso's, Quarter horses, Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Morgans to produce a remarkably calm, sure-footed, strong and agile horse.

All of the horses have been hand selected for their placid, obedient nature and easy-to-ride style. They range from 14 - 16 hands.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Rainforest Adventure Ride is a based ride

Ages

Children over 12 years of age can join the trails if they are capable riders. Younger children can join the Rainforest Adventure as part of a private group.

Health

General good health

Weight

80kg / 176 lbs / 12 st 8 lbs for Coast to Coast ride; 110 kg / 242 lbs / 17 stone 4 lbs for Rainforest Adventure and Wilderness Eco Safari, however riders over 95 kg should check before booking to ensure suitable horses are still available

Food & Accommodation

Food

Costa Rican food is based on the wide variety of fruits and vegetables on offer and staples are rice, beans and cron tortillas. Costa Rican food is generally milder than that of its neighbouring countries and chillies are used more sparingly. Tuber such as sweet potatoes and cassava (known as yucca) are frequent accompaniments as well as plantains (like large bananas which need cooking before eating). Poultry, fish, beef and pork are also commonly used.

Breakfasts usually include eggs, tortillas, sour cream, coffee and fresh fruit juice. Some restaurants will offer more international options.

Lunches are typically 'casado" which is a mixture of rice and beans with one choice of meat, salad and fried plantain.

Dinners are varied. Fish and seafood is excellent and always fresh, as are the fruits and vegetables.

Special diets such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten free can be accommodated with advance notice.

Accommodation

Accommodations vary depending on the trail option you have chosen.

Generally speaking the accommodation in rural Costa Rica is quite basic but clean and comfortable. On the trails you sometimes stay in quite remote locations and accommodation options are limited - single rooms are not always possible on the trails

On the Rainforest Adventure ride and the first few days of the Coast to Coast there is a choice of two different accommodations - a comfortable eco-lodge hotel with private bathrooms, air conditioning, plunge pool, restaurant and WiFi (Cerro Lodge) or small dome-style bungalows with private bathrooms but no internet and suitable for those who prefer a more isolation location close to the horses.

Itineraries

Rainforest Adventure Ride Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

The Rainforest Adventure Itinerary includes some wonderful non-riding activities as well as riding days - zip lining, river boat tours and ocean kayaking with snorkelling. Non-riders can be accepted onto this ride.

On the whole, Costa Rica offers fantastic bird watching and general wildlife viewing opportunities.

Travel

The closest airport is the main international Juan Santamaria in San Jose.

Airport transfers are included in the packages and your first and last night is always in a San Jose hotel so there are no set times for arrival/departure.

Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will be met on arrival at Juan Santamaria International airport in San Jose and transferred to your hotel to overnight. Dinner is not included this evening.

Day 2

Riding: 3 hours

After breakfast, at c. 8.30am, you are transferred to the stables which is a journey of about 1.5 hours. On arrival you are introduced to your guide, your horse, the ranch and its facilities and given the chance to acquaint yourself with the Costa Rican tack and riding style. Set off on your first ride along rolling hills and meadows and into the Gallery Forest alongside the Cuarros river - an excellent spot for wildlife encounters. Meander across the river following a country lane and passing farmland and rural homes.

After returning to the stables, you are transferred to your hotel to check-in and relax.

Day 3

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Todays ride takes you to the Machuca River basin, passing Cascajal village and heading into the area where this river canyon broadens onto the plains. Head towards the Jesus Maria River basin and explore the plains and forests along the Machuca River Canyon, where the land is very fertile and most commonly used to cultivate melons. End the ride at a nearby hacienda and transfer back to your hotel.

Day 4

Riding: No riding.

Today you will have a break from riding and experience some of Costa Rica's best tropical adventures. Starting with a two hour Crocodile Boat Safari on the Tarcoles river which is home to one of the largest colonies of crocodiles in Costa Rica. The area where the river merges with the Guacalillo estuary and then the ocean is one of the best locations for viewing endangered birds such as the Mangrove Cuckoo, Mangrove Hummingbird, Mangrove Vireo and Panama Flycatcher. Other water birds are also commonly encountered such as herons, pelicans, egrets etc. (NB. The timing of this activity is scheduled to coincide with high tide).

Follow your boat safari with a forest canopy adventure on an Aerial Tram Tour. Featuring 18 gondolas with a capacity of 9 passengers plus a naturalist guide in each one, you'll tour the rich canopy of the rainforest. The transitional tropical rainforest to home to more than 50 species of native birds and an enormous amount of flora and fauna. You can also visit the Heliconias Gallery, Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Garden and Snake Exhibition in the middle of the forest.

Finally, you are invited to glide over the treetops on an exciting Zip Line Tour. Including 15 platforms and 10 cables covering a total distance of 1503m you can experience a unique view of Costa Rica's nature. You'll be accompanied by a naturalist guide who will point out the secrets of the rainforest around you.

Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and to overnight.

Day 5

Riding: 3 - 5 hours

Back in the saddle today for a ride into the centre of the rural communities where you can visit and meet with the communities that have helped to host you this week. Nothing is 'staged' and what occurs is the natural exchange between people. On your way you'll pass through Santa Rita village, travel along old railway tracks which are now overgrown and returning to nature before finally arriving in La Ceiba town. Stop at a local venue for a short break and a drink John Wayne style!

Day 6

Riding: 5 hours

Your final ride takes you on a splendid journey following a route which was first used by the Spaniards as they began exploring and settling along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica nearly 500 years ago. Sights to be experienced include rivers, jungles, Gallery Forests and by following a rural road, Tivives Crag (which before a landslip into the sea was formerly known as the Port of Landecho). From here you have unforgettable views of the Pacific - this historic site was where the Spaniards first started their conquest of the Central Pacific in the late 16th century. Return to your hotel for dinner.

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

Todays non-riding day takes you to Punta Aguias only 20mins from Jaco Beach for an ocean kayaking experience. After a brief introduction and demonstration you will paddle on kayaks or Hawaiian style outrigger canoes past spectacular cliffs filled with frigate birds and pelicans, finally landing on a small barrier island in Playa Limoncito. Here you will have the chance to snorkle and view the spectacular sea-life in the warm Pacific waters. The beach is in a sheltered cove with a nearby coral reef with a variety of marine life. Enjoy a fresh fruit buffet before kayaking back to Playa Aguias. (NB. Snorkelling is from the beach rather than a boat so accessible to all, but also optional. Visibility depends on local conditions).

Later you'll be transferred back to San Jose. Dinner is not included tonight.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

Morning at your leisure and then you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Accommodation

The first and last night is in a San Jose hotel which will be mid-range with a private bathroom.

During the ride there are two accommodation options:
1. Los Domos - dome style bungalows walking distance to horses but rustic with no internet - there is a plunge pool.
2. Cerro Lodge - comfortable hotel near the stables and are transferred to the horses each day. Rooms at the hotel have either mountain or garden views and private bathrooms. There is an outdoor pool and sun terrace, an onsite restaurant and free WiFi.
Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

All abilities can be accommodated. Beginners can be taken steadily whilst more experienced riders can canter where the terrain is suitable. Many of the trails are rocky and narrow and not suitable for a fast pace - the emphasis being on exploring the rainforest and environment - but there are canters on the beaches and some of the open grasslands.
Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 12
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025  (Flexible departures available on request)

Pricing

2025
Rider (Los Domos), sharing		 £1315 $1785 €1560
2025
Rider (Cerro Lodge), sharing		 £1470 $1995 €1745
Included 7 nights accommodation, all meals from breakfast on day two to breakfast on day eight (except dinner on the final night in San Jose), San Jose airport transfers, 4 days riding, non-riding activities as described, drinking water (1 litre per person each day), sales tax and restaurant service charges.
Not included Flights, insurance, drinks, dinner on the two nights in San Jose, personal expenses, departure taxes, tips.

Extras

2025 - Single Supplement (Cerro Lodge) £365 $495 €430 per person
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by anyone in a single room
2025 - Single Supplement (Los Domos) £310 $425 €370 per person
Paid to Far and Ride
Payable by anyone in a single room
2025 - Sole Rider Supplement (Cerro Lodge) £920 $1250 €1095 per person
Paid to Far and Ride
Confirms the ride for one person but does not guarantee a private ride - as soon as other people join, this will be refunded. Single Supplement must be paid in addition to the Sole Rider Supplement.
2025 - Child Discount (11 years or under) US$ 225 discount for children sharing with two adults
2025 - Non-Rider discount US$ 485 discount for non-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.