Day 1
Riding: No riding.
Arrive at Juan Santamaria airport where you will be met and transferred to a hotel in San Jose. Dinner is not included tonight.
Day 2
Riding: 3 hours
After breakfast, at c. 8.30am, you'll be collected and transferred to the first stables which are located along the Trinidad river in the dry central pacific region. After horse assignment you'll set out across rolling hills and meadows into the Gallery forest alongside the Cuarros river - an excellent spot for wildlife encounters. Meander across the river following a country lane which passes through farm land and rural homes until reaching your overnight accommodation. You'll stay three nights here to experience typical Costa Rican life. Bathrooms may be shared.
Day 3
Riding: 5 - 6 hours
Todays ride takes you to the Pacific coast following country lanes and an old ranch trail which leads to Tivives Crag. From this spot the Spaniards first started their conquest of the Central Pacific around 1561! Ride across the Cascajalillo Mangrove swamps and along the coast. Depending on tide times lunch will either be served at a local cafe or as a picnic on the beach. Depending on tides you'll then remount and climb towards Cuevas Crag, enjoying unique views of the Pacific ocean, or alternatively ride along the shoreline towards Guacalillo beach before returning to your lodge.
Day 4
Riding: 3 - 6 hours
Today you'll explore the 1000 acre private reserve of La Mariana estate, riding through rolling hills and savannahs towards the Transitional-Dry forest and lush Gallery forest. The terrain is picturesque and predominantly flat with gentle slopes and forested valleys. As you ride over the higher areas you'll gain excellent views of the Pacific ocean and perhaps spot some local wildlife too. Return to the hacienda for lunch. In the afternoon there's an optional ride to the southern areas with some gentle hill climbs to reach an ocean-view sunset point.
Day 5
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
Your final ride in the central pacific region takes you to the Machuca River basin, passing Cascajal village and reaching the point where the river canyon broadens onto the plains. Heading towards the Jesus Maria River basin you explore the plains and forested valleys along the Machuca river canyon where the land is very fertile and used to cultivate melons.
In the afternoon you transfer c. 3.5 hours by vehicle to the northern region, home of Arenal volcano which last erupted in 1968 and remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Overnight in Arenal.
Day 6
Riding: 2 - 3 hours
This morning you take a ride through the Arenal countryside. Ascend a mountain and traverse both rainforest and cattle fields, stopping at a beautiful lagoon where the horses can take a drink and you can dismount and stretch your legs. Continue to a lookout point with marvellous views of Arenal volcano. This trail mainly crosses private land and was originally used by Don Tobias, a well-known horse breeder in the area.
In the afternoon, take a guided visit to Arenal volcano with free time to enjoy the hot springs and gardens. These thermo-mineral waters are claimed to have healing powers so should ease those aching muscles! Spend a second night in Arenal.
Day 7
Riding: 3 - 4 hours
An early start this morning as you'll be collected at c. 6am for a 5 hour shuttle (shared) transfer to the Caribbean coast. After checking into your room you have some free time to relax and unwind.
At c. 2.30pm you meet your new local horse guide and new horse for a short ride along a jungle trail and then onto the coast. A stop for swimming and resting on the beach is usually possible. Overnight in Cahuita.
Day 8
Riding: 4 - 5 hours
Take a short walk to the stables and then ride out over scenic Playa Negra (black beach), then partway over the village road towards Playa Grande (long beach) - a quiet, secluded and deserted Caribbean beac ideal for some brisk canters. Enter a tropical forest where your guide will point out local flora and fauna - with luck you'll spot howler monkeys, sloths and a variety of exotic birds including toucans. Your guide may even show you how to open coconuts with a machete! As you return to the stables there are more opportunities for canters.
Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant and the afternoon is at leisure to take any local excursions or perhaps hire a bike or surf board (extra cost, payable locally).
Day 9
Riding: 3 - 4 hours
This morning's ride takes you along the beach and then up a mountain trail through local farmland to reach the trailhead. Dismount and walk on foot for 50mins following a forest trail to the secluded and enchanting waterfall where you can swim and enjoy a picnic lunch. Hike back to the horses and ride back to the stables in time for a refreshing shower.
Transfer by shuttle (shared) back to San Jose (c. 3.5 hrs) for your final night in a hotel. Dinner is not included this evening.
Day 10
Riding: No riding.
Transfer to Santamarie airport for your flight home.
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.