All holiday transfers begin and end at San Jose International Airport.
Guests are usually transferred to comfortable hotels for an overnight before a morning transfer to begin the riding adventure.

Costa Rican enjoy very healthy meals, most of the ingredients products of the local farms. Bananas or plantains, rice and beans, salads, fresh fruits of many persuasions, vegetables accompany nearly every meal. The food is seasoned with herbs grown in the area. It is not hot and spicy, nor is it difficult to take. If you look at our photo section you will catch the flavor and hopefully the aroma of Costa Rican cooking. All public hotels, inns or lodges have en suite facilities, fan or air conditioning, a comfortable bed, clean, well cared for property. Our ranch house has four bedrooms with two shared bathrooms.

Presentation & Build-up ride (Approx. 3 hours in the saddle)

Coastal Ride (Approx. 5-6 hours in the saddle)
Today’s ride will take you to the Pacific coast following country lanes and an old ranch trail which lead to Tivives Crag. The Spaniards first started their conquest of the Central Pacific around 1561 right from this very spot! Ride across the Cascajalillo Mangrove Swamps and along the coast. Depending on tide times, lunch will be served at a local café or as a picnic on the beach or back at Maravilla. Again, depending on the tide you climb on horseback towards Cuevas Crag, enjoying unique views of the Pacific Ocean or alternatively, ride along the shoreline towards Guacalillo beach. Follow a country lane back to hacienda Maravilla. Meals included: B, L & D. (BG) (LG)

Mariana Estate & Countryside (Approx. 3-6 hours in the saddle)

Machuca River Canyon Ride (Approx. 4-5 hours in the saddle)
Your final ride in the Central Pacific will take you to the Machuca River basin, passing Cascajal village, you will ride into the area where this river canyon broadens onto the plains. Heading towards the Jesús María River basin, allowing exploration of the plains and forested valleys along the Machuca River Canyon, where the land is very fertile and most commonly used to cultivate melons. Afternoon you will take a 3 1/2-hour transfer to the Northern Region home to Arenal Volcano which last erupted in 1968 and remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Overnight in Arenal. Meals Included: B, PL, D. (BG)

Thermo-mineral Hot-water springs & Transfer to Monteverde across Arenal Lake
Today is a relaxing day to explore Arenal. If the weather is clear, you may wish to join a walk to the summit of the volcano. Enjoy free time at the beautiful Arenal hot water springs and gardens - an excellent complementation to your riding adventure! These thermo-mineral waters, which people some claim to have healing powers, will help you to leave feeling relaxed! In the afternoon you have a boat ride across Arenal lake and transfer by vehicle to Monteverde, enjoying a scenic drive up on the Tilaran Mountain Range following an old road originally used by farmers and passing the Continental Division line - a location where the arid Pacific area greets the humid Cloud Forests. Monteverde area encompasses six differing ecological life zones and is situated where moist air blown in from the warm Pacific coast precipitates as a perpetual mist. These vastly contrasting locations are easily observed through the differing types of vegetation that will be visible as you start ascending. Meals Included: B, L & D. (EG & LG)

Important note - The following day description applies to riders booked on a ride running between Aug 1st to Nov 30th, 2007 and the visit to Ecotermales Hot-water Springs will be included in the evening of Day 5 as outlined the 2006-2007 itinerary description: “Today’s 3-hour ride takes you on a journey towards the basin of the Arenal Volcano. You ride from Arenal Springs to the Los Lagos Lookout Point and then onto the neighbouring properties near the Arenal National Park. As you ride there are wonderful views of the Northern Mountain range and depending on visibility (good weather permitting) it may also be possible to see the Lake of Nicaragua.
This look out point is one of the closest safe points from which to see the lava flow and rocks coming out of the crater. A canyon and lake is the dividing line between the lookout point and the volcano. In the afternoon you have a boat ride across Arenal lake and transfer by vehicle to Monteverde, enjoying a scenic drive up on the Tilarán Mountain Range following an old road originally used by farmers and passing the Continental Division line - a location where the arid Pacific area greets the humid Cloud Forests. Monteverde area encompasses six differing ecological life zones and is situated where moist air blown in from the warm Pacific coast precipitates as a perpetual mist. These vastly contrasting locations are easily observed through the differing types of vegetation that will be visible as you start ascending. Meals Included: B, L & D. (EG & LG)

Cloud Forest Hanging Bridges & Exploratory Ride at Ensenada (Approx. 3 hours in the saddle)

Ensenada Lodge (Salinas & Miradores Rides) (Approx. 5 hours in the saddle)

Ensenada Lodge (Farms and Rural land trail) (Approx. 4-5 hours in the saddle)
This morning you take a further exploration of area, following a completely different route covering a wide range of terrain and countryside scenes - It starts bordering the coast line on the trails that skirt the mountain slopes that meet the Pacific Ocean towards the Eastern side of the Hacienda. Then continues on a rural road visiting the rural community of Manzanillo where life is rustic and simple and will give us get a better feel about the real rural Costa Rica. Then we will enter a sister property of Ensenada crossing the Cañamazo river and continuing on farm trails through reforestation plantations of Teakwood and Melina trees. Later on, you will cross Congo River and head back to the lodge crossing Abangares River and stopping at a local town for a drink. The ride back to Ensenda will provide a great opportunity to do some cantering! You will get back in time for lunch. Afternoon transfers to your San Jose Hotel (2 1/2 hours) for your last night stay in Costa Rica.  Depending on the time you leave to San Jose, your guide could arrange a visit to the Artisan's Town of Sarchi which is en route. This picturesque village is considered the cradle of wood crafting and decorating in Costa Rica, particularly known for its production of colorful ox-carts. The custom of painting decorations on the carts was begun in Sarchí around the turn of the century. Meals Included: B & L. (EG & LG)

Departure / Flight Home.
Morning at your leisure and then transferred into the Airport in time for your flight and we say our farewells. Meals included:  B (TG)

Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, where you will be met by one of our representatives at the ramp, assisted and transferred to San Jose Hotel for an overnight stay. (TF)

Morning transfer to Cien Fuegos Eco-Ranch & Stables - the starting point of your riding adventure. The ranch is located in La Trinidad de Orotina on the Dry Central Pacific Region which offers one of Costa Rica’s most unspoiled and idyllic riding areas. On arrival you will be introduced to your riding horse, the ranch and its facilities, guides and an opportunity for you to fully acquaint yourself with tack and Costa Rican riding style. After horse assignment, we will head towards Hacienda La Maravilla, riding along rolling hills and meadows into the Gallery Forest alongside the Cuarros River – an excellent spot for wildlife encounters! We meander across the river following a country lane passing en route farmland, rural homes and finally arriving at the hacienda grounds. Today will be an introductory period to go over and share riding and safety issues, prior to being ‘let loose’ in the tropics! Meals: B, L, D. (BG) (LG) (2-3 hours riding)

Life at Maravilla Hacienda is friendly, relaxed and informal, get up at dawn and coffee and other drinks will be available to quietly welcome in the day. Even join in the morning milking if you have the mind to. After a hearty Costa Rican breakfast, you will saddle up following a trail across the northern part of the hacienda near Cuarros River, the terrain is picturesque, predominantly flat with gentle slopes and forested valleys. Back at the hacienda in time for lunch and relax, followed later during the afternoon, by a further 2/3 hour discovery ride near Cuarros River, which will provide further opportunities for wildlife and nature discovery.
Meals included: B, L & D. (BG) (LG) (5-6 hours riding)

Today’s rides take 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, Mangrove Swamps and Estuaries where migratory water birds are found (Egrets, Herons, Pelicans, etc.) And by following a rural lane we arrive at Tivives Crag, (which before a land slip into the sea was formerly known as the Port of Landecho). From here you have unforgettable views of the Pacific. Indeed, from this historic site the Spaniards first started their conquest of the Central Pacific in the late 16th century.  With a really satisfying day’s riding safely behind you, there will be plenty to talk and share over dinner and well beyond. Meals Included: B, L & D. (EG & LG) (BG) (LG) (5-6 hours riding)

Your final ride will take you to the Machuca River basin, passing Cascajal village, you will ride into the area where this river canyon broadens onto the plains. Heading towards the Jesús María River basin, allowing exploration of the plains and forested valleys along the Machuca River Canyon, where the land is very fertile and most commonly used to cultivate melons. Meals Included: B, PL. (BG) (LG) (3-4 hours riding) Note: Departure flights which leave San Jose earlier than 12:00 Noon prohibit a reasonable transfer timing, and therefore they would spend this night at a San Jose Hotel and not as originally arranged (at Marvilla).

Morning at your leisure and transfer to the Airport in time for your flight and our farewells. ($26 dollar departure tax is payable at the airport) Meals included: B. (TF)

Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, where you will be met by one of our representatives at the ramp, assisted and transferred to San Jose Hotel for an overnight stay.

Morning transfer to Cien Fuegos Eco-Ranch & Stables, located along the Trinidad river in the Dry Central Pacific Region, the starting point of your riding adventure. On arrival you will be introduced to your riding horse, the ranch and its facilities, guides and an opportunity for you to fully acquaint yourself with tack and Costa Rican riding style. After horse assignment, we will head towards Hacienda La Maravilla, riding along rolling hills and meadows into the Gallery Forest alongside the Cuarros River – an excellent spot for wildlife encounters! We meander across the river following a country lane passing en route farmland, rural homes and finally arriving at the hacienda grounds. Meals: B, L, D. (BG) (LG)
NONRIDING ACITIVITIES: Afternoon Hike.

Life at Maravilla Hacienda is friendly, relaxed and informal, get up at dawn and coffee and other drinks will be available to quietly welcome in the day. Even join in the morning milking if you have the mind to. This afternoon your guide will lead a 3 hours trail ride across the northern part of the hacienda near Cuarros River, the terrain is picturesque, predominantly flat with gentle slopes and forested valleys. (You will discover more wildlife here too) Meals included: B, L & D. (BG) (LG)

NONRIDING ACITIVITIES: CROCODILE BOAT SAFARI – See detail description below

Today’s rides take you on a splendid journey (approximately 5 hours riding), 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 land slip into the sea was formerly known as the Port of Landecho). From here you have unforgettable views of the Pacific. Indeed, from this historic site the Spaniards first started their conquest of the Central Pacific in the late 16th century.  With a really satisfying day’s riding safely behind you, there will be plenty to talk and share over dinner and well beyond. Meals Included: B, PL & D. (EG & LG) (BG) (LG)

NONRIDING ACITIVITIES: VISIT TO OROTINA & CALDERA PORT TOWN.

Today’s ride takes you on an exciting 3-hour ride in the Southern region of the privately owned La Leona Ranch, riding across savannahs, large mango plantations and exploring some of the secondary Dry Forests. Meals: B, L, D. (BG) (LG)

NONRIDING ACITIVITIES: OCEAN KAYAKING & SNORKELLING.

Today takes you into the center of rural communities, where you can visit and meet with the people of the communities that have helped play host to you during your week with us. Nothing is ‘staged’ about this event, what occurs is the natural exchange between peoples. On your way you will pass through Santa Rita village, then travel along old railroad tracks, now overgrown and returning to nature, finally arriving La Ceiba town – we will stop at a local venue for a short break and having a drink at John Wayne’s style!! Meals Included: B, L, & D. (BG) (LG)

NONRIDING ACITIVITIES: SKY WAY & CANOPY TOUR – See detail descriptions below.

Your final ride will take you to the Machuca River basin, passing Cascajal village, you will ride into the area where this river canyon broadens onto the plains. Heading towards the Jesús María River basin, allowing exploration of the plains and forested valleys along the Machuca River Canyon, where the land is very fertile and most commonly used to cultivate melons. We finish the ride at a local hacienda and are transferred by vehicle to our riding base for lunch. Afternoon transfer to San Jose for an Overnight Stay.  Included: B, L & D. (BG) (LG)

Morning at your leisure and transfer to the Airport in time for your flight and our farewells. ($26 dollar departure tax is payable at the airport) Meals included: B.