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Costa Rica

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes on horseback! From enchanting misty cloud forests and vibrant rainforests to sun-kissed savannahs, tropical mangrove swamps, and stunning coastlines, every ride is an adventure waiting to unfold. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of exhilarating wildlife—spot iguanas, crocodiles, colorful butterflies, elegant egrets, toucans, macaws, playful sloths, and howler monkeys along the way.

Since 1996, our trusted partners have transformed their passion for horseback riding into unforgettable tours that not only showcase the stunning scenery but also support local farms and businesses. With a variety of itineraries to cater to every budget and skill level, you can choose between luxurious wilderness escapes or rugged, pioneering adventures that ignite your spirit of exploration.

Our rides are designed with your comfort in mind, typically at a slow to moderate pace, allowing you to savor the breathtaking surroundings. And don’t worry—there’s plenty of opportunity for exhilarating canters when the terrain allows! To beat the midday heat, we ride during the cooler early mornings and late afternoons, ensuring you make the most of your experience.

Costa Rica boasts two distinct seasons: the dry season from mid-December to April, perfect for spotting wildlife and orchids in an open landscape, and the green season from May to November, offering a lush, jungle-like experience. Expect sunny mornings with refreshing afternoon rains, or even the occasional completely dry day. During the driest months (February to April), the scenery is more open, while the rainy season brings cooler temperatures and vibrant greenery.

Embark on a journey of a lifetime—experience Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife on horseback and create memories that will last forever!
 

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Accommodation & Food

Accommodations vary depending on the trail option you have chosen.

Costa Rica Explorer: 3-nights at a farm guest house Lodge, 2 nights at an Eco-lodge and 2 nights at a San Jose Hotel.

Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea: 3-nights at a farm guesthouse, 2 nights at a family Eco-lodge, 2 night at rustic Cabanas and 2 nights at a San Jose Hotel.

Rainforest Trail: 5-nights at Rustic but comfortable hacienda house with 4 rooms and private shared bathrooms and 2 nights at a San Jose Hotel.

Wilderness ECO-safari: 2-nights at a Local Guest house, 3 nights at a farm guest house, 1 night at a Local Pub and 2 nights at a San Jose Hotel

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.

Food
Savor the vibrant flavors of Costa Rican cuisine, where the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables takes center stage! Staples like rice, beans, and warm corn tortillas form the foundation of delicious meals, while the culinary scene is known for its milder spices compared to neighboring countries—perfect for those who prefer a gentler kick. 

You'll find delightful tubers such as sweet potatoes and cassava (yucca), alongside luscious plantains, which add a hearty touch to any dish. Poultry, fish, beef, and pork are staples, ensuring there's something for every palate.

Start your day right with a traditional breakfast featuring fluffy eggs, homemade tortillas, creamy sour cream, and a steaming cup of rich Costa Rican coffee, complemented by freshly squeezed fruit juice. For lunch, indulge in a hearty "casado"—a delightful mix of rice and beans paired with your choice of savory meat, a crisp salad, and perfectly fried plantains.

As the sun sets, dinner becomes a celebration of fresh flavors, with for example seafood and fish caught daily or meat of the day alongside the freshest fruits and vegetables. Each bite tells the story of Costa Rica’s rich agricultural heritage and culinary tradition. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Special diets such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten free can be accommodated with advance notice.
 

Tack & Horses

Tack
You ride in McLellan style stock saddles or modified Western saddles which are com-fortable 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 impor-ted breeds such as Andalusians, Peruvian Paso's, Quarter horses, Thoroughbreds, Ara-bians 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.
 

Travel Information

Riding Experience: Trail Riding 1-3 Depending on chosen program.

Included in the Price: Find information under chosen program.

Not Included: Flights, insurance, dinners in San Jose, personal expenses, additional activities, drinks, tips

Season: Special dates

Travel Route: Flight to Costa Rica, San José, Juan Santamaria International Airport

Transfer: Juan Santamaría International Airport, Shared transfers included on official arrival and departure dates.

Single Room: It is possible to book a single room (price for single supplement available under Dates & Prices). If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will be added.

Number of Riders: Find information under chosen program.

Age Limit for Riders: Minimum age to join any of the rides is 12 years old and subject to having the respective riding experience to perform in each ride. Children with ages of 11 and under are only accepted in private rides.

Weight Limit: 80-110 kg, find information under chosen program
 
Currency: CRC, Colones. Bring US dollars which can easily be exchanged for colones. If you buy colon with a credit card, there is a risk that you will receive a very high fee. Our recommendation is to bring dollar bills, as well as Visa cards, which are accepted in many places.

Power Outlets: Costa Rica has the same type of electrical outlets as in North America. The power sockets and adapters are available in two different variants. Type A only has room for two parallel flat pins and this type of socket is ungrounded. Type B is a grounded socket and has an extra hole for a round pin (ground). A type A travel adapter works in both type A and B power sockets.

Special Diets: Inform at booking.

Misc.: Bring your own refillable bottle

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Costa Rica - Wilderness ECO-Safari

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HorseXplore
Norra Catalinagränd 17
183 68 TÄBY
Sweden