Tour Details:
Tour Length: 6 Days
Put on your riding boots and explore the high country and beautiful remote Pacific beaches of Costa Rica. You will see and experience Guanacaste’s wild animals, birds and flora as you ride the noble Spanish horses, a mix of breeds common to the area. Known for their easy ride and great temperament they will take you through small towns, ranches, shaded country trails and beautiful beaches – stopping along the way for cold drinks and meals at the local cantinas. Depending on the dates you choose, ride with the locals to a typical fiesta and Tope. There will be time for soaking up the sun on private beaches, sailing and snorkeling as well as rubbing out those sore muscles atop a mountain spa.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival at Liberia Airport/Casagua Guest Ranch
You will be picked up at the Liberia or Tamarindo airport and transported to Casagua Ranch to enjoy a leisurely afternoon and lite lunch at Casagua Ranch. Later you will have a Ranch orientation and demonstration of the Spanish horse. In the afternoon, mount your horses for a ride taking the old Spanish oxcart trails, passing through ranches, beautiful wooded countryside and small villages. Along the way you will see Howler Monkeys, colorful tropical birds or other wildlife, while getting a glimpse of the traditional sabanero, cowboy culture, of the Guanacaste people. Stop and tie up the horses in the small village of Portegolpe for a taste of Guanacaste culture, then ride home under the moon and stars for Dinner at the ranch. Spend time getting acquainted with the owners – Kay and Esteban (friends of Pat) and the Vaqueros of this beautiful working ranch.
Day 2 – Casagua Guest Ranch/Tempate
Wake up to the birds and wildlife outside your Casita. Enjoy breakfast and a cup of coffee on the veranda overlooking the ranch and mountain range. Late morning you will leave on horseback for the small town of Tempate, an old cattle ranching town and travel the Old Spanish Trail through large haciendas and small villages. Watch for howler monkeys, birds and interesting dry forest vegetation. Lunch en route in Tempate, then ride through beautiful ranch country with a chance for canters along the tree lined back roads. In the evening go to a local fiesta and watch the colorful bull riding and fancy roping. Sample an array of fiesta foods for dinner.
Day 3 – Casagua Guest Ranch/Your Choice
After a full ranch breakfast, you will have a demonstration and work session in the ring using natural horsemanship techniques with your own horse. The afternoon is free to choose a variety of optional local activities – Spend the day at Tamarindo Beach (local surfing town), take the Palo Verde National Park Boat tour to see crocodiles, monkeys and an array of wildlife, or take a half day sailing and snorkeling tour returning at sunset.
Day 4 – Casagua Guest Ranch/Taste of Guanacaste/Playa Mina
Guests are off to have a taste of Guanacaste for lunch at the famous Chilitos family cantina riding your favorite horse. Upon returning to the ranch we will get ready to travel to Playa Mina (Playa means beach in Spanish) for an afternoon and early evening getting some R&R – napping, snorkeling, hiking or reading. After sunset a return to the ranch for dinner.
Day 5 – Casagua Guest Ranch/La Garita
After breakfast, we will meet our horses in the village of La Garita and ride back country roads through the dry tropical to the beautiful Pacific beaches. Ride from Puerto Viejo to Playa Conchal and Brasilito. Stop at a beach restaurant for lunch. Times will be based on the tides. Watch for monkeys, butterflies, and sea birds on this beautiful stretch of Guanacaste beach. After returning to the ranch and getting cleaned up, come out to the Rancho for a party and watch your farewell dinner being cooked the “old way” over firewood on the fogon and clay oven.
Day 6 – Departure
Today, after breakfast, ride in the ring or take your farewell photos before you leave for your return home or next adventure. Transfer to Liberia or Tamarindo airports, other locations by arrangement.
Trip Lodgining
Tour Pricing & Booking
$2,090.00 double occupancy
Fees based on double occupancy
Air travel into and out of San Jose – not included.
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