COSTA RICA HIGHLIGHTS - COSTA RICA

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From the mystical highlands of Puriscal, to the rain forest jungles, flat open beaches, to the cloud forest area of Monteverde to Arenal Volcano area. Rivers,Waterfalls, Beaches, haciendas and natural hot springs; this ride is as diverse as it gets. A different terrain and a new experience for each day of riding. The horses are Criollos, responsive working horses of a medium size with local saddles (a little similiar trail saddles). With very carefully selected comfortable accommodation, knowledgable guides and off the beaten track sights as well as the must sees; this is the ride for those who want to experience the true Costa Rica.

Trip length 2012: 10 days / 9 nights / 7 days riding Ride price detailed prices price promise 2012: Unicorn Trails Escorted Trail (double pp) £1,459/€1,819/$2,229 Departure dates 2012: 07 Jan; 11 Feb; 17 Mar; 14 Apr (Unicorn Trails Escorted Ride**); 30 Jun; 24 Nov Approximate riding time per day varies from 3 to 6 hours Riding ability required Must be able to ride at all paces. Min age 12. Group size 2-10 Meeting point (getting there) San Jose airport, Costa Rica Transfer Included from meeting point. Transfer time approx. 30 minutes. Flight guide London - San Jose return £750 - £1100 Single supplement detailed prices 2012: £349/€435/$535

SAMPLE ITINERARY - COSTA RICA HIGHLIGHTS

(Scroll down for special Unicorn Trails escorted trail)

Day 1: Piedras Negros Ride
Pick up at San Jose Hotel..transfer via the very scenic route of Puriscal to the area of El Rodeo. Here we ride through incredible forest, next to the University of Peace to Piedras Negro. The horses love the cool river where they can splash around and rest. Troops of monkeys often pass through these beautiful trails. Lunch is at the ranch. Transfer to Manuel Antonio, overnight at Hotel Mimos in Jr suite (or similar) Riding time 4 hours. 


Day 2: Finca Valmey
Finca Valmey Waterfall. Leaving from the stables where we are matched up with the perfect horse, we enter into the forest, riding to the river. At one point we leave the horses and hike a short distance to get to the waterfalls, which is located on part of the Valmy property. You can bathe in the lagoon and waterfall, or simply sit and rest while listening to the relaxing sounds of the waterfall as it cascades into the small lagoon below. On the return trip, the horses take you around the river through lush vegetation. Lunch is served back at the ranch. Transfer to Jaco (BL) Overnight  at Jaco Beach...Riding time 3+ hours 


Day 3: Jungle Spa Adventure
Our tour will take you through the stunning pristine primary rain forest and incredible vistas. Surrounded by amazing flora and fauna, you will arrive at a beautiful natural spring in the heart of the jungle. Here enjoy the natural volcanic spa mud that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.  A perfect combination of riding, nature exploration, relaxation and fun. Overnight at Jaco Beach. Riding Time 2.5-3 hours.


Day 4: Beach Ride
Nothing compares to riding a horse along the deserted tropical pacific coast . This is a once in a lifetime experience. Ride through the tiny coastal hamlet of Esterillos to one of the longest beaches in Costa Rica. Riding along the beach, you will experience the adrenaline rush of galloping the horses along the sands at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Feel the freedom of galloping your horse along the waters edge, with the tropical breeze in your face. Stopping for a wonderful lunch, you can rest and swing in a hammock under the palm trees whilst we prepare your meal. Strip off your saddle and take your horse into the ocean for the ultimate bareback experience. This tour is for experienced riders only. Overnight at Jaco Beach. Riding Time 3 hours.


Day 5: Hacienda Don Tito
After breakfast drive the short distance to Hacienda Don Tito. Here they breed the famous Costa Rican Paso Horses, that are so loved by the Tico riders. Your guide will show you how they dance and give you the opportunity to ride one of these magnificent horses. After the ride through the hacienda lunch will be served. Continue on to Monteverde. Overnight Cloud Forest Lodge or similar. (BL) Riding time 3 + hours


Day 6: Monteverde Cloud Forest Region
While it is not permitted to ride in the Reserves themselves, we are pleased to offer the chance to ride on a private family farm of more then 300 acres. Here we’ll have an opportunity to enjoy exclusive quiet trails, bird watching, sugar cane and coffee plantations, secondary and primary forest, open fields (great for cantering with the horses), and amazing views of mountains, canyons and the Gulf of Nicoya. Overnight Cloud Forest Lodge or similar. Riding time 4 hours (B)


Day 7: Monteverde to Arenal
Enjoy the incredible vistas during today's ride as you descend from the cool cloud forest area of San Gerado to Lake Arenal, where on clear days you can see Arenal Volcano and Lake as you wind slowly down the mountain passes crossing rivers until reaching Rio Chiquita. Transfer to Fortuna, the little town at the foothills of Arenal Volcano. Today's ride is approximately 5 plus hours with lots of stops along the way to allow the horses to rest.  Breakfast and lunch is included on this day. (BL)  Overnight Hotel Arenal Paraiso (or similar) with its own hot springs on site. (BLD)


Day 8 : Fortuna Waterfalls
This is a combination of horseback riding and hiking. The horses take you all the way up to the waterfall through green areas of pastures, forest and high hills. The views of San Carlos valleys and the Tropical Forest that surround the waterfall are spectacular. At the end of the road the horses wait while we walk down the trail to the base of a waterfall which is 65 metres high. There is time to swim in the natural pools before starting back. On the way back we ride trough a private farm of 400 hectares, where there is plenty of good areas where the horses love to canter. Breakfast included (B) Riding time 3 plus hours Overnight Hotel Arenal Paraiso or similar (BL)


Day 9: Arenal Volcano
Explore the surrounding trails of Arenal Volcano which are only passable by horseback or on foot. The views from this area are magnificent. Not only can you see the cone shape of the volcano but also the old lava flow trails and the green fertile hills near the volcano. riding time 3+ hours...overnight Arenal Paraiso or similar (B)


Day 10: transfer to San Jose
After breakfast we say goodbye and transfer to San Jose Airport.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A SAMPLE ITINERARY

NOTES - COSTA RICA HIGHLIGHTS

All travellers are required to pay an airport tax prior to departure from Costa Rica (approximately $30.00 US).

The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
All meals as described, accommodations, horses, tack, guide, round trip transfers from San Jose airport, all transportation during the ride, taxes and entrance fees to national parks.
For price details click here

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Airfare to and from San Jose international airport in Costa Rica, airport departure tax, some meals (as described), alcoholic beverages and tips.

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