Costa Rica - Silver Saddles Riding Weeks

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from SD of Alresford on 20/04/2024

Day 1
Arrive at Liberia Airport (LIR) for the transfer to the finca, located just minutes from the beautiful beaches of Guanacaste. Accommodation is in a comfortable air conditioned casa or casita. Late afternoon, riders will have a ranch orientation and a Criollo horse demonstration, before meeting and being allocated a horse. Dinner is at the ranch or a local restaurant. Itinerary depends on arrival times.

Day 2
After breakfast, riders have a short introduction to the Spanish Criollo horses, and get to know their mounts before an afternoon ride. When the weather cools the riders leave for the village of Tempate along the old Spanish trails. Stop for dinner before returning on to the ranch on the truck.

Day 3
After breakfast there is the option to visit the Monkey Park and Rescue Centre to see some of the wildlife and birds found in Guanacaste. Lunch at the ranch and a late afternoon ride through beautiful ranch country and the small village of Lorena to one of our most popular cantina stops of the area; Chilito’s - La Cima, to sample their famous fried chicken and chips, a real Taste of Guanacaste. Ride back to the ranch at sunset.

Day 4
After breakfast, riders have the option of taking the popular Chocolate Tour, or opt for a lesson at the Ranch with the trainer. Saddle up after lunch for a scenic back-country ride to look for local wildlife and get a glimpse of the traditional sabanero, cowboy culture and small villages of Guanacaste. Arrive in Cartagena at sunset to enjoy dinner at a traditional cantina.

Day 5

After breakfast, riders are picked up for a half-day trip to Palo Verde National Park for the Tempisque River tour to look for local wildlife from a covered motor launch. After lunch, guests can choose the option of visiting Tamarindo beach for shopping, swimming and water activities. Guests can then enjoy a dinner and the sunset, before being collected to return to the ranch.

Day 6
After breakfast enjoy a free day. Options include a visit to Palo Verde National Park for a river tour, Diamonte Wildlife Park, or all-day tours to Arenal Volcano or Tenorio with Rio Celeste, or even just relax next to the pool.

Day 7
Depending on the tides, meet the horses in Brasilito, saddle up, and then ride along the beautiful white sands of three of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches. There is time to play in the water before enjoying a picnic breakfast or lunch on the beach.

Day 8
After breakfast and last minute photos before being transferred to the airport (Breakfast included. If leaving very early a packed snack is provided)

During Fiesta Season (November 20-May 1): In the evening the group has the option to go to one of the colourful local fiestas and see the famous bull riding and cowboys showing off their lasso skills on quick, well trained, Criollo horses, while sampling local food and drinks. Participate or watch Tope horse parades and fiestas available most Sundays during the fiesta season. Minimum 2 riders. Maximum weight 215lbs.

Days may vary depending on arrival times, fiestas and weather. Add days with an additional all day ride or overnight at the beach, optional trips to Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud forest, Granada Nicaragua, National Parks, or Natural Horsemanship Training.

Non-riders and optional extra's:
Granada, Nicaragua – 2day/1night with guided tour to Nicaragua featuring Catalina, Masaya Market, an active volcano and the beautifully restored colonial town of Granada on Lake Nicaragua. City Tour and accomodations at an historic colonial hotel.

Monteverde Cloud Forest and Santa Elena – add 2-3 nights in Monteverde of the most famous cloud forests in the world. Perfect for birdwatching, guided hikes, hummingbird experience, and choice of horseback riding tours.

Other overnight tours or stays at Arenal Volcano, Flamingo Beach, Tamarindo Beach or a variety of mountain or volcano lodges.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

All the horses are well trained, well cared for and loved. Most are 'gaited' offering an exceptionally smooth ride. They have a noble character and are very willing and forward going and range between 14hh and 16hh. The riding style is relaxed with neck-reining and light contact at all times. Western saddles are used. The riding pace is varied; walk, trot, and canter based on riders' experience and desires. This ride covers country roads, back trails, beaches and coastal mountains. The guides are bilingual, professionally trained, and naturalists. Additional lessons and training are available by arrangement.

Riders must have a secure seat at walk, trot and canter and be comfortable riding over varied terrain.
You can expect to ride for 2-5 hrs a day.
There is a mounting block available at the ranch and help can be given out on trail.
No walking beside horses is required.
Some experience over steep/rough terrain is needed.
An adventurous nature recommended to enjoy the exciting riding and spectacular sights.
Weight limit: 200lb for beginner riders, 215lb by arrangement for experienced riders.

The weight limit for this ride is 200 lb/91 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation on the ranch is in a private house or 'casita', or beach hotel for extended beach rides These rooms have Queen, double and single beds with high quality linens, private verandah, storage space, garden porch and outside bar with wifi. They all enjoy Ranch and forest views. There is a splash pool for a refreshing dip after a ride, and guests can relax in the peaceful surroundings only broken by the natural sounds birds and monkeys.

Breakfasts are delicious and plentiful, offering an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, free range eggs and various cold meats. Other meals offer a choice of salads, pastas, fresh fish, chicken or shrimp and rice, or others by arrangement. Some meal will be taken out at local restaurants – riders order from menu. Coffee, tea and juices available all day. Wine, spirits and sodas available for purchase.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. There’s a departure tax due when leaving the country by air. Somes airlines include this in ticket prices; a few have still not done so. Check with your airline or travel company whether you need to pay this separately. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/CostaRica.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/costa-rica

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. May and June are also fairly nice along the West Coast. August through mid-November is known as the “Green Season”. Temperatures vary little from dry season to rainy season; the changing factor is the amount of rain. The elevated Central Valley has an average daytime temperature of about 72F (22C) and nights are cool, around 60 (15C). It is usually much warmer in the rainforest area with 100% humidity.

At Unicorn Trails, the health and safety of our customers is of paramount importance. COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

Health authorities have classified Costa Rica as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. Dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever are present throughout the country, although the coastal and southern states with lower altitudes are the most affected, especially during or shortly after the rainy season between April and November. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Costa Rica and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.

Riders should not have health concerns that limit their riding and must be aware that this a tropical country with higher temperatures than they may be accustomed to.

Bring personal medications; other necessities are available at pharmacies nearby.

In Costa Rica the supply voltage is 120V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly (unless the appliance operates at 120V).
WiFi and mobile reception is very poor in Costa Rica, It's also advisable to buy a local sim card AT THE AIRPORT BEFORE COMING THROUGH SECURITY/PASSPORT CONTROL as it's very difficult to buy one after.

Wifi is available in the main house or garden porch. A computer is also available for email or Skype for international calls or video calls. Some phones work in country, check with carriers. Don’t forget you camera and battery charger or extra batteries.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- Gloves
- Comfortable light weight riding clothes
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Chaps
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Casual wear
- Closed shoes
- Long trousers
- Light rain/wind proof gear is needed in the rainy season
- Hat
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Binoculars are a good idea

Provided by hosts:
Some sizes of riding helmets are available (not compulsory for over 17)
Guide books are available.

8d / 7n programme with 6 riding days. Available Nov - Sept, flexible start dates,

2025: On request all year round (except October)

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This area of Costa Rica is the dry tropical forest ecosystem and contains rich biodiversity of tropical plants, birds, butterflies, insects and mammals. The ranch is an oasis of large tropical trees and lush pastures with tropical birds and howler monkeys in the trees. The ranch is located just 15 minutes from the Pacific ocean and an hour and a half from the spectacular volcanic mountain range with its own set of interesting wild life and vegetation.
Costa Rica's climate and geography are great for supporting a wide variety of wildlife. Sometimes known as the "biological crossroads" of the world, Costa Rica's inhabitants are made up of more than 500,000 species of animal.
Ecotourism is one of Costa Rica’s primary economic resources, and the country's butterflies add a lot to that. They bring life to rainforests, not only with the diversity in colour, but with the magnificence of the flowers that they help pollinate.

Birds of Costa Rica
Although Costa Rica is a small country, it is in the birdrich neotropical region, and has a huge number of species for its area. 894 bird species have been recorded in the country (including Cocos Island), with seven endemics. 19 species are globally threatened. Costa Rica's national bird is the ubiquitous Clay-colored Robin.

Some common butterflies and moths in Costa Rica include:
Thoas Swallowtail
Marpesia berania
Dotocopa laure
Banded Peacock
Zebra longwing
Morpho butterfly
Green Page Moth

Costa Rica is a tranquil haven of democracy – known as the ‘Switzerland of Central America’. It has no army, excellent hospitals, well-educated people and a great respect for human rights. This little country, roughly the size of Scotland, has an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. There is a great deal to explore in Costa Rica; from active volcanoes to palm-fringed beaches. Twelve percent of the land has been set aside as national reserves to protect the astonishing number of plants, birds, reptiles, insects and mammals.

Ticos, as the Costa Ricans are known, are a friendly, helpful and tolerant people. They favour moderation, and therefore have managed to avoid the political fanaticism of their neighbours.

Manuel Antonio National Park
With the establishment of Manuel Antonio National Park in 1972, the people of Costa Rica decided to preserve, for future generations, one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse areas in the world. Although it is the country's smallest national park, the stunning beauty and diversity of wildlife in its 683 hectares is unequaled. Manuel Antonio contains a charming combination of rain forest, beaches and coral reefs. The beaches are the most beautiful in the country, lined with lush forest, and the snorkeling is excellent. The forest is home for sloths, iguanas, the rare and adorable squirrel monkeys and millions of colorful little crabs. And the trail that winds around Punta Catedral offers some spectacular views.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Santa Elena Reserve is one of the first community managed reserves in the country. With the help of Youth Challenge International, a Canadian Non-profit Organization, the Costa Rican government, and the Santa Elena Community, the Reserve officially opened in March 1992. The philosophy of the Reserve is unique in that long term sustainability is not only a concern of the Reserve, but of the community as a whole. Proceeds from entrance fees, guided tours and the souvenir shop are either reinvested in the management of the reserve or are channeled to a local high school to help upgrade technology, and fund courses in environmental education, biology, agriculture, languages and tourism. In using the Reserve as a natural classroom, students and teachers harness an unlimited educational resource that can be used for anything from studying tropical plant ecology to leading tours. Conservation efforts in the area are concentrating on establishing forest corridors radiating from the central conservation area down to lower altitudes as many of the forest fauna, such as the Resplendent Quetzal, American Pumas, Jaguars, Ocelots, and Red Brocket Deer require large territories in which to forage and breed.

In 1948 Costa Rica was the first country in the modern world to abolish its army. In that tradition, efforts to establish the University for Peace began at the United Nations under the leadership of the President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Carazo.

Costa Rica is six hours behind GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram.