If you are looking for a horseback riding vacation that takes you far from the tourist attractions and into the heart of rural Costa Rica, our multi-day progressive horseback ride is for you. For detailed itineraries and this seasons schedule of our trips, scroll down:
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This trip takes 7 days and 6 nights and winds through the mountains to the foot hills and finally to the beach.
As we descend towards the beach we pass through a variety of distinctly unique ecosystems with pristine rivers and dramatic waterfalls, sweeping views and dense tropical forest. The rivers and waterfalls you will visit are hidden natural treasures often only reached by foot or on horseback. The trails we take are as varied as the terrain. Each day of your trip will be remarkably different from the last.
- Marvel at the breathtaking views as you and your horse climb the heights of rugged mountains.
- Learn about local history as you follow abandoned ox cart roads.
- Bird watch as you ride through vibrant tropical rainforests.
- Discover how pineapples and bananas grow as you traverse private farms.
- Ride through rural communities as you meander down country lanes.
- Gallop down nearly deserted beaches and play with your horse in the ocean.
- Experience true Costa Rican hospitality as we stay in private homes along the way and eat local Costa Rican cuisine. Bilingual guides will be with you at all times for translation and to facilitate a rich cultural exchange.
- Optional activities include hiking through the rain forest at La Cangreja National Park, a tour of a Iguana Chocolate where cacao is processed in to delicious natural chocolate and a visit to a traditional “Trapiche” where sugar cane is pressed and boiled into tasty brown sugar.
Itinerary
Pick up from SJO airport and drive for one hour to Santiago de Puriscal nestled in the mountains above the bustling and crowded central valley of San Jose. 
Arriving at Barking Horse Farm, let freshly made juices and delicious vegetarian cuisine help you rest, relax and recover from your flight. On this day you will also meet your horse. We take the time to assure a good match between horse, rider and equipment. This will be the horse that you use for the workshop and the trek so we want to find the perfect match.
There is also time for a siesta in a hammock in the shade or a short hike will take you to a refreshing water fall and swimming hole. 
This is also when we can examine detailed maps of the route, discuss the trip and answer any questions that you might have.
Day 2: We leave the farm and travel through mountainous farm land. Traveling through a private farm we climb to 3600 feet where on a clear day you can see the ocean in the far distance.
From this vantage point we begin to descend through villages stopping for lunch in the small town of Perdonal where we will have lunch with a local family. Continuing on after lunch to the settlement of Polka where we will spend the night with a rural farming family. 
Here you will have the opportunity to experience true Costa Rican hospitality. Our bilingual guides will be present to facilitate a rich cultural exchange.
Day 3: In the morning we start out early heading towards the rainforest of Mastatal. The terrain is rugged, ascending and descending through the steep mountains, crossing rivers where both the riders and the horses can take a dip to cool off.
We have lunch with a rural farming family. Everyone loves having lunch with Betty and her family. She will teach you how to make hand made tortillas while she cooks lunch over the woodstove. Lunch always includes her home made cheeses.
After a hard day of riding we
arrive at Villas Mastatal, an organic farm run by young Costarican couple.
At their farm, you will experience a natural, organic, biodynamic and localized way of life. Their offer rustic and natural accommodations in their bunk house. Your luggage will be waiting for you here. 
Day 4: Enjoy a day of riding through rolling hills, along trails through private farms to arrive for the night at the Cabinas Maldonado. Located nearby is Sky Mountain one of the most thrilling Canopy Tours in Costa Rica. If we arrive early enough in the day you can try out their zip lines.
(price for Sky Mountain is not included in the trek package) 
Day 5: Finds us traveling through private farms and down to the coastal plane where we will ride under the shade of rows of palm trees through a palm plantation. 
Arriving at Pozza del Pacifico run by Steve and Sherry Pozza. Relax in theplantation style rancho with a twist. If there is time and the tide is right we will ride on the beach before relaxing poolside.
Day 6: On this day wi will ride along the pristine Pacific coat beaches of Playa Bandera and Playa Bejuco to arrive at our final destination, Play Esterillos Este. We can stop for lunch at a coconut oasis on the beach and play with our horses in the surf.
Each day of riding is approximately between 4 to 6 hours in the saddle with rest stops every 2 to 3 hours. The cost which includes the ride, airport pick up, all meals (except for those at the beach hotel),horses, tack, guides and 6 nights lodging is:
$1,500 per person
2012 Schedule
December 15 – 21, 2011
January 19 – 25, 2012
February 2 – 8, 2012
March 1 – 7, 2012
April 5 – 11, 2012
