Prices for rental horses:
U$ 25,- two hours
U$ 15,- each additional hour
all price without guide
‚Chiripa’
Dauer: 6 h, 3 stops, lunch box
80 U$ per person
‚Trona’
3 h, including a stop in a restaurant
45 U$ per person
‚coter’
Duration: 6 h, 3 stops, 1 in a lodge
70 U$ per person
‚sabalito’
Dauer: 6 h, 3 Stopps, Nationalpark Tenorio
70 U$ pro Person
‚papagayo’
duration: full day, including transfer, 2 h guided tour, lunch-box
110 U$ pro Person
‚Cowboy feeling’
duration: 7 h, Barbecue inklusive
80 U$ per person
all price without guide
HORSEBACK RIDING IN COSTA RICA
The area surrounding our premises is best explored on horse-back.
We have South American Paso Fino horses (light-footed, 150-160cm) which are ridden with local working saddles and western reigns. A trip to the high-lying rain forest provides an exquisite view over the entire landscape whilst a ride along the lakeshore will tempt both horse and rider to take a short swim.
First time on a horse? Don’t worry, we‘re more than happy to offer advice and assistance. The horses are easy to ride, which has been proven by our children. It’s no problem if you just simply want to feed the horses - they love fresh fruit, even if it’s just the peel, and carrots. The paddocks are located in front of the chalets so you can easily befriend the animals.
We’re happy to hire out the horses hourly, and depending on the season, we can arrange riding trips to the Cabalgata. It is one of the locally organised outings that lasts several hours with over a hundred riders participating. Fun is guaranteed and at the end, you can shake a leg in the Salon Comunal.
All our tours, from placid to challenging, are on calm, experienced and exceptionally sure-footed working horses. Saddles , bridles and harnesses are worked in the western-style, as is common in the country. In Costa Rica an excursion on horse-back is called „Cabalgata“. The routes take you over breathtaking trails through the hilly countryside, with many wonderful views and the great possibility of seeing howler monkeys, toucans, sloths, coatis, armadillos, hummingbirds, or the opportunity to see boas or margays eye-to-eye. Photo stops and breaks, if agreed by the group, are always welcome. The speed is determined by the group. Proper rain gear is necessary – here on the continental meteorological weather divide and most especially during the rainy season, this is part of the standard equipment. When it rains at this time, it’s mostly short and heavy and the paths can get very muddy.
All excursion prices include transportation to and from the starting point, a horse per rider and an experienced guide (English or Spanish speaking), per group. The minimum number of participants per group is 2 riders, and the maximum is 15.
Children from the age of 6 years, with the correct equipment and some experience, will surely be as enthralled as their parents.
We offer 6 different horse-back excursions and individual tours are also available on request. At an additional cost, a German guide can accompany you. The starting point for all excursions is the western shore of Lake Arenal. Between Tronadora and Aguacate the transfer can begin at the front-door. A 3- to 5-day excursion with tent or lodge accomodation, is not listed, but available on request. This can be put together according to your wish list or suggestions from our team. Tortillas or empanadas taste best when baked over the campfire, especially at night with the sounds of the jungle in the background. For all excursions on horse-back it’s necessary to bring the following: headgear, suncream, drinking water, raincoat, ankle-high footwear (camera and possibly binoculars) and a good riding mood. We’ll take care of the rest!
Transfer to the highest point of a chain of hills on the southern shore of Lake Arenal. From there we ride uphill with a fantastic view of the lake and the volcano behind. Sometimes you can see as far as the Gulf of Nicoya. On request, we can end the trip at a lakeside restaurant.
Characteristics – comfortable, undemanding, possibly very windy, spectacular view, ideal for children.
Duration: 3 hours. Break at a restaurant, U$45 per person
Comfortable riders start with a transfer to a farm where the horses are ready and waiting. The excursion starts directly under the giant blades of Aeolicas – a windfarm - and along a gentle ridge with a view of farms, copses, and of course the lake. Here you have a good chance of observing many toucans. The ride ends, depending on your wish, with or without a restaurant visit at the lakeside. You can take the transfer back to the accomodation or use the opportunity to swim or fish.
Characteristics -comfortable, journey on a small piece of village street, beautiful view, windy - depending on the season, suitable for children.
The horses are ready and waiting on a farm, and from there the excursion continues along the lake road and passes through villages and settlements, then climbs one of the hills north of Lake Arenal to another small, picturesque lake situated on a private reserve. 200 ha of primary forest can be marvelled at.
Characteristics - several kilometres of travelled lakeside road, comfortable journey, pure nature experience
An adventurous excursion high up into the mountains, over rivers and streams right up to a waterfall in the national park. Experience the mud holes at the foot of the Tenorio Volcano. A wonderful, but challenging ride against the setting sun, with great opportunities to observe animals. A second T-shirt is recommended.
Characteristics - a slightly adventurous trip in beautiful countryside, footbath in the hot mud is possible, can be strenuous at times, not suitable for children.
Duration: day trip. Includes transfer, 2-hour guided tour, lunch pack. U$110 per person.
In comfortable minibuses, we travel approximately 1˝ hours till we’re close to the beach. A two-hour, guided riding-tour begins in the Papagayo hills, continues through savannah landscape and open ranges, and past dry forests up to Cabuyal - one of the beautiful, secluded beaches of Nicoya with it‘s white sand. Apart from shade, nothing other than natural beauty can be seen . There‘s a picnic for the riders and the horses can be taken out for individual rides to explore the beach. You have the opportunity to take a transfer home, camp, or stay at one of the „fancy“ hotels in the area. A lazy day, also suitable for passionate riders. From groups of 10.
On a typical farm we offer riders the chance to enjoy a unique experience helping out with „cattle-work“. This includes locating, rounding-up and returning cattle, helping with spraying, vaccinating, branding and many more tasks. Helpful lasso routines are included. The workday ends with a campfire and hearty cowboy dinner. This isn’t a staged excursion, simply a day’s farmwork in Costa Rica. Depending on the weather, it can be strenuous and is only suitable for children as onlookers.
- Surf & Reit Chalets rated "excellent" by 2 travelers