Riders enjoying a beach trail ride in Costa Rica
Central and South America > Costa Rica

Equestrian adventures in Costa Rica

This small country nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea is nature lover's paradise. Costa Rica is home an impressive display of biodiversity, and discovering it all from horseback is a magical experience. Ride fantastic Hispano Americano horses through the country and meet the "ticos" (colloquial name given to natives of Costa Rica), famous for their warmth and sense of hospitality. With Equus Journeys, embark on adventurous trail rides, reconnect with nature, enjoy long gallops on the beach and discover the "Pura Vida" of Costa Rica!
See all our trips

From the horse’s mouth

  • Coast to Coast Ride
    March 2024 Karen aged 65
    Pacific coast - Bronca - lovely little horse little bit lean but fit as a fiddle - Staney that owned horses and was our guide is one in a million - brilliant. Arenal Volcano - Rosa - lovely mare and tried her hardest but very lame which meant I could not canter or trot with the rest of the group - owner seemed... Read all
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  • Coast to Coast Ride
    March 2024 Michelle Jane aged 57
    Unfortunately due to the disorganisation of our main guide & the lack of her riding experience, along with the sub stand food & accommodation, I am very disappointed with my experience. Julie small but good ride, forward & sure footed JR Arenal area ride very unhappy & tottery, apparently had something like navicular... Read all
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  • Coast to Coast Ride
    January 2023 Stephen aged 66
    A fun way to see many aspects of the country. We generally rode for 2-3 hours per day, one day was about 4 hours total. This is not a wilderness trip, most riding is along streets and country roads, with a little time along trails or on the beach. The horses were responsive and fun to ride. Lots of chances for... Read all
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  • Coast to Coast Ride
    December 2021 Veronica aged 47
    Costa Rica is by far one of the top 3 most incredible countries I visited and doing it on a horse is truly magical! The horses are fairly small here but incredibly powerful!! I have never seen so much energy packed into such small horses!! There are some sensational spots on the Coast to Coast ride on the Pacific side... Read all
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  • Group of riders cantering in a beach in Costa Rica
    You will experience exhilarating beach rides that call for lively canters
  • Central Costa Rica on horseback
    Explore the stunning countryside on horseback
  • Criollo horse resting in a forest in Costa Rica
    On this holiday all horses are easy to ride and are on the smaller size
  • Monkeys in Costa Rica
    Discover the local flora and fauna

Visa & Health

Formalities

Please refer to your home country's Foreign Office website for up-to-date information. This section predominantly refers to UK citizens, and advice can vary depending on your nationality. Although we endeavour to keep this section updated, requirements can change quickly, and your home country's Foreign Office website takes precedence.

Visas
British nationals don’t need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You may stay as a visitor for up to 180 days under a tourist visa waiver, although the exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival. If you plan to work, or stay for a longer period, then multiple exit and entry isn’t an approved alternative to obtaining the relevant visa for your circumstances. You should check the requirements with the Costa Rican authorities. Entry to Costa Rica may be refused if you are unable to produce evidence of return or onward travel (for example a return air ticket). The immigration authorities are strict about foreigners who have overstayed.

Passport validity
Your passport should have at least one day’s validity from the date you are leaving Costa Rica.

For more information and up-to-date information on entry requirements, please visit the FCO office website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica/entry-requirements

Addresses of consulates

  • En Curridabat Del Indoor Club
    Curridabat
    1000 San José
    Tél. : +506 22 34 41 67
    Fax : +506 22 34 41 95
  • Ambassade en France
    4, square rapp
    75007 Paris
    Tél. : 01 45 78 96 96
    Fax : 01 45 78 99 66
    embcr-fr@rree.go.cr
  • Ambassade du Costa Rica
    Marktgasse 51
    3011 Berne
    Tél. : 031/372 78 87
    Fax : 031/372 78 34
    costa.rica@bluewin.ch
  • Ambassade du Costa Rica
    Avenue Louise, 489
    1050 Bruxelles
    Tél. : +32 2 640 5541
    Fax : +32 2 648 3192
    info@costaricaembassy.be

Health

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance as it does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment.

Travellers should ideally arrange an appointment with their GP around five weeks before travelling. This appointment provides an opportunity to assess health risks taking into account a number of factors including destination, medical history, and planned activities. For those with pre-existing health problems, an earlier appointment is recommended.

Vaccinations
UK health authorities have classified Costa Rica as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.
Since 2013, there has been a sharp increase in cases of dengue.
Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Costa Rica and the number of reported cases in the region is increasing. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Please click here for more information on vaccine recommendations when travelling to  Costa Rica.

General advice
Medical care in Costa Rica is of a generally high standard. Ambulance services in remote areas may vary. Only initial emergency medical treatment is available without charge for visitors. Subsequent treatment will be charged. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Please click here for general advice and health risks when travelling to Costa Rica. 









Insurance

It is a condition of your booking with Equus Journeys that you have travel insurance which covers you for the riding activities to be undertaken. Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. Your guides will require your travel insurance details before they allow you to ride and may refuse to let you ride if you cannot provide them. You should take your insurance documents with you.
Click here to read our quick guide to travel insurance.

Country information

Socio-economical data

PNB : $US41,9 billion
PNB/capita:$US 9 887
Annual growth: 4,2%
Inflation : 12,3%
Main sectors of activity: coffee, banana, sugar, tourism, textile industry
Main partners: USA, Germany, Italy, Guatemala, Mexico

History

Heritage and culture

Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the country's churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less visible, but can be found in everything from the tortillas that are a staple of the Costa Rican diet, to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands.

An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos proudly point out the nation is one of the few Latin American countries where a military dictatorship has not dominated politics.

The Ticos

Costa Ricans are proud to have more than a century of democratic tradition and more than 68 years without a military. With the money saved, the country is better able to focus on improving the quality of life of its citizens. This is one of the many reasons why Costa Ricans, also known as “Ticos,” are such a happy and welcoming people.

Famous for their hospitality, Ticos often go out of their way to help to visitors with directions or offer other assistance if needed. It is said that “Ticos” are the nation’s best asset. Once visitors experience their hospitality, visitors too are convinced.

Geography

Costa Rica is a country located in Central America that is ranked as one of the most visited international destinations. One of Costa Rica’s main sources of income is tourism. Costa Rica is a democratic and peaceful country and it has not had an army since the year 1949.

Although the country is small and it covers only 0.03 percent of the surface of the globe, it proudly shelters 5 percent of the existing biodiversity in the entire world. Twenty six percent of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory.

Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, ranging from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters (3,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level). The Guanacaste Mountain Range, Central Mountain Range, and Talamanca Mountain Range are the main mountain ranges extending the entire length of the country. There are several active volcanoes (Arenal Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and Turrialba Volcano) and the country’s highest mountain (Chirripo Hill) with a height of 3,819 m/12,530 ft. The country has a relatively long coastline in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as a number of rivers and streams that attract specialist kayakers and rafters from all over the world.

More information: https://www.visitcostarica.com

Useful words

Hello : Buenos días
Good evening : Buenas tardes
See you soon: Hasta luego
How are you? : ¿Cómo estás?
Fine thank you: Muy bien, gracias
I do not understand: No entiendo
It's hot/cold: Hace calor/frío
I'm hungry/thirsty: Tengo hambre/sed
Please may I have the bill: La cuenta (cuentita), por favor

Choosing the right riding holiday

Choosing the right riding holiday

Living the "Pura Vida"

If you are planning to join a horseback holiday in Costa Rica, then be prepared to come across this term more than once! Crudely translated into English, it means "simple life". In Costa Rica, an easy-going, peace-loving country, its meaning runs deeper than that: it is a way of life. Not unlike the Irish and their famous "craic", Ticos (Costa Ricans) use this term to say hello, goodbye, and as a response to asking how they are. "Pura Vida" is not just a catch phrase: it is truly an attitude and you have to experience the Costa Rican way of life to really understand this feeling.

On your trail ride through Costa Rica, you will discover a country that deeply cares for its environment and resources: in fact, more than a quarter of the country is a protected area. At the same time, 90% of the country's energy already comes from renewable sources.

Friendly, environment-conscious people who appreciate what they have: it's no surprise that Costa Rica is considered to be one of the happiest countries in the world! And the best news is... You can discover this stunning little country on horseback - does it get better than that?