A couple of riders admiring the biodiversity in Costa Rica

Coast to Coast Ride

This multi-base riding holiday will take you on a trail ride across Costa Rica from the Pacific to the Caribbean. Riding along mountain paths, dense jungles and dramatic river canyons, you will have the opportunity to visit the Arenal Volcano, and relax in its hot-spring waters. On this riding holiday in Costa Rica you will discover some of the country's most scenic regions, including hugely contrasting landscapes, rural communities and varied habitats known for their abundant wildlife. You will experience exhilarating beach rides that call for lively canters, while always keeping close contact with nature. A truly unforgettable riding holiday!
Book now Print the details for this ride
Trail Riding
10 days (7 days riding)
From £1,851
Open to non-riders

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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • A butterfly resting on a leaf in Costa Rica
    Experience the great biodiversity that Costa Rica has to offer!
  • Man gathering the horses in Costa Rica
    The team is composed by locals and one English speaking guide
  • Woman resting side by side her horse in Costa Rica
    During this riding holiday you will always keep close contact with nature
  • Beautiful landscape in Costa Rica
    This ride is ideal for intermediate riders and upwards
  • Group of riders cantering in a beach in Costa Rica
    You will experience exhilarating beach rides that call for lively canters
  • Two riders walki
    Ride along mountain paths, dense jungles and dramatic river canyons
  • Criollo horse resting in a forest in Costa Rica
    On this holiday all horses are easy to ride and are on the smaller size
  • Two riders walking in a forest in Costa Rica
    Experience the contrasting landscapes of Costa Rica
  • Group or riders entering a forest in Costa Rica
    Follow a forest trail to a secluded and enchanting waterfall
  • Group of riders walking along the beach in Costa Rica
    Ride along the arid Pacific coast and its volcanic sand beaches

Itinerary

Highlights

- Visit the Arenal Volcano – both a landmark and an iconic feature in Costa Rica, and relax in its hot-spring waters
- Experience the contrasting landscapes of this country: the arid Pacific coast and its volcanic sand beaches, the forested valleys and mountains of the central regions, and the exuberant lushness of the Caribbean coast
- Follow a forest trail to a secluded and enchanting waterfall
- Visit quaint rural communities and get involved in the Costa Rican way of life – discovering the “Pura Vida”!
  • Day 1 1 : HOME SAN JOSE

    You will catch your international flight to San Jose in Costa Rica (flights are not included, but can be booked upon request).

    Upon arrival you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel near the airport. Overnight in San Jose. Dinner is not included tonight.
  • Day 2 2: INTRODUCTORY RIDE - 3 hours riding

    Finca los Domos
    Early in the morning you will be transferred to the ranch, where you will get to meet the guides and be assigned your horse for the start of this riding adventure! You will head towards the Cuarros river lowlands, riding along rolling hills and meadows into the Gallery Forest, alongside the Cuarros river – an excellent spot for wildlife encounters! Pass by farmland and rural homes before finally arriving back at the ranch.

    The next three nights will be at Los Domos. Upgrades to Cerro Lodge, a beautiful 3-star hotel with a pool, can also be arranged – please see dates and prices.
  • Day 3 3: COASTAL RIDE - 5-6 hours riding

    Finca los Domos
    After breakfast, your ride takes you along country lanes leading to Tivives Crag. The Spaniards first started their conquest of the Central Pacific around 1561 right from this very spot! Ride across the Cascajalillo Mangrove Swamps and along the Pacific coast.
    Depending on the tide, you may have the opportunity to enjoy a picnic on the beach, if not lunch will be served at a local café or back at the ranch. Again, depending on the tide you might climb on horseback towards Cuevas Crag, enjoying unique views of the Pacific Ocean or alternatively ride along the shoreline towards Guacalillo beach. Back to the ranch in time for dinner.
  • Day 4 4 : LA MARIANA ESTATE & COUNTRYSIDE - 3-5 hours riding

    Finca los Domos
    During the morning ride you will be exploring the hacienda and its private reserve, riding through beautiful scenery towards the Transitional-Dry Forest and the lush Gallery Forest. Here, the terrain is predominantly flat with gentle slopes and forested valleys. You will continue your trail ride towards higher grounds where you will be able to enjoy excellent views of the Pacific Ocean.If you are lucky, you might even have the chance to spot some local wildlife!
    Ride back to the hacienda where lunch awaits. In the afternoon, there will be an optional ride in the southern part of the hacienda that will take you to experience an ocean view sunset! Get back to the hacienda and relax before dinner time.
  • Day 5 5 : MACHUCA RIVER CANYON RIDE - 3-4 hours riding

    Today will be the last ride in the Central Pacific. You will ride into the area where the Machuca river canyon broadens onto the plains. Head towards the Jesús María River basin, allowing exploration of the plains and forested valleys along the Machuca River Canyon, where the land is very fertile and most commonly used to cultivate melons. After lunch, transfer to the northern region, home to the Arenal Volcano, which last erupted in 1968 and remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The drive is around three and a half hours. Overnight in Arenal.
  • Day 6 6 : RURAL ARENAL & WATERFALL RIDE + THERMO-MINERAL HOT SPRINGS - 3-4 hours riding

    Today´s adventure begins at 8:30 am in the rural community of Monterrey, located on the mountain slopes near the Arenal Volcano. You will start the day learning about natural horsemanship, and then ride along a trail which leads to a secluded waterfall in the forest, giving you the chance to see wildlife such as tropical birds, monkeys, poison dart frogs, and even sloths. You will either have a traditional Costa Rican lunch here, or depending on rider numbers, you may ride to a local family farm for lunch.

    In the afternoon, you will be transferred back to La Fortuna and you can enjoy some free time at the beautiful Arenal hot water springs and gardens - an excellent addition to your riding adventure! Overnight in Arenal.




  • Day 7 7 : TRANSFER TO THE CARIBBEAN COAST & COASTAL EXPLORATION - 2-3 hours riding

    Atlantida Lodge
    At around 6:45 a.m, get ready for the transfer that will take you to the Caribbean Coast (this takes approx. 5 hours). Upon arrival, and after checking in, there is some time to relax before lunch is ready.
    In the afternoon, there is a brief introductory ride to get acquainted with the new horses. Start with a jungle trail followed by some coastal riding, with the opportunity for some breathtaking canters. A stop for swimming and resting on the beach is usually included. Overnight in Cahuita.
  • Day 8 8: FREE DAY & OPTIONAL VISIT TO CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK - No riding

    Atlantida Lodge
    Today is a free day for you to enjoy on your own. You will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful and emblematic beaches of the Costa Rican Caribbean coastline! You can choose from a range of activities (at an extra cost) including: surf lessons, kayaking, visiting the indigenous community of Kekoldi, or, if the weather allows, you may be able to go snorkelling and hiking at Cahuita National Park. Another option is to enjoy some leisurely time, resting and exploring, swimming and sunbathing. Later, you may walk back to the town for lunch and perhaps visit some of the local souvenir shops, before transferring back to your hotel. Overnight in Cahuita.

  • Day 9 9 : CARIBBEAN BEACH RIDE & TRANSFER BACK TO SAN JOSE - 2-3 hours riding

    After breakfast, you will take a short walk to the stables and then ride over the scenic Playa Negra (Black Beach), and then head towards Playa Grande (Long Beach) – a secluded, quiet and deserted Caribbean beach, ideal for some lovely canters. You will then enter a tropical forest, where you may be able to spot howler monkeys, sloths and a variety of exotic birds such as toucans. Your guide will introduce you to the local flora and fauna. On the way back, there are more opportunities to canter. You will arrive back at the lodge in time for a shower, to check-out and transfer back to San Jose for your last night in Costa Rica.  
  • Day 10 10 : DEPARTURE & FLIGHT HOME

    Transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in time for your flight back home.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room during the ride.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 2 riders and a maximum of 8 international riders, plus guides.

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single room supplement of $425/€400/£340. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date. Given the nature of the ride, accommodation may be limited to local guest houses. Some rooms are en-suite, some have shared bathrooms – en-suites are given on a first-come, first-served basis.

- An upgrade to Cerro Lodge (instead of Los Domos – 3 nights) is possible at a supplementary charge of $285/€265/£230 per person. The single supplement becomes $620/€580/£500.

- Airport transfers are included on the official arrival and departure dates. If you wish to add an extra day or extension, transfers must be paid at the cost of £22/€27/$30 per car, each way (subject to change).

- Accompanied minors are welcome from 12 years old, provided that they match the riding requirements. Younger riders may be welcomed on private departures (please contact us for further details).

Discounts:
- Non-riders will benefit from a discount of $435/€390/£350.
- People that stay in triple rooms will benefit from a discount of $125/€110/£100, per person.

- Important: Riders weighing more than 95 kg please indicate this at time of booking so we can ensure suitable horses are available.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English horse guide (different guides according to the location)

Logistics

1 support vehicle

Inland transport

Airport transfers

Accommodation

3-nights at a farm Lodge, 2 nights at a family Eco-lodge, 2 night at rustic Cabanas and 2 nights at a Hotel.

Meals

Full board during the ride except for dinners in San Jose.

Additional equipment

Saddle bags
First aid kit
1L of water is included every day (mineral). Extra water payable locally.

Extras

Entrance fee to the hot springs

Price doesn't include

Meals

Alcoholic beverages and personal extras
Meals before or after the ride, and in San Jose

Transport

International flights
International airport exit fees payable in San Jose upon exit.

Extras

Tips to the local team

Insurance

Visas and personal purchase
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement
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Equestrian info

Horses

On this holiday you will ride different horses over the 8 days of your ride. On the Pacific side you willl be riding smaller Criollos where the vegetation is sparser, and once you get to the Arenal side, change to more robust Criollos. All horses are easy to ride and are on the smaller size with an average of 14hh.

Guide & local team

The team is composed by locals and one English speaking guide.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

The riding level for this ride is intermediate and upwards. You should be comfortable at all three paces and able to keep your balance over varied and uneven ground.

Rider weight limit: 110 Kg. (For riders over 95 Kg; please indicate this at the time of booking so we can ensure a suitable horse is available)

Pace

This is a multi-base riding holiday during which you will be spending 4 to 6 hours on average in the saddle each day. The main pace is the walk, with regular trots and canters, including fun beach canters.

Tacking ability and participation

You are very welcomed to help out as much as you want with the horses (brushing, bathing, and so on), this will allow you to develop a deeper bond with them and the team. Help is always on hand if necessary.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You must be riding fit. Please note that on some occasions, you may have to dismount and lead your horse over difficult terrain. Expect variable weather conditions.
Riders must also be prepared to meet people whose cultural specificities and differences of approach must be treated with acceptance and respect.

Equestrian equipment

The tack is similar to Western/McLellan saddles. Small saddlebags are provided.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

Three nights at Finca los Domos. There are three private bungalows in dome style with AC, hotwater and private bathroom. There is a plunge pool - please note the cabins are basic with a comfortable downstairs room and a more basic upstairs mezzanine (mattress on the ground). Upgrade to a 3*** hotel with a pool (Cerro Lodge) can be arranged, please see dates and prices.

2 nights at a family Eco-lodge just 10 minutes from Carara National Park. This small lodge offers 14 Bungalows and 8 Standard room – all with private en-suite bathrooms of which some feature a semi-open internal garden, swimming pool and a dining area.

2 night in rustic Cabanas.

2 nights at a standard Hotel.

Given the nature of our rides and the areas where we ride, accommodation may be limited to local guests houses family villas which we rent, and private en-suite bathrooms may not always be available or only in a limited amount.

Meals

Meals are varied and consist of local produce.
One litre of water a day is provided (additional water is available for purchase at all locations).
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated but please make sure to let us know before booking.

Climate

San Jose and surrounding areas have pleasant temperatures throughout the year, with cool nights and warm days. There’s little rain from December to March, and barely any in January and February. The rainy season runs from May to November, and the wettest months are usually September and October.
The sun frequently shines in the dry season.

Tips

Tips are welcome but not expected. You should tip what you feel the service is worth and what you feel comfortable with. We would recommend around $50 per rider for the whole team.

Packing list

Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding

Upper body
- Thermals in case of cold weather (can also be worn at night)
- Down jacket or warm coat for the cold evenings
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent (plus a spare in case one gets wet)
- Waterproof jacket - rain can be difficult to predict and it's better to be prepared (especially in the rainy season).

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Waterproof over trousers
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Thermals in case of cold weather

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots or hiking boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Good walking boots (or hybrid walking/riding boots)
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Other useful items
- Swimsuit - for swimming/bathing in rivers
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around camp at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
- Water bottle - 2 x 1 litre, or equivalent

In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Swiss army knife or equivalent

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Micropur or similar water purification tablets
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel
- Toilet paper

Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • Karen aged 65 PULBOROUGH 2 trips
    March 2024
    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
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Michelle Jane aged 57 WEST CHILTINGTON, PULBOROUGH 2 trips
    March 2024
    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
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide

    Equus Journeys' reply

    Hello Michelle, this was discussed separately and I understand that the logistics on this particular departure were not on par with our usual standards due to an injured member of our local team, resulting in a less experienced guide accompanying the ride - we are discussing protocols and additional staff training to ensure this does not happen again!

  • Stephen aged 66 Fairbanks 2 trips
    January 2023
    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
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide
  • Veronica aged 47 LONDON 10 trips
    December 2021
    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
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide