Hidden Trails of Costa Rica’s Central Valley

Morning

Upon arrival at the colonial guesthouse, you are welcomed with a refreshing drink. The house is surrounded by nature and offers comfortable rooms, each with a private bathroom, as well as several quiet shared areas where you can relax.

After settling in, we head to the farm to meet the team and receive an introduction to the program. Lunch is served with a view of the large grass riding arena, followed by a meeting with your guide to assign horses.

Afternoon

The ride begins with a short session in the arena to help you connect with your horse and evaluate your riding level. Then we set out on the first trail ride across the 350-hectare property, passing sugarcane fields, coffee plantations, and enjoying views of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range.

Along the way you may encounter Costa Rica’s remarkable wildlife and plants: rainbow eucalyptus trees, blue Morpho butterflies, bright red Tanagers, toucans, and the yellow-tailed Oropendola known for its distinctive song.

After some first gallops, we pause under a large Ceiba tree more than 300 years old, considered sacred by the Maya.

In the evening, enjoy a friendly barbecue dinner with grilled meats and vegetables before returning to your room for the night.

Breakfast is served on the terrace before everyone prepares their horse for a full day of riding.

Today’s five-hour ride explores the surrounding countryside, including small villages and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Angostura.

Lunch is hosted at Doña Rosa’s home, where you enjoy homemade desserts and a warm local welcome while admiring the scenery.

Later, you visit Beneficio Naturalba, the organic coffee cooperative of the farm. Here you learn about Costa Rican coffee production and taste products from the local Bio Producers Association.

In the late afternoon, ride back to the farm through the forest as evening light settles over the landscape.

Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse.

After breakfast, the day is free to rest and recover before the next long riding days. Several optional activities are available (not included in the package).

You may choose rafting on the famous Pacuare River, departing at 9 a.m. for an exciting day of rapids and dramatic scenery. Lunch is served by the river and the return is around 4 p.m.

Other options include a naturalist walk with a biologist to discover local wildlife, a guided excursion to Turrialba Volcano to learn about its history and landscapes, or a horsemanship session focused on groundwork with an equine behavior specialist.

You may also simply relax at the hacienda, walk forest trails, swim near a waterfall, or enjoy a peaceful day in nature.

In the evening, local horse culture takes center stage with dinner at a traditional venue and a presentation of Paso Costarricense horses and lasso techniques.

After breakfast on the terrace, we ride toward a neighboring property called Finca Tres Equis. This farm plays an important role in protecting biodiversity and is surrounded by hundreds of hectares of preserved forest along the Pacuare River and near Barbilla National Park.

Here you ride Criollo horses, smaller and more rustic than the Iberian horses at the ranch, offering a different riding experience.

The trail crosses cacao plantations before descending to the Pacuare River where you can swim in the clear water and enjoy lunch.

Later, a long climb leads to a viewpoint platform overlooking mountains and primary forest. A coffee break here offers an unforgettable panorama.

Return to the ranch in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, pack your belongings because tonight you will stay in a unique accommodation.

At the farm we prepare the horses for a long trail ride through tropical forest. The route leads to the outer areas of the property, descending shaded hills beneath giant Espavel trees and crossing old pastureland that is now being reforested with native species.

Eventually we reach the sandy banks of the Reventazón River where we stop for lunch and a relaxing break. Swimming is possible, and those who wish may take their horse into the water.

During the afternoon ride, enjoy more viewpoints and gallops through plantations. We also stop at a waterfall where turtles may sometimes be seen.

Return to the stables mid-afternoon to care for the horses.

Dinner is served at the ranch before spending the night in an eco-deck built from natural materials. One wall opens to views of the valley, mountains and volcano. There is no electricity, only starlight and small solar lamps—an authentic experience surrounded by nature.

After breakfast, you may watch the training of young horses and learn more about horsemanship.

Transfer to San José Airport according to your flight schedule, leaving with many memories from your time in Costa Rica.