Costarica: Coast 2 coast - From the pacific to the caribbean sea
From 2.401 €

Costarica: Coast 2 coast - From the pacific to the caribbean sea

holiday package
Created: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Ref ID: 21128051
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.401 €
Based on 2 adults
Itinerary
Tours
More pictures (2)

Day 1: Costa Rica

Join us to explore Costa Rica from one coast to the other: the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, admiring the stunning views of the iconic Arenal Volcano along the way! We offer a true Coast to Coast adventure, including exploration of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts and a visit to the Arenal Volcano, a must-see landmark in any Costa Rican itinerary. A horseback riding adventure that offers 7 days in the saddle through Costa Rica’s most scenic regions, featuring contrasting landscapes, rural communities, and impressive habitats full of rich wildlife. We will ride along breathtaking river canyons, head toward the arid Pacific coast with its volcanic sand beaches, then to the slopes of Monte Template, crossing valleys and forests, while enjoying a bit of relaxation in the hot springs at Arenal Volcano. On the Caribbean side, you’ll experience not only a different coastline with lush exuberance but also a completely different cultural experience! A truly amazing and unforgettable experience.

ITALY/SAN JOSE’ (-/-/-)
Pick-up from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose and transfer to your hotel in the city. Free dinner and overnight stay.


Day 2: San José

SAN JOSE’/MARAVILLA (B/L/D)
After breakfast, transfer with the other participants to Cien Fuegos Eco-Ranch & Stables, located along the Trinidad River in the dry region of Central Pacific, the starting point for our horseback adventure. After assigning the horses, we will ride for about 3 hours along gentle hills and meadows near the Cuarros River – a great spot for wildlife sightings! We will continue along the river on a country road, passing through farmland, rural houses, and finally reaching the ranch's grounds. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.


Day 3: San José

MARAVILLA (B/L/D)
Today's ride will take us to the Pacific coast along country roads and an old trail leading to the Tivives Cliffs. The Spanish began their conquest of Central Pacific from this spot around 1561! We will pass through the mangrove swamps of Cascajalillo along the coast, and depending on the tide, lunch will be served at a local café, a beach picnic, or back at Maravilla. Again, depending on the tide, we will head to the Cuevas Cliffs to enjoy unique views of the Pacific Ocean, or ride along the coast to Guacalillo Beach. Return in the afternoon for dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.


Day 4: San José

MARAVILLA (B/L/D)
Today, we will explore the 1000 acres of the hacienda and its private reserve, riding between gentle hills and more barren areas toward the dry transitional forest and lush gallery forest. The terrain here is picturesque, mostly flat with gentle slopes and valleys. From higher areas, we will enjoy excellent views of the Pacific Ocean and perhaps spot some local wildlife. Return to the hacienda in time for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, there will be an optional ride in the southern part of the hacienda with a sunset over the ocean – the Pacific coast is known to be one of the best places in the world to witness this beautiful spectacle. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.


Day 5: Arenal

MARAVILLA/ARENAL (B/L/D)
Today, we will leave the Pacific coast and head to the Jesús María River Valley, where we will explore the plains and valleys along the Machuca River Canyon, where the fertile soil is commonly used to grow melons. In the afternoon, transfer by car for about 3.5 hours to the northern region, home of Arenal Volcano, which last erupted in 1968 and remains one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Dinner and overnight stay.


Day 6: Arenal

ARENAL (B/L/D)
This morning, we will ride with Don Tobias, a 3-hour horseback adventure through the Arenal countryside. The tour climbs a mountain while crossing both the rainforest and cattle fields. Along the way, we will stop at a beautiful lagoon where the horses can cool off, and you’ll have some time to relax. Continuing on, we will reach a scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano. This trail mainly covers private properties and was originally used by Don Tobias, a famous horse breeder in the Arenal area. In the afternoon, we will have a guided tour of the Arenal Volcano and some free time to enjoy the stunning hot springs and gardens at Arenal – a perfect complement to your horseback adventure! The mineral hot springs, some believe, have healing properties.


Day 7: Cahuita

ARENAL/CAHUITA (B/L/D)
Departure by car around 6:00 AM for a 5-hour transfer to the Caribbean Coast. After check-in and some free time to relax, in the afternoon, there will be a briefing and assignment of the horses that will accompany us in the second part of the journey. We will ride along the Caribbean Coast and a jungle trail. A stop will be made to swim and rest on the beach.


Day 8: Cahuita

CAHUITA (B/L/D)
This morning, we will walk to the stables and ride along the picturesque Playa Negra (Black Beach), then part of the way along the village road to Playa Grande (Long Beach) – a secluded, peaceful, and deserted Caribbean beach ideal for pleasant gallops. We will then enter a beautiful tropical forest, where you may spot howler monkeys, sloths, and a variety of exotic birds such as toucans. Your expert guide will introduce you to the local flora and fauna. During one of the stops, while the horses rest in the shade of a tree, your guide may demonstrate his coconut peeling techniques using a machete! If time allows, on the return route, we will stop to visit some lovely local craft shops and souvenir stores and enjoy an excellent Caribbean lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is free for optional local excursions or to rent a bike or surfboard (extra charge).


Day 9: San José

CAHUITA/SAN JOSE’ (B/L/-)
After breakfast, take a short walk to the stables. We will ride first along the beach and then follow a mountain trail through a local farm to the start of the trail. We will leave the horses and walk for about 50 minutes through the forest to a secluded, charming waterfall, where we will swim and enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to the horses and heading back to the lodge in time for a refreshing shower and transfer back to San Jose (about 3.5 hours) for your last night in Costa Rica. Free dinner and overnight stay.


Day 10:

SAN JOSE’/ITALY (B/-/-)
After breakfast, transfer to San Jose International Airport for your flight back to Italy.

Note: The itinerary above is indicative. It may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. Non-riders are welcome and may choose other activities such as rafting, zip-lining, boat cruises, etc.

Notes:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: FROM ° TO °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: Lodge
EQUIPMENT: LOCAL SADDLE (very similar to the MCCLELLAN saddle, a typical saddle used by the U.S. Military during the Civil War in the second half of the 19th century).
HORSES: SPANISH, PASO, and CREOLE. The latter are chosen for their noble temperament and comfortable gaits, used for cattle work, rodeos, traditional festivals, and dressage. A combination of Andalusian, Berber, and Peruvian Paso bloodlines.
PACE: 3 to 5 hours per day in the saddle.
MINIMUM AGE: 12 years
TYPE: Semi-itinerary with overnight stays in lodges

ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1 & 9: Country Inn & Suite Hotel in San Jose
Nights 2, 3 & 4: Finca Los Domos (standard) or Cerro Lodge (upgrade) near Orotina
Nights 5 & 6: Ecolodge (Vista del Cerro, Campos Arenal, or Arenal Montechiari) in La Fortuna
Nights 7 & 8: Cabins (Cabinas Iguanas, Hotel Nirvana, Cabinas Brigitte, Casa de las Flores) in Cahuita

Thanks to its geographical location, climate, and the blend of native and European ingredients, Costa Rican cuisine is known for its flavors, primarily based on rice, beans, and corn tortillas. Costa Rican cooking also features native foods like "chayote" (squash), avocado, and ever-present corn. Costa Rican cuisine is milder than Mexican cuisine, surprising many visitors who expect the same love for hot peppers. While peppers are used to some extent, they are more commonly found in spicy sauces accompanying grilled meats and poultry. Tubers like sweet potatoes, yucca (cassava), and plantains often accompany meals.
Special dietary restrictions or allergies can be communicated upon request.

Guaranteed departure dates with a minimum of 1 person departing from Italy:

From 14/01 to 23/01
From 21/01 to 30/01
From 28/01 to 06/02
From 18/02 to 27/02
From 11/03 to 20/03
From 18/03 to 27/03
From 08/04 to 17/04
From 24/06 to 03/07
From 22/07 to 31/07
From 26/08 to 04/09
From 07/10 to 16/10
From 04/11 to 13/11
From 11/11 to 20/11
From 18/11 to 27/11
From 18/12 to 27/12
Additional departure dates available upon request, with a minimum of 2 participants.

PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 MAX 8

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.401 €
Based on 2 adults
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This idea includes
Destinations 3
Accommodations 4
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Español
Included
Round-trip transfer from San José airport
Transfers by the vehicles indicated in the program
All meals as per the itinerary
9 nights in various types of lodges
8 days of horseback riding (approximately 4 hours per day)
Entrance to the hot springs
Water during the treks
Horses and equipment provided
Expert local guide speaking Spanish and English
Medical assistance insurance, medical repatriation, luggage damage
Excluded
International flights to/from San José
Dinner on Day 1 and Day 9
Any extensions or excursions
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, drinks outside of meals, tips, personal extras
Alcoholic beverages
Anything not mentioned in the "Inclusions" section
Cancellation coverage
Accommodation
- Country Inn & Suite Hotel a San Jose
- Finca Los Domos o Cerro Lodge
- Ecolodge a La Fortuna
- Cabanas a Cahuita