For travellers seeking adventure away from the usual tourist centres, this seven-day horse riding holiday at Hacienda Sassenberg in Montes de Oro, Costa Rica, offers an opportunity to experience diverse landscapes, cloud forests, jungles, waterfalls and panoramic mountain views. Designed for intermediate riders, the programme combines guided riding with time to enjoy the natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere of the hacienda.
Accommodation At Hacienda Sassenberg
Guests stay for six nights in a comfortable guest house equipped with a small kitchen, bathroom, shower, television and direct access to the swimming pool. The hacienda is situated within a natural landscape overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya and provides both relaxation and access to outdoor activities.
The property features an outdoor swimming pool, barbecue facilities and a kitchen. Its setting allows visitors to enjoy nature while appreciating the tranquillity of the surrounding environment.
Horse Riding Experience
The holiday includes five days of horse riding with approximate daily riding times ranging from three to five hours. Riding is conducted on well-trained quarter horses and quarter horse crosses, using western tack.
Participants are grouped according to their riding ability, and instruction is available in English. The programme is intended for intermediate riders and focuses on trail riding and hacking through a variety of landscapes.
Arrival And Welcome
On arrival at Juan SantamarÃa International Airport, guests are transferred to the hacienda, a journey of approximately two hours. After reaching the property, visitors receive a snack and a non-alcoholic welcome cocktail.
Depending on arrival time, there is an opportunity to enjoy the tropical garden and swimming pool while observing local wildlife, including butterflies, hummingbirds and monkeys.
Day Two Panoramic Riding
Following breakfast, guests meet their horses and take part in a riding skills assessment. Horses are assigned according to experience before riders begin with a ride in the arena.
The day continues with a panoramic trail ride offering views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains. Afterwards, the horses are taken to the river to cool down.
Day Three Waterfall Adventure
The third day includes a ride across the hacienda and past grazing cattle towards the Zamora mountain river. After reaching the area, participants continue on foot along the river to a waterfall.
A natural pool provides an opportunity for swimming, while a packed lunch is enjoyed in the peaceful surroundings.
Day Four Sunrise Ride And Gold Tunnels
An early morning ride begins before sunrise, allowing riders to experience the awakening of nature from horseback. Breakfast is served from the saddlebag during the excursion.
Wildlife such as coyotes, coatis, possums and deer may be observed along the route. During the return journey, guests visit ancient gold tunnels that remain active today.
Day Five Into The Cloud Forest
The ride into the cloud forest introduces guests to one of the region’s most distinctive environments. Orchids grow along the route, and the landscape changes from open meadows to dense jungle.
The forest is home to wildlife including pumas, jaguars and ocelots, although these animals are rarely seen. After reaching a finca in the area, the horses are taken to pasture and guests spend the night in bungalows beside the jungle.
Day Six Exploring The Cloud Forest
After caring for the horses and enjoying a traditional breakfast, riders continue exploring the cloud forest. The route includes a waterfall and a suspension bridge.
In a nearby village, guests can see an ox mill used for grinding sugar cane. Lunch is served in a local restaurant before a walk of approximately forty minutes through the cloud forest.
Following a coffee break, the group returns to the hacienda, where visitors can experience the friendly atmosphere of the region.
Day Seven Departure
The final day includes breakfast and, depending on departure arrangements, lunch before saying farewell and transferring for onward travel.
Meals And Dining
The holiday includes half-board accommodation with breakfast and dinner served daily. Beer and wine are included with meals.
Vegetarian and lactose-free dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request.
Location In Montes De Oro
The holiday takes place in Miramar, within the mountains of Puntarenas in Montes de Oro. Hacienda Sassenberg overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by forests, water springs and waterfalls.
Its elevated position creates impressive views while providing access to cloud forests and mountain trails.
What Is Included
The package includes five days of horse riding, horse and equipment use, six nights of accommodation, half-board meals with beer or wine, airport transfers and guidance from English and German-speaking guides.
Optional Activities
Guests wishing to extend their experience may choose additional activities such as beach stays, visits to Manuel Antonio National Park, Monte Verde canopy tours, Rio Celeste, sea turtle watching in Tortuguero, whale watching in Bahia Ballena and white water rafting.
This Hacienda and Cloud Forest horse riding holiday combines five days of riding with cloud forest exploration, waterfall visits and panoramic views of Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes. With comfortable accommodation, guided rides and included meals, it offers an immersive experience in Montes de Oro.
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