An Eco Retreat, Riding Trek and Horse Yoga Adventure in Costa Rica

Join me for a truly transformative trip unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.  It has all of the components of a rejuvenating retreat, exciting trekking and ecotourism on horseback, complete culture immersion and deep connection with nature, horses, self and others.

You will be led on an inward journey of learning and growth and an outward journey of discovering new places, experiencing grand adventures, and meeting local Costa Ricans who are working with nature to create a healthier and better environment.

February 25th-March 5th, 2023

~ Live La Pura Vida with a week of Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Beach Combing and Ecotours~

Immerse yourself in the warmth and genuine hospitality of Costa Rica, for a week of rejuvenation, relaxation and joyful living while experiencing true connection to self, horses and others.

Experience a truly unique combination of activity and down time, combining horse riding, ecotours, yoga with horses, kayaking and beach combing with plenty of peaceful time to truly immerse yourself in nature and the land.

Wake to a day full of possibilities ~ EVERY day!

  • Imagine riding down little dirt roads through the jungle with towering trees overhead, arriving at the beach to splash in the waves of the Caribbean, feeling the warm tropical air on your skin, nourishing you and replenishing you with life.

  • Picture yourself heading to the beach for a rejuvenating morning stroll, feel your feet in the sand and the sun on your back as you gently stretch, explore or meditate and listen to the healing waves of the ocean. Go for a dip before meeting your horse for an afternoon of connection work and bonding.

  • Hear the loud roar of howler monkeys, birds, frogs and cicadas fill the air as you walk beneath towering trees on your way to the Macaw Rescue Center for evening feeding time. Delight in the colors as the great birds swoop past you on the platform.

  • Listen to the local sounds of Calypso and Reggae as we meander through the small town of Playa Negra and sit under the coconut trees for a healthy picnic while our horses rest nearby. Maybe see some turtles, herons or storks as they are fishing in the nearby river.

  • Tour through a small local Chocolate farm, where chocolate is organically grown, picked, roasted and prepared into delicious bars of pure dark chocolate mixed with local flavors like coconut, vanilla, ginger and hot peppers. Sample to your heart’s content!  It’s pretty likely to see a sloth on your journey too!

  • Experience the beauty of nature as you ride, hike, stretch and relax in some of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Costa Rica like a true Tico – on horseback! Delve into the rich cultural heritage of horses and explore the rain forests, mountains, rivers and beaches of the Carribean.

  • Indulge in plenty of “you” time with amazing yoga classes with the horses, walks along the beach, swims in the ocean, or just relaxing Pura Vida style.

  • An expedition to the Macaw Release Center, to learn how they’ve re-integrated the Great Green Macaw along the slopes of the Talamancan mountains. Today, all thanks to this ambitious project, you will witness these majestic and colorful birds fill the air with their giant wings and loud chatter throughout the jungle tops.

  • A morning trek to Beach Break, the surfer’s beach, where Caribbeans Chocolate Farm is located, with a picnic on the beach and a swim and then eating your fill of dessert during the chocolate tour.

  • A lovely kayak tour through the calm rivers as our horses take a break and rest on the beach nearby.  We may even get to swim with the horses if the ocean waves cooperate!

  • Yoga classes, with the horses, to bond even deeper and to guide you towards lasting rejuvenation and peace.

  • Enjoy a stress free, off-the-beaten path experience with healthy meals, in-country travel, activities and logistics taken care of – especially for you.

Trip Includes

  • All horse activities, in-house meals, in-country bus travel and accommodations while together in Costa Rica

  • Adventure and cultural activities including trekking, horse riding and kayaking with lodging in a natural wildlife preserve a hop, skip and jump from the beach.

  • Riding instruction, natural horsemanship tips, mindfulness activities and equine coaching guidance throughout the trip.

  • Farm to table meals prepared fresh with the local cuisine of the area.

  • Up to 3 phone calls with me to discuss what you hope to discover and gain from the adventure and to talk about travel logistics and any concerns you may have prior to the trip.

  • 1 follow up phone call, upon request, after our trip to continue the process of self-discovery and mindful living

  • 9 days and 8 nights of pure Costa Rican culture, including one evening near San Jose upon arrival.  I will also be happy to provide my personal guidance on organizing travel plans to and from the country.  Once we meet up at the designated time and place, all of your travel needs will be taken care of

 

The Horses:

The horses will be your gentle guides, companion and teachers throughout the week.  They will take you on amazing journeys within and without.  They are fearless, hardworking, kind, trusting and patient.  The spirit of these horses will touch your soul.

   

Our Accommodations:

Our accommodations are simple, clean and airy.  We are lucky to be staying within the Gandoca-Manzanillo wildlife Refuge, where we’ll be immersed in the jungle, a stone’s throw from the ocean, and can experience the sweet and wild landscapes of nature. The monkeys shout, the birds sing, the winds caress you as you find yourself in an area where the rainforest plunges into the Carribean ocean.

The Costa Rican jungle calls you, impossible to resist to its attraction. Be seduced; engulf yourself in the natural canvas and live fabulous and unforgettable moments.

Riding level

Intermediate through advanced. The rides are not difficult, but the Costa Rican horses tend to get a bit more spirited on the beach.  You need to be comfortable in walk, trot and canter and be able to control your horse when not in a nose-to-tail line. If you haven’t ridden for awhile, but are an intermediate rider, for maximum enjoyment of the experience, I highly encourage you to take 6-8 riding lessons before joining me on this trip.  Don’t worry, if you’re not an intermediate rider and still want to come on the trip, there’s still time to take lessons and advance your riding skills before the trip.

*** There is a 210 lb. weight limit

***While we all do our best to stick to exact itineraries, sometimes changes are inevitable and flexibility is key!

 Fitness level

Beginner. We will be doing some light hiking and exploring each day. To make your trip more enjoyable, we suggest that you have a walking/light workout routine 3-4 weeks prior to the trip.

Cost:  $4600

*All prices are based on double occupancy. Single occupancy rates may be available upon request.  Airfare and restaurant meals are not included.

Please fill out all liability and release forms 4 weeks prior to the trip and return them to Joy Rides Coaching at joyrides.dgo@gmail.com.  If you are unable to download them from this site and fill them out online, please contact staff to get copies via mail.  


Trip payment options



Cancellation policy:

If you have to cancel, costs are fully refundable, except for deposit and bank service charges, up to 120 days before the start of the trip. Between 60 and 120 days before the trip, 50% of the costs are refundable. If you have to cancel 60 days before the trip, the costs are nonrefundable, but are transferable to another person. The $1000 deposit is nonrefundable. However, this deposit amount may be transferred to another excursion if space is available.