Arenal Volcano Photo Galley

Equestrian Journeys

More than a Horse Trek

Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat

"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."

~Winston Churchill

Arenal Volcan View from Leaves and Lizards Cabin

THE HORSES: The Costa Rican horses, Costarricense de Paso also known as Criolla, are a combination of several Spanish horses (Barb, Andulusian, Arab) and the Peruvian Stepping Horse. This magical combination has created horses with a smooth, comfortable gait. The spirit of the Costa Rican horses will touch your soul. They are fearless, sure footed, hardworking and extremely versatile. The horses at Leaves and Lizards are cared for and trained using natural horsemanship techniques based on the 7 games of Pat Parelli. We offer a variety of horses to choose from. Options range from the highly spirited Criolla to low key Quarter Horses and anywhere in between. The riding style is Western. We will help you choose just the right horse. Maybe your horse will choose you! In Spanish it is called `Vinculo'; it is an unexplainable bond between two souls.

"......I must explain about the horses, because these are not your typical horses. Trained by outstanding professionals, they can perform as fancy "dancing" show horses one minute, and then turn around and race and run in a rodeo the next. But when you place a child on the back of one of these creatures, they are as perfectly mannered as a nervous mother could ever wish for." Guest comment

THE ENVIRONMENT/WEATHER: Costa Rica has around 30 different micro-climates. On the trek you will be riding through at least 3 of these micro-climates. We are located on the Caribbean slope and our weather is wetter, the rainforest greener and denser than on the Pacific Slope. We schedule the treks during times of the year with the best chance for good weather. However, you may get wet on one or more of the trekking days. Unless you are the Wicked Witch of the West, you will live!

THE NATURE: Speaking of `Oz'?.you may feel like you have entered into the `Land of Oz' during your journey. The trek takes you cantering across rolling hills, through rainforests, fording clear rivers, and trotting down isolated country roads through sleepy villages. Views from the hilltops are breathtaking. The Arenal Volcano dominates the vista, look the other way; you'll see 3 more volcanoes in the distance and across the Northern plains Lake Nicaragua shimmers on the horizon. You'll be sure to spot all sorts of creatures, including curious monkeys (without wings), happy sloths, dozens of species of flamboyant tropical birds, poison dart frogs and maybe even an ocelot or other wild cat-just to name a few! Your guides will teach you about the environment and how the flow of energy works in the complex circle of life in the rainforest.

"........horseback riding at L&L is a MUST. We rode on dirt roads through local neighborhoods, got to run the horses through pastures with amazing views and even crossed small rivers to get to a waterfall where we could swim and have a bite to eat. During all the adventure I felt completely safe with the guides who were with us. I can't wait to go back!!" Guest Comment

THE ENERGY: There is something indescribable about the energy here. Some say it is a shift in consciousness.

Erin M.G. describes it well in her Blog : "My mother told me when we boarded that airplane bound for Costa Rica that `this place will change you.' ..... I brushed it off. She warned there was something, not exactly sure what, but something about the community, the air, the rain forest, the animals, that seeps into your soul and mixes it up a bit. For every person, the effect is slightly different. For most, it's downright cathartic. I lost myself in the jungle and purged my soul."

THE GUIDES: All treks are led by three guides; a bilingual naturalist, a local cowboy, and a horseman.

THE FOOD/ACCOMDATIONS: Many of the meals are prepared with ingredients produced at Leaves and Lizards or on the host farm. Hearty meals and snacks are provided during the trek and included in the rate. Special diets can be accommodated. The water is safe to drink. We will send you a packing list with your reservation confirmation. Package includes private rooms with private bathrooms for each guest or couple traveling together.

THE CULTURE: The Costa Rican people call themselves Tico's. They are friendly, welcoming people who are proud of their country and are incredibility hospitable. Horses are a part of the culture and used for work on farms and ranches. Community events such as Rodeos, Topes (dancing horse parades), Cabalgatas (group cross-country rides) and Endurance Rally's are yearly events in many communities. Experiencing the culture and people of Costa Rica is an important element of the Equestrian Journeys' experience.

"....I have ridden horses all my life but riding a Costa Rican Gaited horse on a cattle drive was one of the highlights of my stay there."

"....We especially loved the horses and the guideswho took us through jungle, field and stream to a private waterfall, pointing out sloths, frogs and killer ants along the way. We still miss "our" horses!"

"......we were especially appreciative of the quality of the horses- which says something, coming from being horse owners ourselves. If I could have taken my dancing horse home with me I would have done it in a heartbeat!"

THE EQUESTRIAN JOURNEYS: More Than a Horse Trek

Titan's Journey-4 Nights-3 Days in the Saddle.

Appropriate for intermediate to expert riders. Minimum 4 riders---Maximum 8----Minimum age 16.

DAY 1: Welcome Dinner. Arrive at Leaves and Lizards get acquainted with the other trekkers and horses. (Transportation to Leaves and Lizards is not included). (D)*

DAY 2: Waterfall Ride. Meet your horse and head out to our private waterfall. Ride through pastures, rivers, rainforest. Go for a refreshing swim at the waterfall and then head to Finca Tuete, a working dairy farm. After caring for your horse, release him into the pasture just off your private deck. Enjoy a restful night of sleep in a large 4-plex cabin with a wrap-around porch perched on a mountain top with a 360° view of Arenal and the Northern Plains. (BLD) Hours in the Saddle: 4

DAY 3: Rainforest and Mountain Ridge Ride. Enjoy stunning views of the Arenal Volcano and the surrounding mountains as you ride through rainforests, pastures and along country roads. Return to Finca Tuete. (BLD)Hours in the saddle: 5

DAY 4: Liberty Riding. Free morning to ride at liberty at Finca Tuete. Take the opportunity to ride bareback and swim with your horse in a pond or learn to work with cattle. Head back to Leaves and Lizards for the night (2 hour ride). (BLD)

DAY 5: End of Journey. (B)

Dorado's Journey- 6 Nights-5 Days in the Saddle**

Appropriate for intermediate to expert riders. Minimum 4 riders----Maximum 8----Minimum age 16

DAY 1: Welcome Dinner. Arrive at Leaves and Lizards get acquainted with the other trekkers and get your first introduction to the horses. (Transportation to Leaves and Lizards is not included). (D)

DAY 2: Waterfall Ride. Become acquainted with your horse and head out to a private waterfall. Ride through pastures, rivers, and rainforest. Go for a refreshing swim at the waterfall, and then head to Finca Tuete a working dairy farm. After caring for your horse, release him into the pasture just off your private deck. Enjoy a restful night of sleep in a large 4-plex cabin with a wraparound porch perched on a mountain top with a 360° view of Arenal and the Northern Plains. (BLD)Hours in the Saddle: 4

DAY 3: Trek to Venado. Ride across countryside through open pastures, rainforest and country roads to Finca Ojo de Agua in Venado Valley. This 90 acre horse farm has over 40 acres of protected, primary rainforest and is bordered by the beautiful Rio Nilo. After caring for your horse, you will be transported back to Leaves and Lizards to have dinner and spend the night (30 minute car ride). (BLD) Hours in the saddle: 6.

DAY 4: Journey to Vinculo. After breakfast head back to Finca Ojo de Agua. Activities will vary on this day depending upon the trek. They may include Parelli workshops, traditional Costa Rica style horse skill building, cowboy activities or other type of workshop with guest instructor(s). After caring for your horse, you will be transported back to Leaves and Lizards to have dinner and spend the night. (BLD)

DAY 5: Rainforest and Mountain Ridge Ride. After breakfast head back to Finca Ojo de Agua. Enjoy stunning views of the Arenal Volcano as you ride through rainforests, pastures and country roads. Return to Finca Tuete. (BLD) Hours in the saddle: 6

DAY 6: Day at Liberty. Free morning to ride and play at liberty. Take the opportunity to ride bareback, practice new skills and swim with your horse in a pond! Head back to Leaves and Lizards for the night (2 hour ride). (BLD)

DAY 7: End of Journey. (B)

"The horse has the strength of 20 men, the speed to out run the wind, and the grace to heal us, yet remains humble enough to let us ride upon his back."

-Unknown

*B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner

**Dorado's Journey rates will vary according to the guest instructor