Activity: Horseback Riding
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Harmony Hotel
Habitat: Beach	Activities: Biking, Bird/Wildlife Observation, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Surfing / Windsurfing
Description: Just off Guiones Beach, this hotel aims for a stylish, casual atmosphere as envisioned by its owners, surfing enthusiasts who settled in Guanacaste in 2003. There is a big emphasis on sustainable use of the land and conscious effort to reduce the hotel’s ecological footprint by conserving water, recycling, composting food waste and surrounding the hotel with native species that can thrive using organic farming practices. Restaurant serves organic fare whenever possible. Massage and body treatment rates from $75 to $90.

Morgan's Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge
Habitat: Beach / Rural Farm / Tropical Dry Forest	Activities: Hiking, Horseback Riding Bird/Wildlife Observation, Fishing, Kayaking
Description: Tucked into the forest just back from a private beach, this 15-villa, upscale ecolodge, close to the Costa Rican border on Nicaragua's Pacific coast, is part of a 4,450-acre sustainably-managed hacienda. Recently opened in September 2004, vanguard travelers should go now, before Morgan's Rock becomes one of the toughest reservations in all of Latin America.

Borinquen Mountain Resort
Habitat: Mountain / Tropical Dry Forest	Activities: Biking, Bird/Wildlife Observation, Hiking, Horseback Riding
Description: Secluded and unique property located in Guanacaste, near Rincon de La Vieja Volcano. The resort has 33 ample bungalows that combine a rustic design with modern conveniences. For visitors with special needs, the resort offers 3 handicap rooms. All villas have private decks or terraces with mountain views. Hot springs, hiking, canopy and horseback tours nearby.

Xandari by the Pacific
Habitat: Beach	Activities: Horseback Riding, Surfing / Windsurfing Canopy, Hiking
Description: The hotel fronts Playa Esterillos Este on the Pacific Coast, north of Manuel Antonio. Villas have their own gardens and terraces with views of the ocean. Restaurant specializes in seafood. Hot climate.

Habitat:	Activities: Biking, Horseback Riding, Surfing / Windsurfing Bird/Wildlife Observation, Hiking Boating, Diving / Snorkeling
Description: The hotel fronts Playa Esterillos Este on the Pacific Coast, north of Manuel Antonio. Villas have their own gardens and terraces with views of the ocean. Restaurant specializes in seafood. Hot climate.

Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa
Habitat: Mountain / Volcano	Activities: Biking, Surfing / Windsurfing Bird/Wildlife Observation, Boating, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Spa/Yoga Fishing, Rafting
Description: Located five miles out of La Fortuna, this hotel has 16 standard cabins and 24 junior suites, all air conditioned with hot water private baths and enclosed porches. Junior Suites have refrigerators. Acuarelas, a new restaurant at the hotel, serves international cuisine. Surrounded by gardens and nature trails. Children under ten stay free. Temperate climate.

Tilajari Resort Hotel
Habitat: Mountain	Activities: Biking Bird/Wildlife Observation, Boating, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Spa/Yoga Fishing, Rafting, Tennis Courts
Description: Four-star Costa Rica resort on 35 acres along the banks of the San Carlos River with 76 hotel rooms and an open-air restaurant serving international and Costa Rican dishes. Hotel also has a bar, conference rooms, pool and hot tub, botanical and butterfly gardens, and six tennis courts. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fan, satellite TV, hot water baths, direct dial telephone, safety deposit box and terrace. Cool climate.

Volcano Lodge
Habitat: Mountain / Volcano	Activities: Biking, Surfing / Windsurfing Bird/Wildlife Observation, Boating, Horseback Riding Fishing
Description: On the road between La Fortuna de San Carlos and Arenal Lake, facing the world famous Arenal Volcano. "This lodge is a collection of duplexes across the road from and facing the volcano. All of the rooms come with two double beds, a private bathroom, two wicker chairs inside, and a small terrace with a couple of wooden rocking chairs for volcano viewing outside. The appointments are simple, but the rooms are spacious and get plenty of light through big picture windows." -Frommers Costa Rica 2006

Habitat:	Activities: Fishing, Golf Course, Surfing / Windsurfing Biking, Boating, Diving / Snorkeling, Horseback Riding Spa/Yoga
Description: On the road between La Fortuna de San Carlos and Arenal Lake, facing the world famous Arenal Volcano. "This lodge is a collection of duplexes across the road from and facing the volcano. All of the rooms come with two double beds, a private bathroom, two wicker chairs inside, and a small terrace with a couple of wooden rocking chairs for volcano viewing outside. The appointments are simple, but the rooms are spacious and get plenty of light through big picture windows." -Frommers Costa Rica 2006

Capitán Suizo Hotel
Habitat: Beach	Activities: Fishing, Golf Course, Surfing / Windsurfing Biking, Boating, Diving / Snorkeling, Horseback Riding Spa/Yoga
Description: A free and natural atmosphere with a touch of Swiss quality. Hotel Capitán Suizo is located on Playa Tamarindo, one of the most beautiful Pacific coast beaches in Costa Rica. Directly on the beach, the hotel is surrounded by large, native trees and lush, colorful gardens.

Florblanca Resort
Habitat: Beach	Activities: Biking, Spa/Yoga, Surfing / Windsurfing Bird/Wildlife Observation, Horseback Riding Boating, Diving / Snorkeling, Fishing
Description: Just 10 villas on an unspoiled beach. Distinguished cuisine and yoga overlooking the sea. Restaurant combines local ingredients with Pacific Rim techniques in what may well be the best cuisine in the Pacific. "Ten large, romantic, air-conditioned villas are on seven acres of white-sand beach. Each villa has an ocean view and outdoor bath with sunken tub." -Lonely Planet Costa Rica (2004)

Punta Islita Hotel
Habitat: Beach	Activities: Biking, Fishing Boating, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Spa/Yoga, Tennis Courts Diving / Snorkeling
Description: This resort complex is located south of Carillo and Samara on the Nicoya Peninsula near the Camaronal Wildlife Refuge. Rooms have private patios with hammocks, some with outdoor jacuzzi or private pool. The beach is below the lodge after a 10-min. walk or short shuttle ride. Good nouvelle French-style seafood in the lodge's Palapa Restaurant. There is a cascade swimming pool with Jacuzzi, swim-up bar, restaurant, boutique and conference room. Tennis courts, driving range, gym and spa are also featured. Hot climate.

Si Como No Hotel & Resort
Habitat: Beach / Tropical Rainforest	Activities: Bird/Wildlife Observation, Canopy, Fishing, Spa/Yoga Boating, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Surfing / Windsurfing Biking, Hiking, Rafting
Description: Located in Manuel Antonio, the Hotel's 58 rooms are distributed within ten separate terraces located on ten acres of tropical gardens. The eco-friendly approach has low energy air conditioning, a Disney-like atmosphere, pool with water slide and swim-up bar, a movie theater, solar-heated Jacuzzi, and a fine seafood restaurant. Next to a small shopping center with a deli and a Internet café. Hot climate.

Monteverde Lodge
Habitat: Mountain / Tropical Cloud Forest	Activities: Bird/Wildlife Observation, Hiking Horseback Riding
Description: Located in the Tilarán Mountain Range at 4,600 ft. above sea level on the edge of the world's best known mid-elevation cloud forest, Monteverde Lodge is the expression of Costa Rica Expeditions' desire to create the ultimate lodging experience for the discerning nature traveler. Owned and operated by Costa Rica Expeditions.

Lapa Ríos Ecoresort
Habitat: Beach / Tropical Rainforest	Activities: Bird/Wildlife Observation, Canopy, Fishing, Kayaking Boating, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Spa/Yoga
Description: Located on the Osa Peninsula south of Puerto Jimenez, this eco-resort offers 14 luxuriously appointed bungalows with screened windows, hardwood floors, private balconies and both inside and outside private showers. There is a swimming pool with bar and sundeck, and a terraced restaurant hangs over the forest with a view of the sea. 1000 acres of private reserve include a sandy stretch of virgin beach. Hot climate.

Casa Turire Hotel
Habitat: Rural Farm	Activities: Rafting Biking, Bird/Wildlife Observation, Hiking, Horseback Riding
Description: Located in Turrialba Valley near the wild Reventazón River, renowned for white water rafting. Here the accent is on comfort and relaxation in a tropical paradise setting. Friendly Costa Rican hospitality and well appointed rooms and suites in an elegant country mansion.

Sapo Dorado Hotel
Habitat: Mountain / Tropical Cloud Forest	Activities: Bird/Wildlife Observation, Hiking Horseback Riding
Description: Surrounded by spacious grounds and gardens, near the Monteverde Cloud Forest, this hotel offers classic mountain suites with a fireplace and a small balcony. Costa Rica beauty and genuine hospitality blend with an internationally influenced service style and ingenious cuisine to create a unique atmosphere of comfort and simple elegance.

Parador Resort & Spa
Habitat: Beach / Tropical Rainforest	Activities: Bird/Wildlife Observation, Canopy, Fishing Boating, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Surfing / Windsurfing Biking, Hiking, Rafting, Spa/Yoga
Description: Named a Costa Rica “Leading Resort Hotel" by World Travel Awards in 2006 and 07. Situated on a majestic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by tropical rainforest, the 108-room Hotel Parador is located in a pristine area, close to Manuel Antonio National Park. Facilities include two restaurants, bars, conference room, gift shops, spa services and tennis court. It has Mediterranean-style architecture, modeled after the Traditional Spanish Paradores, with lush gardens, an infinity pool and spa services.

Gaia Hotel & Reserve
Habitat: Beach / Tropical Rainforest	Activities: Bird/Wildlife Observation, Boating, Canopy Hiking, Horseback Riding, Spa/Yoga Rafting
Description: Member of the exclusive group, “Small Luxury Hotels of the World.” the hotel's 20 rooms are decorated in a minimalist, modern style, but there’s no skimping on luxuries. There is a three-tiered cascade pool - with a bar in the center - designed to resemble a large waterfall. Wifi throughout the property means you won’t be out of reach, even if all you see out your window is the dense forest of the hotel’s private reserve. Hot climate.

Cristal Ballena Hotel
Habitat: Beach / Tropical Rainforest	Activities: Boating, Hiking Bird/Wildlife Observation, Horseback Riding Kayaking
Description: Cristal Ballena is 30 minutes from Palmar Sur Airport, south of Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica's South Pacific Coast. It is also near Ballena Marine National Park, an important Humpback breeding ground during the months of February and March. Turtle watching is best in September and October. Cristal Ballena features rooms with private balconies with stunning ocean views, A/C, private bathrooms and satellite TV. The hotel has large pool overlooking the ocean, a restaurant serving local and international fare, and a full-service bar.

Tamarindo Diria Resort
Habitat: Beach	Activities: Fishing, Golf Course, Surfing / Windsurfing Biking, Bird/Wildlife Observation, Boating, Diving / Snorkeling, Horseback Riding
Description: Located on the white sand beach of Tamarindo, most rooms at the four-star Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort have ocean and sunset views and direct access to the beach. Grounds are beautifully maintained, with lush tropical green gardens. The scenic pool and lobby pool for children, are great places to relax and enjoy the warm weather and tropical surroundings. Rooms are open and inviting and the hotel's restaurants serve local and international cuisine with a special focus on seafood. Golf course, tennis courts, restaurants and pool. Hot climate.

Buena Vista Villas
Habitat: Beach	Activities: Canopy, Fishing Bird/Wildlife Observation, Boating, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Surfing / Windsurfing Biking, Hiking, Rafting, Spa/Yoga
Description: Surrounded by breath-taking panoramic views of the verdant jungle terrain and the majestic Pacific Ocean, Buena Vista's villas are tastefully decorated and comfortable. All have furnished terraces, with grill and hammock; a fully equipped kitchenette; A/C; telephone, fans, blow dryers and hot water showers. There is a pool surrounded by gardens and private beach below the property.

Habitat:	Activities: Biking, Surfing / Windsurfing Bird/Wildlife Observation, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Rafting
Description: Surrounded by breath-taking panoramic views of the verdant jungle terrain and the majestic Pacific Ocean, Buena Vista's villas are tastefully decorated and comfortable. All have furnished terraces, with grill and hammock; a fully equipped kitchenette; A/C; telephone, fans, blow dryers and hot water showers. There is a pool surrounded by gardens and private beach below the property.

Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort
Habitat: Beach / Tropical Rainforest	Activities: Bird/Wildlife Observation, Canopy, Fishing Boating, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Surfing / Windsurfing Biking, Hiking, Rafting, Spa/Yoga
Description: Arenas del Mar is a beach and nature resort with 38 upscale rooms and suites, offering a casual beach front café and an elegant dining facility with views of Manuel Antonio National Park. There are two swimming pools, a small spa, and a gift shop as well as nature trails leading to two beaches. All rooms equipped with cable TV, ceiling fans, air conditioning, Internet, mini-bar, safe deposit box, coffee maker, microwave and iron.

Arenal Manoa Hotel
Habitat: Mountain / Rural Farm	Activities: Bird/Wildlife Observation, Hiking Biking, Canopy, Horseback Riding, Rafting
Description: Located 10 mins. from La Fortuna, this hotel has 40 jr suites with volcano views, private bathroom with a small interior garden and balcony. All rooms are equipped with two queen-sized beds, air conditioning, satellite tv, telephone, terrace with views of the volcano, minibar, safe-deposit box and coffee maker. The hotel also features pool with swim-up bar, children’s pool, Jacuzzi and restaurant. Temperate climate.

Los Sueños Marriott
Habitat: Beach	Activities: Bird/Wildlife Observation, Canopy Hiking, Horseback Riding Biking
Description: Luxury Marriott hotel set on a 1,100-acre rainforest overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Colonial design, deluxe amenities - including a large swimming pool winding through the hotel grounds - spacious rooms with private balconies featuring ocean or garden views. Hot climate.

Mountain Paradise Lodge
Habitat: Mountain / Volcano	Activities: Biking, Surfing / Windsurfing Bird/Wildlife Observation, Boating, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Spa/Yoga Fishing, Rafting
Description: The hotel offers 15 rooms, including junior suites and two-bedroom master suites, restaurant, adult and child swimming pools, jacuzzi and wet bar. All 15 rooms are equipped with a king size bed, fine wood furniture, flat screen cable tv, wireless Internet, telephones and jacuzzi. Cool climate.

Hotel Playa Espadilla
Habitat: Beach / Tropical Rainforest	Activities: Bird/Wildlife Observation, Canopy, Fishing Boating, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Surfing / Windsurfing Biking, Hiking, Rafting
Description: Hotel Playa Espadilla is located just 150 mts from Manuel Antonio Beach front, and 200 mts away from the main entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park. The hotel offers 16 rooms equipped with air conditioner, cable TV, hot water, safety deposit box and hair dryer. Services include swimming pool, bar, Restaurant, tennis court, parking lot and biological private trails. This hotel spreads across grounds bordered on two sides by the tall trees of Manuel Antonio National Park, and it has a trail through an area of the park that few people visit. The simple but spacious mint-green rooms with big windows are housed in two-story buildings surrounded by green lawns. A small blue-tile pool and patio have a pleasant adjacent bar area with a billiard table. Directly behind are a large, open-air restaurant and a tennis court. Hot Climate.

Close
The Horseback Riding is excellent: Worth a special trip just to do this.
The Horseback Riding is good: Worth making the time to do it.
The Horseback Riding is acceptable: Once you are there if you have the time you may well enjoy it.

COSTA RICA HOTEL INDEX