Cowboy for a Day

Spend a Day with an Authentic Sabanero

Have you ever dreamed of being a cowboy or sabanero, riding the field under a blue sky without end, herding cattle and horses, and enjoying the freedom of open spaces?

You have the opportunity at Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, located in the heart of the hacienda land in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, at the foot of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Work as a cowboy for a day in our ranch in the company of an authentic Guanacastean sabanero, or Costa Rican cowboy. This name is given because they spend hours and hours looking after animals in the great Guanacaste savanna.

The day starts early—at 5:45 a.m.—with the morning milking of the cows at the corral. Fresh milk is brought daily to the kitchen and served during breakfast. Please note that breakfast is not included in the tour, but it is included for guests staying at the hotel.

After the milking session, you’ll get ready to head out on horseback and begin the day’s farm tasks. The specific activities vary depending on the needs of the day and may include working in the stables and corral, saddling and preparing horses, herding cattle or horses, checking on livestock in distant pastures, fixing fences, and more.

This authentic ranch adventure includes a box lunch to enjoy during your day of work.

The experience is led by one of our experienced sabaneros. All participants must wear safety helmets. We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes and long pants or knee-length shorts.