Rancho Chilamate Eco Guest Ranch & Horseback Adventures
Rivas, EscamequitaAbout
Location :
Added by Jopie, at 30 December 2015
Opening Hours
- Monday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
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18 Reviews
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08 May 2018
Really beautiful location and such a great and friendly team. The horses are healthy and very calm. I enjoyed a nice sunset beach trip. It was a special experience which I would highly recommend.
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07 May 2018
We had a fantastic time at Rancho Chilamate. We did not stay at the ranch but did a sunset horseback ride to the beach. It was a seamless experience from start to finish. Staff was incredibly friendly and responsive, they even picked us up and dropped us off in San Juan del Sur which made the transporatation convenient and stress free. The ride was beautiful, horses are tame and well taken care of. Loved the entire experience and highly recommend it to anyone! I would do it again on my next trip! Thanks for a wonderful time.
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08 April 2018
Absolutely incredible! The girls that work there are SO sweet and friendly, I wish I could move in there and work on the ranch with them, it was a dream!
They have all kinds of props, hats, boots, even shirts and jeans, and its a beatuiful property. I would love to go back and stay in one of the rooms someday. They give you trailmix and beer when you get to the beach, and chips and salsa/rum/fresh squeezed watermelon juice when you get back! You can tell that they all love their jobs (who wouldn't?!) and the owner, Blue, built a school and does a ton of cool stuff with the community. My only small complaint would be that you really only get to canter 4-5 times back and forth on the beach, less than 10 minutes total, so the 3 hours in the saddle is really just walking on the trail to the beach. (I've been to other places where you are running fast for hours.) I wish we could have spent a full hour on the beach, but I also understand that it was hot (94 F or so) and that probably would have been too much for their sweet horses. I also couldn't fully let my sweet Cruiser go full speed when we did our canter, because we were supposed to keep the horses in a line instead of running side by side, so I definitely don't think we went as fast as we could have gone (he really wanted to pass!) but it was still super fun, and I know they have to do that for safety reasons! I'm glad they take such good care of their babies.
The other thing I loved about this place is that they treat their horses VERY well, and it shows! The horses are well cared for and happy, that is unfortunately rare at a lot of other places I've been to! I'll be back, and I love their turkey too!response / report this review -
05 February 2018
My boyfriend and I had an amazing time riding with Rancho Chilamate! It was my first time riding horseback and I really loved it. The girls working at the ranch were incredibly friendly and helpful, and I felt comfortable the entire time even though I had never been on a horse before. The beach was beautiful too! We would definitely recommend it!
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28 December 2017
Having taken many a trail ride while on vacation (fellow horse people will understand the urge to ride wherever they find themselves), I have had some good, and many bad horse tours.
This ride was exceptional. We were NOT nose to tail, the guides were knowledgeable and upbeat, the horses were healthy and you could tell were very loved by those who cared for them (not easily said for many horse tour groups, especially those in Central America!). The beach was all ours once we traversed through the jungle, popped a cold beer and we got to fly on horseback through the sand. I didn't want to dismount, even three hours later!
Fabulous ride, horses, and staff. And the best of all was the family vibe that Blue (The Female Mastermind behind Rancho Chilamate) had created with her ranch; including all those who stepped through the doors.
It's hard not to fall iin love with the Ranch and it's family. But all the more reason to keep coming back!
Highly recommended.response / report this review -
24 December 2017
I've been coming to Rancho Chilamate for 7 years now, and to say it's amazing is an understatement. From warm hospitality with above and beyond special touches, to a top-notch team, and arguably the best food around, it's clear why they have earned top TripAdvisor status.
The stables are immaculate, the horses are happy, healthy and free to roam, and the guided rides through the jungle are spectacular. If you don't want to fuss with a camera, the Rancho Chilamate cowboys and cowgirls capture your ride for youand we're talking frame-worthy, pro level shots you'll have for always. And even if you don't ride, pull up a hammock and hang by the pool.
Either way, count on an authentic Nicaraguan experience that will open your eyes to this special corner of the world.response / report this review -
16 December 2017
The number one place to go in Nicaragua. Blue and her crew go above and beyond to show you the best time, from galloping down the beach on horseback, to lounging between palms by the meticulously clean pool, to ranch dinners fit for the hardest working cowboys and girls. Blue is a one of a kind woman and you will remember her stories and her hospitality as one of the highlights of your trip. A great place for romantic getaways and to find your bliss under the stars!
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15 December 2017
I love this place, the people and the animals.. I have never fallen more in love with a place in my life.. The owner Blue is one of the most beautiful and inspirational people I have ever met!
All of the horses are so beautiful and being able to ride them down the beach fulfilled one of my childhood fantasies! Love love loveresponse / report this review -
08 December 2017
Awesome place - 2nd time was a charm!!!! - This time we tried riding on a different beach, spent a day learning to surf - nites by the pool - great company conversation - loved getting reacquainted with Tequila and Tom the Turkey he made it through Thanksgiving another year. Blue and her staff really know how to show you a good time. When I die I want to come back as one of her horses - all well loved, and cared for not like other places I have been. Thumbs up !
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17 October 2017
The most terrible place I have ever visited, the sick horses, majority over 24 years of age are suffering diseases as pneumonia or lameness and with sore backs are abused during the beach rides after being day by day neglected, sad dogs plagued of parasites and tropical birds in cages, as well as the foreign workers who arrived there without working permits and without getting paid for their jobs. The boss Heather Blue van Doorninck, is the worst person to deal with, she is used to kick out employees by giving false testimonies and bribing the local police, so she does not have to pay their salaries. Pure Mafia, I would suggest to stay away this place.
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26 July 2017
Galloping on horseback on a beach - checked off the bucket list.
What a great stay at Rancho Chilamate and an epic ride. Most of my riding over the years has been pretty casual, mostly trail riding. And unlike most riders, I like to get off the trail a bit, take a horse in a different direction, gallop some, i.e. have fun. Well, this was the best ride I've had in 40 years of riding.
Firstly, the trail itself was beautiful. Lined with trees, views of the countryside, walking past many local people and their homes, the butterflies were everywhere, birds and other wildlife, streams to cross, hills to climb, you couldn't ask for a more perfect place to ride.
Along the route we cross through what's called "Big Sky Ranch". Ask the Google about it. This gorgeous piece of land is being developed for homes, hotel, and riding. So now's the time to grab yourself a piece of paradise - check it out.
And then you reach the beach. Wow!!!! Wide open, inviting and waiting for us. And then we rode. I was on Smokey, and he loved the water and loved to run. He took me for a great ride -- the ride of a lifetime. Thoroughly exhilarating.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, what a picturesque spot -- welcoming by all the staff, especially Blue, the hostess with the mostess. She's simply wonderful, making you feel welcome comes easily to her. You really just want to unpack your bags and stay forever. Terrific food, great room and accommodations, what a sweet find in the middle of this beautiful country.
We'll see you again, Blue, you can count on it. Saddle up :)response / report this review -
10 July 2017
Rancho Chilamate was by far the best experience I've had in Nicaragua. It is such a beautiful place-from the hotel to the outside views.
The trail ride was the best one I've ever had and I've been riding for a lot of years.
I cannot imagine a better place to stay, relax, eat great food or ride amazing horses!
Rancho Chilamate was truly a once in a lifetime experience and I will definitely come back to this place!
Make sure to put Nicaragua and Rancho Chilamate on your bucket list!
Thank you so much for making me fall in love with Nicaragua Blue!!response / report this review -
07 July 2017
The most amazing adventure in all of Nicaragua. A MUST SEE while in this country! The staff are amazing people and the atmosphere is unforgettable. You WILL NOT regret spending time at Rancho Chillamate!
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19 March 2017
WOW. My daughter rides and we wanted her to be able to experience the beach in Nicaragua. Of course as her Dad, I proudly went as well for my first time on a horse. Rancho Chilamate provided boots, shirts, jeans and hats for the ride. A 3 hr tour took us thru the country side, hills and onto Playa Escamequita. Watching my daughter gallop on the beach thru the water was amazing! Then with the help of the Rancho tour guides I was able to get a "slow trot" and did not fall off. I am hooked and excited to ride again with my girl
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28 February 2017
I visited Rancho Chilamate while on our first vacation to Nicaragua. We visited for riding lessons twice because our first day was so enjoyable. The ranch in *incredibly* charming, beautiful, grand and welcoming. Peaceful is probably the best word. I met Blue, and instantly knew I'd be back for a stay. There is something beautiful to see and feel in every direction. When my family's lessons were over, I didn't really want to leave.
Alex was the instructor for our riding lessons. Despite 90+ degrees and various riding levels, she was kind, warm, patient and extremely skilled.
Mark drove us up and down the countryside one day, when the car we were to travel in broke down. He was gracious and engaged our whole group in fascinating conversation. I was most grateful for how safe I felt while he drove. High recommendation and I can't wait to visit again.response / report this review -
13 June 2016
beautiful spotless place, so peaceful and the horse riding on the beach is a once in a lifetime experience, do it and get the pictures package, it helps the local community and you have something to brag about on FB ;-)
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18 February 2016
Owner Blue gave us a warm welcome. Fantastic team and architecture. Delicious dinner mjam! Thank you all!
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06 January 2016
Really fun riding place. My wife is the actual rider, but we like to do horseback trips when we travel. This place was the best I've been to. The guides are all fun and want you to have fun. They provide jeans, hats, and boots so you don't have to bring them and you don't have to get your own clothes so dirty. They are far better than other single file lead all the horses around outfits we've been to. Cowgirl Lenny was our leader and runs the trail ride portion. She and the three other guides told us to ride with our groups or to do what makes it the most fun. They took us to a beach and provided refreshments and then we galloped up and down the beach for a while. We could ride in the shallow water if we wanted to. They had a photographer there to get some shots and they gave us tips to make them look good. I was really impressed and we had a great time! Definitely recommend if you want to take a ride near San Juan Del Sur!!
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