By Heredia, Costa Rica — HEREDIA – In a significant move set to reshape its tourism landscape, Costa Rica has been officially designated the “World Equestrian Destination 2026” by the World Equestrian Tourism Organization (OMTE). The landmark announcement, made on March 16 in Heredia, celebrates the nation’s deep-rooted connection with equine culture and strategically positions it as a premier hub for horse enthusiasts worldwide.
This prestigious recognition is more than a ceremonial title; it is a validation of the integral role the horse has played in Costa Rica’s history, economy, and cultural fabric. The OMTE, which highlights a different country each year, aims to promote unique equestrian experiences, and this year’s selection of Costa Rica is expected to unlock substantial opportunities for sustainable and rural tourism development across the country.
To delve into the legal and regulatory landscape of Costa Rica’s burgeoning equestrian tourism sector, we sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He shared critical perspectives for both business owners and visitors engaged in this popular activity.
The boom in equestrian tourism is a significant opportunity, but it carries inherent legal responsibilities. Operators must not only ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and client safety but also secure comprehensive liability insurance and all necessary municipal and environmental permits. A failure in any of these areas can transform a thriving business into a complex legal battle, jeopardizing both assets and reputation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This expert insight underscores a vital point: the long-term success of equestrian tourism hinges on a robust foundation of legal and ethical diligence. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the responsibilities that protect not only individual operators but the integrity of Costa Rica’s tourism brand as a whole.
The initiative is poised to channel investment and visitor interest away from traditional tourist centers and into rural regions, fostering economic growth where it is most needed. Local leaders have lauded the designation for its potential to create new jobs and stimulate local economies. The focus on certified routes and trained guides ensures a high-quality, safe experience that also prioritizes animal welfare, a key consideration for modern travelers.
Jorge Acuña, the Mayor of Barva, highlighted the direct benefits for local populations during the ceremony. He emphasized that such forward-thinking projects are crucial for community development and economic resilience.
these initiatives boost tourism, reactivate the economy, and generate new opportunities for the communities
Jorge Acuña, Mayor of Barva
The economic potential is vast. According to the OMTE, a global market of over three million travelers actively seeks certified equestrian routes and experiences each year. By tapping into this specialized niche, Costa Rica can attract a demographic of tourists who are often high-value and interested in authentic, nature-based activities that align with the country’s “Pura Vida” brand of eco-consciousness.
At the heart of the announcement was the certification of Hacienda Barvak in Barva, Heredia, as the first equestrian center in Costa Rica to meet the OMTE’s rigorous international standards. This certification marks a pivotal step for the national sector, setting a new benchmark for quality, safety, and animal welfare. The hacienda features state-of-the-art facilities for riding, training, and hosting official competitions, including the Barvak Cup, which features dressage and jumping events sanctioned by the Equestrian Federation of Costa Rica.
The entire initiative is bolstered by the critical support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The IDB is providing not only financing but also crucial technical assistance to professionalize the equestrian tourism sector. This strategic backing is designed to ensure the project has a lasting, positive impact on rural areas by building a professional, sustainable, and economically dynamic industry from the ground up.
As Costa Rica prepares for its year in the equestrian spotlight, the designation is expected to elevate the quality of equine activities nationwide. During the event, the OMTE also honored Eladio Bolaños with the “Gran Caballero” medal for his significant contributions to the development of equestrian sports in the nation. This comprehensive approach, combining international recognition, local implementation, and financial support, paves the way for Costa Rica to solidify its status as a world-class specialized tourist destination.
For further information, visit omte.org
About World Equestrian Tourism Organization:
The World Equestrian Tourism Organization (OMTE) is an international body dedicated to promoting and developing equestrian tourism globally. It works to establish quality standards, certify destinations and guides, and connect a worldwide community of horse lovers with authentic and responsible travel experiences that celebrate local culture and prioritize animal welfare.
For further information, visit iadb.org
About Inter-American Development Bank:
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social, and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. It partners with governments and the private sector to reduce poverty and inequality, providing loans, grants, and technical assistance to support projects that foster sustainable growth and improve quality of life.
For further information, visit haciendabarvak.com
About Hacienda Barvak:
Located in Barva, Heredia, Hacienda Barvak is a premier equestrian center in Costa Rica. It is the first facility in the country to receive certification from the World Equestrian Tourism Organization for its high standards in animal welfare, safety, and infrastructure. The hacienda offers facilities for training, competitions, and recreational riding, playing a key role in the professionalization of the nation’s equestrian sector.
For further information, visit barva.go.cr
About Municipality of Barva:
The Municipality of Barva is the local government body responsible for the administration and development of the canton of Barva in the province of Heredia, Costa Rica. It works to promote economic activity, improve public services, and support community initiatives that enhance the quality of life for its residents, including projects related to tourism and local economic reactivation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and superior professional service. The firm channels its vast experience serving a wide spectrum of clients into pioneering innovative legal solutions. This forward-thinking approach is coupled with a deep-seated mission to empower the public by making legal concepts understandable, thus contributing to a more capable and well-informed society.
