Altos de Naranjo Mountains 4x4 tour: Zopilota Stone & Cerro Pelón

Ride into the Altos de Naranjo on a vintage Land Rover and climb to views of the Pacific.

A private 4x4 Land Rover tour through the Altos de Naranjo Mountains in San Isidro de Athens, Alajuela, with stops at the Zopilota Stone and Cerro Pelón for panoramic views toward the Central Pacific. The tour starts along Pocitos Street, crosses the highest hills in Atenas, and includes a short walk to Cerro Pelón. A guide in Spanish, refreshment and a souvenir bag are included. The route takes roughly two hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

4x4 Tour through Athens Mountains

• Start tour at Pocitos Street
• Stop at local aqueduct water collection
• Learn about water process and local flora
• Continue to Calle la Cima for photos
• Drive along Calle la Cima to Piedra la Zopilota
• Stop at Piedra la Zopilota, optional climb
• Enjoy snack at Piedra la Zopilota
• Proceed to Cerro Pelón via Calle División
• Short 300m walk at Cerro Pelón
• Admire panoramic Pacific Coast views
• Return through coffee alleys to start point

The experience

The tour begins along Pocitos Street with a stop at a local water collection point (ASADA), where your guide explains how the community's drinking water is gathered, processed and distributed. From there you head toward Calle la "Cima," the natural boundary between Atenas and Palmares, where the panorama opens across the Central Valley and Western Zone: a spot built for photographs.

The Land Rover climbs to the Zopilota Stone, an emblematic landmark where you can climb the rock itself if you choose, or simply stand and take in the landscape. A refreshment break happens here before the tour moves on. The final stop is Cerro Pelón, reached by a short walk of about 300 meters through coffee alleys. The effort pays off with a view that stretches from the Gulf of Nicoya to the mouth of the Tarcoles River and toward the Pacific. If you take the afternoon tour in summer, you can watch the sunset from this vantage point. The route then winds back through the coffee fields to where you started.

What’s included

• Private transportation in a vintage Land Rover.
• a guide in Spanish.
• a refreshment break at the Zopilota Stone.
• a souvenir bag.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 16:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 85 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideSpanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Mountain Tours 4x4

Is this one for you?The tour picks you up and handles all the driving through mountain roads in a 4x4 vehicle, so you don't need a car or local knowledge of the Altos de Naranjo to reach the viewpoints: ideal if you're staying in the area without transportation.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Zopilota Stone and can I climb it?

The Zopilota Stone is an emblematic landmark on the tour route where you can climb the rock if you wish and are able to do so safely, or simply admire the surrounding landscape and views from the base.

How difficult is the walk to Cerro Pelón?

The walk to Cerro Pelón is about 300 meters and is described as a short walk that tests your physical condition, but the panoramic view of the Pacific Coast from the Gulf of Nicoya to the Tarcoles River makes the effort worthwhile.

What does the tour include besides the vehicle and guide?

The tour includes private transportation in a vintage Land Rover, a refreshment break at the Zopilota Stone, and a souvenir bag.

What time of day is best for this tour if I want to see a sunset?

If you take the afternoon tour during summer, you can see an incredible sunset from Cerro Pelón overlooking the Pacific.