ATV Riding & Horseback in Playa Flamingo: Two Activities Combined

ATV trails, then horseback through corrals: two ways to move through the land in one morning

A combined activity in Playa Flamingo where you operate an ATV over inaccessible off-road courses, then ride horseback with a guide. The operator picks you up from Papagayo Peninsula hotels, provides all safety gear and instruction, and can add a beach ride along Playa Cabuyal for an extra fee. Guides speak English and Spanish.

The experience

You start at the WRCT adventure grounds, where guides fit you with a helmet, goggles and face mask, then walk you through driving technique, safety signals and how to handle the machine. The ATV courses themselves run over terrain no car can reach. The point is the off-road experience, not a scenic loop. After that section, you move to the corrals for horseback instruction: how to sit, how to hold the reins, what the guide will tell you through hand signals. Both parts run with a live guide who stays with the group.

The 3.5-hour window covers the ATV riding, the horseback work and the transitions between them. If you add the beach tour option, you'll trot along Playa Cabuyal's coastline on horseback instead of (or in addition to) the corral ride, trading the inland terrain for ocean views and packed sand. That's a separate charge per person. Transportation runs from four Seasons, Andaz, Planet Hollywood, Marina Papagayo and Nekajui. If you're staying elsewhere on the Papagayo Peninsula, the operator picks you up from your hotel. Bottled water comes with the booking.

You must be 16 with a valid driver's license to operate the ATV yourself. Passengers can be as young as 4. Guides speak English and Spanish. The operator requires a waiver and a health questionnaire before you ride, and won't permit anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

What’s included

• Transportation from Papagayo Peninsula hotels.
• ATV safety gear including helmet, goggles and face mask.
• orientation and instruction for both ATV and horseback riding.
• a knowledgeable guide in English or Spanish.
• bottled water.

Options for this experience

3 options

Add-on for the beach tour, priced per personGuide in English or Spanish · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Beach tour add-on, priced per person: go horseback riding along the unspoiled shores and verdant scenery of Playa Cabuyal, with striking views of the Pacific Ocean. Pickup is included.

Double rider: horseback and ATV combinedUp to 8 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00Tandem ATV ride (riding behind), includes pickup

Single rider: horseback and ATV combinedUp to 4 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00One-person individual ATV ride, pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Witch's Rock Canopy Tour

Is this one for you?Book the single-rider option if you want to operate your own ATV and ride independently. Choose double-rider if you'd rather share an ATV with a partner or have a younger child ride as a passenger with you. Add the beach tour if you prefer the oceanfront ride along Playa Cabuyal over the corral experience, or want both.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

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.

Do I need any riding experience to do the horseback part?

No prior experience is required. The guide provides safety and technique instruction at the corrals before you ride, and stays with you throughout to give detailed direction and keep the pace comfortable.

What is the ATV course actually like? Is it a trail or an obstacle course?

The ATV courses cover rugged terrain that regular cars cannot access, giving you an up-close off-road experience through Costa Rican land. The guide leads you through, and the orientation beforehand covers the driving techniques and safety signals you'll need.

Can I do just the ATV or just the horseback riding?

The standard booking combines both activities. The Beach Tour Add-on is an extra option you can purchase to ride horseback along Playa Cabuyal's coastline instead of or in addition to the corral riding.

How does pickup work if I'm staying at a hotel not on the list?

The operator includes transportation from Four Seasons, Andaz, Planet Hollywood, Marina Papagayo and Nekajui, and also picks up from other hotels within the Papagayo Peninsula. If you're staying outside that area, transportation is not included.

What happens if I'm not comfortable operating an ATV?

Passengers aged 4 and up can ride as a passenger on an ATV with an adult operator, so you can still experience the off-road section without driving yourself. The horseback portion is available to all ages with parental supervision for young children.