ATV Riding in Playa Flamingo: Off-Road Trails

You operate the ATV on trails no car can reach

ATV riding in Playa Flamingo is a guided off-road activity where you operate your own vehicle on backcountry trails inaccessible by car. After gear and safety training at the WRCT adventure grounds, you ride through Costa Rican terrain for two hours with a knowledgeable local guide. Hotel pickup from the Papagayo Peninsula is included, and you can ride solo or share a double-rider ATV with a passenger.

The experience

You arrive at the WRCT adventure grounds and get fitted with a helmet, goggles and face mask. The guide walks you through driving techniques, safety signals and how to handle the vehicle before you head out. This is not a passive tour where someone else drives. You're in control of the ATV the whole time, navigating trails that are cut off from regular roads and built specifically for off-road riding.

The two-hour ride takes you through backcountry that opens up a side of Costa Rica most visitors don't see. Trails are steep and technical enough to feel like real off-roading, but the guide is with you the entire way. You can choose to ride solo on a single ATV or share a double-rider vehicle with a passenger. The operator offers both setups, and you pick which one at checkout. Hotel pickup is included if you're staying at Four Seasons, Andaz, Planet Hollywood, Marina Papagayo or Nekajui (Ritz). If you're elsewhere on the Papagayo Peninsula, the operator arranges transport from your location.

Bring a moderate level of fitness and a valid driver's license if you want to operate the ATV yourself. Riders must be at least 16 years old. Children as young as 4 can come along as passengers. The guide speaks English or Spanish depending on your preference.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• helmet, goggles and face mask.
• safety training and orientation.
• knowledgeable local guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup from select Papagayo Peninsula properties or transport from your location within the peninsula.

Options for this experience

5 options

One ATV with a double rider, for 2 peopleUp to 2 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00Tandem ATV for two persons, pickup is included

Four ATVs with double riders, for 8 peopleUp to 8 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00Four tandem ATVs (ride behind), includes pickup

Two ATVs with double riders, for 4 peopleUp to 4 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00Two tandem ATVs (ride behind), includes pickup

See 2 more options

Three ATVs with double riders, for 6 peopleUp to 6 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00Three tandem ATVs (ride behind), pickup is included

ATV Single RiderGuide in English or Spanish · 8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00Single ATV for one person, 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 Saturday8 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

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 8

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 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Witch's Rock Canopy Tour

Is this one for you?Choose a solo ATV if you want full control of your own ride. Pick the double-rider option if you're bringing a passenger or want to share the experience with someone else in your group. Both formats cover the same two-hour backcountry route, so the choice is about how you prefer to ride.

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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.

What happens if I've never ridden an ATV before?

The guide gives you an orientation course covering driving techniques and safety training before the ride starts, so you learn the basics at the adventure grounds before heading out on the trails.

What trails will we ride on?

The operator describes the courses as backcountry trails not accessible by car, built for off-road riding through Costa Rican terrain. The specific route depends on conditions and your group's skill level, which the guide assesses during your orientation.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the adventure grounds?

Hotel pickup is included from Four Seasons, Andaz, Planet Hollywood, Marina Papagayo and Nekajui (Ritz). If you're staying elsewhere on the Papagayo Peninsula, the operator arranges transport from your location. Areas outside the peninsula are not covered.

What gear do I need to bring?

The operator provides helmet, goggles and face mask. Bring water (bottled water is included), and wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty, since off-road riding kicks up dust and mud.