ATV Riding near Puntarenas: Private Waterfalls & Swimming

Ride to three waterfalls on a private estate where rivals can't take you

ATV riding near Puntarenas on a four-hour route through mountains, villages and tropical forest to a private estate with three distinct waterfalls and swimming access. The route covers mixed gravel, dirt and paved roads at an average pace of 38 km/h, with a midpoint rest at El Tigre Sightseeing and restaurant overlooking the valley. A live English-speaking guide leads groups of up to four or five-plus riders. Children from age 6 are welcome. A refundable security hold ($500 for groups up to four, $1,000 for five or more) is required before departure and returned in full if no vehicle damage occurs.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV tour to exclusive waterfalls

• Drive through rural public roads
• Explore small villages and farms
• Ride through tropical rainforest landscapes
• Stop at El Tigre Sightseeing and restaurant
• Rest and take photos of valley
• Buy food, snacks, and drinks
• Visit private estate waterfalls
• Swim in crystal-clear waterfall waters

The experience

The ride starts in the mountains on rural public roads that wind through small villages and farms, then opens into tropical forest on terrain that shifts between gravel, dirt and paved surfaces. The real draw is the private estate access: three separate waterfalls that sit on land the operator controls, so you're not queuing with other groups or navigating crowded public sites. You'll have time to swim in the crystal-clear water at each one, which is the moment most riders come for.

Halfway through, you stop at El Tigre Sightseeing and restaurant, a vantage point overlooking the valley where you can rest, take pictures and buy food or drinks before heading back down. The route is designed to hit all three waterfalls and the viewpoint within the four hours, so the pace matters: the operator notes that riding needs to average 38 km/h to stay on schedule. If the group's speed falls short, the route may change to keep the day intact.

A live guide in English rides with you and handles navigation. Children from age 6 can join. Before you go, the operator holds a refundable security deposit ($500 for up to four riders, $1,000 for groups of five or more) by credit card or cash, returned in full at the end if the ATVs stay undamaged. This covers the cost of any repairs and lets the operator keep the fleet in shape for everyone.

What’s included

• ATV rental for four hours.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• private access to three waterfalls on the operator's estate.
• swimming time at each waterfall.
• a midpoint rest and meal stop at El Tigre Sightseeing and restaurant with valley views.
• riding through villages, farms and tropical forest on mixed terrain.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day14 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:30

AgesAdult (18 to 40 years) · Senior (50 to 80 years) · Youth (17 years) · Child (11 to 15 years) · Infant (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Our ATV Station is located 15 minutes South from Jaco. If you are in the area of Jaco or Los Sueños and would like transportation you need to contact us via Viator message to schedule.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Jaguariders ATV Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Puntarenas or the Central Pacific without a car. The tour departs locally and your guide navigates, so you skip arranging separate transport, and private estate access takes you to waterfalls beyond the public sites.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (17 years); Child (11 to 15 years); Infant (6 to 10 years). Under 6: they 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 24h before the start.

What are the three waterfalls like on the private estate?

The operator describes them as distinct and stunning, each one fed by the tropical forest runoff and deep enough to swim in. They sit on the private property the operator controls, so access is exclusive to riders on this tour. You won't find crowds or competing groups there.

How difficult is the terrain, and what kind of riding experience do I need?

The route mixes gravel, dirt and paved roads through mountains and villages, so you'll encounter varied surfaces. The operator asks for at least a moderate level of physical fitness and notes that the average riding speed is 38 km/h. If you're new to ATVs, mention that when you book so the guide can set expectations.

What happens at El Tigre, and how long do we stop there?

El Tigre Sightseeing and restaurant sits at the midpoint of the route and overlooks the valley: a natural rest point where you can take pictures, buy food, snacks or drinks, and recover before the second half of the ride back down.

What is the security hold, and when do I get it back?

Before the tour, the operator holds a refundable deposit by credit card or cash: $500 for groups up to four riders, $1,000 for five or more. It's returned in full at the end of the day as long as the ATVs have no damage. This protects the fleet and lets the operator maintain the vehicles for future riders.

Can my six-year-old join this ATV riding?

Yes, children from age 6 are welcome on the tour. Confirm with the operator that your child has ridden before or is comfortable on an ATV, since the four-hour route and varied terrain demand some riding confidence.