ATV Riding near Volcano Tenorio: Rio Celeste & River Crossings

Two river crossings and rainforest trails on a tandem-seat mountain ATV

ATV riding near Volcano Tenorio in Alajuela takes you through rainforest, pineapple plantations and local farms on a new Honda 520cc tandem-seat ATV, with two river crossings and a stop at a riverside café. Groups stay under nine riders, each ATV has its own Spanish-speaking guide, and the ride lasts 2 to 2.5 hours. You choose whether to drive solo, bring a passenger, or ride as a passenger with an adult driver.

The experience

You operate the ATV yourself through terrain that shifts between working farms, dense rainforest and open mountainside. The route crosses two flowing rivers (the main event most riders come for), and passes through a pineapple plantation and the Rio Celeste farming community. A Spanish-speaking guide leads each group of up to nine riders, so you're not navigating alone. The Honda 520cc is a tandem-seat machine, which means you can bring a passenger or ride as one if you prefer. The choice is yours at checkout.

Midway through the 2 to 2.5 hour ride, you stop at a family-owned riverside café where the Rio Celeste rapids are visible. This is where you can rest, buy a snack or local drink, and walk down to the water's edge if you want. The operator provides a bottle of water for the ride itself. Wildlife sightings (sloths, toucans, the lush canopy overhead) happen as you go, not on a separate viewing stop. Because you're in rainforest, bring closed shoes, a rain poncho, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. A camera is worth the space too.

Each ATV booking is separate, so if more than one person in your group is riding, you'll need to make individual reservations. Riders must be at least 7 years old. Anyone under 17 cannot operate an ATV and must ride as a passenger with an adult driver or the guide. A moderate level of physical fitness is expected, and the operator notes this is not suitable for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Insurance and tax are added at the time you sign the adventure agreement.

What’s included

• Water.
• Spanish-speaking guide.
• tandem-seat Honda 520cc ATV.
• two river crossings.
• stop at a family-owned riverside café with views of Rio Celeste rapids.

Options for this experience

3 options

Guide and one passengerGuide in Spanish · 09:00 and 13:00

One adult driver, with no passengerGuide in Spanish · 09:00 and 13:00Lasts 2 hours

One adult driver and one passengerGuide in Spanish · 09:00 and 13:00

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessiblePets welcomeNot for heart conditions

Operated by Costa Rica ATV & Horseback Riding Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose the adult driver option if you want to control the ATV yourself through the rainforest and river crossings. If you prefer to ride as a passenger or want to bring someone along, the tandem seat lets you do that with an adult driver or the guide, which works well for families or less experienced riders.

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Top questions

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.

Can I ride the ATV if I've never done it before?

The operator does not require prior ATV experience. A Spanish-speaking guide leads the group, and the trails are designed for the adventure to be accessible to first-timers, though a moderate fitness level is needed for the 2 to 2.5 hour duration.

Can my child ride on the ATV with me?

Children as young as 7 years old can ride as passengers with an adult driver or the guide. Anyone under 17 cannot operate the ATV themselves, so they must be a passenger on a tandem-seat machine with an adult or guide.

What is the Rio Celeste and why do we cross it?

Rio Celeste is a river in the Volcano Tenorio region known for its striking color. Crossing it twice during the ride is one of the main attractions. The route also stops at a riverside café where you can see the rapids up close.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Water and a Spanish-speaking guide are included. Insurance ($15 USD per ATV) and a 13% tax on the rental and insurance are added at checkout. Gratuity is not included and is optional.

How many people ride together, and do I have to ride with strangers?

Groups stay under nine riders, each with their own guide. You're riding in a small group, not a large tour, though you will be with other adventurers unless you book a private departure. Check availability at checkout.