ATV Riding in Costa Rica: Rainforest Waterfalls & Mountain Trails

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/14

Duration6h–7h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · ES

PickupAt your hotel

Six hours on your own machine through hidden waterfalls and mountain passes most locals never see.

ATV riding adventure in the rainforest near Jaco, Costa Rica, where you operate your own machine on mountain trails, through remote villages and down to the Pacific coast. The tour includes a bilingual guide, pickup from the Jaco area, lunch at a riverside spot, and entry to a 35-foot waterfall (Cascada del Zorro). You'll climb to a mountain ridge with ocean views stretching from Manuel Antonio to the Nicoya Peninsula, pass through small pueblos like Mata de Platano and Las Delicias, and finish with a beach run alongside the Gulf before heading back. Riders must be at least 16 with a valid driver's license; unlicensed participants and children under 16 ride as passengers. A credit card hold is required on the day of the tour to secure the vehicle.

6h–7h

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day ATV adventure in rainforest

Begin tour in mountains behind Jacó
Visit 35ft waterfall Cascada del Zorro
Ride through primary rainforest to mountain top
Enjoy ocean views from mirador
Have a cool drink with the view
Continue along mountain ridgeline to Playa Hermosa
Stop at epic viewpoint
Descend to Tulin River for riverside lunch
Climb through villages Montelimar, Angostura, Pavona, San Gabriel
Pass through Las Delicias motocross rally town
Pass local pueblos greeted by locals
Arrive in Bijagual mountain pueblo
Descend to beach-side bar for refreshments
Ride 2 km along Pacific Ocean to Nicoya Peninsula view
Have a drink before returning to headquarters

The Experience

The ride starts in the mountains directly behind Jaco and climbs toward a 35-foot waterfall where you can swim and take photos before the guide leads you deeper into primary rainforest. The trail continues up and over the mountain ridge to a viewpoint that opens onto the ocean—you can see south to Manuel Antonio, west to the Nicoya Peninsula, and north to Puntarenas all at once. After a cool drink at the overlook, the route follows the ridgeline through more rainforest, then descends toward the Tulin River and a lunch stop in the small rural town of Mata de Platano.

The afternoon takes you through a string of remote mountain villages—Montelimar, Angostura, Pavona, San Gabriel, and Las Delicias (population 39, known for its ATV rallies)—where locals wave as you pass. Each pueblo has its own character, and the trail stitches them together without a predictable rhythm. The final descent brings you to a beach-side bar for refreshments, then a two-kilometer run along the Pacific coast with views of the sun setting toward the Nicoya Peninsula before you head back to headquarters.

You'll need moderate fitness and closed-toed shoes; the operator runs the tour in all weather, so dress for rain and mud. Pickup from the Jaco area is included if you request it. A bilingual guide (Spanish and English) leads the group, and lunch is part of the day. If you're bringing children under 16 or anyone without a valid driver's license, they can ride as passengers on the machines—just make sure you have enough licensed drivers in your group so passengers don't outnumber riders.

What’s included

Bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
ATV equipment rental.
entry to Cascada del Zorro waterfall.
authentic lunch at a riverside location.
hotel pickup from the Jaco area upon request.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by ATV Adventure Tours Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a valid driver's license and want to ride your own ATV; unlicensed travelers can ride as passengers if your group has enough licensed drivers.