ATV Riding in Costa Rica: Rainforest Waterfalls & Mountain Trails

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.

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.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 to 90 years) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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 3 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 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with 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.

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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: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 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's the 35-foot waterfall like on this ATV ride?

Cascada del Zorro sits at the start of the trail in the mountains behind Jaco. It's a stop where you can swim and take photos before the guide leads you higher into the rainforest.

How many villages do you pass through on this ATV tour?

You'll ride through at least five small mountain pueblos (Mata de Platano, Montelimar, Angostura, Pavona, San Gabriel, and Las Delicias) each with its own local character, plus Bijagual before the final descent to the coast.

What does the mountain viewpoint show you?

The ridge-top mirador offers views of the ocean stretching south to Manuel Antonio, west across the Nicoya Peninsula, and north to the port city of Puntarenas, all visible from a single overlook.

Is lunch included in the full-day ATV ride?

Yes, lunch is included at a riverside spot in Mata de Platano. The tour also includes waterfall entry, equipment rental, a bilingual guide, and pickup from the Jaco area upon request.

What do I need to bring for the ATV tour?

Bring closed-toed shoes (tennis shoes work), clothes you don't mind getting dirty, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a camera. A valid driver's license is required if you're riding your own machine. You'll also need to bring a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) on the day of the tour. The operator holds a $1,000 voucher per vehicle until it's returned in the same condition.