Costa Rica: ATV Waterfall Tour & Rainforest Lunch from Jaco

Summary

Rainforest trails, waterfall swims and lunch in Bijagual

You’ll ride an ATV through muddy rainforest trails from Jaco to Bijagual, swim beneath a 30-foot waterfall, and share lunch with locals at a tilapia farm restaurant. Expect muddy shoes, laughter with your guide, and moments where Costa Rica feels closer than ever.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour with waterfall and lunch

• Begin ATV ride behind Jaco mountains
• Stop at mountain crest mirador
• Ride through rainforest to Pueblo Bijagual
• Visit pueblo church and soccer field
• Enjoy lunch at El Paz Del Campo
• Fish tilapia at hidden farm
• Return to ATV headquarters in Jaco

Top questions

How long is the ATV waterfall tour from Jaco?

The tour lasts about 4 hours total.

Is hotel pickup included for this Costa Rica ATV tour?

Pickup is available in the Jaco area upon request.

Do I need experience driving an ATV for this tour?

No prior experience is needed but drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid license.

Can children join the ATV waterfall tour?

Children under 4 cannot ride; unlicensed participants and those under 16 must ride as passengers.

Is lunch included during the ATV day trip?

Yes, an authentic Costa Rican lunch is included at a local restaurant or alternative if closed.

What should I bring for the ATV rainforest tour?

Bring closed-toed shoes, clothes that can get dirty, swimsuit, sunscreen, bug spray (optional), and a camera.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What happens if it rains during my ATV adventure?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately as trails may be muddy or routes may change.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup service within Jaco if you need it, all equipment rentals for your ATV adventure, entry fees for swimming at the waterfall, and a hearty Costa Rican lunch—usually at El Paz Del Campo tilapia farm unless it’s Tuesday (then they take you somewhere else just as good). A bilingual local guide leads you through every turn before heading back to Jaco headquarters together.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to ride an ATV through Costa Rica’s rainforest after a night of rain? I didn’t—until we were bouncing out of Jaco, mud splattering my shoes before I could even think about keeping clean. Our guide, Luis, just grinned and told us not to worry. The air was thick with that green smell—like wet leaves and earth—and every so often we’d pass someone waving from their porch or a kid chasing a soccer ball along the road. It was loud, but in a good way; engines humming, birds yelling somewhere up in the canopy.

The main keyword here is “ATV waterfall tour Costa Rica” but honestly, you’re not thinking about keywords when you’re halfway up a mountain and Luis pulls over at a spot where you can see the ocean all the way down to Manuel Antonio. He pointed out places I’d only seen on maps. We stopped for water near Bijagual’s little church—there was music drifting from somewhere, maybe the saloon? I tried saying “Bijagual” right and got it wrong every time. Luis just laughed.

I still think about that lunch at El Paz Del Campo (it’s closed Tuesdays but they have another place if needed). You can fish your own tilapia if you want—some kids were doing it with sticks—and everything tasted like it had just been pulled from the earth or water. The rice had this smoky edge I can’t explain. After eating we walked over to the waterfall; 30 feet high, cold enough to make you yelp when you jump in. My shirt stuck to my back on the ride home but I didn’t care anymore. You know?