Guanacaste Buggy Tour: Beaches & Mountains with Local Guide

Summary

Explore Guanacaste’s wild trails and beaches by buggy with locals

You’ll ride your own buggy along Guanacaste’s wild coast and mountain trails with a local guide, stopping for swims and photo breaks. Expect muddy fun, ocean views, wildlife sightings, and plenty of laughs along the way — plus hotel pickup so you don’t have to worry about getting there yourself. It’s one of those days you’ll remember long after your shoes dry out.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to get mud on your face in Costa Rica — the good kind, I mean? That’s pretty much how our day started outside Papagayo Gulf. Our guide, Luis, handed me a helmet and grinned like he knew something I didn’t. The buggies looked sturdy but not intimidating, which was a relief since I’d never driven one before. There was this salty breeze mixed with the smell of wet earth — you know that scent after it rains in the tropics? It clung to everything.

After a quick safety run (I stalled once, nobody judged), we set off down winding trails through thick green. Luis pointed out some birds I’d never seen — bright flashes darting between branches — and at one point we had to slow down for a group of cows just standing there, chewing and staring like they owned the road. The engine noise faded when we stopped at an ocean lookout; honestly, I didn’t expect the view to hit me like that. The north coast of Guanacaste just stretched out below us, all gold and blue. Someone cracked a joke about us looking like muddy astronauts.

The best part? We got to plunge through shallow rivers (my shoes are still drying) and then stopped for a swim where the water felt colder than I thought it would. Nobody rushed us — Luis just waited while we floated around or took photos. By the end, my shirt was streaked with dirt and sweat but I couldn’t stop grinning. If you’re thinking about a day trip in Guanacaste that’s more than just sitting on a bus, this buggy tour is probably it. I still think about that first splash into the river sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Buggy Tour in Papagayo Gulf

• Buggy tour through Papagayo Gulf terrain

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Guanacaste buggy tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour price.

Do I need experience to drive a buggy on this tour?

No prior experience is needed; all skill levels are welcome.

What should I wear for the Guanacaste beach & mountain buggy tour?

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet or muddy; bring a change of clothes.

Are children allowed on the buggy tour?

Children aged 5 and up can join as passengers; drivers must be at least 16 with a valid license.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

How many people fit in each buggy?

A minimum of 4 people per vehicle is required; maximum is 4 per buggy.

Can infants join the tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during transport segments.

Are there stops for swimming during the tour?

Yes, there are stops where you can swim during the day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all necessary safety equipment like helmets, guidance from a local expert throughout the route, plus time for swimming and taking photos before heading back muddy but happy.