ATV Riding in Jaco: Two Waterfalls & Mountain Trails

Climb rugged trails to jungle waterfalls, then cool off with a waterfall jump.

Ride your own ATV on rugged mountain trails above Jaco, reaching two jungle waterfalls where you can swim or jump into natural pools. The 3-hour ride includes a bilingual guide, pickup in the Jaco area, waterfall entry and transport back. ATV drivers must be 16 or older with a valid license, and a $500 refundable credit-card hold per two vehicles is required at check-in.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV tour to waterfalls and viewpoints

• Start ATV tour in Jaco mountains
• Ride to 35ft Cascada del Zorro waterfall
• Stop for photos and swim
• Visit mountain lookout with ocean views
• Continue to Pura Vida waterfall
• Optional 15ft waterfall jump
• Ride loop near Carara National Park
• Return to Adventure Tours in Jaco

The experience

The ride starts in the mountains directly behind Jaco and climbs toward a 35-foot waterfall called Cascada del Zorro, where you stop to cool off and photograph the falls. Just beyond the ridge sits a mirador with views stretching from the ocean to Manuel Antonio Park in the south and the Nicoya Peninsula to the west: a moment to catch your breath and take in the scale of what you're riding through.

From there the trail continues through rainforest canopy to Pura Vida waterfall, a second drop surrounded by dense jungle. This is where the optional jump happens: a 15-foot plunge into the pool below if you want it, or a swim if you don't. Guides are patient with first-timers and stop often for photos and wildlife spotting. The ride loops toward Carara National Park's edge before descending back to the shop in Jaco.

Bring closed-toe shoes, a swimsuit and towel, and clothes you don't mind getting muddy or dusty: trail conditions shift with the season, so expect mud in the rainy months and dust in the dry ones. Your guide speaks both Spanish and English and will brief you on the day's route conditions, since features described here may not be available on every departure. Tour photos are delivered by email within a week.

What’s included

• Pickup in the Jaco area on request.
• ATV equipment rental.
• bilingual guide in Spanish and English.
• waterfall entrance fees.
• roundtrip transport back to the shop.
• stop time at two waterfalls with swimming and optional jumping.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:00 and 14:00

AgesAdult (16 to 90 years) · Child (4 to 15 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

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.Operator's directions: “Adventure Tours Costa Rica Office”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 15 days ago

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?Small groups and families with at least one licensed driver work best here, since passengers under 16 ride along but don't operate a machine: the guide adjusts the route for your group's fitness level and comfort with the terrain, so first-timers and experienced riders can ride the same day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 15 years). Under 4: they 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 24h before the start.

Do I need a driver's license to ride an ATV in Jaco?

Yes, ATV drivers must be 16 years old or older and carry a valid driver's license. Passengers under 16 can ride along, but the number of passengers in your group cannot outnumber the drivers.

What happens at the Pura Vida waterfall?

Pura Vida waterfall is a 15-foot drop into a natural pool surrounded by rainforest. You can swim in the pool, or if you're comfortable with heights, jump from the rock platform into the water below. It's optional, and your guide will explain the jump before you reach it.

Is pickup from my Jaco hotel included?

Pickup in the Jaco area is included on request, along with roundtrip transport back to the shop after the ride ends.

What should I bring on the ATV ride?

Wear closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops or sandals), bring a swimsuit and towel, and dress in clothes you don't mind getting muddy or dusty depending on the season. Sunscreen, a camera and bug spray are also recommended.

What's the credit-card hold for?

A refundable credit-card hold (Visa or Mastercard only) of $500 per two ATVs is required at check-in to cover any damage to the vehicle. Once you return the ATV in the same condition it was rented, the hold is released or destroyed on the spot, whichever you prefer.