Jaco ATV Tour: Mountain Trails & Waterfall Rides

Ride into the rainforest above Jaco, then cool off at a waterfall

You ride from Jaco's center up mountain trails to ridge views, then descend to waterfall swimming holes on the longer tours. A bilingual guide leads groups of up to fifteen on ATVs or buggies, handles the route, and includes gas. Bring your passport photo and expect bumpy terrain. The ride lasts one to four hours depending on which package you choose.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV tour from Jaco to mountains and waterfalls

• Depart from Jaco center
• Travel trails to mountain viewpoint
• Show passport photo for ID
• Visit waterfalls for bath and photos

The experience

There's something about the moment right before you twist the throttle: that mix of nerves and wanting to go that makes you feel alive. You're standing in central Jaco, five minutes from the beach, and in the next breath you're climbing dirt trails that cut through the canopy toward the ridge overlooking the whole coast. The ATV tour here isn't a loop around a park. It's a real ride into the mountains where the view opens up and you can see why people come to this part of Costa Rica.

The bilingual guide leads groups of up to fifteen, and the pace depends on which option you pick: one hour if you want the ridge and the view, or three to four hours if you want the full thing. On the longer rides, the trail drops down to waterfalls where you can actually stop, strip down, and swim in pools surrounded by rainforest. You'll need a photo of your passport (the entry stamp page) to ride, and you've got to be at least eighteen to drive. The guide handles the route and the timing, so you're not navigating or second-guessing. You're just riding and watching the terrain change.

Gas is included, and the ATVs come in three sizes: standard dirt bikes, side-by-sides, and the bigger Talon buggies. The company holds a security deposit on your card until the tour ends and they inspect the machine, which is standard practice. You'll want moderate fitness and a spine that can handle bumps. This isn't smooth pavement. Pregnant travelers and anyone with serious heart or back issues should skip it. The whole thing starts and finishes in town, so there's no long transfer to eat into your day.

What’s included

• Your tour includes a bilingual guide, ATV or buggy rental with gas, and access to mountain trails with ridge views overlooking Jaco.
• On the 3-hour, 4-hour, and full-day options, you also get stops at waterfalls for swimming and photos in the rainforest.
• The guide handles route navigation and timing, and pickup and drop-off happen in central Jaco.

Options for this experience

3 options

Guide in English or Spanish14 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 15:00

Guide in English or Spanish12 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 14:00

Guide in English or Spanish10 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 13:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day14 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 15:00

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 9 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 30 pickup points.Operator's directions: “50meters South of the large supermarket "Mas x Menos" on the main street of Jaco”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by AXR Jaco

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to ride into the rainforest and see the coast from above without arranging your own transport or worrying about the trail: the guide's knowledge of the terrain and the fixed itinerary mean you just ride and enjoy the views.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (4 to 9 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

Do I need ATV experience to book this tour?

No prior experience is required, but you must be at least 18 years old to drive and have moderate physical fitness. The guide leads the route.

What's included in the price?

The bilingual guide, gas, and the ATV or buggy rental. A security deposit is held on your card and released after inspection at the end.

Can I swim at the waterfalls on the 1-hour tour?

The 1-hour option covers the ridge and views. Swimming stops are included on the 3-hour, 4-hour, and full-day tours.

What do I need to bring?

A photo of your passport showing your name and entry stamp to the country. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water.

How many people can book together?

Groups are capped at 15 people per booking.

Is this tour suitable for someone with a bad back?

No. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries due to the rough terrain.

What's the difference between the ATV, Side by Side, and Talon?

The standard ATV is a dirt bike. The Side by Side is a two-seater buggy. The Talon is a larger buggy. All follow the same route. You choose based on preference and budget.

How long does it take to get from Jaco town to the trails?

About five minutes from the town center before the trail climbing begins.