Jaco: ATV Mountain Tour with Rainforest & Waterfalls

Summary

ATV rides from Jaco into rainforest trails with waterfall stops

You’ll ride ATVs straight from Jaco into muddy mountain trails with a local guide leading the way. Stop for photos above town, then cool off in a rainforest waterfall if you choose a longer tour. Expect dirt under your nails, laughter with locals, and real Costa Rican jungle air — not just scenery but something you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I forgot my passport photo and had to scramble on my phone outside the office while everyone else was already picking helmets. Not my smoothest start. But our guide, Luis, just grinned and waited, said it happens all the time. The air smelled like wet earth and exhaust as we finally revved out of Jaco, barely five minutes before the town faded behind us and we hit the first muddy trail. My hands were already a mess.

It’s louder than you think — those ATVs rattle your bones on every rock, but after a while I kind of liked it. Luis pointed out these little blue butterflies that darted past (I missed most of them), and he kept checking if we wanted to stop for photos when the view opened up. At one spot, you could see all of Jaco below — patchy clouds drifting over the ocean. Didn’t expect it to feel so high up so fast.

We picked the three-hour option because someone in our group really wanted to swim at a waterfall. Worth it. The water was freezing but clear, and there was this weirdly sweet smell from some flower nearby — no idea what it was. Some locals showed up too, laughing at us for how loud we were splashing around. On the way back down, my arms were tired but I didn’t really care; the rain started up again but somehow that made everything better. Still think about that view sometimes when I hear engines now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour from Jaco to mountains

• Depart from Jaco center
• Travel 5 minutes out of town
• Ride trails to mountain top
• View Jaco and surroundings
• Show passport photo and entry stamp

Day 2 — Waterfall visit and rainforest bath

• Pass waterfalls on tour
• Swim and take photos
• Enjoy the rainforest
• Show passport photo and entry stamp

Top questions

How long is the ATV tour in Jaco?

You can choose between 1-hour to 4-hour options for this ATV tour in Jaco.

Do I need a driver’s license for the ATV tour?

No license required, but drivers must be at least 18 years old and show a passport photo with entry stamp.

Are there waterfall stops on this ATV tour?

Yes, tours of 3 hours or more include time to visit waterfalls where you can swim and take photos.

Is hotel pickup included for this Jaco ATV tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours leave from central Jaco with public transport options nearby.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is included; only a bilingual guide and gas are provided during your ATV ride.

What do I need to bring for the tour?

You need a photo of your passport showing your name and entry stamp; also bring a credit card for deposit hold.

How many people can join each booking?

A maximum of 15 people per booking is allowed on this Jaco ATV adventure.

What’s included

Your day comes with a bilingual guide who leads you out of central Jaco onto mountain trails, plus all fuel needed for your ATV ride—just remember to bring your passport photo and credit card for security when you check in.