ATV Riding in Jaco: Mountain Trails & River Crossings

Climb to Pacific views and hidden waterfalls on the trails behind Jaco.

A guided buggy tour from Jaco that takes you on mountain trails overlooking the Pacific coast and through river crossings near rice fields, with a local guide, helmet and fuel included. Tours run 1 to 4 hours depending on the route. The longer options include time to stop at waterfalls and swim in the rainforest. You'll ride past scarlet macaws, toucans, hawks and falcons depending on the season and time of day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Buggy tour and waterfall visit

• Depart from center of Jaco
• Travel through trails to mountain top
• Overlook Jaco and surrounding areas
• Visit waterfalls for bath and photos

The experience

The tour leaves from the center of Jaco and climbs into the surrounding mountains within five minutes. You ride the trails yourself, not as a passenger, and the guide leads the way on the route. The longer tours (3 or 4 hours) include stops at waterfalls where you can bathe, take photos and walk into the rainforest. Shorter rides (1 or 2 hours) focus on the mountain views and the river crossings near the rice fields behind town. You can choose to cross the river or ride along the bank if you want to stay dry.

The trails pass through areas where scarlet macaws, toucans, hawks and falcons appear depending on the season and the hour: early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot them. You're surrounded by butterfly trees throughout the ride. A local guide in English or Spanish leads the group, and all helmets and fuel are included. You'll need a photo of your passport (showing your name and entry stamp) to complete the tour contract, and a credit card hold is placed for security and inspection of the buggy at the end.

Tours range from 1 hour to 4 hours, and you can book for groups of 1 to 4 riders. The minimum age to drive is 18 years old. Infants and small children can come along in a pram or stroller, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

What’s included

• Local guide in English or Spanish.
• helmet and fuel surcharge.
• choice of 1-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour or 4-hour routes.
• groups of 1 to 4 riders.

Options for this experience

12 options

Up to 2 people · Guide in English or Spanish15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Up to 3 people · Guide in English or Spanish15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Up to 4 people · Guide in English or Spanish15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

See 9 more options

Up to 2 people · Guide in English or Spanish15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Up to 3 people · Guide in English or Spanish15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Up to 4 people · Guide in English or Spanish15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

Up to 2 people · Guide in English or Spanish13 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

Up to 3 people · Guide in English or Spanish13 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

Up to 2 people · Guide in English or Spanish11 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00

Up to 4 people · Guide in English or Spanish13 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

Up to 3 people · Guide in English or Spanish11 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 13:00

Up to 4 people · Guide in English or Spanish11 departure times: the first at 08:00, 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 day15 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

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 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by AXR Jaco

Is this one for you?Book the 3-hour or 4-hour option if you want to stop at waterfalls and swim in the rainforest. The shorter rides keep you on the mountain views and river crossings without the waterfall time. Groups of 1 to 2 riders work for a private experience, while 3 to 4 riders share the cost and the route together.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can I ride the buggy myself or do I have to be a passenger?

You operate the buggy yourself on the trails. The local guide leads the route ahead of you, so you're riding the whole time, not watching from a seat.

What wildlife will I see on the buggy tour in Jaco?

Scarlet macaws, toucans, hawks and falcons appear depending on the season and time of day. Early morning and late afternoon are the best hours to spot them. You'll also ride past butterfly trees throughout the tour.

Do the longer tours stop at waterfalls?

The 3-hour and 4-hour tours include time to stop at waterfalls where you can bathe and take photos inside the rainforest. The 1-hour and 2-hour tours focus on the mountain views and river crossings but don't include waterfall stops.

What documents do I need to bring?

Bring a photo of your passport showing your name and the entry stamp to the country. A credit card is also required on the day of the tour for a security hold and to complete the tour contract. The hold is released after the buggy is inspected at the end.

Can I choose between crossing the river or staying dry?

Yes. The tour passes near rice fields where you can cross the river or ride along the riverbank if you prefer not to get wet. The choice is yours as you ride.

What's the minimum age to drive the buggy?

You must be at least 18 years old to operate the buggy. Infants and small children can join the tour in a pram or stroller.