La Fortuna: ATV Adventure, Mud Mask & Arenal Volcano Views

Summary

ATV trails through rainforest, village life and Arenal river breaks

You’ll ride ATVs through muddy rainforest trails near La Fortuna with a local guide, spot massive Watusi bulls by Quebrada Platanillo, visit a small countryside village pulpería, try volcanic mud masks if you want, and relax with snacks at Rancho La Poza before heading back—muddy shoes and all.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to get absolutely caked in mud while staring up at Arenal Volcano? I didn’t, honestly, until our guide Diego handed me a helmet and grinned like he knew something I didn’t. We started just outside La Fortuna—barely ten minutes from town but already the air smelled thicker, green somehow. There was this low hum of cicadas and the kind of damp that makes your shirt stick to your back before you even hit the throttle.

The first few minutes on the ATVs were more nerve-wracking than I’d admit out loud. Diego ran us through a practice loop (I stalled once—he pretended not to notice) before we headed into the real trails at La Naciente. It’s not just puddles; it’s proper squelchy ruts, tree roots you have to dodge, and these sudden flashes of birds darting overhead. Somewhere along Quebrada Platanillo we stopped for water and there were these enormous Watusi bulls just standing around like they owned the place. Their horns are wild—like something out of a cartoon. Diego told us about how important this river is for local farmers, which made me see it differently.

I liked the stop in La Guaria best. It’s just a tiny village really—a church with peeling paint, an old pulpería where we bought cookies that tasted faintly of cinnamon and dust (in a good way). An older woman waved as we passed by; her smile was so wide I couldn’t help but wave back. The rain started up again right then—warm drops that felt almost soft—and nobody seemed to mind much.

We ended up at the Arenal River for photos (and if you’re braver than me, a swim). The light was all silvery on the water and for a second everything went quiet except for someone laughing behind me about losing their shoe in the mud. On the way back we stopped at Rancho La Poza for snacks—fresh fruit mostly—and sat by their pool just long enough for my shoes to dry out. I still think about that view of the volcano behind misty trees, honestly. Sometimes adventure is just letting yourself get messy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV ride and local village visit

• Start tour at private farm La Naciente
• Safety briefing and ATV practice
• Ride through muddy rainforest trails
• Stop at Quebrada Platanillo to spot Watusi bulls
• Visit La Guaria village and explore church and pulpería
• Continue to Arenal River for photos and swim
• Relax and snack at Rancho La Poza pool

Top questions

How long does the ATV tour in La Fortuna last?

The tour starts just minutes from downtown La Fortuna and includes several stops; expect around half a day including pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included in this ATV adventure?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can children join the ATV tour?

Children under 14 can join as passengers on double ATVs with an adult; minimum age to drive is 14.

What should I wear for this ATV tour near Arenal?

You should wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, closed shoes are required, and bring a change if possible.

Will we see wildlife during the tour?

You might spot local wildlife like tropical birds or Watusi bulls along the trails.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No full lunch is provided but snacks and bottled water are included at Rancho La Poza.

What happens if it rains in La Fortuna?

The tour runs rain or shine since rain is part of the rainforest experience; only thunderstorms may delay or modify activities.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna hotels, all taxes and fees covered, use of helmet and safety gear for riding ATVs through rainforest trails with a local guide, bottled water throughout the journey plus snacks served at Rancho La Poza before returning home muddy but happy.