La Fortuna: Private ATV Tour & Rainforest Hot Springs

Summary

Private ATV ride through La Fortuna trails ending with rainforest hot springs soak

You’ll ride powerful ATVs along La Fortuna’s back roads with a local guide who knows every muddy turn. After winding through rainforest trails (and probably getting splashed), you’ll pause for a soak in natural hot springs hidden deep among trees—simple, quiet, and far from crowds. It’s not polished or fancy—just real Costa Rica under your fingernails.

What’s the experience like?

“No one ever leaves here with clean shoes,” our guide Carlos grinned, kicking at the red mud caked on his boots. I laughed, glancing down at my own sneakers — already splattered before we’d even started the engines. The air was thick and green, like you could almost taste the rain that had passed earlier. Carlos handed me my helmet and gave a quick rundown of the ATV controls, which honestly looked more serious than I expected. He said these weren’t the flimsy tourist machines, and yeah, you could feel it when you turned the key — there’s this low growl that makes your chest buzz.

The private ATV tour started out slow as we wound through back roads just outside La Fortuna. You get this weird mix of adrenaline and calm — birds shouting from somewhere up in the canopy, then suddenly a splash as we hit a puddle that sent cool muddy water up my leg. I caught myself grinning like an idiot. We passed a couple of farmers waving from their porches (one kid tried to race us on his bike — he lost, but barely). Carlos kept checking in, making sure everyone was comfortable with the pace. He switched to Spanish sometimes when chatting with locals along the way; I picked up maybe every third word.

About halfway through, we parked under these huge trees where steam curled up from somewhere ahead. The hot springs aren’t those big hotel pools — they’re just sort of… there, tucked away in the forest, water clear as glass and warm enough to make your fingers tingle after gripping handlebars for an hour. There was this earthy smell — like wet rocks and something sweet I couldn’t name. We sat there quietly for a while, nobody really talking, just listening to water trickle over stones and some distant bird calling out. It felt private in a way I didn’t expect.

I still think about that feeling: mud drying on my arms, sun sneaking through leaves overhead, not caring about time or how ridiculous my hair looked after the helmet came off. When we finally got back on the ATVs to head home, I remember wishing we could stall just a little longer — but Carlos winked and said if we waited too long, “the monkeys will steal your snacks.” So yeah, maybe next time I’ll bring bananas.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private ATV ride and hot springs visit

• Start private ATV ride with guide
• Stop at hot springs in rainforest
• Soak in natural hot springs
• Return to starting point by ATV

Top questions

Is this ATV tour in La Fortuna private?

Yes, all ATV tours are private and customized with a bilingual guide.

Are the hot springs crowded or commercial?

No, these hot springs are rustic and set deep in the rainforest—not commercial or crowded.

How many people can ride per ATV?

The standard is 1 person per ATV; you can add an extra person for an additional fee paid directly to the operator.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, routes are adjusted for all levels including families and beginners.

Are entrance fees to the hot springs included?

Yes, entrance fees to the natural hot springs are included in your booking.

Is lunch included during this tour?

No lunch is included; only entrance fees to hot springs are covered.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, families with kids can join; easier routes are available for less experienced riders.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes private use of powerful ATVs guided by a bilingual local expert through La Fortuna’s scenic back roads and rainforest trails. Entrance fees to secluded natural hot springs are covered so you can relax mid-ride before returning—no need to worry about tickets or crowds along the way.