Manuel Antonio: ATV Rainforest Tour & Waterfalls Lunch

Summary

ATV trails, rainforest air, waterfall swims near Manuel Antonio

You’ll drive your own ATV through Manuel Antonio’s muddy trails with a local guide, then hike into Rainmaker Park for wildlife spotting and a swim beneath waterfalls. End with a Costa Rican lunch at a countryside ranch — expect laughter, muddy boots, and a few surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll get mud in your teeth,” José grinned at me as he handed over the helmet. He wasn’t wrong — the first splash hit before we’d even left the edge of Manuel Antonio. The air smelled like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t name. Driving that ATV felt clumsy at first (I stalled twice; José just laughed), but after a few turns through palm groves and those bumpy little hills, it started to feel kind of freeing. The engine noise faded into the background, replaced by birds I couldn’t see and the slap of branches against my arms.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get when we reached Rainmaker Park. Our group parked under some dripping trees and wandered off on foot — boots squelching in the mud. There was this one moment where everyone just stopped talking at once because a blue morpho butterfly floated past us, almost glowing in that weird green light you only get under rainforest canopy. Then someone’s stomach growled (not mine this time) and we all laughed again. The waterfalls weren’t huge but standing under them felt like getting rinsed clean after all that dust and sweat from the ATV ride.

Lunch at the ranch was loud — plates clinking, people swapping stories in Spanish and English, steam rising off rice and beans. I tried to ask for more salsa using my best accent; Li nearly spit out her drink laughing at my attempt. On the way back to town, I kept thinking about how different everything smelled after rain — sharper somehow. I still think about that blue butterfly sometimes when things are too noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV ride and nature walk

• Ride ATV through forests and plantations
• Stop to take landscape photos
• Walk in virgin rainforest
• Observe birds and wildlife
• Visit waterfalls and swim
• Enjoy typical Costa Rican meal

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Manuel Antonio ATV tour?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your day trip experience.

Do I need prior ATV experience for this tour?

No experience is needed; guides provide instructions before you start riding.

What is included during the Rainmaker Park visit?

The visit includes a guided nature walk to spot birds and animals plus time to swim at waterfalls.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

Yes, a traditional Costa Rican meal is served at a local ranch after your activities.

Are there any age restrictions for driving an ATV?

The minimum age allowed to drive an ATV is 16 years old.

What should I wear or bring for this ATV rainforest tour?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting muddy; closed shoes are recommended.

How long does the whole tour last from start to finish?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including transfers, activities, and lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes all ATV equipment (helmet too), pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel or meeting point around Manuel Antonio, a guided ride through forest trails and rural villages, entry to Rainmaker Park with nature walk and waterfall swim time, plus a full Costa Rican lunch at a countryside ranch before heading back.