Nuevo Colon: ATV & buggy tour near Matapalo Beach

ATV and buggy driving from Nuevo Colon through small towns and trails

You’ll ride ATVs and buggies from Nuevo Colon with a local guide, splashing through rivers and winding up hills toward Matapalo Beach. Expect dust on your skin, laughter with your group, and glimpses of daily life in small Costa Rican towns: moments you’ll remember long after you wash off the mud.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV Adventure Near Matapalo Beach

• Ride ATV through rivers and hills
• Encounter wildlife and other ATV riders

The experience

The first thing I noticed was the dust: that fine, dry grit that clings to your skin as soon as you start up the ATV outside Nuevo Colon. Our guide, Carlos, handed me a helmet and goggles with a grin like he knew what was coming (he probably did). The engine rumbled under me, weirdly comforting, and then we were off, following a narrow trail that cut through scrubby trees and past a couple of sleepy houses painted in colors I can’t name. There was this one old man waving from his porch. He had a dog at his feet, both of them just watching us kick up clouds.

I didn’t expect the river crossings to be so cold. The first splash hit my ankles and made me yelp: Carlos laughed, said something about “wake-up call” in Spanish. We zigzagged up some hills after that, the air getting sharper and the view opening up toward Matapalo Beach. You could smell salt on the breeze even before you saw the water. Somewhere along the way we passed another group of ATV-ers. Everyone nodded or shouted something friendly (or maybe just trying to be heard over the engines). My hands were buzzing from holding on so tight, not sure if it was nerves or excitement.

We stopped for bottled water in one of those tiny towns where time feels slower. A woman selling fruit waved us over but we had to keep moving. I still regret not grabbing a mango. The last stretch toward Matapalo Beach was quieter, except for birds and the crunch of gravel under our wheels. It’s funny how quickly you get used to the noise of an engine, then suddenly miss it when you stop. I keep thinking about that feeling: wind in my face, sun on my arms, just rolling through places I’d never have seen otherwise.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water to keep you hydrated under the sun, plus helmets and goggles for safety as you ride ATVs and buggies from Nuevo Colon toward Matapalo Beach with your local guide leading the way.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Infant (5 to 17 years): free · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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 39 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Coco Bay Adventure

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (5 to 17 years): free. Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Is bottled water included on the Nuevo Colon ATV tour?

Yes, bottled water is provided during the tour.

Do I need to bring my own helmet or goggles?

No, helmets and goggles are included for all participants.

Is this ATV & buggy tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers.

How fit do I need to be for this day trip?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

Will we see wildlife during the ATV ride?

You may encounter some wildlife along the trails near Matapalo Beach.