Nuevo Colon: ATV & buggy tour near Matapalo Beach

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV Adventure Near Matapalo Beach

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

Top questions

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.

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.