San Juan del Sur: ATV Jungle & Beach Tour with Jesus Statue

Summary

ATV ride through Nicaragua’s wild coast and jungle trails

You’ll jump on a Honda ATV in San Juan del Sur with a local guide leading you through jungle trails and out to wild Pacific beaches—stopping for fresh fruit along the way. Cool off with a swim in the surf, then end high above town at the Jesus Statue as sunset colors wash over everything. Expect dust on your face and real Nicaraguan warmth.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we rolled up to the little shop in San Juan del Sur — just that I’d never driven an ATV before, and the air smelled like salt and something sweet, maybe mango trees? Our guide, José, grinned when he handed me my helmet. “Don’t worry,” he said (in English, thankfully), “these Hondas are easy.” He was right. After a few wobbly starts and some nervous laughter from my partner (she still teases me about it), we were off, engines buzzing as we left town behind.

The trail cut through patches of jungle so thick you could almost taste the green — wet leaves brushing your arms if you weren’t careful. We passed kids waving from porches and a couple of stray dogs who seemed completely unfazed by our noisy parade. Every so often José would stop and point out something: a bright bird overhead, or a fruit I’d never seen before (I think he called it jocote?). At one point he pulled over near a tiny roadside shack where an old woman sold slices of watermelon. He bought some for us — honestly, nothing has ever tasted that cold or that sweet after all the dust.

Eventually we reached one of those Pacific beaches you see in photos but never really believe exist until your feet are actually in the sand. The surf was rough but warm; I went in anyway. There was this moment where everything just got quiet except for waves and wind — I still think about that view sometimes. On the way back, we climbed up to the Jesus Statue above town. The sun was already low, turning everything gold and pink while José told us stories about local fiestas (his English got faster when he talked about dancing). We stayed up there longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave first.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour and beach exploration

• Meet local guides
• Drive Honda ATVs
• Explore exotic jungles
• Visit beautiful beaches
• Relax on the beach

Top questions

How long does the San Juan del Sur ATV tour last?

The tour lasts around 4-5 hours total.

Is pickup included for this ATV adventure?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the business location in San Juan del Sur.

What’s included on this ATV tour?

You get water, fresh fruit snacks, use of Honda ATVs, and guidance from locals.

Are there stops for swimming during the tour?

Yes, there’s time to swim at one of the Pacific beaches along the route.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or families?

Yes—ATVs are easy to drive and guides help out; suitable for most fitness levels.

Does this tour end at the Jesus Statue?

The recommended finish is sunset at the Jesus Statue overlooking San Juan del Sur.

Are service animals allowed on this ATV trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed according to provided info.

What’s the minimum group size for booking?

You need at least two people per booking for this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes use of Honda ATVs with helmets, bottled water to keep you cool under Nicaragua’s sun, fresh fruit snacks along jungle stops, guidance from friendly locals throughout every twisty trail, plus time to swim at a Pacific beach before riding up to see sunset from above town at the famous Jesus Statue.