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ATV Riding in Costa Rica
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ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) are a popular way to explore the rainforests, beaches, and mountains in Costa Rica. They are ideal for families, couples, and adventure-seekers and can accommodate a wide range of skill levels (and thrill levels!).
If you want to embark on a thrilling adventure off the beaten path in Costa Rica — an ATV tour is perfect for you. Keep reading to learn more about planning the perfect Costa Rica ATV adventure!
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What to Expect on a Costa Rican ATV Tour
f you book an ATV ride through a tour provider, expect an adrenaline-pumping ride through rugged terrain, remote villages, and beautiful landscapes with an experienced guide.
Safety equipment and instructions will be provided before the tour, so you can practice in a safe environment before you hit the road. Remember to bring your driver’s license, sunscreen, and closed-toed shoes. You might also want to bring a change of clothes — you will get dusty during the dry season and muddy during the green season.
Many tours will point out wildlife, like sloths and monkeys, during your ATV tour. Some tour providers even offer a combo tour, which pairs your ATV experience with another activity, like horseback riding, zip-lining, or a waterfall hike. Many half-day or full-day adventures provide travelers with a traditional Costa Rican lunch.
Best Places to Ride ATVs in Costa Rica
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is the perfect place to embark on an ATV tour if you want your ride to include a little bit of everything — beaches, rivers, and hilly jungle areas. It’s a popular beach town in Guanacaste that attracts all types of travelers, from thrill-seekers to beach bums.
You will find dozens of tour providers offering ATV tours from Tamarindo Beach that cater to all lengths (from one to four hours) and skill levels. Some tours will even whisk you away to neighboring beaches, like Playa Flamingo and Playa Conchal!
Manuel Antonio
If you are spending time in Central Costa Rica along the Pacific Coast, you must book an ATV tour in Manuel Antonio National Park or Quepos (the nearby town).
ATV adventures in Manuel Antonio offer a little bit of everything, like Tamarindo— you will usually see the beach, rainforest, and local villages, in addition to plenty of wildlife, including toucans, monkeys, and iguanas. On some ATV tours in Manuel Antonio, you can stop and swim in the river or at the base of a gorgeous waterfall — so bring your swimsuit!
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La Fortuna
La Fortuna is a popular jungle town in Costa Rica that sits at the base of Arenal Volcano — the most famous active volcano in Costa Rica. It is a popular destination for several fun activities in Costa Rica, from kayaking and hiking to relaxing in hot springs. However, it is also a well-known destination for an off-road adventure!
This jungle town is the ideal place for an ATV adventure because of the rugged mountain terrain, thanks to Arenal Volcano, and the native wildlife you can spot during your ride, such as sloths, monkeys, exotic birds, and more!
Playa Flamingo
Playa Flamingo is one of the most stunning resort towns in the country, known for its white-sand beaches and turquoise-blue waters. However, it is not only one of the best places to stay in Costa Rica — it is also one of the best places to go on an ATV tour!
ATV adventures in Playa Flamingo typically include a mix of riding along the nearby beaches — including Playa Brasilito and Playa Potrero — as well as riding up in the mountains and rainforest overlooking the beach.
Jaco Beach
Jaco is a lively beach town on the Pacific Coast of the Puntarenas Province in Costa Rica. It is known for its surfing beaches, nightlife, and of course, ATV adventures!
You will leave Jaco Beach and venture into the surrounding remote villages and rainforest trails on your ATV tour. During your ride, you will likely see native flora, fauna, and even a few stunning waterfalls before returning to the beach.
ATV Adventure Tours in Costa Rica
If you are looking for the perfect ATV tour in Costa Rica, check out this ATV Adrenaline Adventure Tour. This half-day adventure takes you through rugged backroads, hillsides, and muddy swamps — so while you will have fun, you will get dirty!
With this ATV tour, you can also add a zip-lining experience for the chance to sail over the stunning beaches, rainforests, and wildlife in Playa Flamingo. This tour includes water, fruit, snacks, transportation with A/C, and a bilingual guide. Participants must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license.
Stay with Special Places of Costa Rica for a Relaxing Place to Stay After an Epic ATV Adventure
If you are on the hunt for a thrilling adventure that will allow you to see as much natural beauty as possible — a Costa Rica ATV tour may be the perfect activity for your vacation!
If you are planning a Costa Rica vacation, we hope you will consider our vacation rentals with Special Places of Costa Rica. We offer hundreds of rentals in popular beach towns, including Playa Flamingo, Playas del Coco, and Playa Potrero — and you will find plenty of opportunities for ATV rides in these towns, too! Browse our available properties to find the right stay for your vacation.
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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About
ATV Riding in Costa Rica
You should not wear any clothing you care too much about while ATV riding in Costa Rica — your clothes and shoes will get dirty! We recommend wearing long shorts or pants, a lightweight shirt, sunglasses to keep the sun (and mud) out of your eyes, and closed-toe shoes.
We also recommend bringing sunscreen, bug spray, a change of clothes, a water bottle, and a swimsuit and towel if your ATV tour involves swimming in waterfalls, rivers, lakes, etc.
