8 Best ATV Tours in Jaco, Costa Rica: Which One to Choose

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Looking for a thrilling adventure through the jungle in Costa Rica? You’ve come to the right place!

While I love a chill day on the beach, I am always looking for a way to explore the jungles of Costa Rica in an exciting way. One of the most thrilling ways to explore Jaco and the surrounding area is by riding an ATV. ATV tours take you deep into the jungle to scenic lookout points, pristine waterfalls, and other local gems that you may never find on your own.

Having lived here for a while, we know what makes a great ATV tour. And with so many tour options to choose from, we’ve gone ahead and narrowed down the 8 best ones so that you can have the best experience possible!

The Best ATV Tours in Jaco  

1. ATV Waterfall Adventure

If you’re simply looking for a classic ATV tour in Jaco, this particular tour is our top choice!

We rode along trails in the jungle, weaving between trees and splashing in the mud. Eventually, we made our way up to a viewpoint overlooking the ocean – you can see as far as Manuel Antonio National Park on a clear day!

After enjoying the view, we headed to not one, but two waterfalls! Here you can relax in the natural pools, go for a little swim to cool off, or even try the 15-foot (4.5-meter) cliff jump if you’re up for it – I was too chicken!

This tour is suitable for first-time riders and the friendly English-speaking guide will teach you how to drive before you go. With that said, all drivers must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license. But children between 4-16 are allowed to ride along as passengers, making this the perfect activity for the entire family.

The 3-hour tour costs $95 USD for adult drivers, which is a great deal considering what’s all included and how highly rated the tour is (check out all of the 5-star reviews here)! Roundtrip transportation is offered for those staying in Jaco. You’ll want to bring your GoPro, and bathing suit, and wear closed-toed shoes for this adventure. 

Book online in advance here to secure your spot!

2. Half-Day ATV Tour with Lunch

This 4-hour ATV tour is one of the best ways to get into the jungle and explore the lush paradise. I really love this tour because not only are you sure to see animals such as monkeys, toucans, and sloths, but you’ll also explore a quaint mountain town to get an authentic Costa Rican experience!

Your tour will meet in Jaco and start by exploring the Agujas Mountains right behind the city. This route takes you through rainforests and rivers, up mountains, and for a swim at a waterfall. Eventually, you’ll reach above the canopy and can catch a glimpse of the ocean. Here you’ll find the tranquil town of Bijagual. 

This small town gives you a glimpse of authentic Costa Rican life with its town square, soccer field, and old church. It truly is a magical little pueblo! Here, you’ll have a traditional Costa Rican lunch with locally caught Tilapia and fresh ingredients. 

You’ll continue your excursion down the mountain through rocky and muddy terrain. It’s not a true adventure if you’re not a little dirty by the end! 

This tour can accommodate children 5 and older, but you must be at least 16 years old to drive the ATV. It’s recommended that you wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and closed-toe shoes. The experience costs $129 USD per adult and departs multiple times throughout the day.

You can book this unforgettable 5-star ATV tour online here!

3. Half-Day ATV & Ziplining Combo Tour

For adventurers looking to spend a great day outdoors, this zipline and ATV combo tour comes highly recommended and is one of the memories from a trip a couple of years ago that we still talk about today! We love that the tour combines two of the most popular adventure activities in Jaco – ATVing and ziplining – plus it visits a waterfall, what more could you ask for really?!

This tour starts by heading up a mountain to gain elevation so you can fly down it. You will soar down a 10-cable zipline circuit amongst the jungle treetops. If you’re lucky you’ll even see native wildlife including rare Costa Rican birds or sloths!

Once you get to the bottom, you’ll climb on some ATVs and explore the jungle floor riding through the mud, weaving along the mountain trails, and jumping in the refreshing waterfall.

In total, this tour lasts about 5 hours and costs $145 USD per person. This tour does not include lunch or hotel pick-up and will instead start at Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park, about a 10-minute drive from Jaco. If you don’t have a rental car in Costa Rica, it is possible to organize transportation through Viator for an additional cost. Also note that the minimum age to participate in this tour is 8, making it a great adventure for families with older children.

Read all of the 5-star reviews here and secure your spot!

4. Full-Day Jungle Adventure Tour

If you’re wanting an adventurous do-it-all style tour, this full-day combo tour guarantees a fun action-packed day! You’ll spend the day in the jungle horseback riding, ATVing through the forest, ziplining amongst the treetops, and even rappelling down a waterfall!

I was a bit nervous about some of the activities, especially the rappelling, but our friendly guides talked us through each experience and really put our minds at ease. I think it’s the perfect tour for first-timers and even veteran thrill seekers since there are so many different activities to enjoy. If you don’t believe us, just check out all of the great reviews here!

This 7-hour adventure tour costs $195 USD which we think is a great deal considering includes all of the activities listed above, the necessary equipment, and lunch. There are 3 three departure times throughout the day depending on how early you’re looking to start. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, you will get included transportation from Jaco and the surrounding area when you book for 2 or more people!

I highly recommend dressing appropriately and bringing a change of clothes for when you’re wet from rappelling as you will want water shoes, shorts, extra socks, and closed-toed shoes.

Click here to take advantage of Viator’s “Pay Later” option when booking this tour!

5. Half-Day ATV, Ziplining, & Rappelling Tour

With so many exciting activities you can do in Jaco, why limit yourself to just one? This 5-hour tour includes ATVing, ziplining, and waterfall rappelling for a full day of adventure!

Your day begins by riding an ATV through the rugged trails up to the beautiful El Encanto waterfall. Here is your chance to rappel down the waterfall, with the watchful eye of your guides in case heights make you nervous! Our guide Diego was so patient and kind, so if you’re lucky to get him too, it is sure to be a great time. 

The ATVing continues as you follow the trails up the mountain to a zipline! This is often the highlight of the tour. You’ll zip down 2,000 meters (6,560 feet) of the El Encanto Zipline, which is surely enough to get your adrenaline pumping.  

This jam-packed day of adventure is sure to be a memorable time!

This tour includes hotel pickup within certain areas. Their guidelines are rather specific, so I recommend looking into it closely once you know exactly where your accommodation is located. Your safety equipment, guides, and light refreshments are also included for $160 USD per person. 

Book this fun ATV combo tour online here!

Related Read: Our favorite waterfall in Costa Rica is Nauyaca Falls – read all about it including how to visit!

6. ATV & Horseback Riding Adventure

We love this tour because it has a mixture of horseback riding, hiking, and ATVing, and allows you to see the jungle, waterfalls, and beach! It is the perfect combo adventure tour. 

Your tour meets right outside of Jaco, just 10 minutes from the beach. There is an option for hotel pickup as well. You’ll meet your guides who will get you acquainted with your horse and make sure you are comfortable to ride. 

Then, you’ll take a 45-minute ride up the mountains, giving you time to enjoy the scenery. Here, you’ll let the horses take a break as you hike down to a waterfall and natural swimming pools. This area is simply gorgeous, and swimming in waterfall-filled pools is a Costa Rica must-do!

You will head back to the base to refuel with some fresh fruit and snacks. At this time, you’ll switch from riding a horse to riding an ATV! While the horses are a calm and relaxing experience, the ATV ride is a thrilling adventure. The next few hours will be filled with muddy jungle trails and incredible ocean viewpoints, giving you the chance to see some of the most beautiful parts of Costa Rica. 

This 4-hour adventure costs $140 USD per person which includes all safety equipment, snacks, bottled water, and guides. Oh, and the pretty scenery is complimentary as well! 

This tour can be booked online in advance here! 

Related Read: Horseback riding is also one of the best things to do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica!

7. Half-Day ATV Tour with Chocolate Experience

There is nothing better than rewarding yourself with something tasty after an exciting day. I feel like it somehow makes everything taste better if you are exhausted from the day’s activities. This makes this ATV Adventure + Chocolate Experience the perfect tour for excitement and delicacy! 

You’ll start your tour by taking a 2-hour ATV ride through the jungles surrounding Jaco Beach. Exploring the area by ATV gives you a new perspective on Jaco Beach and allows you to get further into the jungle than simply hiking! You’ll climb mountains and be able to see the beautiful blue ocean below. 

You’ll even make your way to a waterfall that has a natural rock slide. If you’re feeling adventurous, we definitely recommend sliding into the pool below. It was my favorite part of the tour because I’d never seen anything quite like this!

After your two hours of adrenaline, you will get to slow things down by learning about the chocolate-making process. The tour explains the International Cocoa collection where you can learn all about the cocoa fruit, its history, and its importance to the local economy. You’ll then get to be part of the chocolate-making process and try it yourself! If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this might be the best tour for you!

This unique ATV and chocolate tour includes all ATV and safety equipment, the chocolate tour, your guides, and snacks! It is only available for those 16 and older and has 2 departure times at 8 am and 1 pm.

If you’re ready to taste some delicious chocolate, book this combo tour here!

8. 4×4 Buggy Rainforest Tour

While most ATV tours are on quads, this Buggy Tour in Jaco allows you to ride side-by-side! This is a great experience if you’re in a group so you all can share in the adventure right next to each other. 

You can choose if you want this experience to be 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, or 4 hours. You’ll meet your tour in Jaco and take a short 5-minute drive to access the trails. This is where you’ll spend hours traversing mountains and exploring the great outdoors. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop and get out to explore by foot to get an up-close look at the area, and maybe even spot some wildlife!

If you select the 3 or 4-hour tours, you’ll have the chance to pass by waterfalls and natural pools! You’ll also stop for lunch with incredible views, and possibly even better food. 

Regardless of which length of tour you choose, you’ll have lots of chances to stop at beautiful viewpoints to break up your time exploring. This is a great family-friendly activity, as the side-by-sides are very safe and exhilarating for kiddos.

Prices for this tour are per group and range between $110 to $320 USD depending on the length and number of people. It can appear a bit more pricey than some of the other tours, but when you break the price down to cost per person it’s actually quite affordable!

Check out the tour options here and secure your spot!

Related Read: For another fun activity, consider going whale watching in Costa Rica!

Why book an ATV tour in Jaco?

Jaco is absolutely stunning; however, it can be a bit touristy! One of my favorite ways to escape any oversaturated area is to book an excursion of some sort. Getting off the beaten path and out into nature around other people who love adventure tours is a great way to experience Jaco. 

In the lush jungles of Costa Rica, an ATV tour is the way to go!

ATV tours are not only exciting, but they get you to places you can’t reach by simply hiking. You’ll be sure to see beautiful wildlife and climb mountains to catch some incredible views. ATV tours are also great because you’ll have a guide who’s familiar with the area leading you and ensuring your safety. 

Most of these tours include more than just riding an ATV, you’ll also get to visit beautiful waterfalls, or add to the adrenaline by ziplining or rappelling! Some tours even include some truly delicious food.

On top of all of that, ATV tours are some of the cheaper activities on offer in Jaco. That’s right, while many people say Costa Rica is expensive, you can easily do an ATV tour in Jaco for under $100 USD per person.

Are ATV Tours in Jaco safe?

Yes, ATV riding in Jaco is generally considered safe!

Each tour is geared toward a specific skill level. Some are more family-friendly, like riding a side-by-side, while others are great for thrill-seekers! The best way to stay safe on an ATV tour is to ride to your ability and listen to the guides – they take hundreds of tours each year and are well-versed in the area, it is their job to ensure your safety! 

Most tours require you to be at least 16 years old to drive the ATV and most allow children 5 years and older to ride as a passenger. Each tour will give you safety instructions and give you time to practice riding the ATV before you take off on the trail so you are comfortable and ready to have a good time!

Be sure to also wear a helmet (provided on all ATV tours in Jaco) as well as closed-toed shoes like runners/sneakers.

Note: It is possible to have an accident while riding an ATV, but these are usually caused by poor driving and not following the directions of the guide.

Is an ATV tour in Jaco worth it?

Absolutely!

ATV tours in Costa Rica are so much fun, and they are a great way to explore places off the beaten track! We’ve got to explore parts of the rainforest that we never would have been able to reach on foot. It’s definitely an experience you’ll remember for years to come!

Learn more about our favorite Jaco ATV tour here!

Other Things to do while you’re in Jaco

Jaco is such a fun destination, so be sure to do more than just ziplining while you’re here. Below are a few of the best things to see and do in Jaco:

• Visit Carara National Park – Located only a short 30-minute drive from Jaco is the stunning Carara National Park. This is your best opportunity to walk pristine trails through the jungle. It’s the most northern Pacific coastal rainforest in Costa Rica and also the closest national park to Jaco. You can see plenty of reptiles here and the entrance fee is $10 USD for foreigners.

• Go ziplining – Zipline tours in Jaco are extremely popular, and for good reason! This two-hour zipline tour starts with a long-long tram ride up above the jungle. Your guides will help you spot wildlife on the way! Then, it’s time to zipline back down over 10 different cables. The tour costs $95 USD per person.

• Surf – Jaco is the perfect place to ride a few waves in Costa Rica! You can easily rent a board in town and go out on your own, or choose to join a surf lesson like this one! It is a two-hour lesson that’ll have you standing up on the board in no time.

• Eat incredible food – There are some really tasty restaurants in Jaco that you don’t want to miss! For a HUGE burger, be sure to head to Ridiculous Burgers. For a seaside meal, check out El Point. They offer a huge menu and everything we tried there was delicious (we’ve eaten there several times), and the oceanviews and tasty cocktails are a bonus!

• Day trip to Tortuga Island – Tortuga Island is one of the most beautiful places to visit! A day tour from Jaco is one of the easiest ways to experience this beauty for yourself. This particular tour from Jaco includes transport with a stop at the Tarcoles River to see the crocodiles. Then it’s off to catch your speed boat to Tortuga Island where you will eat lunch, enjoy drinks, and do plenty of snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.

Related Read: Another destination near Jaco you should consider checking out is Manuel Antonio National Park, it boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country!

Getting Around Jaco, Costa Rica

Jaco is a pretty big city, so getting around on foot isn’t always the most ideal. If you already have a rental car, then great, you’re all set! If not, you’ll need to know how to get around this city to explore all of the fun activities and attractions.  

If you’re up for it, rent a scooter, motorbike, or ATV. A scooter is a good budget-friendly option as you can get them for as little as $45 USD per day – cheaper than taking multiple taxis. ATVs are obviously more fun, they cost around $180 USD per day. A motorbike will cost you about $75 per day, but keep in mind, you must have a motorbike license to rent it. Both a scooter and ATV only require a normal driver’s license.  

We rented from AXR when we were in Jaco and they were a good company, professional with good quality scooters and ATVs.  

If you don’t want to rent a vehicle, you can easily take taxis and Ubers around Jaco. For shorter trips in town and nearby, they are a good option. However, they can get pretty pricey for longer trips like out to Crocodile Bridge. For these types of day trips, it’s best to book an organized tour.  

There is also a public bus that operates to select areas in and around Jaco, however, the schedule isn’t widely known and can change frequently. 

Related Read: ATVing is also one of the best things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica!

Thanks for reading!

There you have it, the best ATV tours in Jaco, Costa Rica including tips to know before you go. I’m sure that if you choose any of the recommended tours above, you’ll have such a fun time!

If you found this blog helpful, check out these related reads:

Guide to Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall

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