Our route through Guanacaste: what to expect on an ATV tour

April 2026 7 min min read

We don't run a long list of routes — we have one, hand-picked over years of riding these hills, and it packs jungle trails, river crossings, open ranch land and a family finca into a single two-hour loop. Here's exactly what the ride looks like, stop by stop, so you know what you're signing up for before you book.

Where does the tour start?

Every ride leaves from our base in Sardinal, Guanacaste — about 10–15 minutes inland from Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa, and roughly 25 minutes from the Papagayo Peninsula hotels. You can drive to us directly, or book hotel pickup: round-trip transport is free from Hotel RIU, and rates from El Coco, Playa Hermosa and Playa Panamá start at $68 for up to 5 riders (13% IVA already included).

The best part of starting in Sardinal? There's no trailer ride to a distant trailhead. The moment you leave our gate you're already on the kind of rural back roads only locals normally drive.

What will you see on the route?

In two hours you cross a surprising range of Guanacaste landscapes: open cattle ranch land with volcano views on clear days, shaded jungle sections where howler monkeys are regular company, seasonal river crossings, small villages where life moves at a different pace, and a stop at our family finca.

This is working countryside, not a theme park loop. You'll pass real farms, wave at real neighbors and ride trails that change with the weather — which is exactly why people tell us it feels like seeing the 'real' Costa Rica.

How long is the ATV tour?

The base ATV and UTV tours last about 2 hours on the trail. Combo tours — ATV + Cabalgata (horseback) or ATV + Canopy (zipline) — run about 4 hours in total. We have three daily departures at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and the schedule is flexible: if you need a different start time, write to us and we'll do our best to fit you in.

Plan on arriving about 15 minutes early for the safety briefing, gear fitting and a short practice run before the group heads out.

Is the route difficult? Do I need experience?

No experience needed. Most of our riders have never been on an ATV before, and the guide sets a pace that matches the group — comfortable for first-timers, fun for confident riders. The quads are easy to operate and you get a hands-on intro before the tour starts.

What you do need: every driver must be 18 or older with a valid driver's license from any country. No license means you ride as a passenger — on an ATV Double (passengers 5+) or in the UTV (passengers 2+).

Do you really cross rivers?

Yes — when the season cooperates. In the green season (May to November) the rivers run full and the crossings are the highlight of the ride: water splashing, engines working, everyone grinning. In the dry season (December to April) some crossings shrink to shallow fords, and the trade-off is faster, dustier trails and wide-open views.

Our guides check conditions every morning and never take the group through water that isn't safe to cross.

What's the finca stop like?

About midway through the ride we pull into our family finca — a working farm that's been in the family for generations. It's a chance to stretch your legs, take photos, meet whatever animals are around that day and just take in the quiet. Your guide shares a bit of the family history and what farm life in Guanacaste actually looks like.

When seasonal fruit is in and we cross paths with it, we love sharing it with our riders — sometimes fresh fruit straight from the road, sometimes a slice of local cake. It's not a printed menu item; it's just how we'd treat a friend who came to visit.

How does the route change with the seasons?

The route stays the same all year — the experience transforms. Green season: full rivers, lush jungle, mud that makes every corner more entertaining, and dramatic afternoon skies. Dry season: firm fast trails, long views across golden hills, and sunsets that light up the dust.

Our guides adapt the pace and the technical sections to the day's conditions, so the ride is always the best version of itself. Same route, different magic — plenty of guests ride it in both seasons and swear it's two different tours.

How do I book, and what does it cost?

The ATV Adventure costs $95 per rider on a Single quad or $105 per Double quad (driver + passenger 5+), tax included. One thing to know: ATV bookings require a minimum of 2 machines per reservation — any mix of Singles and Doubles — and that applies to the ATV combos too. Traveling solo or prefer one vehicle? The UTV Side by Side ($300 for up to 5 riders) can be booked on its own.

Booking is simple: pick your tour, fill in the form and we confirm availability within the hour. No deposit is usually needed — you pay in cash (USD or colones) or by card on the day of the tour. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before.

Want to ride it? Pick a tour, tell us about your group and we'll take care of the rest — trail conditions, gear, pace and all the little details that make the difference.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ATV tour in Guanacaste?

The base ATV and UTV tours last about 2 hours. Combo tours with horseback (cabalgata) or zipline canopy last about 4 hours total. Departures are at 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Do I need experience to ride an ATV in Costa Rica?

No. Most riders are first-timers. You get a safety briefing and practice before the tour, and the guide sets the pace to the group. Drivers must be 18+ with a valid driver's license from any country.

Where does the tour leave from?

From our base in Sardinal, Guanacaste — 10–15 minutes from Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa. Hotel pickup is available: free from Hotel RIU, from $68 for up to 5 riders from El Coco, Playa Hermosa and Playa Panamá.

Can I book just one ATV?

No — ATV bookings require a minimum of 2 machines per reservation (any mix of Single and Double), including on combo tours. The UTV Side by Side can be booked as a single vehicle.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Almost always — rain is part of the jungle experience. We only cancel for genuinely unsafe conditions, and in that case you get a full refund or a free reschedule.

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