What to wear on an off-road tour in Costa Rica

April 2026 6 min min read

The short version: closed-toe shoes, clothes you don't mind getting dirty, sunscreen and a change of clothes for afterwards. Dust, sun, river crossings and shaded jungle — Guanacaste throws all of it at you in one two-hour ride, and what you wear makes a real difference to how much fun you have. Here's the complete list, straight from guides who gear up for this trail every single day.

What shoes should I wear? (No sandals!)

Closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable — sneakers, trail runners or light hiking shoes are all perfect. Your feet sit close to hot engine parts and flying pebbles on the ATV, and you'll be stepping in and out on uneven ground at every stop.

Flip-flops, sandals and Crocs don't work: they slip off the footpegs, offer zero protection and tend to disappear into the first river crossing. If sneakers are all you packed for the beach trip, they're exactly right — just accept they'll pick up some honest Guanacaste dust.

What clothes work best?

Comfortable shorts or light pants and a t-shirt you don't mind getting muddy — that's it. Athletic or quick-dry fabric beats cotton if you have it, since it dries fast after river splashes. Long sleeves are worth considering if you burn easily: two hours of tropical sun adds up even on cloudy days.

Skip anything white or precious. The trail's red dust and brown mud have strong opinions about light-colored clothing, and those stains are souvenirs that never leave.

Sun protection: what you actually need

Sunscreen on every exposed bit of skin — apply it before the tour starts, because you won't want to stop mid-trail. If you're combining the ride with a beach day, go reef-safe. Sunglasses do double duty against sun and dust (we also provide goggles), and a cap or hat keeps the sun off at the stops.

Guanacaste's UV index is high year-round, dry season and green season alike. The riders who skip sunscreen are easy to spot at dinner that night.

What does the tour provide?

Every tour includes a helmet, goggles, bottled water, fuel and a bilingual guide — you don't need to bring or rent any riding gear. Helmets come in all sizes, including kids' sizes for the UTV and Double passengers.

Want extra dust protection? A bandana add-on is available for $10 when you book — worth it in the dry season, when the rider in front of you writes their signature in dust.

Can I bring my phone or camera?

Yes — and good news: your guide takes photos of the group along the trail and shares them at the end, so you're covered even if your phone stays pocketed. If you do bring it, use a wrist strap, a zippered pocket or a waterproof pouch; the combination of bumps and river crossings has claimed a few unsecured phones over the years.

GoPros are welcome, especially chest or helmet mounted. Drones: message us first so we can tell you where flying is okay along the route.

Packing by season: dry vs green

Dry season (December–April): dust is the theme. Sunglasses or goggles at all times, consider the bandana, and bring lip balm — the wind and dust dry you out fast. Trails are fast and firm, so any closed shoe works.

Green season (May–November): mud and splashes are the fun. Quick-dry clothing earns its keep, a light rain layer is smart for afternoon departures, and shoes with some grip beat smooth soles. Rivers run full, so assume you'll get at least a little wet — that's the good part.

The one thing people always forget

A change of clothes and a small towel, left in your car or with your things at the base. After two hours of dust or mud, a dry shirt for the ride back to the hotel feels like a luxury — and if you're heading to lunch or the beach afterwards, you'll be very glad you planned ahead.

Second most forgotten: a hair tie. Helmets plus wind have strong opinions about loose hair.

That's the whole list: closed shoes, expendable clothes, sunscreen, a secured phone and a dry change for after. Everything else — helmet, goggles, water, photos — is on us.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear sandals on an ATV tour?

No — closed-toe shoes are required. Sneakers, trail runners or light hiking shoes all work. Sandals and flip-flops slip off the footpegs and offer no protection.

Do you provide helmets and goggles?

Yes — every tour includes helmet, goggles, bottled water, fuel and a bilingual guide, with helmet sizes for kids too. A bandana add-on is available for $10 for extra dust protection.

Will I get dirty on the tour?

Almost certainly — dust in the dry season, mud and river splashes in the green season. Wear clothes you don't mind staining and bring a change of clothes for afterwards.

Can I bring my phone on the ride?

Yes, secured with a wrist strap, zippered pocket or waterproof pouch. Your guide also takes photos of the group during the tour and shares them at the end.

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