If the national park trails feel too gentle, the ATV tour is the opposite experience: a loud, muddy and exhilarating ride through the rainforest in the hills above the coast. Quad bikes are a staple of Costa Rican adventure tourism, and the Manuel Antonio area has a strong version of it, with trails that climb through forest and farmland, cross streams and finish at a waterfall where you can cool off with a swim. With a rating near the top of the scale from well over a hundred reviews, this off-road rainforest and waterfalls outing is one of the favourite active excursions on the coast. The format is straightforward. You meet at the operator's base or are collected from your hotel, receive a safety briefing, helmet and instructions, and then set off in a convoy behind a guide. The pace is steady rather than reckless, and the guide stops regularly to let the group regroup, point out birds and plants, and warn about tricky sections. Depending on the weather the trail can be dry and dusty or slick with red mud, and you will certainly get dirty. The waterfall stop is the highlight, a chance to get off the machine, wade into cool water and wash off some of the trail before the ride back.
Who it suits
This is a good choice for confident, active travellers, couples and groups of friends who want something faster than a hike. Many operators offer single and double quads, which lets a passenger ride behind a driver, and some allow older children to ride as passengers.
Check the age, licence and weight rules when you reserve, because they vary by operator and are enforced for safety. You do not need previous experience, but you should be comfortable steering a machine on uneven ground. If you would rather not drive, ask about double quads or choose a different activity.
Safety and what to wear
Wear closed shoes you do not mind ruining, long trousers or quick-drying shorts, and a swimsuit if you plan to enter the water at the falls. Bring a change of clothes, a towel and a plastic bag for wet items. Sunglasses help with dust and flying mud, and a bandana is useful over the nose and mouth on dry days.
Helmets are provided and compulsory. Keep your phone in a sealed pouch and be careful with cameras, because the trail is bumpy and wet. Stay behind the guide, keep a safe distance from the machine ahead and follow the instructions about speed. Tell the guide about any back or neck problems before you start.
Planning the day
The tour usually takes a half day, so you can combine it with a beach afternoon or an evening activity. It is not the right choice for the morning after a long day of travel, because it is physically tiring, and it is better scheduled early in your stay so you have time to recover before other adventures. In the green season, from May to November, trails are muddier and more fun for some travellers, less so for others, and afternoon storms can interrupt tours, so book a morning departure.
In the dry season, from December to April, expect dust and sun. If you also want a quieter sense of the forest, balance the ride with a guided night walk, where the pace could hardly be more different.
What to expect
The experience
A guided half-day quad-bike ride through rainforest trails and river crossings, with a safety briefing, helmet and a stop at a waterfall for a swim.
Best time
A morning departure, when it is cooler and the weather is more reliable, particularly in the green season.
How long
A half day, including the briefing, the ride and the waterfall stop. Confirm pickup and return times.
Tips
Wear closed shoes and clothes you can get muddy, bring a swimsuit, towel and a change of clothes, and follow the guide's pace.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active travellers and groups who want a fast, muddy rainforest ride with a swim at the end.
- Families
- Older teens can usually drive and younger children can ride as passengers on double quads, but check the operator's age and weight rules.
- Couples
- Share a double quad or take one each, then rinse off at the waterfall and relax on the beach in the afternoon.
- Pair with
- A beach afternoon, a sunset sail and a gentle night walk on another evening.
- Time needed
- A half day.
Good questions
Do I need experience to drive an ATV?+
No. You get a briefing and the pace is controlled by the guide, but you should be comfortable steering a machine on rough ground. Double quads let a passenger ride instead.
What is the minimum age?+
It varies by operator and by whether the child drives or rides, so check the age and weight rules when you reserve.
Will I get wet and muddy?+
Almost certainly. The trails can be muddy and there are stream crossings, and the waterfall stop is a chance to swim. Bring a change of clothes.
Is the tour held in the rain?+
Usually yes, since rain is part of the rainforest, but severe weather can cause delays or changes. Morning tours are the most reliable.
What should I bring?+
Closed shoes, a swimsuit, a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, repellent and a sealed pouch for your phone. Helmets are provided.
