Last Updated on March 27, 2026
ATV Tours Costa Rica: What's Covered
ATV tours in La Fortuna run 2-3 hours through private rainforest trails with Arenal Volcano views, costing $95-$130 per person, including hotel pickup, helmets, and bilingual guides. No experience needed—operators provide safety briefings and practice circuits. Most tours stop at the Maleku Indigenous Village, river viewpoints, and jungle waterfall areas. Driving yourself lets you combine morning ATV rides with afternoon hot springs or La Fortuna Waterfall visits.
Quick Facts:
- 2-hour tours $95-$120, 3-hour tours $105-$130 per person (single ATV)
- Drivers must be 16+ with a valid license; passengers as young as 5
- Tours run rain or shine year-round; book an 8 AM slot for the best volcano views
- Double ATV weight limit: 300-308 lbs (136-140 kg) combined
- Dry season (Dec-Apr) means dusty trails; green season brings muddier, more adventurous rides
Top Tour Options:
- 2-Hour Express — Core highlights including Maleku Village, river stops, and Monterrey viewpoint in a quick half-day format
- 3-Hour Discovery — Full experience with private eco-park access, closer volcano viewpoints, and muddier jungle trails
- ATV + Combo — Pair with jet ski tours, ziplining, or horseback riding for a full adventure day
Stack your ATV morning with Arenal hot springs or hanging bridge tours in the afternoon—having a rental car makes the scheduling easy.
If you need any help with a Costa Rica car rental, contact us now!
ATV tours in Costa Rica put you on muddy jungle trails with Arenal Volcano as your backdrop, and they’re one of the best ways to see La Fortuna’s landscape without following a paved tourist path. Most tours run 2-3 hours, cost $95-$130 per person, and include stops at the Maleku Indigenous Village, rainforest viewpoints, and refreshing river breaks. No experience is needed. If you can ride a bicycle, you can handle a quad. But choosing the right tour, knowing what to wear, and understanding what you’re signing up for makes the difference between a mediocre afternoon and the highlight of your trip.
Key Takeaways
- ATV tours in La Fortuna range from $95-$130 per person for 2-3 hour guided experiences through private rainforest trails with volcano views.
- No prior riding experience is required because operators provide safety briefings and practice circuits before hitting the trails.
- Drivers must be 16+ with a valid license; kids as young as 5 can ride as passengers with an adult or guide.
- You will get dirty. Wear closed-toe shoes, long shorts or pants, and clothes you don’t care about.
- Most tours include hotel pickup, helmets, bilingual guides, and snacks or fruit, so book the 3-hour option for the best value.
- Having a rental car in La Fortuna gives you the flexibility to combine your ATV tour with hot springs, waterfalls, and other Arenal adventures on your own schedule.
Can You Ride ATVs in Costa Rica Without Experience?
Yes, and most operators in La Fortuna specifically design their tours for first-timers. Every reputable ATV tour starts with a safety briefing and practice circuit where you learn the basics: throttle control, braking, and turning. The ATVs are semi-automatic, so there’s no gear shifting to worry about. Your guides set the pace, ride at the front and back of the group, and keep things manageable for everyone.
That said, these aren’t go-kart rides. You’re navigating actual dirt trails through rainforest terrain with occasional inclines and uneven ground. The trails are well-maintained, but they’re still backcountry routes. Guides adjust speed based on the group’s comfort level, so if you’re nervous, just let them know. Most operators report that first-time riders make up the majority of their guests.
One important detail: drivers must be at least 16 years old and carry a valid driver’s license from any country. Kids aged 5 and up can ride as passengers with an adult or a guide. Pregnant travelers, anyone who’s had major surgery within six months, or anyone with severe heart conditions typically can’t participate. And if you show up under the influence, you won’t be allowed on the ATV because operators take this seriously.
What Happens on a Typical La Fortuna ATV Tour?
Here’s the honest breakdown of what a standard 2-3 hour ATV tour near Arenal Volcano actually looks like:
The Setup (15-20 minutes): Your tour company will pick you up from your hotel in La Fortuna, as most tours include round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned van. At the base, you get your helmet, a quick safety briefing, and a practice loop to get comfortable with the ATV controls. The guides are bilingual (Spanish and English) and genuinely patient with beginners.
The Ride: Once you’re comfortable, you’ll head out onto the trails. The routes wind through private rainforest reserves, secondary roads with valley views, and backcountry paths that regular tourists never see. You’ll pass through farmland, dense jungle canopy, and open viewpoints where Arenal Volcano dominates the skyline, so try to book your tour for the morning before the cloud covers the peak.
The Maleku Village Stop: Nearly every La Fortuna ATV tour includes a 10-15 minute stop at a Maleku Indigenous Village. The Maleku people are one of Costa Rica’s indigenous groups who originally inhabited the La Fortuna and Guatuso area. Roughly 600 Maleku remain, making them the smallest indigenous population in the country. The presentation is brief but covers key aspects of their culture, traditions, and handmade crafts, and it’s a respectful way to directly support the community.
The River and Viewpoints: You’ll stop at spots along the Arenal River for photos and sometimes a quick dip if the weather’s good. The Monterrey viewpoint is a common stop offering panoramic views of the volcano and the Fortuna Valley. Some tours also include a short hike to a waterfall, such as the El Congo Waterfall, which is a hidden gem deep in the jungle that most tourists never see.
The 3-Hour Difference: If you opt for the longer tour, the extra hour typically takes you through a private ecological park closer to the volcano, with muddier trails, denser forest, and a viewpoint where Arenal’s classic cone peeks through the canopy. This is where the ride gets more adventurous and the scenery more dramatic.
How Much Do ATV Tours Cost in La Fortuna?
Pricing varies by operator and tour length, but here’s what to expect in the La Fortuna area:
The 2-hour tours typically run $95-$120 per person on a single ATV, or $130-$190 total for two people sharing a double. The 3-hour tours range from $105-$130 per person for singles, with doubles slightly less per person. Some operators offer combo packages that pair ATV rides with jet ski tours on Lake Arenal, ziplining, or horseback riding at a discount.
Most tour prices include hotel pickup and drop-off within the La Fortuna area, helmets, a bilingual guide, and fresh fruit or snacks at the end. What’s usually not included: gratuity for your guide (10-15% is standard in Costa Rica), professional photos taken during the ride, and optional ATV damage insurance ($15-$25). Some operators charge an extra $10 per person for pickup from more remote lodges like the Observatory Lodge or Springs Resort.
If you’re booking for a group, ask about discounts, as many operators offer lower per-person rates for parties of 4+. And if you’re flexible on timing, same-day bookings sometimes come with last-minute deals, though dry season months (December-April) tend to book out faster.
What Should You Wear on an ATV Tour?
Let’s be real: you’re going to get dirty. During the green season (May-November), you’ll get muddy. During the dry season, you’ll get dusty. Either way, don’t wear anything you’d be upset about ruining.
Here’s the practical checklist:
Wear: Closed-toe shoes with good grip, like sneakers or hiking shoes, but absolutely no sandals or flip-flops. Long shorts or lightweight pants to protect your legs from the heat of the engine and trail brush, a breathable long-sleeve shirt or t-shirt you don’t mind trashing, and sunglasses with a strap as debris and sun are both factors.
Bring:
- And apply sunscreen before you leave, as Costa Rica’s tropical sun is no joke, even on cloudy days.
- A small waterproof bag or ziplock for your phone.
- A change of clothes and shoes for after the ride.
- Swimsuit if your tour includes a river or waterfall stop.
- Tip money in colones or USD as both work in La Fortuna.
Skip:
- Jewelry, expensive watches, or anything else that you’d panic about losing.
- Open-toe shoes of any kind because operators won’t let you ride.
- White clothing (unless you want a souvenir mud pattern).
- Heavy backpacks because most operators have lockers at their base.
- The tour company provides helmets and typically goggles or bandanas. Some also offer rain ponchos during the green season, but bringing a lightweight rain jacket is smart if the forecast looks wet.
What's the Best Time of Year for ATV Tours?
ATV tours run year-round in Costa Rica, rain or shine. But the experience changes significantly by season.
Dry Season (December-April): Trails are firmer and less slippery, which makes for an easier ride. Dust replaces mud, and you’ll have better odds of clear volcano views, especially in the morning before clouds build. This is also peak tourist season, so booking ahead is smart, and you should expect more riders per group.
Green Season (May-November): This is when the trails get gloriously muddy, and the riding is more adventurous. The rainforest is at its lushest and greenest, waterfalls run fuller, and wildlife is more active. Afternoon showers are predictable, and most tours schedule morning departures to avoid the heaviest rain. Fewer tourists mean smaller groups and sometimes better deals. September and October tend to be the wettest months, but also the quietest.
Pro tip: Book the earliest morning time slot regardless of season. You’ll get cooler temperatures, the best chance at seeing Arenal without cloud cover, more active wildlife along the trails, and smaller groups since most tourists are still eating breakfast.
Tour operators only cancel for genuine safety concerns such as lightning, flooding, or severe weather alerts. Light to moderate rain? You’re still riding. And honestly, riding through a warm tropical rain adds to the experience.
Should You Choose a 2-Hour or 3-Hour Tour?
Both options cover the core highlights, which are the Maleku Village, river stops, and volcano viewpoints. But the 3-hour tour is where most riders feel they got the full experience. Here’s why:
The extra hour isn’t just more of the same trail. It typically takes you into a private ecological park with exclusive access to areas closer to the volcano on trails through old lava flow zones, denser primary forest, and viewpoints you can’t reach on the shorter tour. The terrain gets more varied, and the riding is more engaging.
If you’re traveling with young kids riding as passengers, the 2-hour tour might be the better call. Three hours on a bouncing ATV can be a lot for little ones, even with stops. For adults and teens? The 3-hour version is worth the extra $10-$20 per person.
Tour times typically run at 8 AM, 10 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. The 8 AM slot wins for volcano views and cooler riding conditions. The 1 PM slot can work well too because afternoon tours during green season sometimes catch post-rain conditions that make the trails muddier and more fun.
What About ATV Tours in Other Parts of Costa Rica?
La Fortuna isn’t the only place to hop on a quad. ATV tours operate across the country, each with different scenery and terrain. Guanacaste’s Pacific coast offers beach and dry forest trails near Tamarindo and Papagayo. Jacó and Manuel Antonio combine jungle trails with waterfall stops and ocean views. Sámara Beach on the Nicoya Peninsula has mountain routes with stunning coastline panoramas.
But the Arenal area stands out for a reason: the combination of volcanic terrain, dense rainforest, cultural stops, and river access creates a variety you don’t get on a beach-only ATV run. If you’re only doing one ATV tour during your Costa Rica trip, La Fortuna delivers the most diverse experience per hour.
Having your own vehicle makes it easy to fit an ATV tour into a broader Arenal itinerary. Riding ATVs in the morning, soaking in hot springs in the afternoon, and still making dinner reservations in town is the kind of scheduling flexibility that driving yourself around Costa Rica provides.
How Do You Stay Safe on a Costa Rica ATV Tour?
The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) recommends wearing helmets, appropriate clothing, eye protection, and preferably boots and gloves when riding ATVs. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Choose a certified operator. Look for companies with ICT certification and strong reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google. Reputable operators maintain their machines regularly, employ trained guides, and carry insurance. Companies that have operated for several years with consistently positive reviews are your safest bet.
Listen to the safety briefing. It’s easy to zone out when you’re excited, but the briefing covers critical stuff: how to brake safely on downhill sections, what to do if your ATV gets stuck, and hand signals the guides use on the trail. Pay attention, as it only takes 5 minutes and could prevent an injury.
Respect the pace. These aren’t racing experiences. Good operators specifically prioritize safety over speed, and guides will slow the group or stop the tour if someone is riding recklessly. If the person behind you is going too fast, let the guide know. There’s zero shame in asking the group to slow down.
Stay on the trail. Costa Rica’s national park system protects some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Going off designated trails damages habitat and puts you at risk for unexpected terrain. The ICT prohibits ATV riding on beaches and heavily trafficked roads.
Watch the weight limits. Most ATVs have a combined weight limit of around 300-308 lbs (136-140 kg) for double riders. If you and your partner are close to that limit, consider booking single ATVs instead. It’s safer and more comfortable.
What Else Can You Do Around Arenal on Your ATV Day?
One of the best things about ATV tours is that they’re half-day activities, leaving you plenty of time to stack your La Fortuna itinerary. Here’s what pairs well:
Morning ATV + Afternoon Hot Springs: Book the 8 AM ATV tour, get back to your hotel by 11 AM, clean up, grab lunch at one of La Fortuna’s local sodas, then head to Tabacón, Eco Termales, or free hot springs for the afternoon. Your muscles will thank you.
Morning ATV + Afternoon Waterfall: La Fortuna Waterfall is just 10 minutes from town. The 500-step descent and swim in the natural pool at the base is the perfect cool-down after a dusty ride. Open 7 AM-5 PM, $20 entry.
ATV + Next-Day Hanging Bridges: If you want back-to-back adventure days, pair your ATV ride with Mistico Hanging Bridges the following morning. The elevated canopy walk gives you a completely different perspective of the same rainforest you rode through.
If you have a rental car from Vamos, you can drive to the ATV operator’s office yourself (typically a 10-minute drive from downtown La Fortuna, no 4×4 required) and skip the hotel pickup wait. That buys you an extra 30-45 minutes to work with. Plus, having your own wheels means you can hit the Arenal 1968 lava trail, drive the scenic Lake Arenal road, or make spontaneous stops at roadside fruit stands and local eateries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Driver’s License to Ride an ATV in Costa Rica?
Yes, if you’re driving. Any valid driver’s license from any country works, and you don’t need an international driving permit specifically for ATV tours. Drivers must be at least 16 years old, but passengers who ride behind a driver or with a guide don’t need a license and can be as young as 5 years old. Bring your physical license to the tour because they’ll need to check it.
Will You Actually Get Dirty on an ATV Ride?
Count on it. During the green season, you’ll get caked in mud from the wheels of the rider in front of you. During the dry season, a layer of fine dust covers everything. Tour operators recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind ruining and bringing a complete change of outfit for afterward. Shoes are the biggest casualty, so wear your oldest pair of sneakers.
What Are the Weight Limits for ATV Tours?
Most La Fortuna ATV operators set a combined weight limit of 300-308 lbs (136-140 kg) per double ATV. This means if two adults are sharing, their combined weight can’t exceed that number. Single ATVs accommodate individual riders up to approximately 250 lbs (113 kg). Always confirm specific limits with your tour operator when booking, as they vary slightly between companies.
Can You Do an ATV Tour with Young Children?
Yes, with conditions. Children must be at least 5 years old to ride as passengers. They’ll ride with an adult family member or with a guide. Kids under 5 cannot participate. For families with teenagers, the 2-hour tour tends to work better than the 3-hour option since the vibration and bumping get tiring for younger riders. It’s one of the more accessible adventure activities for families in the Arenal region.
What Happens If It Rains During Your ATV Tour?
Tours operate rain or shine, and many riders say rainy conditions are actually more fun because the trails get muddier. Operators only cancel for dangerous weather: active lightning, flooding conditions, or official red weather alerts. If severe weather forces a cancellation before the tour starts, you’ll typically get a full reschedule or refund. If cancellation happens mid-tour after an hour, expect a 50% refund.
Should You Tip Your ATV Guide?
Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated and customary in Costa Rica’s tourism industry. A standard tip for a good ATV guide runs 10-15% of the tour cost, or roughly $10-$20 per person for a memorable experience. If your guide went above and beyond with photo-taking, wildlife spotting, or accommodating nervous riders, tip accordingly. Colones or US dollars both work.
Are UTVs (Side-by-Sides) Better Than ATVs for Families?
If you have young children, mobility concerns, or simply prefer a car-like experience over straddling a quad, UTVs are worth considering. Side-by-side vehicles seat 2-6 people with seatbelts, a roll cage, and a steering wheel, so they feel more like a small off-road car. They cost more ($250-$370 for 2-3 hours) but accommodate all ages and provide a more comfortable ride for those who aren’t confident on a traditional ATV.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
During dry season (December-April), book at least 2-3 days in advance because morning time slots fill up fast. During the green season, you can often book 24 hours ahead or even same-day, especially for afternoon slots. Online booking is available through most operators’ websites, or you can book through your hotel’s tour desk in La Fortuna. Cancellation policies typically require a 24-hour notice for a full refund.
