Jaco, Costa Rica — ATV’ing (Part Five)

Adventure Tours Costa Rica—ATV’ing

Riding ATV’s with my adult children is typically a must do activity when we travel. After researching different companies, I decided to book with Adventure Tours Costa Rica (ATCR). They had solid reviews, the going rate was about $95.00 US each for a three-hour guided tour with the destination point being an exclusive waterfall, and it was located near our Airbnb. 

Our tour guides arrived on time and picked us up outside the Jaco Bay Towers in two 4×4 off road buggies. We then drove approximately 10 minutes into the hills just outside of town, to their newly renovated office building. While checking in at the front desk, I was impressed that there no upselling of any kind; however, they did place an unexpected $2,000.00 hold for any damages incurred to the ATV’s during the tour. Both tour guides provided a brief explanation of how to ride the ATV’s at which point we drove around for approximately 5 minutes to get a feel, and we were off. 

We accelerated through muddy jungle dirt roads, climbing quickly up steep mountain roads until we crested a ridgeline overlooking a vast canyon.

Compared to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico ATV’ing, this was much more challenging for two reasons: (1) the dirt roads were scarred with large potholes and deep crevices from rain runoff (2) Oncoming traffic was at times perilous and hard to navigate; more than once several of my adult children ventured into the opposite lane and almost crashed head on with a scooter, motorcycle or off-road vehicle. 

Upon our arrival to the waterfall trail, we parked our ATV’s and hiked for approximately five minutes down to the waterfall. The area was secluded and bordered by lush tropical vegetation while the water pooling below the waterfall was cool and refreshing.

I was able to swim without much effort under the cascading water and enjoy the force of the waterfall on my upper body. It was exactly what I was looking for when I had first envisioned visiting Costa Rica. We spent about 30 minutes swimming and jumping off the rocks into the pool at which point we made the hour and half trek back to the ATCR starting point. I would highly recommend taking this ATV tour because there are multiple opportunities to interact with the environment in a way that gives you a unique Costa Rican experience.