Guided ATV Tour: The Ultimate Pura Vida Experience in Costa Rica 🇨🇷

If you’re looking to soak in Costa Rica’s wild beauty while fully embracing the “Pura Vida” lifestyle, there’s no better way to do it than on a guided ATV tour. This isn’t just about horsepower and dirt trails—it’s about experiencing the soul of Costa Rica. From hidden waterfalls and local wildlife to panoramic coastal views and laid-back rural villages, a guided ATV tour offers a true Pura Vida adventure.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, family, or friends, riding through Costa Rica’s diverse terrain with a knowledgeable local guide transforms a fun ride into a deeper cultural experience. This is where nature, adrenaline, and authentic connection come together.

What Is the “Pura Vida” Experience?

You’ll hear the phrase “Pura Vida” everywhere in Costa Rica. It means “pure life,” but it’s much more than a saying—it’s a way of life. Pura Vida is about being present, enjoying nature, and living simply, joyfully, and with gratitude.

On a guided ATV tour, you won’t just drive through the scenery—you’ll feel it. You’ll pause to listen to howler monkeys, splash in secret swimming holes, share stories with your guide, and see firsthand how Costa Ricans live in harmony with nature.

Why Choose a Guided ATV Tour Over Self-Drive Rentals?

While renting your own ATV is an option in places like Santa Teresa or Jaco, guided tours offer a more meaningful, safe, and enriching experience. Here’s why:

🧭 Expert Local Knowledge

Your guide knows every twist and turn of the jungle trails, the tide schedules, the river crossings, and where to spot wildlife like sloths, monkeys, toucans, and coatis. They’ll also explain the significance of local plants, trees, and traditional Costa Rican culture along the way.

🌴 Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations

Guided ATV tours take you to hidden gems that most tourists never find—private waterfalls, jungle viewpoints, backroad beaches, rural farmlands, and authentic sodas (small local restaurants) where you can taste real Costa Rican food.

🛡️ Safety First

Costa Rica’s terrain can be unpredictable. A guided tour ensures:

  • Your vehicle is in top condition.

  • You follow safe, approved trails.

  • You have support in case of breakdowns or weather changes.

🤝 Personal Connection

Your guide becomes part of the experience. Many visitors say their ATV guide ended up being one of their favorite parts of the trip—friendly, funny, and full of local insight.

What to Expect on a Guided ATV Tour in Costa Rica

Depending on where you book your tour (Santa Teresa, Jaco, Manuel Antonio, etc.), the experience can vary—but here’s a typical outline of what’s included:

🛵 Well-Maintained ATVs

Most tours use reliable Honda or Yamaha 4-wheelers. You’ll also receive helmets and (if needed) goggles or bandanas. Two-person ATVs and side-by-sides (UTVs) are often available for families or couples.

📋 Quick Orientation

Even if you’ve never ridden an ATV before, no worries. Your guide will give a full safety demo and let you practice in an open area before hitting the trails.

🌄 Immersive Jungle Trails & Ocean Views

Ride through:

  • Jungle paths shaded by massive trees and overgrown vines

  • River crossings and muddy puddles (in rainy season)

  • Hilltops with sweeping views of the Pacific coastline

  • Remote beaches where you can take a break and swim

💧 Waterfalls, Wildlife, and More

Many guided ATV tours include stops at:

  • Waterfalls – perfect for swimming and photos

  • Cultural landmarks – like local farms, churches, or rural villages

  • Wildlife observation – spot monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds

🍽️ Optional Food Stops

Some tours include lunch or a drink at a local soda, letting you taste authentic casado, gallo pinto, or fresh fruit smoothies as part of the experience.

Top Places for a Guided ATV Tour in Costa Rica

🌊 Santa Teresa (Nicoya Peninsula)

From the surf breaks of Playa Hermosa to the jungle trails near Montezuma and Cabo Blanco, Santa Teresa offers raw nature, rugged roads, and a real off-the-grid vibe.

  • Book with Savannah X-treme Tours for a true local experience.

  • Routes include waterfalls, jungle lookouts, and quiet beach trails.

  • Combo tours: ATV + zipline or ATV + Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.

🏞️ Jaco & Herradura

Jaco is perfect for beginners and families. You’ll get beach and jungle views, plus the chance to combine your ATV ride with horseback tours, crocodile river safaris, or ziplining.

  • Plenty of tour options near Los Sueños Marina.

  • Trails offer wildlife, fruit stands, and mountain views.

🦥 Manuel Antonio / Quepos

Combine jungle riding with a wildlife lover’s paradise. The lush surroundings here offer great opportunities to see sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds.

  • Great for nature-focused riders.

  • UTVs available for families with young children.

Who Can Join a Guided ATV Tour?

Most companies make it easy for anyone to join. General guidelines:

  • Ages 6+ can ride as a passenger.

  • Ages 13–16 may drive with adult permission and supervision.

  • Adults 18+ can operate their own ATV with a valid ID or driver’s license.

No experience is necessary, and tours are often customized by skill level and group type—from first-timers to seasoned off-road enthusiasts.

What to Bring for Your ATV Pura Vida Adventure

  • Closed-toe shoes (required)

  • Comfortable, breathable clothes you don’t mind getting dusty

  • Sunscreen and insect repellent

  • A GoPro or waterproof camera (some helmets have mounts!)

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Swimsuit and towel if your tour includes waterfalls

Pro tip: Leave valuables at your hotel or in a dry bag—ATV rides get bumpy and dusty!

How Long Are Tours and What Do They Cost?

Prices vary by location, group size, and tour length. Here’s a general range:

  • 1.5–2 hours: $55–$80 per person

  • Half-day (3–4 hours): $85–$120 per person

  • Full-day tours: $130–$180 per person (includes food and multiple stops)

Group discounts, custom tours, and combo packages (like ATV + zipline) are often available.

Final Thoughts: Ride Into the Heart of “Pura Vida”

A guided ATV tour in Costa Rica is more than an off-road adventure—it’s a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and feel the essence of Pura Vida in every mile. You’ll gain more than epic photos and adrenaline; you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the people, landscapes, and magic of Costa Rica.

So let go of the stress, rev up your engine, and ride into the pura vida lifestyle—one dusty, jungle-lined trail at a time.

Book Your Guided ATV Pura Vida Tour Today

👉 Ready to ride? Contact Savannah X-treme Tours and let their local team show you the real Costa Rica—safe, scenic, and full of surprises.

📞 Experienced guides, top-tier ATVs, and the most authentic Pura Vida experience on the Nicoya Peninsula.