ATV tours in La Fortuna run on private farm and jungle trails in the Arenal Volcano foothills, with river crossings, mud, and volcano views. This guide compares the best rides by price, rating, and what each one includes.
What You Should Know
- Most La Fortuna ATV tours run 2 to 3 hours on private farm and jungle trails in the Arenal Volcano foothills, with river crossings, muddy sections, and viewpoints looking back at the volcano. Standard guided rides start around $105 per person, and several are priced per ATV: the most-reviewed ride is $105 for a single ATV and $119 for a double ($59.50 each).
- Driver age rules vary: 14+ on one tour, 16+ on most, and a driver's license on several; UTV drivers 18+. Children can ride as passengers in a double ATV with an adult. Single and double (two-seat) ATVs are common, and two-person side-by-side UTVs are available for families or nervous first-timers.
- Most tours include round-trip hotel pickup in the La Fortuna area, a safety briefing, helmet, and water, with fresh fruit at a photo stop. None of these tours include lunch (the zipline combo sells it at a local farm for $15). One popular private option meets at the operator's base rather than offering hotel pickup.
- Beyond the standard ride, you can combine ATV with ziplining or hot springs, or upgrade to a private tour. Prices climb from around $105 for a shared guided ride to $153 to $160 for combos and private trips, and $315 per group for an exclusive side-by-side.
ATV Tours in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
ATV tours in La Fortuna put you on the back roads, private farms, and jungle trails that ring Arenal Volcano, the country's most famous peak. Unlike the national park, this is working farmland and rainforest where guides lead small convoys across rivers, through mud, and up to viewpoints that frame the volcano, so an ATV tour in La Fortuna is as much about the scenery and the splashing as it is about the driving. This guide compares the best ATV tours in La Fortuna, Costa Rica by price, rating, duration, and what each ride actually includes.
The rides fall into a few clear types: short 2-hour guided loops on private trails, longer 3-hour rides with mud and river stops, two-person side-by-side UTVs for families, and combo tours that bolt on ziplining or hot springs. Prices run from around $105 for a shared guided ride up to $315 per group for an exclusive side-by-side, so the right pick depends on how much time, budget, and adventure you want. If you would rather fly through the canopy, our La Fortuna zipline guide covers the best canopy tours, and many operators combine the two.
Below you will find a side-by-side comparison of seven of the most-booked La Fortuna ATV tours, followed by editor's picks, what a ride is actually like, a price breakdown, and tips for booking. Compare the tours.
Most Popular Tours
Arenal Volcano ATV Guided Experience (Jungle & Maleku)
The most-reviewed La Fortuna ATV tour: a 2-hour ride on mostly private jungle trail with photo stops framing Arenal and a Maleku indigenous cultural visit, plus pickup in central La Fortuna, helmet, and water. It costs $105 for a single ATV and $119 for a double ($59.50 each). The best single ride for value and views.
Book NowBest ATV Tours in La Fortuna: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Tour | Price | Rating | Ages | Duration | Transport | Food | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most Reviewed Arenal Volcano ATV Guided Experience (Jungle & Maleku) Book Now |
$105 single ATV; $119 double ($59.50 each) | ⭐ 4.7 (656) Read Reviews |
Driver's license to drive; kids 5+ ride | 2 hrs | Pickup in central La Fortuna | Water | Private jungle trail, Maleku cultural stop |
| La Fortuna ATV Adventure Through Rainforest & Volcano Views Book Now |
From $105 | ⭐ 4.6 (364) Read Reviews |
14+ to drive | 3 hrs (2 hr ride) | Round-trip transfer | Fruit, water | Muddy trails to the Arenal River; max 10 |
| Private ATV & Hot Springs Combo Book Now |
From $160 pp (min 2) | ⭐ 5.0 (165) Read Reviews |
16–70 | 4 hrs | Meet at the operator's base | Not included | Private; 500cc 4WD; hot springs included; non-refundable |
| The Discovery Adventure ATV Tour Book Now |
$119 single ATV; $150 double ($75 each) | ⭐ 4.8 (93) Read Reviews |
Driver's license to drive; kids 5+ ride | 3 hrs | Hotel pickup | Water | Maleku village visit, Arenal River; no dates Jan to Jun 2027 yet |
| Guided ATV Adventure: Mud, Rivers & Nature Book Now |
$153 single ATV; $173 double ($86.50 each) | ⭐ 4.9 (95) Read Reviews |
16+ drive / 6+ ride | 2 hrs | Hotel pickup | Fresh fruit | Río Arenal crossing & swim, viewpoint, farm cultural stop |
| Arenal ATV & Zipline Adventure (Rush Pack) Book Now |
From $157 pp sharing a double ($225 solo) | ⭐ 4.7 (31) Read Reviews |
12–70; license to drive ATV | ~4 hrs | Hotel pickup | Water, snacks (lunch $15 extra) | ATV plus 8 ziplines up to 90 m |
| Side by Side (UTV) Tour, Arenal (SBS) Book Now |
$315 / group (up to 2) | ⭐ 4.5 (55) Read Reviews |
Driver 18+; all ages ride | 2 hrs | Courtesy transfer | Fruit, water | Two-person side-by-side UTV |
ℹ️ Prices, ratings, and review counts were updated and verified by our editorial team on October 19, 2026. Prices and availability may change, so always confirm with the operator before booking.
What to Expect on a La Fortuna ATV Tour
Most La Fortuna ATV tours follow the same rhythm from pickup to muddy finish:
- 01
Hotel pickup or meeting point
Most tours collect you from your La Fortuna hotel and drive 15 to 30 minutes to the trailhead. A few, like the private hot springs combo, ask you to meet at their lodge, so check this before booking.
- 02
Check-in & safety briefing
On arrival you sign a waiver, get fitted with a helmet and goggles, and your guide runs through the controls and a short practice loop. If a rider doesn't look comfortable afterward they may be asked to ride as a passenger, so flag any nerves early.
- 03
The ride
You follow your guide in a small convoy across farm tracks, forest trails, river crossings, and muddy sections, stopping for photos at viewpoints and any cultural or mud-mask stops the tour includes.
- 04
Return & rinse off
You rinse off the worst of the mud, then your guide drives you back to your hotel or meeting point.
- 01
Hotel pickup or meeting point
Most tours collect you from your La Fortuna hotel and drive 15 to 30 minutes to the trailhead. A few, like the private hot springs combo, ask you to meet at their lodge, so check this before booking.
- 02
Check-in & safety briefing
On arrival you sign a waiver, get fitted with a helmet and goggles, and your guide runs through the controls and a short practice loop. If a rider doesn't look comfortable afterward they may be asked to ride as a passenger, so flag any nerves early.
- 03
The ride
You follow your guide in a small convoy across farm tracks, forest trails, river crossings, and muddy sections, stopping for photos at viewpoints and any cultural or mud-mask stops the tour includes.
- 04
Return & rinse off
You rinse off the worst of the mud, then your guide drives you back to your hotel or meeting point.
How much of it is actual riding: the time actually on the ATV works out to around 2 hours, even when the total including transfers and stops is listed as 3 to 4 hours. Most people don't realize the headline duration is mostly transfers, briefing, and photo stops, so a longer listed tour is not always more time in the saddle.
What reviews show (the mud is the point): Guest reviews consistently show that getting muddy is not a risk on these tours, it is the whole appeal, although how muddy you get depends on the route and the weather (one recent reviewer on the top pick stayed fairly clean and still loved the river crossing). Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you do not mind ruining, and bring a full change for afterward. Reviewers who came dressed for it report the best time.
What reviews show (rain helps the ride, hides the volcano): One pattern is consistent in reviews: a downpour makes the trails muddier and the ride more fun, but it also reliably hides Arenal behind cloud. Tours run in normal rain, so getting wet is fine, but if a clear volcano view matters, book a first or mid-morning start in the green season and treat a clean cone shot as a bonus rather than a guarantee.
Best ATV Tours in La Fortuna: Our Picks
Here are the rides we think stand out most, depending on what you want from the day.
Arenal Volcano ATV Guided Experience (Jungle & Maleku)
At $105 for a single ATV or $119 for a double ($59.50 each), and with the most reviews of any La Fortuna ATV tour (656 at 4.7 stars), this 2-hour ride is the easy default. It runs on a mostly private jungle trail with photo stops framing the volcano and a visit to a Maleku indigenous home, mixing scenery and culture into a short, well-run loop. Pickup in central La Fortuna, helmet, and water included, and recent reviewers mention fresh pineapple on the way. Book this first if you only have time for a single ride.
Check availabilityGuided ATV Adventure: Mud, Rivers & Nature
The highest-rated standard ride on the list at 4.9 stars (95 reviews), this 2-hour tour leans into the wet stuff: a crossing and swim at the Río Arenal, a panoramic viewpoint over La Fortuna and the volcano at El Alto de Monterrey, and a cultural stop with farm animals and traditional snacks. It costs $153 for a single ATV or $173 for a double ($86.50 each), and children 6 and up can ride as passengers. The edge for riders chasing the muddiest, most adventurous version.
Check availabilityPrivate ATV & Hot Springs Combo
The only tour on the list with a perfect 5.0 rating (165 reviews), this 4-hour private trip pairs a 500cc 4WD ATV ride with a soak in natural forest hot springs, and the route can be tailored from easy family trails to harder off-road. More expensive (from $160 per person, minimum two), meets at the operator's base rather than offering hotel pickup, and bookings are non-refundable, so be sure of your date. A good fit for couples who want the ride plus a reward at the end.
Check availabilityArenal ATV & Zipline Adventure (Rush Pack)
If you want two adventures in one morning, this roughly 4-hour combo pairs an ATV ride on private farm tracks with an eight-cable zipline circuit reaching up to 90 metres, plus hotel pickup, from $157 per person sharing a double ATV ($225 solo); lunch is extra ($15 at a local farm). Shortlist this for travelers who want the most variety for the money.
Check availabilitySide by Side (UTV) Tour, Arenal
Not everyone wants to pilot their own quad. This two-person side-by-side UTV lets a confident driver take the wheel while a partner or child rides alongside in the same vehicle, over the same private farms, rivers, and muddy patches. Priced per group ($315 for up to two, so $157.50 each) rather than per person, with courtesy transfers from central La Fortuna. The pick for families and anyone nervous about driving solo.
Check availabilityWhere You Ride: Arenal Volcano Trails and Stops
La Fortuna ATV tours do not enter Arenal Volcano National Park. Instead they run on private farms and rainforest trails in the volcano's foothills, which is what lets them include mud, river crossings, and off-trail fun that a protected park would never allow. It also sets expectations: the volcano is the backdrop for photo stops here, not a peak you ride up to, so come for the trails and the views rather than for closing in on the crater.
- Private farm and jungle trails: most rides spend the bulk of their time on private property (one operator advertises 90% private trails), winding through pasture, secondary forest, and muddy single-track with the volcano appearing between the trees.
- Río Arenal crossings: several tours splash through or stop at the Arenal River, and a few build in a swim. This is the wettest, most photogenic part of the ride.
- Volcano viewpoints: stops like El Alto de Monterrey open up panoramic views back over La Fortuna town and the near-perfect cone of Arenal, the prime photo moment of most tours.
- Cultural and natural add-ons: depending on the operator, you might visit a Maleku indigenous home, stop at a farm to meet animals and try traditional snacks, or finish at forest hot springs.
Because the trails are private working land, conditions change with the weather and the season, which is part of why no two rides are quite the same. This is where tours really differ: a private or side-by-side booking lets you set your own pace, while a shared group ride moves at the speed of the convoy.
How Much Do ATV Tours in La Fortuna Cost?
ATV tours in La Fortuna generally cost from around $105 to $160, with standard shared guided rides at the lower end and private trips, combos, and longer adventures at the higher end. Watch the pricing unit: some tours charge per person, while others, including our top pick, charge per ATV, so two riders sharing a double quad pay much less each. Exclusive two-person side-by-side UTVs are priced per group, from around $315 for up to two riders.
A shared, guided 2 to 3-hour ride on private trails, with hotel pickup, helmet, and water. The Rainforest & Volcano Views ride sits here from $105 per person, the Jungle & Maleku tour at $105 for a single ATV or $119 for a double ($59.50 each), and Discovery Adventure at $119 for a single ATV or $150 for a double ($75 each). What matters more than the headline price is the ride length, the pricing unit, and whether rivers are included: tours at similar prices can deliver very different amounts of trail.
The sweet spot for variety. This buys the highly rated Mud, Rivers & Nature ride (from $153 for a single ATV), an ATV-and-zipline combo (from $157 per person sharing a double, $225 solo), or a private ATV-and-hot-springs trip (from $160 per person, non-refundable).
An exclusive two-person side-by-side UTV with a private guide, ideal for families or anyone who would rather share a vehicle than drive solo.
For most travelers the sweet spot is a standard guided ride from around $105 for pure value, or the ATV-and-zipline combo around $157 if you want two adventures in one outing. The best-rated departures fill up in high season, so book your dates ahead.
La Fortuna ATV Tour: Watch Before You Go
See what an ATV tour in La Fortuna is really like, from the muddy farm trails and river crossings to the Arenal Volcano viewpoints, before you book.
ATV Combo Tours: Ziplines and Hot Springs
La Fortuna is built for combining adventures, and ATV pairs naturally with two of the area's other signature experiences.
ATV and zipline: the Rush Pack combo links an ATV ride on private farm tracks with an eight-cable canopy circuit reaching up to 90 metres, from $157 per person sharing a double ATV ($225 solo), with lunch available for $15 extra. It is the most efficient way to tick off two of La Fortuna's headline activities in one morning. If ziplining is the bigger draw, compare dedicated canopy tours in our La Fortuna zipline guide. For where to stay, see our best hotels in La Fortuna guide; for a rainy-afternoon pairing, our La Fortuna coffee tour guide; and to compare canopy destinations, our La Fortuna vs Manuel Antonio zipline guide. For other ways to get muddy and wet around Arenal, our horseback riding guide, Rio Celeste tubing guide, canyoning guide, and wildlife boat safari guide cover the alternatives. For the month's conditions, see our La Fortuna in August guide.
ATV and hot springs: the private ATV-and-hot-springs combo finishes a muddy ride with a soak in natural forest hot springs, a fitting reward and the highest-rated tour on our list at 5.0 stars. It is private and meets at the operator's base, so confirm the meeting point when you book, and note that bookings are non-refundable.
Our Take
Across guest reviews, the travelers happiest with their La Fortuna ATV tour booked a morning departure and dressed to get filthy. The ride is short on actual driving time but big on mud and river crossings, so reviewers who treat the dirt as the point, rather than something to avoid, come away loving it.
Tips for Your La Fortuna ATV Tour
- Book a morning departure: afternoon rain is common, especially in the green season, so a first or mid-morning start gives you the best odds of volcano views and drier skies. The trails stay muddy regardless.
- Choose the longer ride if it is offered: where an operator sells both a shorter and a longer version, the extra hour is usually where the river crossings and the best terrain are. Riders who pick the longer option tend to feel it was worth it, while the shortest loops can be over quickly.
- Dress to get dirty: wear closed-toe shoes you do not mind soaking and clothes you can throw in the wash, and pack a full change plus a plastic bag for the ride home. Most tours provide a helmet and goggles.
- Check the minimum age and vehicle: driver age rules vary: 14+ on one tour, 16+ on most, and a driver's license on several; UTV drivers 18+. Children ride as passengers in a double ATV or a side-by-side UTV. If anyone in your group is nervous about driving, the two-person side-by-side is the easiest option.
- Confirm pickup versus meeting point: most tours include hotel pickup, but a few private options meet at their own lodge. Check that your specific hotel or resort sits inside the included pickup zone, since some operators add a fee or decline properties that are too far out, and sort out transport when you book so there are no surprises on the morning.
- Bring a little cash: some rides offer paid extras like a longer route extension or photos, and tipping your guide is customary if you had a good time.
- Visiting in March? Our La Fortuna in March guide covers the driest, firmest trails of the year, with far less mud than the green season.
- Combine it with another adventure: ATV pairs well with ziplining or hot springs, and La Fortuna is compact enough to add a second activity the same day. Our La Fortuna zipline guide covers the canopy options. Heading to the central Pacific coast? Our Manuel Antonio ATV tour guide covers the equivalent off-road rides there, and our Jacó ATV tour guide covers the rides closer to San José.
Most Popular Tours
Where to Stay in La Fortuna
Staying in La Fortuna or planning a trip? Here are three well-reviewed hotels, with live prices from our booking system. Rooms at the best-rated hotels are usually the first to go, especially in peak season and over holidays, so it's worth locking in your stay before availability fills up.
Compare Live La Fortuna Hotel Prices
Live rates for a three-night stay for two adults, checking in about a month from now. Change the dates at checkout and book with instant email confirmation.
- Instant confirmation by email
- Live rates, not brochure prices
- Free cancellation on selected rates
Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort
Duplex bungalows in rainforest gardens with mineral springs, swim-up bars and a working dairy-farm tour. Punches well above its 4-star classification.
Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Wooden cabins with kitchenettes and terraces in gardens just outside town toward the volcano, with a heated pool, swim-up bar, hot tub and breakfast included. A few guests mention musty rooms.
La Fortuna Lodge by Treebu Hotels
A small, spotless lodge about 250 m from La Fortuna's central park, walkable to restaurants and tour pickups. Guests rate the staff and breakfast highly; street noise reaches some rooms.
Estimated nightly rate for a 3-night stay, 2 adults. Final price on Expedia.Room only. Local taxes and fees are added at checkout and can add roughly 20%.
Search all resorts & dates on Expedia →How We Selected These Tours
These tours were chosen by the Costa Rica Day Trip team based on traveler ratings and review volume, the variety of ride styles (short loops, mud-and-river rides, private trips, combos, and side-by-side UTVs), clear inclusions, and reliable hotel pickup around La Fortuna. We focused on operators that consistently earn strong feedback for safety, guiding, and the quality of the trails near Arenal Volcano. Prices, ratings, and review counts were updated and verified by our editorial team on October 19, 2026. Prices, durations, and inclusions reflect the current listings at the time of writing and can change seasonally, so confirm the details with the operator before booking. We have included a spread of options to suit families, couples, first-time riders, and thrill-seekers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ATV tours in La Fortuna cost?+
Standard shared guided ATV rides in La Fortuna start around $105 to $119 for 2 to 3 hours. Some are priced per person and others per ATV: the most-reviewed ride is $105 for a single ATV or $119 for a double ($59.50 each). Combo tours and private trips run from about $153 to $160, and an exclusive two-person side-by-side UTV is priced per group from around $315 for up to two riders. Most include hotel pickup, helmet, and water.
What is the minimum age to drive an ATV in La Fortuna?+
Driver age rules vary: 14+ on one tour, 16+ on most, and a driver's license on several; UTV drivers 18+. Children can join as passengers in a double, two-seat ATV with an adult, and some tours welcome riders from age 5 or 6 as passengers. A two-person side-by-side UTV is a good option for families, since a parent drives while a child rides alongside.
Do La Fortuna ATV tours include hotel pickup?+
Most do. The majority of La Fortuna ATV tours include round-trip pickup from hotels in and around town, with a short 15 to 30 minute drive to the trailhead. A few private options, such as the ATV-and-hot-springs combo, ask you to meet at their lodge instead, so confirm transport when you book.
How long are ATV tours in La Fortuna?+
Most standard La Fortuna ATV tours give you about 2 hours of actual riding, with total times of 2 to 4 hours once transfers and stops are included. Combo tours that add ziplining or hot springs run around 4 hours, while a focused single-ride loop can be as short as 2 hours door to trail and back.
Will I get muddy on a La Fortuna ATV tour, and what should I wear?+
Yes, getting muddy is part of the experience. The trails cross private farms, rivers, and muddy sections in the Arenal foothills. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you do not mind ruining, and bring a full change for afterward. Tours provide a helmet and usually goggles; the rest is on you to dress for the dirt.
Can you combine an ATV tour with ziplining or hot springs?+
Yes. La Fortuna ATV tours pair well with the area's other adventures. A Rush Pack combo links an ATV ride with an eight-cable zipline circuit from around $157 per person sharing a double ATV (lunch $15 extra), while a private combo finishes the ride at natural forest hot springs from around $160 per person (non-refundable). Both are efficient ways to do two activities in one outing.
Are La Fortuna ATV tours safe, and do you need experience?+
No experience is needed. Tours begin with a safety briefing, a helmet and goggles, and a short practice loop before you set off, and you ride in a small guided convoy at a manageable pace. If you would rather not drive at all, choose a two-person side-by-side UTV or ride as a passenger in a double ATV.
When is the best time for an ATV tour in La Fortuna?+
ATV tours run year-round. The dry season (mid-December through April) brings firmer trails and the best odds of clear volcano views, while the green season (May through mid-December) means more mud and afternoon rain. Whatever the season, a morning departure gives you the driest skies and the clearest views of Arenal.
Can beginners do ATV tours in La Fortuna?+
Yes. No experience is needed. Tours use automatic 4x4 quads and start with a safety briefing and a short practice loop before you head out in a small guided convoy at a manageable pace. If anyone is still unsure after the practice loop, they can ride as a passenger in a two-seat ATV or take a side-by-side UTV instead, so nervous first-timers are well covered.
What is the difference between an ATV and a UTV tour in La Fortuna?+
An ATV (quad) is a single straddle-seat vehicle you drive yourself, with single and two-seat versions available. A UTV, also called a side-by-side, has a car-like cab with two seats next to each other, a steering wheel, and seatbelts, so one person drives while a passenger rides alongside. Both cover the same farm, river, and jungle trails; the UTV suits families, nervous drivers, and non-drivers, and is usually priced per group rather than per person.
Are ATV tours worth it in La Fortuna?+
For adventure-minded travelers, yes. From around $105 you get a guided ride through private farms, river crossings, mud, and volcano viewpoints that you cannot access inside the national park, and the tours are consistently well rated. Keep expectations realistic: actual riding time is usually about 2 hours, and the rides stay in the foothills rather than reaching the crater. If you want a calm scenic drive or to get close to the volcano itself, another activity may suit you better.
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