ATV tours and rentals in Santa Teresa: guided rides vs renting

In Santa Teresa you can rent an ATV to get around or join a guided ATV tour to places like the Montezuma waterfalls, Curú and the Cabo Blanco area. Rentals need a valid driver's license and come with a helmet; guided tours suit first-timers. Wherever you ride, stay off the sand: Costa Rica's traffic law bans vehicles on beaches except in specific cases.

The short answer

ATVs (quads) are one of the most common ways to get around Santa Teresa, Mal País and Playa Hermosa. The roads are mostly dirt and gravel, distances are short, and a quad handles potholes and river crossings better than a small car. You've got 2 ways to do it:

Rent one and use it as your everyday transport for a few days or a whole stay.
Join a guided ATV tour that strings together a waterfall, a reserve or a remote beach, with a local guide leading the way.

If you've never ridden before, start with a guided tour. If you're comfortable on 2 or 4 wheels and staying a week or more, a rental gives you the most freedom.

Guided tours vs renting

	Guided ATV tour	ATV rental
Best for	First-timers, groups, a fun day out	Getting around, longer stays
Route	Set by the operator, often with swim or hike stops	Wherever you like (legally)
Length	Usually half a day to a full day	By the day, or several days in a row
You need	Closed shoes, sun protection, swimwear	Driver's license, ID, card for deposit

Guided tours take care of navigation, which matters more than you'd think. Back roads between the coast and Cóbano, Montezuma or Cabuya can be confusing, steep and, in the rainy season, muddy. A guide also knows where the river crossings are safe that day.

Popular routes

Montezuma waterfalls

The classic ATV day. You ride inland and down to the Montezuma side of the peninsula, then walk to the Montezuma waterfall for a swim. Both local operators below sell a tour built around the falls. Wear shoes you can hike in, because the last stretch to the falls is on foot over rocks.

Cabo Blanco area

South of Mal País, the coast road heads toward Cabuya and the Cabo Blanco reserve. Savannah X-Treme Tours lists an ATV tour combined with the reserve. Keep in mind that the reserve itself is for walking only, and it's usually closed on Monday and Tuesday, so check the day before you plan around it.

North to Playa Hermosa and Manzanillo

On a rental, a ride north along the coast through Santa Teresa to Playa Hermosa and on toward Manzanillo is an easy half-day outing. Stop for a swim, a coffee or the sunset, and take the main road rather than the sand.

Curú and further afield

Pacific Dirt Road's longer tours go as far as the Curú reserve on the gulf side of the peninsula and out to Playa Coyote to the north. These are full-day rides, so they suit people who already know they enjoy being on a quad.

Local operators

Pacific Dirt Road Adventures is at Playa Carmen, across from Taco Corner, and trades online as Quad Tours Costa Rica. It rents ATVs (up to a 5-seat side-by-side), dirt bikes and scooters by 8 hours or by the day, with a helmet and lockable box included and free delivery around Mal País, Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa and Manzanillo. Its guided combo tours need at least 2 people and run about 5 or 8 hours, to the Montezuma waterfalls, Curú and Playa Coyote, with one version adding a zipline.

Savannah X-Treme Tours is based in Santa Teresa and rents ATVs as well as running guided tours: Montezuma waterfalls, an ATV and zipline combo, and an ATV tour with Cabo Blanco. It's open 7 days a week, with shorter hours in the rainy season. It can also put together a private tour for groups.

Both take bookings by WhatsApp or through their websites. In the busy December to April season, book a few days ahead, especially for larger side-by-sides.

License, helmets and the basics

Rules differ by company, so check when you book, but in general:

Bring a valid driver's license. Pacific Dirt Road asks for a license, your passport or cédula, and a Visa or Mastercard for the security deposit. Expect something similar elsewhere.
Wear the helmet. Rentals here come with one. Wear it every time, even for a short run to the shop. Loose gravel and potholes catch people out even at low speed.
Ask about age limits. Neither operator lists a minimum age on its website. If a teenager wants to drive, ask first.
Check your insurance. Some travel policies exclude ATVs or have conditions such as wearing a helmet. Read yours before you ride.
Don't drink and ride. The roads are dark at night, with people, dogs and potholes everywhere.

Dust, mud and respect

In the dry season, roughly December to April, the unpaved roads turn to fine dust. A buff or bandana over your nose and mouth, sunglasses and clothes you don't mind ruining make a big difference. Slow down when you pass people walking or riding bikes, because your dust cloud lands on them. Our roads and dust guide has more.

In the rainy season, roughly May to November, the same roads turn muddy and rivers rise. Don't cross a river you can't see the bottom of, and ask your operator which routes are passable.

Stay off the beach

It's tempting, but don't ride on the sand. Costa Rica's traffic law bans cars, motorcycles and ATVs from driving or parking on beaches, with exceptions only for emergencies, official authorization and permitted fishing or boat launching. Traffic police warned about this again in July 2026, and Costa Rica's environment ministry and SINAC have raised the damage vehicles do to beaches and the wildlife living in the sand. Park on the road and walk down.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a driver's license to rent an ATV?

Yes. Pacific Dirt Road lists a valid driver's license, your passport or cédula and a Visa or Mastercard for the deposit. Check other operators' requirements when you book.

Can I ride an ATV on the beach in Santa Teresa?

No. Costa Rica's traffic law bans driving or parking vehicles, including ATVs, on beaches except in a few specific cases such as emergencies.

What's the most popular ATV tour?

The ride to the Montezuma waterfalls, with a swim at the falls. Both Pacific Dirt Road and Savannah X-Treme Tours offer it.

Are helmets provided?

Yes, rentals come with a helmet. Wear it on every ride.

Is a guided tour better for beginners?

Usually, yes. A guide handles navigation, river crossings and road conditions, so you can focus on riding. See our activities guide for other ways to spend the day.