Mountain trails, waterfall access, and coastal routes, the ATV tours worth doing and the ones to skip.
Renting a quad or booking an ATV tour is one of those things that sounds gimmicky until you're actually on a jungle ridge watching howler monkeys scatter while the Pacific glitters below you. Done right, it's genuinely one of the best ways to cover ground on the peninsula. Done wrong, you're sunburned, overcharged, and stuck behind a group of strangers on a route you could have walked.
What You're Actually Getting Into
The roads around Santa Teresa, Mal Pais, Montezuma, and Cabuya are a mix of packed dirt, river crossings, loose rock, and the occasional stretch of pavement that disappears without warning. An ATV handles all of it better than a sedan and more honestly than a 4x4 rental that you're terrified to scratch. That said, this is not a theme park ride. Dust gets everywhere. You will get muddy in green season. Some routes require actual driving competence, not just confidence.
There are two ways to do this: self-guided rental or guided tour. They suit different people, and we'll break both down.
Self-Guided Rentals: Freedom With a Catch
If you know where you're going and you're comfortable on unpaved roads, renting a quad for a half or full day gives you real flexibility. You can stop at Playa Hermosa for a swim, push south to Cabo Blanco, or spend an hour at a viewpoint without a guide hurrying you along.
A few things to know before you hand over your passport:
- Valid driver's license is required at every reputable rental shop. No exceptions.
- Expect a credit card security deposit held against the vehicle. Confirm the amount and damage policy before you sign anything.
- Prices shift by season and operator. As of mid-2026, half-day rentals run roughly 80-120 USD for a single quad; confirm locally because rates move.
- Helmets should be included. If a shop doesn't offer them, walk away.
- Fuel is typically your responsibility. Fill up in Cobano before heading far south.
The main road through Santa Teresa toward Mal Pais is a good warm-up, as feelingpuravida.com notes, it's straight and manageable for first-timers. From there you can push toward Cabuya or loop back through the hills. For route ideas, our day trips from Santa Teresa guide covers the broader geography well.
Guided Tours: The Montezuma Run Is the One to Do
If you're only doing one ATV experience here, make it the Santa Teresa to Montezuma Waterfall tour. It earns its reputation. The route covers roughly 45 minutes of jungle trail, coastal ridgeline, and rural countryside before dropping you near the Montezuma falls, where a short river hike leads to a three-tiered cascade with deep swimming pools. It's legitimately beautiful and the kind of thing you'll actually remember.
According to toorizta.com, guided departures run at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 12:00 PM daily, with the full experience clocking in around 4 hours including the waterfall stop. Hotel and Airbnb pickup in Santa Teresa is included. You can ride solo or tandem on a double unit.
localbird.io lists the waterfall ATV tour from 135 USD per quad (covering two people), with a minimum of two quads per booking. That price does not include taxes. Lunch in Montezuma town is optional and paid separately. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, which is a reasonable policy.
What the better operators include on this route:
- Helmets and safety equipment
- Hotel pickup
- Fresh fruit and cold drinks at the waterfall stop
- Guide with local knowledge (wildlife, history, road conditions)
What's typically not included: lunch, alcohol, tips. See our tipping guide if you're unsure what's standard.
Routes Worth Knowing
Whether you're renting solo or joining a tour, these are the destinations that justify the effort:
- Mal Pais: Easy, flat, good for getting comfortable with the machine before you try anything technical. Good access to less-crowded beach breaks if you're also surfing.
- Playa Hermosa: Scenic coastal ride, fewer crowds than Santa Teresa beach, good for sunset. One of the better spots for turtle nesting between July and December.
- Playa Cuevas (Secret Beach): Most visitors don't find this one without local knowledge. Rock formations, snorkeling, calm water. Worth the detour.
- Montezuma and Cabuya: The classic jungle route. Cabuya itself is small and worth a slow pass through. Montezuma has the waterfall, a few decent lunch spots, and a different vibe than Teresa entirely.
- Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve: You can ride to the entrance, but the reserve itself is foot-traffic only. Pair an ATV ride with the Cabo Blanco hike for a full day.
Private Group Tours: Worth It for Families
If you're traveling with kids, a multi-generational group, or people who want a custom pace, private group tours make more sense than joining a shared departure. savannahatvtours.com runs private options that let you set the route, stops, and timing. Add-ons like GoPro packages, beachside lunch stops, or combo tours with zip-lining are available through several operators. Pricing scales with group size, so get a quote directly. For family-specific logistics in the area, our Santa Teresa with kids guide covers what else to expect.
What to Skip
We won't pretend everything is great. A few honest notes:
- Overly long "combo" tours that cram ATV riding, zip-lining, and a waterfall into one day often feel rushed and exhausting. Pick one thing and do it properly.
- Operators without clear safety briefings. If your guide hands you a helmet and waves you onto the road without a five-minute orientation, that's a red flag.
- Riding in the middle of the day in dry season. The dust is brutal and the heat is real. Morning departures are better for comfort and visibility.
- Riding at night unless you know the roads well. The main strip has enough foot traffic and dogs to make it genuinely risky after dark.
Practical Logistics
Wear closed-toe shoes. Bring a swimsuit and towel if there's any chance of a waterfall or beach stop. Light long sleeves help with dust and sun on longer rides. Your phone will get dusty, so a small dry bag or zip-lock is worth it.
For getting around more broadly without a vehicle, see getting around Santa Teresa without a car. If you're deciding whether to rent a car for your whole trip instead, renting a car on the Nicoya lays out the tradeoffs honestly.
FAQ
Do I need an international driver's license to rent an ATV in Santa Teresa? Your home country license is generally accepted at most operators, but carry your passport too. Some shops ask for both. Confirm with your specific rental company before showing up.
Is the Montezuma waterfall tour appropriate for beginners? Yes, with caveats. The route has easier and more technical sections. If you've never driven an ATV, say so upfront and a good guide will keep you on the smoother stretches. Tandem riding with a guide is also an option.
What's the best time of year for ATV tours? Dry season (December through April) means less mud and better visibility, but more dust. Green season (May through November) is muddier and more dramatic, with lush jungle and fewer tourists. Both work. Just adjust your expectations and your clothing.
Are ATVs allowed on the beach in Santa Teresa? Generally no. Driving on the beach is restricted and can disturb nesting turtles during nesting season. Stick to the roads and trails.
How far in advance should I book a guided tour? In high season, 2-3 days ahead is smart. In low season you can often book same-day. Operators with hotel pickup tend to fill morning slots first.
Browse everything the area has to offer at the activities directory.