ATV or UTV in Costa Rica? How to Choose Your Off-Road Adventure
Guests ask us this every single day: "Should we book the ATV or the UTV?" We run both through the same forest trails, so here is the honest answer — it depends on who is riding.
The quick answer
- Choose the ATV if you want to drive your own machine and feel every trail. 👉 Book the ATV Tour
- Choose the UTV if you are riding as a couple, family or group and want to share the ride (and the laughs) side by side. 👉 Book the UTV Tour
ATV: the solo thrill
An ATV (quad) is a four-wheeled motorbike you straddle and steer with handlebars. On our ATV Tour each rider gets their own machine.
Best for: confident drivers, solo travelers, anyone who wants full control.
- Total driving feel — you lean into every turn
- More physical: you work the terrain with your body
- Minimum driving age applies; passengers ride with a guide's approval
Want more distance and tougher terrain? The Extreme ATV Tour is the same machine with the volume turned up.
UTV: adventure, together
A UTV (side-by-side buggy) has bucket seats, a steering wheel, seat belts and a roll cage. On the UTV Tour you ride two or four to a vehicle.
Best for: couples, families with kids, groups of friends, anyone who prefers a steering wheel to handlebars.
- Passengers just enjoy the ride — no driving skills needed
- Roll cage and belts: the most protected way to go off-road
- Shared cab means shared memories (and someone to hold the camera)
Craving the wilder version? The Extreme UTV Tour adds distance, mud and viewpoints.
Head to head
| ATV | UTV | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving style | Handlebars, motorbike feel | Steering wheel, car feel |
| Riders per vehicle | 1 | 2–4 |
| Best for | Solo control | Sharing the ride |
| Physical effort | Higher | Lower |
| Kids on board | With guide approval | Yes, belted next to you |
| Wilder version | Extreme ATV | Extreme UTV |
Same forest, same dust, same fun
Whichever you choose, you ride through rainforest trails, river crossings in season, and lookouts over Guanacaste — with a guide leading the way and another closing the group. Closed shoes, sunglasses and clothes you don't mind covering in dust are the whole dress code (full checklist here).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need off-road experience? No. The briefing covers everything, the first stretch is easy, and guides ride front and back the whole way.
Can I bring my phone or camera? Yes — zipped pocket or strapped mount. Guides also stop at the best viewpoints for photos.
What happens if it rains? The tour runs — mud is a feature, not a bug. Storms with lightning pause the tour, and you reschedule free.
Can't decide? Combine it
The Zipline + ATV combo pairs the forest from above with the forest at ground level — the two best perspectives of Guanacaste in a single booking, at a better price than booking separately.
Plan your visit
- Book online in minutes on the ATV, UTV or combo page — Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Discover accepted.
- Free rescheduling or cancellation up to 48 hours before your tour.
- Questions? WhatsApp +506 6012-1414 or info@skylinecanopytour.com.
Ready to live it, not just read it?
Ziplines, ATVs, sunset flights and family adventures — all in one protected forest in Guanacaste. Spots sell out in high season.
Book your tour now