Recently I had an opportunity to spend a ½ day outside of downtown San Jose going on an ATV tour run by ATVTourscostarica.com. We made reservations through the www.costaricatics.com web site and we received our $10.00 off per person discount. Cary the owner was very professional on the phone and he had a shuttle pick us up at our hotel and off we went. I had no idea what to expect as we were shuttled to the staging area located about 15 minutes outside of downtown San Jose in Irazu. We were met there by Cary the owner who speaks perfect English as well as his very capable Tour operator guide.

1st off the quality of the ATV’s was very impressive. He had several different types ranging from 4 wheel drive with full shift capabilities to fully automatic powerful type units to a smaller more basic type for the beginner. We were given the rules and operating procedures of the ATV’s and we donned our helmets with wind guards and off we went.

Myself, my girlfriend and another couple along with a CRT VIP member were on this tour this morning we proceeded with Cary and the tour operator across the main highway and onto their property were we took a few minutes getting used to the equipment over some basic terrain. After about 20 minutes of this it was clear that my girlfriend was not up to the driving of the vehicle and we parked her unit off to the side & she rode with the guide for the duration of the tour. We spent about 30 minutes winding & splashing our way to about the ¼ point climb of our tour where we stopped and had a gorgeous view of the central valley. A few minutes further and we stopped by a waterfall which was about ½ up the mountain. There we had some pre packed sandwiches the tour had prepared and some juice and Soda, chatted a bit took some photos and then prepared for the grueling part of the trip.

At this point the other lady on the tour crashed her ATV into a small ditch but they assured us this happened often and they would be able to drag it out later. Now the fun starts as we head up the steeper more challenging part of the course. We really had to put the hammer down as we climbed the rain slicked muddy trails and climbed to our goal of about 6000 feet of elevation. Some faired better than others making it to the top without the assistance of a tow from our guides but all & all the climb was both exhilarating and a really good time. We reached the top of the mountain up in the rain forest and had some fresh fruit and drinks again provided by our tour guides and we then began the trek down which was much easier than the climb.

There is a great cliff right near the top of the mountain that you can stop and snap some photos and enjoy a view of San Jose that is truly breathtaking. Unfortunately due to cloud cover we could not see the Irazu Volcano which normally you can see from this lookout. You can see the as you travel through the trails the coffee plantation and along with some native animals and much more.

At this point, we sent the girls off on their own to get down while Cary took the boys to a more challenging way down the hill were we had an opportunity to open it up a bit and really see what these bikes could do. We all met up down the bottom after a little over 3 hours full of mud but also with many memories of a great way to spend a ½ day outside the downtown area.

The staff was professional and very prepared for all levels of operators. The tour is fairly priced especially with the VIP Discount they give out members and I would not hesitate to do it again, but probably would leave the ladies home as you really can enjoy yourself with the guys buzzing around the mountains & valleys of San Jose. Often we can’t find the perfect outlet when vacationing in San Jose. Either the fishing trip or beach is too far or the tours are to long. This is the perfect escape from the everyday grind of SJO. Choose a morning or afternoon tour get your buddies together and head out for a day you won’t soon forget.

If you want more information click on the link below to contact ATVTourscostarica.com & Don’t forget CRT VIP’s get $10.00 off per person!