
Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour worth booking?
Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour is a 2-hour experience in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, from $301 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (15)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $301 per person
This side-by-side tour takes you along rural trails within a private estate, passing through forests, muddy roads, two rivers, and a working farm where you can experience country life up close. During the 2-hour tour, you'll be accompanied by a local guide, who will assist you and ensure you enjoy the ride safely. There are stops to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and relax by the river. An authentic experience, with a touch of adrenaline, nature, and a connection to rural Costa Rica. Ideal for all audiences: solo, as a couple, with friends, or in a group.
What you get
About this experience
This side-by-side tour takes you along rural trails within a private estate, passing through forests, muddy roads, two rivers, and a working farm where you can experience country life up close. During the 2-hour tour, you'll be accompanied by a local guide, who will assist you and ensure you enjoy the ride safely. There are stops to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and relax by the river. An authentic experience, with a touch of adrenaline, nature, and a connection to rural Costa Rica. Ideal for all audiences: solo, as a couple, with friends, or in a group.
What's included
Included
- ATV helmet
- Goggles
- Water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Fresh pineapple
What you'll see and do
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica's most active and youngest volcanoes, with an altitude of 1,670 meters and has been a major tourist attraction since the 1960s. Arenal Volcano was dormant for approximately 400 years until its sudden eruption on July 29, 1968. This eruption destroyed the small town of Tabacón and triggered a series of volcanic activities that continued for decades.
Pass by without stopping
The Arenal River descends from the Arenal Volcano, its water is fresh, very wide and safe for bathing. On the tour we will cross it with ATVs and UTVs. We'll stop for 15 minutes to swim and enjoy nature, then continue the tour to explore the villages and appreciate the views.
15 minutes here
San Carlos
Alto de Monterrey is a very famous viewpoint located in a rural area where you can appreciate the best views of the town of La Fortuna and also views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. We have a farm where you can see animals and you will be given a small snack.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
La Fortuna
We are located on the right hand side as you exit downtown La Fortuna, just after passing the Magic Mountain Hotel, on the first turn. The building is yellow with orange details, easy to identify.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
We are located on the right hand side as you exit downtown La Fortuna, just after passing the Magic Mountain Hotel, on the first turn. The building is yellow with orange details, easy to identify.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ARENAL ATV WHEELS
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
4 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience and staff
Excellent excursion in May 2025. Booked through Viatour but there was a mixup so our reservation info wasn’t scheduled when we arrived. The staff at Arenal ATV Wheels were great! They made arrangements and were able to accommodate us without delay! I am very appreciative of that. Our guide was Fabricio. He was excellent! During the adventure we stopped along the pathway to find sloths in trees. The trip included a stop at a farm to look at some animals and a great lunch. I would recommend this trip again without hesitation.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that our team was able to accommodate you and make your experience a memorable one. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Fabricio! It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to see you again on your next adventure in Costa Rica! 🌿🦥🏍️
via Tripadvisor
UTV tour
Great experience! So much fun, our guide was great and amazing views.
via Tripadvisor
Fun for the whole family!
We had an amazing time on our tour! Fabricio was so patient with our kids ages 6 and 8! We all enjoyed it so much!
via Tripadvisor
Family Fun with Side by Side (Mula)
I took my parents and in-laws (70+ years old) to this tour. They were able to ride the “mula” (a side by side that fits up to 4 people). I would say my father-in-law’s inner child had a BLAST driving the vehicle. We were 7 in total, so I took my spouse and daughter (11-year-old) in another side by side “mula”. Bilingual guides were always aware, patient, and helpful during the whole experience. We got stuck in mud and it was a fun experience trying to get us out. It was an out and back trip. Half way through the experience we stopped at a river and were able to get in the water for a couple of minutes. After being so muddy, that river was a refreshing and fun part of the tour. There were alternate routes in case of too much muddy paths. Crossing a river was definitely a highlight. I recommend wearing dark colors, raincoats, and being open to get super muddy. They provided eye protection, helmets, water, and fruits. Showers and changing room were also available at the end of the tour. Our tour also included entrance tickets to the “Relax Termalitas”, a family-oriented hot spring park.
via Tripadvisor
Mudding in Costa Rica!
Fernando was an excellent tour guide. It was raining that morning and light showers throughout the day, however, it made the experience that much more fun! Crossing the river was absolutely breathtaking! Definitely must do when on vacation in CR!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $301 to $430
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for La Fortuna.
How much does Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $301 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in La Fortuna usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in La Fortuna is not rushed.
Is Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 15 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in La Fortuna, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour?
+
Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in La Fortuna can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in La Fortuna and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central La Fortuna within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in La Fortuna?
+
On Outty we rank every La Fortuna experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa Rica, White Water Rafting Class II and III, Authentic Coffee and Chocolate Tour at North Fields. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit La Fortuna?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in La Fortuna?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour?
+
Included: ATV helmet; Goggles; Water; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Fresh pineapple. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 10 listed pickup locations in and around La Fortuna. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour offered in?
+
It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in La Fortuna. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour?
+
Across 15 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, good for families, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Side by Side Arenal Adventure Tour.
Pick your date




