San Antonio de Damas ATV Ride to a Reserve Waterfall Swim, Palm Farm and Costa Rican Meal

Quepos

Manuel Antonio

The day opens with a short drive from the hotel to the headquarters in north Manuel Antonio, where a briefing covers the itinerary, how the vehicles work and any questions. After the safety instructions the ATVs set off from San Antonio de Damas through rice, African palm, teakwood and papaya plantations, up winding switchbacks and across muddy streams in a palm orchard that belongs to a 135,000 acre farm growing the fruit for oil. The 15 mile route follows dirt roads through the villages of La Parcela and San Rafael, and the guide talks about local tourism, sustainability and the culture. At the halfway point the ATVs are left on the trail for a short hike in primary rainforest, where toucans, sloths, squirrel monkeys and tropical birds may appear, ending at a waterfall with clear water for swimming. The group then walks back to the ATVs and rides back across the palm plantations to the adventure center. A traditional Costa Rican meal is waiting there, with time to rest before the shuttle to the hotel.