Playa Herradura in 1 Day for Friends - Choose two 2-hour adventure activities: ATV, Zip Line, Horseback riding, or Chocolate Tour
In Collaboration with VIAJES NANA / NANA TOURS COSTA RICA. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Full-day adventure from San José to the Rainforest near Jaco/Playa Herradura. Guests choose two adventure activities (ATV, Zip Line, Horseback riding or Chocolate Tour). Includes roundtrip transport from San José meeting point, bilingual guide, safety equipment, water & tropical fruit, and a typical Casado lunch.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with VIAJES NANA / NANA TOURS COSTA RICA, inspired by the tour Adventure Combo from San José full day (2 Adventure activities to select (Atv´s or Canopy or Horsebackridingor Chocolate Tour). Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Choose two 2-hour adventure activities: ATV, Zip Line, Horseback riding, or Chocolate Tour
- Roundtrip transportation from San José meeting point
- Typical Casado lunch included; fruits & water provided
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day adventure combo departing San José for Playa Herradura (Jaco area). Guests select two 2-hour activities from ATV, Zip Line, Horseback riding, or Chocolate Tour. Times below are representative; final pickup window is typically 07:30–08:30 from the San José meeting hotels listed at booking.
Meet at Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Jose Airport (meeting point)
Meet your bilingual guide and group at the hotel lobby for a short check-in and vehicle boarding. Estimated arrival at meeting point between 07:30–08:00; final pickup time will be confirmed on your voucher.
Tips from local experts:
- Be in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time to avoid delays.
- Bring your photo ID and booking voucher to check-in with the guide.
- Carry a small daypack with sunscreen, insect repellent, and any personal medication.
Transfer from San José to Playa Herradura (roundtrip transport included)
Scenic drive from the San José meeting area down to the Central Pacific coast (Playa Herradura / Jaco area). Rest stops as needed en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect the drive to take about 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic; morning traffic near San José can add time.
- Use the restroom and refill water bottles at the scheduled rest stop before arriving at the activity base.
- Secure any motion-sensitive items (phones, cameras) in a zipped pocket for bumpy sections on the road.
Orientation & safety briefing (on arrival)
Guides run a safety briefing, fit helmets/harnesses (if applicable), and review the day’s order of activities and any vehicle/legal requirements (ATV driver age, insurance deposit).
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to drive an ATV you must be 18+ and have a credit card for the vehicle deposit (Visa or MasterCard).
- Tell the guide about any medical conditions, recent surgeries, or injuries before activities begin.
- Wear closed-toe shoes for briefing and equipment fitting; guides will issue helmets and safety gear.
Activity 1 — Jungle & River ATV Tour (2 hours)
2-hour guided ATV route through jungle trails, rivers, muddy tracks and viewpoints of the Pacific. Drivers must be 18+; tandem passengers allowed when available.
Tips from local experts:
- Drivers must be 18+ and carry the credit card used for the ATV deposit; confirm card type accepted during briefing.
- Wear long shorts or lightweight pants and closed-toe shoes; expect mud—clothing you don't mind getting dirty is best.
- Bring a waterproof phone case or small dry bag for valuables; guides typically provide bottled water and tropical fruit.
Lunch — Typical Casado (included)
Typical Costa Rican Casado served at the activity base: rice, beans, salad, fried plantain, seasonal vegetables and a portion of meat; includes a natural drink and dessert.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform your guide of any dietary restrictions or allergies during the morning briefing so the kitchen can prepare alternatives.
- Lunch timing is scheduled to give time to change out of muddy gear if needed; bring a light towel or a change of shirt.
- Carry hand sanitizer or use the provided hand-washing facilities before eating.
Activity 2 — Choose one: Zip Line Tour OR Horseback Riding OR Chocolate Tour (2 hours)
Second 2-hour activity chosen by the guest: Zip Line tour (series of platforms & cables, tractor ride to start), Horseback riding to waterfalls & natural pools (includes ~30 minutes swim time), or a guided Chocolate Tour (local cocoa process). Guides will run the chosen activity in the afternoon slot.
Tips from local experts:
- If you choose horseback riding bring a swimsuit under clothes and a small towel for the natural pool swim portion.
- For the zip line, keep loose items secured; glasses straps and camera tethers are recommended.
- If selecting the Chocolate Tour, let your guide know about food allergies (nuts/dairy) prior to tasting activities.
Short rest, photos & refreshments
Time to change, shower if available, pack gear, and take final photos at the base before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to remove muddy gear and pack items in a dry bag for the drive back.
- Charge or switch off cameras/phones to conserve battery for return photos and contact on arrival.
- Tip your guides if you appreciated the service; prepare small bills in local currency for convenience.
Return transfer to San José (arrival to meeting area / hotels)
Drive back to the San José meeting area / hotels. Arrival time will vary with traffic; expected return mid-to-late afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect arrival back to the San José area between approximately 17:00–18:30 depending on traffic.
- Keep any receipts or rental paperwork from ATVs or activity sign-offs until you’re fully checked out at your hotel.
- If you need to be dropped at a specific hotel not on the original list, notify the guide at briefing; they will confirm feasibility.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Transfer, Experience, Outdoor, Meal, Break |