Are you looking for an exciting adventure close to San Juan? We have found an ATV 4-Track tour that is fun and different. Campo Rico Trail Rides ATV Tours at Hacienda Campo Rico is located just a few minutes from San Juan, and yet it feels like a world away.

Hacienda Campo Rico is a 2,200 acre "ranch" so the ATVs have loads of trails. They go through fields and forests, up and down hills and through mud puddles. And then you get to explore a cave filled with bats and more. It was a ton of fun!

First off, I will admit, I love ATV’ing (or any motor vehicle ride!). I also love learning about an area and ancient cultures. So when I tell you I really enjoyed this ATV 4-Track tour, I mean it. Though we live only about 30 minutes away from this area, I never knew Carolina was karst country and had been a place where Tainos lived until I saw it for myself on this tour. Plus, the ATVs were new and really cushy. What’s not to love?!

Our ATV Ride

Campo Rico Trail Rides offers a few ATV tours per day. We decided to do the sunset tour in hopes of seeing lots of bats and getting some sunset views. When we got to the ranch, we were greeted by our guides Andrew and Nate. They explained how to use the ATVs (very easy!), fitted us with our helmets, and had us complete the usual paperwork. Then we each got on our ATVs and we went through a test drive around the area near their office to make sure we understood how to operate our ATVs. Once we got the thumbs up on our driving skills, we were off.

Let me tell you about the ATVs — these were the Cadillacs of ATVs! They use Honda ATVs, which are big, but still cushy — the seats were comfortable, the steering easy and the gas lever was soft. On other ATV tours we’ve taken, it was hard to steer, my leg got very hot from the motor/exhaust pipe and my thumb got tired pushing the gas — but not on these. I had no difficulty at all. The "dashboard" was digital, so it was an added feature to see how fast you were going (I hit 31 MPH once!). The helmets were even really nice. They also have storage in each ATV for purses and stuff, and a small waterproof compartment for cameras or cell phones that you may want to use during the tour. These were the nicest, user-friendly ATVs I have ever been on.

We started off going around the lake, looking at the water birds and searching for caimans and iguanas. Then we started off across some fields. It had rained a lot the week we went, so we had a lot of mud and water to go through. That made it extra fun. Being pretty experienced drivers, we also had some "speed" times — Andrew let us gun it. The trails go through the ranch, up and down the hills and through the forest. We got some great views of the rainforest mountains (in the distance) and, toward the end of the tour, a beautiful sunset.

During the trip (especially during the first half) we stopped a few places and Andrew would tell us about the local area, wildlife, and nature/plants we were seeing along the way. He also pointed out some of the other activities occurring at the ranch — horseback riding, zip lines, etc. The ranch is beautiful and you can spend a whole day there doing all sorts of fun adventures!

The Caves

About half-way through our tour, we stopped and went to see the caves, which are a short walk (maybe 5-10 minutes) from where we parked the ATVs. During the walk, Andrew was telling us about the area and the pre-Columbian peoples (the Taino indians) who lived there.

The area is known as karst country (meaning it is limestone). These limestone hills are home to a series of caves and some sinkholes. It was amazing to me that though I live just about 30 minutes away, we have totally different type of soil and rocks.

Then there are the caves — I had no idea there were any on the north-east part of the island. I was really excited about the caves, so we went to 2 of them — though most tours will only visit the first one.

The main cave that you’ll visit is a beauty. It has beautiful scenery, and a load of bats! And, best of all, Taino Petroglyphs. Nate had a really bright flashlight so we were able to see very well in the caves. The second cave had more stalagmites and stalactites, though they are still a "work in progress". I really enjoyed this unexpected treat. The whole experience was fun and exhilarating!

Random Notes

• They modify each tour (and they trails they use) on a particular day based on capabilities and desires of the people on the tour, and the condition of the individual trails. So the route taken on any given tour may differ from any other tour.
• Bring sunglasses since mud and dirt do fly up at you when you are going fast.I am not sure if they have goggles available.
• YOU WILL GET MUDDY. Wear clothes that you are OK with getting wet and muddy. Bring a change of clothes. There are bathrooms and showers, so you can clean up after your tour.
• Bring a bottle of water for during the tour.
• You can store personal items (like your towel, change of clothes, purse, etc.) in their locked office during your tours.
• They go on the tours rain or shine, so be prepared to get wet!
   

Normally, when we review an activity that is not free to the public, we pay the admission price out of our own pockets. However, we just want you to know that the folks at Campo Rico Trail Rides were kind enough to offer us this tour for free. While we don’t feel that this free ride influenced our review one way or the other, we felt that we should tell you, just as a matter of fact.

Details

Check their website for current tour cost. They have 1 hr trips and 2 hr trips. Each ATV can hold 2 people. There are different prices for the 2 hr trip depending on 1 person or 2 on an ATV. There are also private tours available. There is a total weight limit for people on the vehicles.

If you're happy, let them know it — Don't forget to tip your your bartender, tour guide or trip operator if you enjoyed yourself. Gratuities are appreciated and typically aren't included in the price they charge you.

The ATV tours that are 2-hours long are offered 7 days a week a few times throughout the day. The 1 hr tour is only offered on weekends.

Reservations are required, so go online and book.

Drivers must be 16 years old and in possession of a valid driver license. Riders have to be at least 12 years old. Drivers and adult riders can switch roles (ages permitting) during mid-tour.

The tour takes 2 hours, but allow some extra time before and after the tour.

You can call them at 787-629-0222 for more information.

You can visit the Campo Rico Trail Rides ATV Tour web site for more information and to book tours online.

Driving Directions: Take Route 26 to Campo Rico Ave. Take Campo Rico Ave. north until it ends. Directly across the street you will see a closed, chain-link gate. Drive up to the gate and tell the guard you are going to the Campo Rico Trail Rides ATV/4-Track tour and he open the gate and let you in. The just follow the blue and yellow arrows (and signs) to the ATV office.

Transportation can be arranged from your hotel (in San Juan) or cruise ship for a fee.

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