6 BEST Zipline Tours in Jaco: Which One to Book!
If you’re looking for a great adrenaline-inducing day trip that gets you out into nature, then you’ve come to the right place!
Having lived all over Costa Rica, we have tried out many ziplines, and we must say that Jaco has some of the best ziplines in the entire country. Not only is it a thrill, but you also get to enjoy gorgeous panoramic views and even spot some wildlife – did somebody say sloths?!
Since it’s such a popular activity, there are many different tours to choose from, and the selection can be quite overwhelming. Picking a good ziplining tour with a reputable company is important, which is why we created this guide to the absolute best zipline tours in the area to help you find the perfect adventure for you!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE zipline tour we did in Jaco was this full day jungle adventure! You’ll ride a tractor up the mountain, zoom down 7 thrilling ziplines, rappel down a waterfall, and then ATV through the jungle. It’s such a fun and action-packed day!
Jaco Zipline Tours
- Our Top Choice
- The BEST Ziplining Tours in Jaco
- Check availability and book this 25-line ziplining tour online here!
- Read all about this combo tour and book it online here!
- Book this tram & zipline experience online here!
- Check the departure times and book this zipline tour here!
- Secure your spot for this adventurous tour here!
- Lock in your spot for this Jaco zipline tour here!
- Other Things to do while you're in Jaco
- Where to Stay in Jaco, Costa Rica
- Pura Vida!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Getting Around Costa Rica
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
The BEST Ziplining Tours in Jaco
1. Amazing Mega Ziplining Tour (longest zipline tour near Jaco)
Tour Details
This half-day ziplining tour near Jaco is actually the longest zipline tour in all of Costa Rica, offering a total of 25 different lines! All of these ziplines mean you get to venture deep into the jungle, much further than you would on a shorter tour. We even got to fly over 11 different waterfalls while taking in stunning ocean, mountain, and forest views!
If ziplining wasn’t enough, the adventure keeps going as you rappel in certain areas and swing over a hanging bridge along the way. Be sure to bring your bathing suit with you, too, because after all that zipping around, you’ll definitely want to cool off in the natural pool (yes, there is time for a swim!)
One thing we do want to note is that this zipline experience is not for the faint of heart (you’ll be soaring high above the trees, after all!), and you will need to prepare for a decent amount of physical activity. We had to walk for a few hours, including some stairs and uphill parts.
There is also the option to book this tour with or without transportation. Out of all of the Jaco zipline tours mentioned in this blog, this one is definitely the furthest from Jaco, at about a 1.5-hour drive. With that said, we think it is worth the trek for those looking for a more in-depth zipline experience!
2. Zipline, ATV & Horseback Combo Tour (best combo zipline tour)
Tour Details
If you’re all about packing tons of adventure into one epic day, this Jaco Jungle Adventure Pass is arguably the best combo tour around Jacó. This full-day adventure sets you up with a 7-line zipline course through lush rainforest canopy, plus a whole lineup of other adrenaline-filled activities that keep the excitement going from morning to afternoon.
Your jungle day starts with horseback riding through scenic trails dotted with giant trees and wildlife — think monkeys and colorful macaws. Once you’ve warmed up, you’ll learn to rappel beside a waterfall, which is equal parts thrilling and scenic as water thunders beside you. Then it’s time for the highlight: ziplining above the rainforest, soaring through the treetops with stunning views of the jungle below. Finally, you’ll hit the trails on an ATV ride, revving through forest paths and rivers for a fun, rugged finish.
The day even includes an authentic Costa Rican lunch served in a jungle clearing — a perfect way to recharge and soak in the surroundings.
What we love about this adventure is how well it balances thrills with variety. If you want a zipline experience that’s part canopy tour and part full jungle escapade, this pass delivers big time. There’s a reason it has hundreds of 5-star reviews; it’s definitely one of the most action-packed adventure days you can have near Jaco!
3. Aerial Tram and Zipline Tour (best zipline tour for spotting wildlife)
Tour Details
This 2.5-hour ziplining tour is unique because it also includes a tram ride. The tram is like an open-air gondola suspended 130 ft (40 meters) above the jungle floor. It takes you above the treetops to get a panoramic view of the jungle, ocean, and surrounding mountains – so make sure you have your camera ready!
We spent about an hour riding the tram with our naturalist guide, who pointed out wildlife, flora, and fauna. We saw monkeys, butterflies, and even a sloth during our ride, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled! And the adventure doesn’t stop there; once you reach the top of the tram ride, you’ll trade your relaxing experience for some heart-pumping adventure. That’s right, it’s time to zipline!
Soar through the jungle at top speeds as you take on 10 ziplines, all varying in length. With half of the ziplines over 656 ft (200 meters) long, you will have time to really take in all the beautiful views soaring across these sky-high cables. Like most of the ziplining tours in Jaco, it is important that you are somewhat physically fit for this experience, as there are some stairs and a guided nature walk after the ziplines. At the end of the experience, we got to explore the eco-park snake exhibit and medicinal plant garden before heading back to Jaco in an air-conditioned vehicle.
We think this ziplining tour is perfect for plant and animal lovers who are also looking for a bit of adventure. We recommend booking with Viator because it allows you to reserve your spot and not pay until just before the tour!
4. Jaco Beach Zip Line Canopy Tour (the most convenient tour near Jaco)
Tour Details
This ziplining tour gives you the flexibility to choose between multiple start times throughout the day before heading out on a 2-hour ziplining adventure tour. The short duration and flexible schedule make it easy for anyone to fit this fun activity into their busy vacation schedule!
The tour starts by jumping aboard a tractor to ride to the top of the mountain while taking in the stunning jungle views. In total, you will travel 3.5 km (2.2 miles) along 10 different cabled ziplines – you can even choose to hang upside down like I did for an added thrill!
The price and the proximity to the city are two of the biggest draws for this zipline tour. It is perfect for people who want to spend their time ziplining and aren’t interested in all the other activities offered on combo tours. It’s also located only a 10-minute drive from Jaco near Herradura, and you can opt to have transport added for an additional cost if you need it.
At only $71 USD per person, this is one of the more affordable ziplining tours in Jaco, and we think it is definitely worth doing while visiting the area!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
5. Canyoning and Ziplining in Jaco Tour (most adventurous tour)
Tour Details
If you love adrenaline-packed tours as much as we do, then this half-day canyoning and ziplining experience is for you!
The experience starts with a short 15-minute ride to the stunning 800-acre jungle property. A half-hour walk through the canyon will showcase all the beauty of Costa Rica with lots of opportunities to spot jungle wildlife. You’ll then get hooked up to a zipline and soar over to a platform, which will get you to the top of the waterfall for your canyoning experience.
Standing at the top of the 300 ft (91 meters) waterfall, we got a quick rundown from our guides before rappelling down. In total, we went down four waterfalls between 70 ft – 90 ft (21 – 27 meters)! Once at the bottom, we had some time to go swimming, and if you have the nerve, you can do the 25-foot (7.6-meter) cliff jump. The experience rounded off by taking two ziplines out of the canyon – one of which is more than 2,000 ft (610 meters) long!
Whether you’ve tried canyoning or not, this adventure is bound to impress and is a great option for all experience levels. The guides did a great job making sure we felt comfortable and that we were strapped in properly. This tour is safe enough for adventurous kids (7+), yet thrilling enough to keep adults interested the whole time.
Be sure to bring your bathing suit along, as you are guaranteed to get wet! I also recommend bringing along a waterproof GoPro to record your adventure. It is a very popular tour and has tons of 5-star reviews that you can check out here!
6. Ocean and Mountain View Zipline Tour (best views on a zipline tour)
Tour Details
This zipline tour is located close to the city, requiring a quick 10-minute drive before enjoying an epic 2 hours in the jungle. This tour is great for beginner zipliners as the staff is incredibly helpful and takes their time to ensure you feel safe and comfortable on the ziplines before you start.
There is also a good variety to the ziplines with some being faster and others slower, allowing you to get your heart pumping and take in the stunning ocean and mountain views!
Your adrenaline is sure to get going on this tour as you soar across 14 ziplines, topping out at speeds of up to 48km/hr (30 mph). Be sure to keep your eyes peeled on the forest as you’re flying across, as you may be lucky enough to see some local wildlife. You are guaranteed to be impressed with the stunning ocean and mountain views as you soar high in the sky along these ziplines.
This fun and scenic tour includes pick up and drop off from all hotels in Playa Hermosa, Jaco, and Herradura area. We think this ziplining tour is perfect for first-timers or those with small children!
Other Things to do while you’re in Jaco
Jaco is such a fun destination, so be sure to do more than just ziplining while you’re here. Below are a few of the best things to see and do in Jaco:
- Visit Carara National Park – Located only a short 30-minute drive from Jaco is the stunning Carara National Park. This is your best opportunity for walking pristine trails through the jungle. It’s the most northern Pacific coastal rainforest in Costa Rica and the best way to see it is on this guided tour!
- Go ATVing – ATV tours in Jaco are extremely popular, and for good reason! This two-hour ATV tour starts with a drive out of the city and into rugged mountain terrain, through knee-deep water, past a small waterfall, and then ends with a stop to appreciate the panoramic view. It is also a steal at only $75 USD!
- Surf – Jaco is the perfect place to ride a few waves in Costa Rica! You can easily rent a board in town and go out on your own, or choose to join a surf lesson like this one! It is a two-hour lesson that’ll have you standing up on the board in no time.
- Eat incredible food – There are some really tasty restaurants in Jaco that you don’t want to miss! For a HUGE burger, be sure to head to Ridiculous Burgers. For a seaside meal, check out El Point. They offer a huge menu and everything we tried there was delicious (we have eaten there several times), and the ocean views and tasty cocktails are a bonus!
- Day trip to Tortuga Island – Tortuga Island is one of the most beautiful places to visit! A day tour from Jaco is one of the easiest ways to experience this beauty for yourself. This particular tour from Jaco includes transport with a stop at the Tarcoles River to see the crocodiles. Then it’s off to catch your speed boat to Tortuga Island where you will eat lunch, enjoy drinks, and do plenty of snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.
Related Read: For even more ideas on how to spend your time in Jaco, check out our ten favorite things to do here!
Where to Stay in Jaco, Costa Rica
As you can imagine, Jaco is a tourist city filled with beautiful hotels, holiday apartments, and even backpacker hostels. In fact, the hardest part about finding a great place to stay in Jaco is choosing from all the options – trust me, I’ve been there before! To help you out, we’ve narrowed down our favorite spots for every budget below:
Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort – $$$
Luxury travelers have tons of great options depending on what you’re looking for. If you don’t mind staying out of town, Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is beautiful. This beachside resort is like something out of a fairytale.
Located on Herradura Beach, the resort grounds include a huge pool, restaurant, fitness center, and spa. Room rates begin at $269 USD/night. You can check availability and book a room here on Booking.com.
Apartotel Flamboyant – $$
If your backpacking days are over and you can spend a little more, Apartotel Flamboyant is a top choice in the medium budget range. The hotel is centrally located, and you can see the beach from the pool. The rooms are a more typical Costa Rica design, but it’s one of the best for location and amenities.
All of the rooms have a private bathroom, and the property’s gardens are beautiful. Rates for a room begin at $100 USD/night. You can check availability and book a room online here on Booking.com.
Room2Board Hostel – $
For budget travelers and backpackers, I love Room2Board Hostel. The hostel is on the pricier side of budget hostels, but it has a beautiful pool, surf camp, yoga, and modern facilities. The atmosphere is also great for meeting other travelers.
Rates for beds in a dorm begin at $18 USD/night, and rates for private rooms with private bathrooms begin at $70 USD/night. You can book Room2Board here on Booking.com.
For more info, check out our where to stay in Jaco guide.
Getting Around Costa Rica
How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level.
Renting a Car
Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.
One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.
Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.
Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.
You can browse cars on Discover Cars here.
Book Shuttles
If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.
Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)
To get the best price, use the website Bookaway. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway!
You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.
Public Bus
Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!
The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!
It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.
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Pura Vida!
Costa Rica is one of our favorite countries for adventure-packed activities, and one of our top experiences there was ziplining. It provides such a unique way to not only get your adrenaline going but to get unbeatable views of the country and jungle. We highly recommend that anyone going to Costa Rica book a ziplining tour, even if you are new to the sport.
We hope this article gave you all the information you need to help you choose which ziplining tour in Jaco is best for your next vacation!
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