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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!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
If you don’t have time to read the full article, we’ve got you covered! This fun 2-hour ziplining adventure is our absolute favorite tour because not only do you get to go on 10 exhilarating ziplines, but it is conveniently located only 5 minutes from Jaco Beach, meaning you don’t have to spend a ton of time getting to or from the park and can get straight to the fun!
The tour starts with a scenic tractor ride up the mountain, so all you have to do is zipline back down and enjoy the gorgeous view! It’s a great option for most physical fitness levels as it doesn’t include much hiking, and is available for anyone 4 years or older, making it a great experience for the whole family!
We love that you can choose to depart at multiple times throughout the day between 8 am to 3 pm to easily fit your schedule. And at only $71 USD per person, we think this 5-star tour is a fantastic deal for the unbelievable experience you get (just check out the glowing reviews here if you don’t believe us)!
Book our favorite Jaco ziplining tour with FREE 24-hour cancellation here!
The BEST Ziplining Tours in Jaco
1. Amazing Mega Ziplining Tour (longest zipline tour near Jaco)
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 experience 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!
This highly rated tour (check out the reviews here) starts at $109 USD per person without transport and goes up to $199 USD per person for included roundtrip transport from Jaco. You can conveniently choose between a morning or afternoon departure time that best suits your needs!
Check availability and book this 25-line ziplining tour online here!
Related Read: On the drive out to the zipline tour, be sure to stop at the famous Crocodile Bridge, it is on the way!
2. Aerial Tram and Zipline Tour (best zipline tour for spotting wildlife)
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. It costs $95 USD per person which includes pick up and drop off from most hotels in Jaco. We recommend booking with Viator because it allows you to reserve your spot and not pay until just before the tour!
Book this tram & zipline experience online here!
3. Jaco Beach Zip Line Canopy Tour (the most convenient tour near Jaco)
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!
Check the departure times and book this 2-hour zipline tour online here!
4. Canyoning and Ziplining in Jaco Tour (most adventurous tour)
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 run down 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 ft (7.6 meters) 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. For $112 USD per person, this tour includes the activities listed above as well as transportation from Jaco. It is a very popular tour and has tons of 5-star reviews that you can check out here!
Secure your spot for this adventurous tour here!
5. Ocean and Mountain View Zipline Tour (best views on a zipline tour)
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 costs $67 USD per person and 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!
Lock in your spot for this Jaco zipline tour here!
6. Zipline, Waterfall & Horseback Combo Tour (best combo zipline tour)
This half-day combo tour is packed with adventure and great for people looking to make the most of their day trip. You can choose between multiple departure times to suit your group’s needs and prepare for a day you will not forget. The guides are incredibly friendly and do a wonderful job of making everyone feel safe and confident during all the activities.
The experience begins with a 15-minute tractor ride up the mountain to the ziplining base camp. You’ll then spend the next 2 hours flying down a series of 10 cable ziplines that vary in length and speed soaring amongst the treetops. In between ziplines you land on 12 different platforms that will give you a fantastic bird’s eye view of the jungle around you!
After soaring amongst the jungle canopy, you can relax on horseback as you take a scenic ride through the jungle. The horses are well taken care of and well-trained for any level of riding experience. This horseback riding portion of the tour lasts for about 45 minutes, navigating stunning jungle paths up the mountainside.
Last but certainly not least is a nice hike down through the jungle, looking for animals along the way to a beautiful waterfall. Jump in and cool off in the refreshing natural pools – this is our favorite part! The guides even provide snacks and water here to refuel after such a fun-filled tour.
All of these adventures only cost $119 USD per person, which we think is a great value for the experience you get. The best part is that you can book this adventure completely worry free because it has FREE 24 hour cancellation, meaning if your plans change you can cancel for a complete refund!
Read all about this combo tour and book it online here!
Which ziplining tour in Jaco tour is best for families?
If you’re looking for a fun tour for the whole family, I recommend booking the Zipline, Waterfall & Horseback combo tour. This tour is offered to kids 4 years and older. There are relatively small group sizes giving your family the attention and instruction they deserve. The guides for this tour are incredibly friendly and do a great job of making sure the whole family is having fun and keeping safe.
We also love this combo tour for families as it offers a few different activities that are likely to appease many different members of the family. The ziplines provide a good amount of adrenaline and is safe for even young children, while the horseback riding is sure to be a hit for any animal lover. And everyone will love the easy walk through the jungle to get to the waterfall where the whole family can take a refreshing dip!
Book this combo tour for the whole family online here!
Related Read: If you love spotting wildlife, consider joining a whale-watching tour while you’re in Costa Rica!
Which ziplining tour in Jaco tour is best for thrill-seekers?
Amazing Mega Ziplining Tour is your best bet if you’re after an epic adrenaline-packed adventure tour. This half-day tour will have you ziplining, rappelling, and swinging through the air in one fun-filled adventure day that is perfect for thrill seekers.
While it is the furthest tour from Jaco, the drive is well worth it and you can even organize transportation with your trip if needed.
Your guide will lead you through the jungle where you will spend your day soaring across 25 ziplines, the most of all the tours on our list. The Nicoya Gulf will provide stunning views as you fly over 11 different waterfalls. Included in your adventure you will rappel down cliffsides, and swing over hanging bridges. At the end of your journey, you will have the option to jump into a refreshing natural pool of water in the mountains to cool off.
Book this epic zipline adventure online here!
Which ziplining tour in Jaco is best for couples?
If you’re traveling with a significant other, I highly recommend this Aerial Tram and Zipline tour. The hour-long treetop tram ride is really fun and provides a good amount of bonding time to take in the sights, marvel at the stunning scenery, and check out all the jungle wildlife. The nature guides on this tour offer a ton of great information teaching you about the area while also giving you independent time to take in all the beauty.
On top of all of that, the 10-zipline series on this tour provides a ton of adventure! When you’re not flying through the air, you will be walking amongst the treetops on the platforms between. You will enjoy a bit of fitness as you descend back down to the jungle floor and get to spend some independent time exploring the different exhibits.
Book this zipline and tram tour online here!
Do you need to book a ziplining tour in Jaco tour in advance?
Yes, we highly recommend booking your ziplining tour in advance! This is especially important if you’re visiting in the high tourist season, between December and March. This is the dry season in Costa Rica when many people come to visit the area, so tours book up quite quickly!
Even if you are going at other times of the year, booking in advance will make sure that there will be space for your group and help you to better plan your time. Booking in advance is especially important with tours that include transportation.
All of the tours on our list have a 24-hour cancellation policy meaning that you can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your departure time! One of our favorite parts of booking with Viator, and why we always recommend Viator tours, is because they have a buy now pay later option. You can reserve your spot on tours ahead of time to help you better plan your vacation and then pay later, closer to your trip time. And with their lowest price guarantee, you know you are getting the best deal out there!
Click here to learn more about our favorite Jaco ziplining tour!
Is ziplining in Jaco worth it?
Absolutely! Costa Rica is an adventurer’s paradise and with all the lush jungles around the country, booking a ziplining tour is one of the best tours you can do in Costa Rica. If you have one, I highly recommend bringing along a GoPro or other portable camera to document your adventure.
With Jaco’s location and popularity, it is one of the best places to book a ziplining tour. Each of the tours on our list offers unique experiences exploring the jungle and surrounding area. No matter which one you choose, we’re confident you won’t regret it!
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 also the closest national park to Jaco. You can see plenty of reptiles here and the entrance fee is $10 USD for foreigners.
- 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: Another destination near Jaco you should consider checking out is Manuel Antonio National Park, it boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country!
Getting Around Jaco, Costa Rica
Jaco is a pretty big city, so getting around on foot isn’t always the most ideal. If you already have a rental car, then great, you’re all set! If not, you’ll need to know how to get around this city to explore all of the fun activities and attractions.
If you’re up for it, rent a scooter, motorbike, or ATV. A scooter is a good budget-friendly option as you can get them for as little as $45 USD per day – cheaper than taking multiple taxis. ATVs are obviously more fun, they cost around $180 USD per day. A motorbike will cost you about $75 per day, but keep in mind, that you must have a motorbike license to rent it. Both a scooter and an ATV only require a normal driver’s license.
We rented from AXR when we were in Jaco and they were a good company, professional with good quality scooters and ATVs.
If you don’t want to rent a vehicle, you can easily take taxis and Ubers around Jaco. For shorter trips in town and nearby, they are a good option. However, they can get pretty pricey for longer trips like out to Crocodile Bridge. For these types of day trips, it’s best to book an organized tour.
There is also a public bus that operates to select areas in and around Jaco, however, the schedule isn’t widely known and can change frequently.
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.
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 to anyone going to Costa Rica to 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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