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6 BEST Zipline Tours in Jaco (an unbiased comparison)

6 BEST Zipline Tours in Jaco (an unbiased comparison)

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Exploring the jungle in Costa Rica is an absolute must for everyone visiting the country, it’s one of the things the country is most known for, after all. If you’re looking for a great adrenaline-inducing day trip that gets you out into nature, ziplining through the jungle treetops in Costa Rica is an activity to add to your to-do list.

One of our favorite experiences in Costa Rica was flying high in the treetops taking in the stunning jungle and ocean views on a zipline. Not only was it scenic, but it was exciting too! You can also see more wildlife from up in the trees than you can down on the ground (keep your eyes peeled for sloths and birds!)

Out of all of the different places to visit in Costa Rica, Jaco is one of the best when it comes to ziplining. There are actually quite a few different zipline experiences to choose from in the area, which is why we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best to help you prepare.

So, let’s get to it and compare the best zipline tours in Jaco, and then you can easily choose the best experience for your Costa Rica itinerary.

What are the BEST Ziplining Tours in Jaco?

Bailey smiles at the camera as she comes in from a zipline in Costa Rica
Even on a rainy day, ziplining is fun!
Bailey hangs upside down while ziplining in Costa Rica
Would you try it upside down?!

Amazing Mega Ziplining tour – This epic ziplining tour is the longest zipline tour offered in Jaco with a whopping 25 ziplines to glide across! This park sits about 84 km (52 miles) north of Jaco and takes about an hour and a half to drive to. This adventure is offered to zipliners at least 7 years of age and older and weighing less than 280 pounds (127 kg). Prepare to get wet on this adventure (if you want) as you will be soaring over the forest canopy and waterfalls, repelling down waterfalls, swinging over a hanging bridge, and cooling off in natural forest pools. 

Aerial Tram and Zipline tour – This is an excellent tour combining a scenic jungle tram ride with a zipline. You will spend about 2.5 hours enjoying the jungle views and have your choice between 3 start times throughout the day. This aerial tram and zipline tour is offered to anyone 5 years or older who is at least 3’11” (120 cm) and weighs no more than 300 pounds (136 kg). 

Jaco Beach & Los Suenos Adventure Canopy tour – This zipline tour includes 10 ziplines and lasts 2 hours long. It offers some incredible views of the ocean and starts only a 10-minute drive from Jaco making it one of the more convenient zipline tours in Jcco. This experience is offered to adventurers 4 years of age and older who weigh no more than 260 pounds (118 kg). There will be no more than 30 people in your group as you soar above the jungle canopy.

Canyoning in Jaco tour – A little different from the rest of the tours on our list but a whole lot of fun is this canyoning tour in Jaco! We absolutely love canyoning and as it gets your heart pumping while exploring the Costa Rican jungle, so we felt it still belonged on this list. Repelling down a waterfall and ziplining, this 4.5 hour adventure tour is a lot of fun and available to adventurers 7 years and older. 

Ocean and Mountain View Zipline Tour – You can choose between multiple departure times for this 3 hour zipline tour. Transportation is included making this a great option for people who do not have cars. You will enjoy smaller group sizes on this experience with a maximum of 20 travelers on the tour. This zipline adventure tour is offered to people 6 years of age and older. 

Zipline, Waterfall & Horseback Combo Tour – If you are looking to do it all in one action-packed experience, this combo tour is the option for you! Everyone in your group will need to be at least 4 years old to enjoy your day at this adventure park and under 260 pounds (118 kg). You will meet at Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park to begin this experience which is about 7 km (4.3 miles) north of Jaco. You will spend your time soaring above the jungle on ziplines, climbing mountains on horseback, and cooling off swimming in waterfalls. 

What to Expect on the Ziplining Tours in Jaco

Here is everything you NEED to know about the 6 best ziplining tours in Jaco including some important points to consider before you book:

Amazing Mega Ziplining Tour (longest zipline tour near Jaco)

A man begins a zipline in Jaco
View of the water below on a ziplining tour in Jaco, Costa Rica
View of the water below on a ziplining tour in Jaco, Costa Rica

This 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. You’ll 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 you to 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. You’ll have to walk for a couple of 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, it is worth the trek for those looking for a more in-depth zipline experience.

You can check availability and book this 25-line ziplining tour online here for $109 USD without transportation and $199 USD with transportation!

Related Read: On the drive out to the zipline tour, be sure to stop at the famous Crocodile Bridge, it is one the way!

Aerial Tram and Zipline Tour (best zipline tour for spotting wildlife)

Arial Tram in Jaco with Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica
The tram gives you a unique view of the rainforest. Photo credit: Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica

This tour is a little unique because it also includes a tram ride. In fact, the experience kicks off with the tram. The tram is like an open-air gondola that kind of looks like a cart. It takes you above the treetops to get a panoramic view of the jungle!

Spend about an hour riding the tram looking at all the animals that typically hang out in this area like monkeys, sloths, and toucans – this is definitely the tour for animal lovers! I also love that this tour includes a naturalist guide who will tell you all about the wildlife and plant life as you enjoy the ride.

Stretching up to 130 ft (40 meters) above the jungle floor, you will also get stunning views of the area including the Pacific Ocean, surrounding mountains, and beautiful waterfalls. This is the perfect opportunity for a quick photo op!

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 and speed. 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 the hike back down the hill can be challenging.

To round off your experience, you will have about 45 minutes of free time to explore the beautiful butterfly garden, snake exhibit, and medicinal plants garden on site. When you’re done at the park, you will be taken back to Jaco in an air-conditioned vehicle. 

You can book this tram and zipline experience online here for $95 USD!

Jaco Beach & Los Suenos Adventure Canopy Tour (most conveinent tour near Jaco)

Ziplining in Jaco, Costa Rica
Ziplining is a little scary but so much fun!

This 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 this zipline tour easy to find time for between all the other fun things to do in Jaco!

You will start your tour by jumping aboard a tractor to ride to the top of the mountain taking in the jungle views as you get up to your starting point. In total, you will travel 3.5 km (2.2 miles) along 10 different cabled ziplines. In between the ziplines, you will take in treetop views on 12 different platforms throughout the jungle. 

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 if you don’t have your own rental car in Costa Rica.

At only $71 USD per person, this is one of the cheaper things to do in Jaco, as well!

You can check all of the departure times and book this 2-hour zipline tour online here!

Canyoning and Ziplining in Jaco Tour (most adventurous tour)

Repelling down a waterfall in Jaco Costa Rica on a canyoning tou
Canyoning in Jaco

One of our favorite adventure-packed tours on this list, this half-day canyoning and ziplining experience is the true definition of wet and wild! 

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, you will get a quick run down from your guides before you begin rappelling. In total, you will rappel down four waterfalls between 70 ft – 90 ft (21 – 27 meters).

Once at the bottom, you will have some time to spend swimming through the water and, if you have the nerve, braving a 25 ft (7.6 meters) cliff jump. You will then round off your experience by taking on two ziplines flying out of the canyon, one that 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 do a great job of making you feel comfortable and ensuring you are strapped in properly and have a great time. This tour is safe enough for adventurous kids, yet fun enough to keep you interested the whole time.

Be sure to bring your bathing suit along as you are guaranteed to get wet both rappelling down the waterfall and swimming through the water. I also recommend bringing along a waterproof GoPro to record your adventure. 

This is one of the most popular tours in Jaco, so be sure to check availability and book your spot online in advance here for around $112 USD!

Ocean and Mountain View Zipline Tour (best views on a zipline tour)

A man comes down a zipline in Jaco, Costa Rica

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.

There is even the opportunity to go upside down on one of the ziplines!

You can check availability, and book this Jaco zipline tour online here for $67 USD!

Related Read: If you love spotting wildlife, consider joining a whale-watching tour while you’re in Costa Rica!

Zipline, Waterfall & Horseback Combo Tour (best combo zipline tour)

Bailey zooms down a zipline near Jaco Costa Rica
Bailey takes a selfie while smiling on a zipline in Costa Rica

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 in all the experiences.

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.

You can read all about this combo tour and book it online here! It is priced at $119 USD.

What does it cost to go ziplining in Jaco?

Bailey ziplines down a long zipline in Costa Rica

Ziplining tours in Jaco vary in price with the cheapest one starting at $67 USD and the most expensive costing $120 USD. Of course, the price varies depending on the length of the tour, inclusions, and other factors including the season.

Below are the prices of our favorite ziplining tours in Jaco that we’ve outlined in this blog:

Amazing Mega Ziplining Tour

You have a couple of different tour options with this longer zipline tour depending on whether you’re looking for transportation and where you are coming from. It is important to note that this tour requires a 1-hour 45-minute drive in each direction to get to. This tour also requires a minimum of 2 people per booking. 

If you have your own vehicle and are looking to book a tour without transportation, the cost is $109 USD for adults and $99 for children 7 -17 years old. If you need transport, the tour with transportation from Jaco will cost $199 USD per adult and $189 per child.

Aerial Tram and Zipline tour

This 2.5-hour tour includes all your necessary equipment as well as round-trip transportation from your Jaco hotel. The Rainforest Adventures site is a short 5 km (3.1 miles) from the city center leaving you more time to enjoy the experience. Children 5 – 12 years old cost $61 USD per person with adults 13 years or older costing $95 USD each. 

Jaco Beach & Los Suenos Adventure Canopy Tour

Spend a couple of hours soaring through the Costa Rican jungle for only $71 USD on this jungle canopy tour. You have your choice of start times for this tour and will need to organize your own transportation to travel the 7 km (4.3 miles) north from Jaco to get here. The tour does include water, coffee, and tea, as well as some fresh fruit to keep you sustained. On top of all of that, there will be professional photographers taking your photos so I recommend bringing along some extra cash to purchase photos from your adventure. 

Canyoning in Jaco Tour

This half-day canyoning tour $112 USD per person and you can choose to start at 7 am or 1 pm. You will meet in central Jaco at the Costa Rica Waterfalls Tour office and get round-trip transportation from there included in the price as well as some fresh fruit and beverages after your experience.  

Ocean and Mountain View Zipline Tour

This 3-hour zipline tour leaves multiple times throughout the day and costs $67 USD per person. If you’re staying in either Playa Hermosa, Jaco, or Herradura, you will be happy to know that this tour offers air-conditioned round-trip transportation from your hotel. This is definitely the most affordable of all of the zipline tours in Jaco.

Zipline, Waterfall & Horseback Combo Tour

You can choose between multiple start times for this 4-hour combo tour. The cost is $119 USD per person and includes horseback riding, ziplining, and a visit to a stunning waterfall you can jump into. There will be fruit and water as well as coffee and tea supplied on site but I’d recommend bringing a water bottle along as well. If you’d like to purchase photos at the end of your tour, you’ll want to bring some extra cash with you. 

Which ziplining tour in Jaco tour is best for families?

Bailey zooms down a zipline in Costa ricas jungle

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 safety and adrenaline, even for young travelers. The horseback riding part of this tour is sure to be a hit for littles who will love the novelty of climbing on these beautiful horses and taking a leisurely ride. You will have a small and 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!

Which ziplining tour in Jaco tour is best for thrill-seekers?

A photo of Bailey as she prepairs to go down a zipline in Costa Rica
Bailey on a zipline in Costa Rica

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?

Daniel and Bailey take a selfie while ziplining in Costa Rica (2)

If you’re traveling with a significant other or even on a honeymoon in Costa Rica, 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?

Bailey poses for a photo in the back of a pickup truck on a ziplining tour in Costa Rica

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 and when many people come to visit the area and 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 prior to 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. 

Browse all zipline tours in Jaco with free cancellation online here!

What should you wear on a ziplining tour in Jaco?

Daniel and Bailey pose for a photo before going ziplining in Costa Rica
It’s hot in the dry season and shorts and a shirt will do!

Many of the tours on our list require you to wear close-toed shoes for your experience. You will be flying at top speeds and navigating through the jungle so wearing comfortable walking shoes that cover your feet completely, such as running shoes, is important. 

You’ll also want to make sure you are dressed in comfortable clothes that are suitable for the weather. Layers are always a great idea! This may mean bringing a raincoat, depending on the season you are visiting. As you will be flying through the air, you will want to make sure that you have either zippered pockets or that everything on you is able to be secured to your body. 

As these zipline tours will have you exploring the Costa Rican jungle, I highly recommend bringing bug repellant with you for the experience. As mosquito repellent can pose a negative effect on the local wildlife, some tours will not allow you to wear this so I recommend bringing it along rather than wearing it prior and asking your guides if it is ok to use in the area you’re traveling.

You will spend the majority of your time in the shade of the jungle so you may not think wearing sunscreen is important however, I do highly recommend applying it before you go, especially if you are sensitive to the sun. 

When planning what to pack with you, it is important to consider all the activities offered on the tour you choose. If there is a waterfall component to your tour, I’d recommend wearing a bathing suit under your clothes and bringing along a towel to dry off afterward. For all tours, I highly recommend bringing bottled water!

Is ziplining in Jaco worth it?

Bailey on a Jaco Ziplining tour
Yes!

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! 

Related Read: While in Jaco, be sure to prioritize eating at some of the best restaurants in Jaco!

Other Things to do while you’re in Jaco

Daniel rides an ATV through the jungle near Jaco, Costa Rica
Riding an ATV in Jaco
Bailey on Tortuga Island
Welcome to Tortuga Island!

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 ATVingATV 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!
  • 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!

Where to Stay in Jaco, Costa Rica 

A hotel in Jaco, Costa Rica
There are some really gorgeous hotels in Jaco!

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! 

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. You can book Room2Board on HostelWorld or Booking.com.

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. 

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. 

Monte Carlo Luxury Condominiums would be my go-to for those who need to be close to the city. This small hotel is a little slice of paradise in Jaco that takes you far away from the busy streets while being only steps away. They specialize in apartments with full kitchens and multiple rooms, so it’s also great for families. 

For more info, check out our where to stay in Jaco guide

Related Read: Jaco is one of the best beach towns in Costa Rica – read about our other favorites!

Getting Around Jaco, Costa Rica

Riding a scooter in Jaco
The scooter made exploring easy and fun!

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, you must have a motorbike license to rent it. Both a scooter and 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 any 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

Bailey with our rental car near Rio Celeste Costa Rica
Our rental car!

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.

TPL Cover Costa Rica
TPL Cover Costa Rica

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!

Daniel and Bailey take a selfie while ziplining in Costa Rica
Thanks for reading!

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 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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