Rainforest Adventures Jaco: Our Thrilling 5-in-1 Day with the Family

If you're looking for an unforgettable, thrill-packed day in Costa Rica’s lush rainforest, Rainforest Adventures Jaco is a must. On a recent trip, Aurélise and I had the chance to explore this exhilarating eco-adventure park with my twin sister Helen and Clara and what a day we had! We signed up for the 5-in-1 Adrenaline Extreme Zipline - Full Day Pass, and from start to finish, it was nothing short of epic.

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a way to connect with nature and your loved ones, this place truly has something for everyone. Here's a full recap of our day, including helpful tips, what to expect, and why Rainforest Adventures Jaco is one of the best activities you can do on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast.

👉 Want to book the exact experience we had? Click here to reserve your 5-in-1 Adrenaline Extreme Zipline Full Day Pass.

Why Choose Rainforest Adventures Jaco?

Located just 5 minutes from the popular beach town of Jacó and about 90 minutes from San José, Rainforest Adventures Jaco is the perfect escape for travelers looking for a nature-based thrill close to town.

This park isn’t just about ziplining, although the canopy tour is incredible. It's also a nature sanctuary, a place to immerse yourself in tropical biodiversity, all while riding ziplines, conquering suspension bridges, hiking, and even flying in a one-of-a-kind aerial tram.

Their 222-acre private reserve borders Carara National Park, so you're truly in the middle of the jungle—yet still super accessible. And unlike some adventure parks that focus solely on adrenaline, this one manages to balance wild fun with educational and environmental respect.

What’s Included in the 5-in-1 Adrenaline Extreme Pass?

Before we dive into the story of our adventure, here's a quick overview of what’s included in the 5-in-1 Extreme Adrenaline Zipline Full Day Pass:

• Aerial Tram Ride (up the mountain)

• 10-Zipline Canopy Tour (including a 700-meter-long cable!)

• High-Ropes Course (with hanging bridges and a Tarzan swing)

• Quick Jump (a mini bungee-style leap)

• Nature Walk & Butterfly Garden

• Lunch at the on-site restaurant

Our Adventure Begins: All Smiles and a Bit of Nerves

We arrived early, just before 10 AM, excited but a little nervous, especially the girls, who weren’t sure what to expect. But the moment we walked into the beautifully designed welcome center and met our guide, our worries melted away. The staff were incredibly warm, funny, and professional. They explained the safety procedures clearly and made sure the girls felt confident and secure.

We got suited up in harnesses, helmets, and gloves, then jumped aboard the aerial tram, which slowly carried us up through the rainforest canopy. This ride is peaceful and scenic, and it’s the perfect way to appreciate the environment before the adrenaline kicks in.

The view? Wow. You can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean on one side, and dense green jungle on the other. Our guide even spotted a toucan for us!

The Zipline: Pure Adrenaline in the Jungle Canopy

At the top of the mountain, it was time to fly!

The zipline circuit includes 10 cables, one of which is 700 meters long (yes, nearly half a mile!). The guides helped us clip in securely, and before we knew it, we were soaring through the rainforest canopy.

I went first, then Helen, who screamed (a mix of fear and pure joy) the entire way. By the second cable, she was already asking to go again.

Every zipline offered a new perspective—some raced over the treetops, others through narrow jungle corridors where the leaves zipped past your face like a blur of green.

One of the best things about the zipline course is that it’s designed to be progressive, so you build confidence as you go. And the guides were always ready with a joke, a high five, or a steadying hand.

Quick Jump: A Leap of Faith

Here’s where things got real.

The Quick Jump is like a mini bungee jump off a platform. You leap into the void, and the mechanism catches you for a smooth descent. I’ll admit it—I hesitated for a second. But the girls, fearless as ever, jumped with zero hesitation. So of course, we had to follow.

The feeling of falling for a split second and then floating gently down is unforgettable. It’s short, safe, and oh-so-fun.

High-Ropes Circuit Challenge

Next up was the high-ropes circuit, where there are suspended bridges, hanging ropes, and even a small climbing wall to get to the final platform.

The platforms are high, but everything is extremely secure. For kids and adults alike, it’s an incredible confidence booster.

This was also one of the best bonding moments of the day. We encouraged each other, laughed at our clumsy moves, and cheered when the girls crossed a tricky section on their own (we even shook a few bridges to scare them a little).

Nature Walk and Butterfly Garden: A Calming Close

After all the excitement, we enjoyed a relaxing nature walk through a beautiful rainforest trail, and visited the butterfly garden, where blue morphos fluttered around us.

This was a great chance to slow down and appreciate the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica. You can learn about the role of butterflies in the ecosystem and about medicinal plants used by Indigenous communities.

Lunch in the rainforest

After working up a serious appetite, we headed to the on-site restaurant. The food was fresh and delicious—local casado, grilled chicken, rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a drink included.

Tips for Visiting Rainforest Adventures Jaco

If you're planning to do this adventure, here are a few tips to make the most of it:

What to Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes (required) (not crocs like the girls)

• Comfortable, quick-dry clothes

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• Water bottle

• GoPro or phone with strap (no loose items on ziplines)

Minimum Age and Height:

This tour is perfect for kids 6+, but minimum height and weight restrictions apply for some activities. Clara & Helen (10) had no issues.

Is it Safe?

Absolutely. All gear is top-notch, and the guides are trained in first aid and certified safety standards. We felt completely secure the entire day.

Best Time to Visit:

Year-round, but mornings are ideal for wildlife sightings and cooler temperatures.

Why We Loved It (and You Will Too)

This experience was a reminder of what Pura Vida truly means: living in the moment, feeling alive, and sharing joy with the people you love. We laughed, screamed, bonded, and learned—all in one day.

Rainforest Adventures Jaco offers the perfect blend of nature, thrill, and family-friendly fun. And the 5-in-1 pass is hands-down one of the best deals you’ll find in Costa Rica for an all-day eco-adventure.

Helen and I were so grateful to share this with my sisters—it was empowering for them, energizing for us, and deeply connecting as a family. I can’t recommend it enough!

Ready for Your Own Rainforest Adventure?

Whether you're traveling with kids, a partner, or solo, this is one experience in Costa Rica you won’t want to miss. And don’t forget your GoPro—you’ll want to relive every moment.

Book the 5-1 Full Day Pass

Final Words

Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty, and places like Rainforest Adventures Jaco prove you don’t have to sacrifice fun for sustainability. Their mission is to promote ecotourism while preserving the environment, and it shows.

Whether you’re staying in Jacó, Herradura, or even just passing through on your way to Manuel Antonio or San José, make sure you add this to your bucket list.

Trust me—it’s one jungle journey you’ll never forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rainforest Adventures Jaco located?

Rainforest Adventures Jaco is located just 5 minutes from Jacó Beach, in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It’s also only 90 minutes from San José, making it perfect for a day trip from the capital or surrounding beach towns like Herradura or Playa Hermosa.

What is included in the 5-in-1 Adrenaline Extreme Zipline Full Day Pass?

This action-packed tour includes:

• A scenic aerial tram ride up the mountain

• A 10-cable zipline canopy tour (including a 700-meter line!)

• An adventurous high-ropes course

• A thrilling Quick Jump (a controlled free-fall jump)

• A guided nature walk & butterfly garden visit

• Delicious lunch at the onsite restaurant

You can book the 5-in-1 Adrenaline Extreme Pass here.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes! This tour is great for kids ages 6 and up, depending on their height and weight. During our visit, 10-year-old Clara had a blast and was able to participate in every part of the experience. The staff is incredibly attentive and safety-focused, so kids (and parents!) feel supported throughout.

How long does the full-day experience last?

The entire experience takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, including all activities and lunch. It’s truly a full half-day of fun, with time to relax or explore more of Jaco afterward.

Do I need to be in good physical condition?

You don’t need to be a pro athlete, but a basic level of fitness helps. You’ll be climbing stairs, walking on forest trails, and participating in activities like ziplining and ropes courses. If you're generally active and mobile, you should be fine.

Is it safe?

Absolutely. Rainforest Adventures Jaco follows international safety standards, uses high-quality equipment, and has professionally trained guides. We felt 100% safe throughout the entire day—even during the adrenaline-pumping parts!

What should I wear and bring?

We recommend:

• Closed-toe shoes (required for all activities)

• Comfortable clothing (sportswear or quick-dry gear is best)

• Sunscreen and insect repellent

• A refillable water bottle

• A GoPro or phone with a secure strap (no loose items on the ziplines)

Is transportation to the park included?

Transportation is not included by default, but we at Pura Vida Traveling can help you organize private or shared transportation from Jacó, Manuel Antonio, San José, or other nearby areas. Just reach out to us when booking!

What wildlife might we see during the experience?

During the aerial tram and nature walk, you might spot sloths, toucans, monkeys, iguanas, hummingbirds, and more. The park is adjacent to Carara National Park, one of the best birdwatching areas in Costa Rica!

How do I book the 5-in-1 Adrenaline Extreme Zipline Full Day Pass?

You can easily book online through our Pura Vida Traveling platform here: Book the 5-in-1 Adrenaline Extreme Zipline Full Day Pass