Adventure Parks in the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the best adventure destinations in Central and South America. Nothing beats its wilderness, jungles, wildlife, beaches, volcanoes, and thrilling adventures. From zip-lining through the jungle and rappelling down waterfalls to white-water rafting, horseback riding, and hiking, this country offers something for every adventure enthusiast.
Our kids absolutely love exploring Costa Rica. Over the past nine years, we have traveled extensively to experience the country's most family-friendly adventures. When we're not on the road, we often hike along the Pacific Coast, discovering waterfalls, natural pools, and hanging bridges. These experiences have helped our children become fearless and adventurous, and we are proud to be raising wild and happy kids in this beautiful country.
Rainforest Adventure Park Costa Rica
On our recent trip to Jacó, we visited the stunning Rainforest Adventure Park, an eco-friendly park spanning 2,700 acres of lush rainforest. It is home to various bird species and exotic plants and is part of a network of adventure parks across Central America and the Caribbean, including locations in Panama, Jamaica, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, and in Jaco, Costa Rica. This park is perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
Location
Rainforest Adventure Park is conveniently located just eight minutes from central Jacó, a vibrant surfing town known for its shopping, bars, and restaurants. Outside Jacó, there are plenty of other activities for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Inside the Rainforest Adventure Park
One of the main reasons we visited this park was its wide range of activities, all in one location. It features an aerial tram, zip-lining with 10 cables and 15 platforms, a high ropes course, hiking trails leading to a waterfall, a descent wall, and a butterfly garden. It's the perfect place to challenge yourself in a single day.
With our two children (ages 6 and ten), we opted for the aerial tram tour, which included a hike to the waterfall and a visit to the butterfly garden. The park also offers tour combinations, such as the aerial tram with zip-lining or the high ropes course with the descent wall, hiking, and the butterfly garden. You can even do all the activities in one day!
The Aerial Tram
The aerial tram at Rainforest Adventure Park is a must-do in Jacó. It offers breathtaking bird's-eye views of the rainforest as you glide up the mountain. Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls, streams, and, at the highest points, a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. The scenery is absolutely stunning, making this ride a highlight of our visit.
The tram station is just a short walk from the reception and restaurant area. Once there, a guide helps load guests onto the tram, which has four seats per car. Our family sat together comfortably. Before the tram ascends, the guide secures the doors, ensuring a safe ride. The tram is sturdy, made of solid steel with secure locking doors, and features a rooftop for protection against sun and rain. Since it's an open tram, be mindful of your belongings—cameras, phones, and bags can easily fall.
The mountain and Pacific Ocean views were the most memorable parts of this experience. As we sat quietly, taking in the scenery, we felt incredibly lucky to call Costa Rica our home.
After reaching the top, we hiked for a few minutes to the zip-lining area and the viewing platform, where we took breathtaking photos of the Pacific Ocean. The entire experience, including the ascent, time at the viewing platform, and descent, took about an hour.
Butterfly Garden & Waterfall Hike
Once we returned to the base, we visited the butterfly garden, which was a hit with our kids. The large enclosure was filled with lush plants and colorful flowers, as well as a charming fountain in the center. The kids enjoyed learning about the butterfly life cycle, examining cocoons through a magnifying glass, and spotting caterpillars and newly emerged butterflies stretching their wings.
After the butterfly garden, we took a short five-minute hike into the jungle to see a waterfall. While swimming isn't allowed since there’s no natural pool, the hike itself was a fun and scenic adventure.
Food & Drinks
Rainforest Adventure Park has a spacious open-air cafeteria where visitors can purchase snacks, meals, and drinks. Since we visited during the green season (September), a quieter time for tourism, the cafeteria was closed. However, snacks like chips, nuts, ice cream, and drinks (water, iced tea, beer, and coffee) were still available at the counter.
What to Wear
For a day packed with adventure, we recommend wearing closed-toe shoes or tennis shoes for hiking and zip-lining. We usually bring flip-flops or sandals and leave them in the car in case our shoes get wet. If you're visiting during Costa Rica’s rainy season (May–October), expect occasional rain showers in the afternoon, so pack a rain jacket if the morning looks cloudy. Sunscreen is essential, even on overcast days, and we always bring mosquito repellent when trekking through the jungle.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during Costa Rica’s dry season (November–April), when the weather is ideal and attractions are bustling with tourists. Expect longer queues during these months. The green season (May–October) is also a great time to visit since crowds are smaller, but occasional rain showers are likely.
Ready to Book Your Aerial Tram Trip?
Cost: $59 for adults (13+ years old), $39 for children (ages 3–12). Children under two years old are free.
Tour Times: The park is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you miss your scheduled tram time, you can hop on the next available tram.
Rainforest Adventure Park offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Whether you're seeking thrilling activities or a peaceful escape into nature, this park has something for everyone. If you're in Jacó, don’t miss the chance to explore this incredible adventure destination!