Riding the Green Skyline: Ziplining the Rainforest Above Jacó
Soar above Herradura’s horseshoe bay and into scarlet macaw country on Jacó’s signature canopy tour.
The morning air above Jacó wears the scent of salt and wet leaf, a mix that tilts you toward alert. A tractor rattles uphill through a corridor of emerald—25 of you swaying on a bench seat while the forest rouses. Scarlet macaws heckle from almond trees. A toucan slices past like a painted exclamation point. At the summit, the canopy opens to a sudden cinema: Herradura’s horseshoe bay curves into the Pacific, the Gulf of Nicoya glints beyond, and islands sit like commas holding the sentence of coast together. The cables hum in the breeze as if the mountain is clearing its throat, inviting you to step into its language.
Trail Wisdom
Go Early for Cooler Air
Morning tours mean steadier winds, less heat, and better odds of spotting macaws commuting over the canopy.
Closed-Toe Shoes Only
Wear sturdy sneakers or light hikers; sandals won’t be allowed on the platforms or cables.
Secure Your Tech
Use a wrist strap or chest mount for phones and action cams—loose items can be lost mid-zip.
Hydrate Before the Ride
You’ll be on platforms for stretches; drink water beforehand and bring a small bottle if permitted.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •El Miro viewpoint above Jacó for sunset panoramas and murals
- •Bijagual Waterfall area inland for rainforest swimming holes after rains
Wildlife
Scarlet macaw, White-faced capuchin monkey
Conservation Note
Stick to platforms and marked approaches, avoid feeding wildlife, and choose reef-safe sunscreen and bug spray to protect streams that drain into the Gulf of Nicoya.
The nearby Carara National Park sits at the transition between dry and wet tropical forests, a biodiversity hotspot that helped anchor scarlet macaw recovery on the Pacific slope.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildlife viewing, Clearer morning skies
Challenges: Rising heat by midday, Occasional early rains
Late dry season edges into the green—mornings are crisp with long views, afternoons can start to spot with showers.
summer
Best for: Lush greenery, Dramatic cloudscapes
Challenges: Frequent showers, Slippery approaches to platforms
Rainy season paints the forest neon, with quick storms that pass fast; expect wet platforms and brilliant post-rain light.
fall
Best for: Fewer crowds, Waterfall side trips
Challenges: Heavier rains, Humid conditions
Peak green with fewer visitors—storm cells can be strong, but wildlife activity and river levels make nearby hikes pop.
winter
Best for: Dry trails, Big ocean views
Challenges: Higher demand, Midday sun
Dry season delivers stable weather and long sightlines; book early and aim for morning slots to beat heat and crowds.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-Toe Trail ShoesEssential
Good grip makes platforms safer, especially in wet conditions.
Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirt
Adds sun and bug protection while keeping you cool between zips.
Insect Repellent (Eco-Friendly)Essential
Mosquitoes love the shade—choose a reef-safe spray to minimize impact.
Action Camera With Wrist/Chest Mount
Hands-free mounting keeps your device secure and footage stable on longer cables.
Common Questions
Do I need prior zipline experience?
No. Guides provide a safety briefing and practice run, then manage clips and signals on each platform.
What are the weight and age limits?
Most Central Pacific operations cap weight around 120 kg (265 lb) with a secure harness fit and accept kids roughly 5–6+ with guardian consent. Confirm exact limits at booking.
What happens if it rains?
Tours run in light to moderate rain—the forest shines and visibility can be spectacular. Severe weather (lightning or high winds) may delay or reschedule departures.
Can I bring my phone or camera?
Yes, if it’s secured with a wrist strap, lanyard, or chest mount. Loose items may not be allowed on the line.
Is transportation from Jacó available?
Many tours offer shuttles from Jacó and Herradura hotels; arrange pickup during checkout or with the operator after booking.
How long is the course?
The route includes 12 cables over 14 platforms totaling about 3.5 km, with the longest single cable stretching roughly 2,400 feet.
What to Pack
Closed-toe shoes for traction on wet platforms; lightweight long sleeves for sun and bugs; compact rain shell for surprise showers; phone or action cam with a secure mount to keep it safe while zipping.
Did You Know
Carara National Park, just north of Jacó, protects one of the largest wild populations of scarlet macaws on Costa Rica’s Pacific slope, making macaw sightings common along the Central Pacific coast.
Quick Travel Tips
Book morning slots in dry season for cooler temps and clearer views; confirm shuttle pickup if you’re without a car; bring small bills for lockers and tips; arrive 20–30 minutes early to gear up without rushing.
Local Flavor
Refuel with a casado at Soda Jacó Rústico, then head to Restaurante El Hicaco for beachfront seafood at sunset. Craft beer fans can try PuddleFish Brewery, or chase the day’s last light from the amphitheater at Villa Caletas overlooking the Gulf of Nicoya.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: SJO (Juan Santamaría International), ~1.5–2 hours by road. Tour base: near Herradura, 10–15 minutes from Jacó. Cell service: good at base, spotty on course. Permits: none; closed-toe shoes and secure gear required. Weight/age limits apply—confirm at booking.
Sustainability Note
Half of the property’s 80 acres is primary forest—stay on designated approaches, keep noise down near wildlife, pack out everything, and skip single-use plastics to protect waterways feeding the Gulf of Nicoya.
Continue Reading
Above the Gorge: Ziplining Glerárgil Through Akureyri’s Hidden River Canyon
Clip in over a river that cleaves a town: ziplining the Glerárgil canyon in Akureyri is an urban alpine rush—short, scenic, and rooted in place. Read on for why it’s one of Iceland’s most accessible aerial adventures and how to plan your visit.
Akureyri, Northeast
One Wild Day in the Taurus: Rafting and Ziplines Through Tazı Canyon
Spend a day in the Taurus Mountains rafting 12 km through a limestone gorge and flying high over the same walls by zipline. It’s a compact, beginner-friendly adventure that pairs river adrenaline with aerial perspective.
Side, Antalya Province